.jpg)
|
|
|
|
| |
| The Barb Wire |
| #Listrak\DateStampLong# |
The latest news from the State Capitol |
Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link.
|
McCormick Staff to Visit Our Carlisle District Office
On Thursday, May 28, a member of U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick’s staff will meet with constituents in our district office at 47 E. North St., Carlisle, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. They will answer questions dealing with the following federal government agencies:
• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
• U.S. Department of Defense
• U.S. Department of Education
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
• U.S. Department of State
• U.S. Department of Transportation
• Internal Revenue Service
• U.S. Small Business Administration
• Social Security Administration
• U.S. Citizens and Immigration Services
• U.S. Department of Labor
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
|
Primary Election Day Tuesday, May 19
Tuesday, May 19, is Primary Election Day. Voters will have the opportunity to choose their party’s candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, U.S. House of Representatives, state House and Senate (in even-numbered senatorial districts), as well as state and local committee members.
Voters may cast their ballots in person at their local polling place. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Additional information about in-person voting is available here.
Voters who have chosen to vote by mail-in or civilian absentee ballot must have those ballots back to their county Board of Elections no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Only voters registered as Republicans or Democrats are eligible to vote for candidates in the primary election. For comprehensive information about the state’s elections, visit vote.pa.gov.
|
Central Pennsylvania Military Signing Day
On Thursday, I attended the first Military Signing Day for Central Pennsylvania at Letort View Conference Center at the Carlisle Barracks. It was a true honor to witness the oath of enlistment to members of four branches of the military and listen as keynote speakers Col. Lacresha Merkle, Commander, USAF 360th Recruiting Group; and Stephen Simmons, deputy assistant secretary of war for military community and family policy, gave words of wisdom to the new recruits. Congratulations to everyone and their families.
|
Meeting and Tour with Local Home Remodeling Business
I had the opportunity this week to tour the Home Imagined showroom in Carlisle. This family-owned business works closely with contractors and their customers on various aspects of local remodeling projects. They aim to be a one-stop shop and a hub for coordinating and executing high-quality home remodels.
I also met with the founders of the business. As part of their support for contractors, they are looking to launch a 12-month training program that will teach local builders, remodelers, electricians, plumbers and floor installers about the business side of contracting.
Thank you to the Home Imagined team for hosting me for a tour and discussion!
|
Penalties for Using Handheld Devices Take Effect June 6
A Pennsylvania law banning the use of handheld devices while driving has been in effect since last June, with violators being issued warnings, beginning June 6, violators will instead face fines.
Paul Miller’s Law limits the use of handheld cellphones or other communication devices while operating a motor vehicle. The law is named for a young man who was killed in a crash involving a distracted tractor-trailer driver in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, in 2010.
Under the law, driving while holding a mobile device is a primary violation, meaning police can pull over drivers solely for the violation. Effective June 6, violators will be issued a summary offense, which carries a $50 fine, plus court costs and other fees. If a driver is convicted of homicide by vehicle and driving while distracted, they may be sentenced up to an additional five years in prison.
Drivers can still use their phones if using hands-free technology, such as a docking station, Bluetooth or speaker technology. You may also use your phone to contact emergency responders.
According to PennDOT, more than 11,000 crashes were the result of distracted driving, leading to 65 deaths and 6,700 injuries in 2023. Pennsylvania joins 28 other states with hands-free laws.
|
Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Deadline Extended
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has formally extended the application deadline for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) program to December 31, 2026. This extension ensures that eligible residents have additional time to apply for financial relief related to property taxes and rent paid during the qualifying year.
The PTRR program provides support to older Pennsylvanians, widowed individuals, and individuals with disabilities by offering rebates intended to ease the burden of housing-related expenses. By extending the deadline, the Commonwealth aims to increase accessibility, improve program participation, and ensure that all eligible applicants have sufficient opportunity to file.
|
House Approves Alicia’s Law to Protect Kids from Online Predators
I am pleased to join in the unanimous House support of legislation that would create a state grant program to help law enforcement find, investigate and prosecute internet predators who target children.
Alicia’s Law is named for Alicia Kozak, a Pittsburgh-area girl who was abducted in 2002 at the age of 13 by a man she met online. It was one of the first documented cases of its kind in the country. Alicia survived and has spent years advocating for stronger protection so other children don’t go through what she did.
House Bill 1098 would establish the Investigation and Prosecution of Internet Crimes Against Children Program within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. The program creates a state-level funding structure for law enforcement task forces made up of state and local prosecutors dedicated to investigating and prosecuting online crimes against minors. It will also supplement federal funding for task forces combating child sexual exploitation online and train task force members on the latest techniques for detecting, investigating and prosecuting these crimes.
The bill is now being considered in the Senate.
|
Supporting Our EMS Providers
Next week, May 17-23, is National EMS Week, an opportunity for each of us to recognize and extend special thanks to the men and women who answer the call every day to help save lives. This year’s theme is “Improving Outcomes, Together.”
We all tend to take it for granted that when we call 9-1-1, someone will be there to help. As we mark EMS Week this week, let’s take the time to thank our emergency medical services providers and think about how we might be able to help support our local ambulance companies and their mission.
|
Armed Forces Day Saturday
This Saturday, May 16, is Armed Forces Day, a day set aside to recognize and honor the men and women who are currently serving in a branch of our armed forces.
The day was first celebrated in 1950, soon after the branches of the military were united under the leadership of the U.S. Department of Defense. In his proclamation marking the day, President Harry S. Truman called upon fellow citizens to “display the flag of the United States at their homes on Armed Forces Day and to participate in exercises expressive of our recognition of the skill, gallantry, and uncompromising devotion to duty characteristic of the Armed Forces in the carrying out of their missions.”
In other words, seek out opportunities to thank our men and women in uniform, not just this Saturday but every day. |
Celebrating National Charter School Week
This week, we celebrate the students, educators, families and community members who make charter schools such vibrant places to learn and grow. National Charter School Week highlights the innovation, flexibility and commitment that drives charter schools to create meaningful opportunities for every student.
In Pennsylvania, more than 60,000 students have taken advantage of this public school option of school choice because their parents or guardians chose a different or better path for their child to educationally thrive.
From personalized learning approaches to strong community partnerships, charter schools continue to inspire progress in public education. Most importantly, they thrive because of the people who bring passion and purpose to each day.
Thank you to everyone who supports this work. Together, we’re helping students discover their strengths, pursue their goals, and build bright futures.
|
Be Safe While on the Water
The summer season is almost here and it’s a great time to get out on the water! During National Safe Boating Week (May 16-22), let’s put safety first, so you can focus on having fun and making memories with family and friends. To ensure you are boating safely, consider these tips:
Wear your life jacket. You’ll need one on board for every person on your boat. Kids age 12 and under are required to wear a life jacket on most small boats, including all canoes, kayaks and paddleboards.
Never boat under the influence. Just like driving a car, the legal limit for operating any boat in Pennsylvania is 0.08. Officers will be on patrol looking for signs of impairment.
Have a float plan. Let someone know where you plan to go boating and when you expect to arrive home. Be sure to check the weather forecast as thunderstorms can cause water to rise quickly and become dangerous.
For more information on safe boating, visit FishandBoat.com.
|
Fish for Free Coming Up Next Weekend!
On Sunday, May 24, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will host a Fish for Free day to allow anyone (resident or non-resident) to legally fish on all Pennsylvania waterways. No license is required, but all other fishing regulations still apply.
This is the first of two dates set by the PFBC to enhance fishing opportunities. The next day is Independence Day, Saturday, July 4. This is a great way to expose the next generation of anglers to the outdoors. More information about fishing in Pennsylvania is available here.
|
|
| Office Locations |
| District Office: 437 E North Street | Carlisle, PA 17013 | Phone: 717-249-1990 |
|
| 427 Irvis Office Building | House Box 202199 Harrisburg, PA 17120-2199 | 717-772-2280 |
|
|
|
|
