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| The Barb Wire |
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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.
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Session Week Update
It’s the final month of the 2025-26 fiscal year and the week was very busy with lobbyists and activists requesting funding increases in the budget and support for their causes. I met with the Pennsylvania Bankers Association (regarding scams and homeless issues), SEIU (regarding homecare issues), the American Legislative Exchange Council (on state tax and regulation policy) and the Harrisburg Realtors Association (on housing issues).
I also attended a national security briefing, met with representatives from the Carlisle YMCA and discussed transportation issues with members of Carlisle, Transit for All.
We voted on many bills both in committee and on the floor but here are a few our district would be interested in – in particular:
I voted no on House Bill 1814, which would result in a bell to bell school cell phone ban. First, the original bill, which I authored, banned cell phones during instructional time only. Rep. Mandy Steele took the bill and amended it to bell-to-bell with policy flaws. The Senate sent a bell-to-bell bill over to the House but exempted any student with a 504 plan (disabilities), allowed the phone in a backpack next to the student desk and permitted watches so long as the Wi-Fi was off.
House Democrats ruled that if one bill went out of the House, the Steele bill would encompass the Senate bill, but it would go under Steele’s name. They would not adopt an amendment that said, if a school already has a cell phone policy that they vetted and that works, they may keep that policy. This amendment resonates with me as a former school board member, and I believe it should have been adopted. The Democrat bill also added private schools in their definition of school entity, which doesn’t normally exist in our state definitions, as they are private entities. Unfortunately, the flaws in the bill made it too difficult for me to endorse, especially knowing the Senate will most likely amend it and send it back to the House. At that point, I will be a yes vote on House Bill 1814.
Title 35 establishes a $30 million Fire Company Transformational Grant Program to modernize fire companies. I opposed it as the funds are taken out of the Property Tax Relief Fund and only 30 fire departments qualify. This bill looks good on title and paper only.
I introduced two bills this week. House Bill 2594 would update truancy law for charter schools that were inserted into last year’s budget and need clarification. I also authored House Resolution 549 to help our graduates seamlessly enter the workforce.
If you ever have any questions about votes or policy during this budget process, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Hundreds of bills will be sent back and forth.
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Food Processing Residuals in the News
Attorney General Dave Sunday has filed charges against Jones Manure Hauling, LLP, and its owner after investigators concluded the company caused an unreported spill of food processing residuals (FPRs) in 2021 at a farm in Greencastle, Franklin County. The spill, which was caused by a ruptured hose during a transfer operation, contaminated nearby residents’ drinking water, which they described as smelling like decomposing animals.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection traced the contamination to the spill, which the company never reported as required.
Charges now include a felony violation of the Clean Streams Act and other related misdemeanors. Sen. Doug Mastriano, former Rep. Paul Schemel and I held a hearing on this issue in Greencastle a few years back, and residents testified to having to pay thousands of dollars to bring in drinkable water.
The issue of FPRs has been on the forefront of work my office has been doing for nearly five years. Without proper management practices, communities can be vulnerable to contamination events like this one. Incidents like this underscore the urgent need for stronger safeguards to protect public health and drinking water resources. I continue to urge the Senate to advance House Bills 586 and 587 with amendment to ensure proper oversight, accountability and protection for Pennsylvania’s residents.
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Remembering D-Day
Saturday (June 6) marks the 82nd anniversary of the Normandy landings during World War II, otherwise recognized as D-Day. D-Day marked the beginning of the final push across Europe to defeat Axis forces during World War II, with more than 10,000 Allied soldiers killed or wounded in that battle alone. For a full history about D-Day, click here.
I wish to extend a special heartfelt thank you to the men and women who served that day, and our gratitude to the families of those who did not come home. Your legacy is not forgotten.
In the attached photos, staff member Josiah Jones is pictured in Normandy accompanying World War II veterans with the Best Defense Foundation. It is a profound honor for Josiah to be selected to join these distinguished heroes on such a meaningful and commemorative journey.
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Protection of Rainy Day Fund
I am one of 43 members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives who are publicly committing to protecting Pennsylvania's Rainy Day Fund from being used as a slush fund for overspending.
The Rainy Day Fund was established to help Pennsylvania weather true emergencies and economic downturns…not bail out unsustainable spending habits in Harrisburg. When government spends beyond its means, the answer should not be to raid the savings account that taxpayers helped build.
The legislators signing this commitment are drawing a clear line: Pennsylvania should balance its budget responsibly, protect taxpayers and preserve emergency reserves for the times they are actually needed. We believe government should exercise the same discipline that families and small businesses practice every day.
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Detour Planned for Route 233/High Street Paving Project in Newville
Starting Monday, June 22, a section of Route 233/High Street between Route 533 and Green Street in Newville Borough will be closed and detoured for two weeks.
The vehicle detour will use Route 533, Bullshead Road, Route 641/Green Spring Road, Windy Hill Road and Steeltown Road. Truck traffic will use Routes 11, 533, 433 and 997 as a detour.
This work, which began last March, is part of a more than 2-mile resurfacing project on Route 233 from Big Spring Creek in Newville to Mohawk Road in Lower Mifflin Township.
The project consists of resurfacing the existing roadway and shoulder, milling in curbed areas, base replacement, minor drainage improvements, guide rail replacement and ADA ramp updates on Route 233 in Newville and West Pennsboro, North Newton and Lower Mifflin townships.
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Penalties for Using Handheld Devices Take Effect June 5
A Pennsylvania law banning the use of handheld devices while driving has been in effect since last June, with violators being issued warnings. Starting Friday, June 5, 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 5, 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.
Read more here.
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Policy Committee Unveils 14-Bill Childcare Reform Package
The Pennsylvania House Republican Policy Committee convened its sixth hearing this week examining childcare affordability and accessibility challenges facing families, providers, employers, and communities across the Commonwealth, followed by the unveiling of a 14-bill package designed to improve affordability, expand access, and support childcare providers.
The hearings revealed childcare is not simply a family issue, but also an affordability, workforce, and quality-of-life issue affecting communities across the state. Lawmakers used testimony gathered throughout the hearing series to develop a legislative package focused on modernizing regulations, supporting providers, and expanding childcare opportunities while maintaining safety standards.
The 14-bill childcare reform package is aimed at modernizing staffing qualifications, streamlining regulations, expanding provider capacity, reducing administrative burdens, and improving access to affordable childcare for working families across Pennsylvania.
The Policy Committee indicated that stakeholder engagement on childcare issues will continue as legislation advances and additional reforms are considered.
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June is Dairy Month in PA
June is Dairy Month in Pennsylvania, a time to honor one of the Commonwealth’s most enduring and essential agricultural traditions. Pennsylvania is home to thousands of family-owned dairy farms that work year-round to provide fresh, high-quality milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream and other dairy favorites.
Dairy Month is more than a celebration of delicious products. It is a chance to recognize the dedication, skill and resilience of the farmers who keep this industry thriving. Their commitment supports local economies, preserves open farmland and ensures generations-old farming knowledge continues to be passed down.
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Telephone Town Hall
You are invited to take part in a telephone town hall meeting I’m hosting on Wednesday, June 17. Shortly before 5:30 p.m. that evening, you will receive a recorded message inviting you to remain on the line and participate in a discussion of state and local issues.
During the call, I will provide updates on recent developments at the state Capitol and answer questions on a variety of topics. You may stay on the line for as long as you wish; however, the event will conclude at 6:30 p.m.
To ensure that you receive an invitation, please register your name here. I look forward to speaking with you on Wednesday, June 17.
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| Office Locations |
| District Office: 437 E North Street | Carlisle, PA 17013 | Phone: 717-249-1990 |
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| 427 Irvis Office Building | House Box 202199 Harrisburg, PA 17120-2199 | 717-772-2280 |
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