.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.
|
Statement on Tragic Accident at Carlisle Airport
I am deeply saddened by Wednesday evening’s tragic crash at Carlisle Airport. My heartfelt prayers are with the family and loved ones of the Cessna pilot Dr. Paul Sokoloski, a Penn State Health emergency medicine physician.
I would like to send my best wishes to Cpl. Corman and Trooper Mills of the Pennsylvania State Police as they continue to recover.
I also want to recognize the Life Lion responders and Dr. Ashley Ludwig, who I had the opportunity to speak with briefly that night, for the exceptional care they provided to the troopers. Thank goodness the airport hosts Life Lion, as they were right there on scene immediately following the accident.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the on-scene portion of the investigation is complete. The NTSB plans to transport the wreckage to an aircraft facility in Clayton, DE, that specializes in aircraft and accident recovery and will allow further investigation in a more controlled environment.
Please continue to keep everyone affected by this tragedy in your thoughts and prayers.
|
Data Center Update
Earlier this week, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an executive order related to data center development in the Commonwealth after giving data center construction the green light just last year.
The order seeks to implement what he calls the Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) program. It would require potential data center developers to fully fund the cost of powering the facility, commit to transparent engagement with potential host communities during the planning process, hire local workers and agree to strict water conservation and other environmental protection efforts. You may read the entirety of the order here.
Here are some key takeaways from this executive order:
• The permitting conditions only apply to data centers with a peak demand of at least 25 mw, so this order may not fully apply to smaller data center projects.
• Local governments will need to approve projects before any state permits can be issued or even considered for projects not meeting GRID standards.
• The permitting provisions do not apply to any data center project that has already submitted or received state permits. These would continue to be permitted and allowed to operate under normal conditions.
• The governor’s legal authority for portions of this is questionable, particularly his adding many new requirements in order to receive a tax exemption which exists in law without any of these standards, and his treating data centers differently than other types of projects applying for the same permits, when there is no distinction under law or regulations.
The Middlesex PAX-1 project in our district will likely move forward as many of these conditions have already been met. There will be legal challenges to the executive order from data center companies that have already begun the development process. I am waiting for more legal guidance from the state on this issue.
The General Assembly has also considered several bills related to data center development this session, and I expect these proposals to receive further consideration when the Legislature reconvenes this fall. In residential communities like ours, it is essential that any data center development occurs responsibly and with appropriate safeguards in place.
Data center companies should be transparent with the public, provide reliable and state-of-the-art energy resources to support their operations and ensure their development does not result in higher energy costs for consumers. I remain committed to establishing responsible oversight of this rapidly growing industry while protecting residents and ratepayers from bearing additional costs associated with data center development. Additionally, data centers should not be exempt from sales tax.
We must also ensure that data centers comply with all applicable local ordinances governing issues such as noise, water use and light, while taking appropriate measures to mitigate potential electromagnetic interference risks to nearby residents. The development process should be open and transparent, including appropriate limitations on nondisclosure agreements and ensuring decisions on these data centers continue to be made locally.
|
Preserved Farmland in the 199th
Pennsylvania continues to lead the nation in farmland preservation (in fact, Lancaster County has led the nation for quite awhile!).
With that in mind, congratulations to John Dyarman and John and Cynthia K. Clouse, whose names have been added to the list of owners of preserved farmland.
John's #2 39-acre crop farm is in West Pennsboro Township, while John and Cynthia own a 190-acre crop and livestock farm in Upper Frankford and Lower Mifflin townships.
Total investment is more than $917,000, $784,692 by the state and $133,226 by Cumberland County.
|
Hope House Groundbreaking Ceremony
I joined community leaders and supporters for a Thursday morning groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of construction on Hope House in Carlisle Borough.
The project will transform the former George’s Flowers building at 101 G St. into Cumberland County’s first transitional home dedicated exclusively to survivors of domestic abuse.
Hope House is designed to bridge the gap between emergency shelter and permanent housing, providing women and their children with a safe place to live while they begin to rebuild their lives. Congratulations to Executive Director Laurie Fitzgerald and all board members and stakeholders for bringing Laurie’s tremendous vision of Hope House to fruition!
|
Volunteer Day at Project SHARE
Earlier this week, my staff and I volunteered with Project SHARE of Carlisle in support of the important work they do. We’re grateful for the chance to lend a hand and give back to an organization that makes such a meaningful difference for our community!
|
LIBRE Foreign-Trained Physicians Roundtable
This week, my staff attended a roundtable discussion hosted by The LIBRE Initiative focused on House Bill 2121 and efforts to improve access to health care across Pennsylvania.
The legislation would establish a provisional licensing pathway for qualified international medical graduates to practice in Pennsylvania under supervision. The proposal would address physician shortages, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
The roundtable provided an opportunity for legislative staff and stakeholders to discuss Pennsylvania’s healthcare workforce challenges, potential barriers facing internationally trained physicians and ways the Commonwealth can expand access to qualified medical professionals.
|
Treasury Announces Bonus for Families’ Education Savings
Pennsylvania families with qualified PA 529 College and Career Saving Program Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) accounts could receive a $1,000 bonus contribution, enhancing education savings for about 107,000 Pennsylvania families.
The bonus is being paid for through surplus dollars in the GSP Fund. As of June 30, the GSP fund was 156.04% funded, reflecting a surplus of $1.06 billion. Nearly 107 million in surplus funds will be distributed across 106,914 PA 529 GSP accounts, representing 89% of participants in the plan.
PA 529 GSP savers with at least a $1,000 account balance, or those with at least a $100 balance with contributions made since 2022, as of July 31, are eligible for this bonus deposit. Account owners will see this deposit reflected in their third-quarter statement.
Visit pa529.com to learn more.
|
Upcoming Events
You’re invited to attend any of the upcoming events I’m hosting designed to bring neighbors together, share helpful information and enjoy good conversation. Registration is encouraged for all events and we hope to see you there.
Ice Cream & Issues
Wednesday, Aug. 26, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
North Middleton Park Pavilion #1, 1701 Waggoners Gap Road, Carlisle.
Join us for a relaxed evening of ice cream and conversation. This is a great opportunity to discuss local issues, ask questions and connect with others in the community.
Please click here to register.
Farmers Breakfast
Wednesday, Sept. 16, 9-11 a.m.
West Pennsboro Fire Company, 20 Park Road, Plainfield.
Farmers and agricultural professionals are invited to a complimentary breakfast and discussion focused on local farming needs, resources and upcoming initiatives.
Please click here to register.
|
|
| 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 |
|
|
|
|
