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| 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.
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Barb’s Session Update
This week was another “budget” week; however, not many budget bills were advanced as expected. On Monday, House Democrats passed a repeal of the Pennsylvania’s very popular EITC program, reversing the Supreme Court ruling that we supply a thorough and efficient form of education. These tax credit scholarships help hundreds of thousands of students leave poor performing districts for private and specialized schools of their choice.
I spoke against the bill in the House chamber after the prime sponsor and fellow Democrats claimed the bill doesn’t cut even one dollar of funding when, in fact, it does.
Please click here to view my comments on the bill and here to view House Republican Leader Jesse Topper’s remarks.
I support students over systems and this bill, along with charter school cuts, undermines student outcomes and attempts to pull funding under one public school umbrella.
We also passed several bills that would regulate data centers. I have told many people that the vote in our district is a local one, but the state can regulate them. Typically, I vote to deregulate businesses; however, when the potential exists to undermine resources like electricity that everyone uses, guardrails need to be put in place.
I voted yes to allow municipalities to pause municipal zoning proposals for data centers for up to six months. Please click here to view my comments on this legislation.
I also voted to repeal the sales tax exemptions for equipment purchased by computer data centers. Years ago, we gave this incentive to businesses in order to bring revenue to the state; however, with the Trump administration investing more than $90 billion in the state, this incentive is no longer necessary.
We are back in Harrisburg next Monday to continue budget discussions.
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Bill to Cut Consumer Electric Bills Advances
With utility bills continuing to strain family budgets, I was proud to join in the unanimous support of legislation to eliminate a nearly 6% tax on electricity.
House Bill 2224 would represent the largest tax cut in the history of the Commonwealth, saving Pennsylvania families $1.7 billion.
House Republicans have been leading on affordability measures based in tax cuts that can immediately slash the bills paid by Pennsylvanians and put more money in the pockets of our working families. In addition to eliminating the Gross Receipts Tax on utility bills, we are also advocating for a six-month suspension of the tax on cell phone services and the gas tax, as well as a temporary reduction in the state’s Personal Income Tax. Additional sales tax holidays have been proposed on an array of items, from baby supplies and sports equipment to gardening supplies and tools.
House Bill 2224 passed the House unanimously and is pending consideration in the Senate.
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Fighting Back Against ‘Gas Station Heroin’
I recently voted in support of legislation that would make tianeptine, also known as “gas station heroin,” illegal in the Commonwealth.
Tianeptine is an antidepressant that can produce feelings of euphoria that mimic the effects of heroin and other opioids, making it highly addictive. Tianeptine is a prescription drug in Europe but often sold as an ingredient in products sold in gas stations and online in the United States. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved it for use, but businesses here are selling it by labeling it as “not for human consumption” or adding it to dietary supplements.
House Bill 377 would prevent the manufacture, delivery or possession of tianeptine, commonly sold by the names Zaza, Coaxil, Tianna or Stablon. Individuals convicted of violating the law could face penalties of up to five years imprisonment and a fine of up to $15,000.
The bill is pending consideration in the Senate.
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Bill to Limit Benefits Fraud Passes House
Continuing our work to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse in the state’s benefits programs, I recently voted for legislation that would help prevent theft of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
House Bill 2540 would protect the money many families rely upon to put food on their tables by upgrading the current electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards to include chip-enabled technology. Chip cards are encrypted and more difficult for fraudsters to copy or hack into than standard cards.
The bill passed the House unanimously and is pending consideration in the Senate.
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Honoring, Supporting Cancer Survivors
June is National Cancer Survivors Month, a time to recognize the challenges and honor the determination of the more than 18.6 million cancer survivors in the United States.
If you are a cancer survivor or caregiver, you can find resources from the National Cancer Institute here that may help you enhance your health and well-being after a cancer diagnosis. They address emotional concerns, nutrition and physical activity, support services, follow-up medical care and testing for cancer.
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Fun at the Newville Fountain Festival
I had a wonderful time at last weekend’s Newville Fountain Festival talking with many members of our community, enjoying the fantastic food and taking part in the goat-milking contest.
I was also honored to participate in the Newville Heritage Trail ribbon cutting ceremony, celebrating another important development for the community. Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s festival such a memorable event!
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Mark Your Calendar
Summer is officially underway, and our community is gearing up with several local events taking place.
The season kicks off with Carlisle Summerfair, which runs now through Sunday, July 5. This beloved annual event offers a mix of art, music, food, and family-friendly activities, most of which are free. It’s the perfect way to soak in the spirit of summer.
Also in progress through Saturday, July 4, is the Carlisle State Fair at the Carlisle Fairgrounds. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just there for the funnel cake, the fair has you covered.
Radio enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike can stop by the American Radio Relay League Field Day on Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Cumberland County Emergency Services Training Academy, 180 Army Heritage Drive in Middlesex Township. This free event will include hands-on demonstrations, emergency communications displays, and more!
Rounding out this weekend is the Hope Station Freedom Festival Block Party on Saturday, June 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hope Station in Carlisle. This community celebration brings neighbors together with music, food, activities and a shared spirit of unity.
These local fireworks displays are also scheduled throughout the coming weeks in Cumberland County:
• South Newton Fireman’s Fair on Friday, June 26, at 10 p.m.
• Fun Food Fest in Mechanicsburg on Saturday, June 27, at 9 p.m.
• Stars Burst Over Carlisle on Friday, July 3, at 9:30 p.m.
• Shippensburg Memorial Park on Saturday, July 4, at 9:30 p.m.
• Newville Lions Club Community Fair on Friday, July 10, at 10 p.m.
With so many great events happening in such a short span, it’s a wonderful time to explore, connect and celebrate everything our community has to offer.
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Ice Cream & Issues Event
You are invited to attend an Ice Cream and Issues discussion I’m hosting on Wednesday, July 15, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at North Newton Township Park, 528 Oakville Road, Shippensburg.
The event will provide brief updates from the state Capitol and an opportunity to discuss topics of concern to you. I hope you will join me for conversation and complimentary ice cream.
Click here to register.
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Office Closures for Independence Day
As we prepare to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday next week, please note my legislative offices will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observance of the holiday.
Additionally, PennDOT driver license and photo centers will be closed on Saturday, July 4. Anyone planning to do business at PennDOT’s Riverfront Office Center in Harrisburg or the Pittsburgh Driver License Center should be aware they are closed on Friday, July 3.
PennDOT customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT's Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov.
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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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