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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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Pennsylvania American Water Customers Receive PFAS Settlement Credit
On July 27, Pennsylvania American Water issued a $6.13 bill credit to all active water customer accounts as of July 24. The credit distributes recent settlement proceeds the company received from PFAS manufacturers to customers.
The credit is made possible through Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission approval of Pennsylvania American Water's PFAS Litigation Universal Credit Rider, which allows the company to provide PFAS settlement proceeds directly to customers as they are received.
Customers have now received a total of $36.89 per account from PFAS-related settlements to date.
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Working to Strengthen PA Law Enforcement Workforce
Recognizing the need to ensure public safety in communities across the Commonwealth, the House Republican Policy Committee was in Berks County last week for a hearing titled “Protecting Pennsylvania: Law Enforcement Recruitment and Retention” where law enforcement leaders discussed solutions to workforce challenges.
Pennsylvania employed approximately 24,300 police officers and sheriff’s deputies in 2024, an 11-year low and a 14% decline since 2013. Openings that used to generate hundreds of applications now get just a handful. Existing officers are being forced to work overtime to ensure the safety of our communities, which leads to additional stress and fatigue.
To boost the recruitment of new officers and retention of existing ones, testifiers encouraged policies to strengthen career pipelines; improve training; and support the physical, mental and financial well-being of officers.
A full video of the hearing can be found here.
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Veterans – Don’t Fall for This Scam
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning veterans and their spouses about a postcard promising extra monthly benefits. But the “Veterans Savings Program” mentioned in the postcard doesn’t actually exist. It’s just a scammer phishing for personal or financial information.
While the postcard might list the state you’re living in and mention real VA benefits like CHAMPVA or TRICARE For Life, those programs are just being mentioned in an effort to make the mailing look legitimate and trick veterans into sharing personal information like your Social Security number or bank account details.
If you get a postcard like this:
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Don’trespond. Legitimate VA communications will not pressure you to respond immediately or give sensitive information over the phone. |
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Contact the VA directly if you have questions about your benefits. Always use a number you know is real, never the one on the postcard. Start with the VA Benefits Hotline at 1-800-827-1000. |
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Spread the word. Scammers typically don’t just contact one person. Sharing this advice can help others in your community spot and avoid the scam. Sign up for email updates to get the latest on scams like this one at MilitaryConsumer.gov. |
If you spot this or another VA benefits scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the VA at VSAFE.gov or 1-833-38V-SAFE.
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Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy Accepting Applications
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs’ (DMVA) Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA) is now accepting applications for its first class of 2027, which begins in January.
The academy’s mission is to provide 16- to 18-year-old teens in jeopardy of not graduating on time or dropping out of school with a second chance at learning skills such as leadership, self-discipline, health and hygiene, public service, physical fitness and more. There is no tuition cost to attend, and meals, housing, uniforms and school supplies are provided at no charge.
With KSCA’s online eligibility checker at pa.gov/ksca, applicants can quickly confirm their eligibility before completing the full application. Applicants can also request a mailed form by emailing RA-MVPACHALLENGE@pa.gov or calling 717-861-7767 or 717-861-8831.
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Cumberland County Penn State Extension Opens New Location
The Penn State Extension Cumberland County office is now open at its new home.
Formerly located at 310 Allen Road in Carlisle, the office has moved into the Hempt Farmhouse located at 245 Hempt Road in Mechanicsburg.
This new location will be home to Ag Extension, Cumberland County 4-h, Master Gardener, and Master Watershed Steward programs.
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PA Game, Fish and Boat Commissions Seek Feedback
The Pennsylvania Game Commission and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission are inviting public input about their draft 2025-2035 Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan.
The draft plan and public comment form are available online. Comments must be submitted by Sept. 19.
According to the agencies, the Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan was first developed in 2005 and has since served as the Commonwealth’s blueprint “to conserve Pennsylvania’s native fish and wildlife, maintain resilient habitat, and protect and enhance Species of Greatest Conservation Need.” As required by Congress, state wildlife action plans must be revised no less than every 10 years.
A wildlife action plan approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is required for states to receive State and Tribal Wildlife Grant Program funds. The Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan is scheduled to be delivered to the USFWS by Oct. 1.
Read more here.
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This Weekend’s Local Events
Corvettes at Carlisle: One of the area’s biggest automotive events returns this weekend as Corvettes at Carlisle takes over the Carlisle Fairgrounds. The event runs through Saturday, Aug. 29 and will take place daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The weekend festivities continue Saturday evening with the Corvette Parade Park and Party in downtown Carlisle from 7-9 p.m. Corvettes are expected to depart the Carlisle Expo Center around 6:45 p.m., traveling along Pitt Street before parking along Hanover and High streets for the downtown celebration. I was honored to be invited to ride in the lead car again with Bill Miller.
The parade is free to attend. Admission to Corvettes at Carlisle is $20 per day or $40 for a full-event pass.
Corn Festival: The 45th Annual Corn Festival will take place this Saturday, Aug. 29 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Shippensburg. Come out and enjoy good food, crafts and plenty of activities for the whole family.
The festival is free to attend and will be held rain or shine!
Fare 4 Share: Join Project Share this Sunday, Aug. 30 from 3:30-7 p.m. for the Fare 4 Share event at The Meeting House Church, located at 1155 Walnut Bottom Road in Carlisle.
This event will feature food trucks, live music and plenty of activities for kids, along with valuable health and wellness resources from the Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank and Sadler Health.
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Thank you to Those who Attended Ice Cream & Issues
Thank you to everyone who joined us Wednesday night at North Middleton Park for Ice Cream and Issues!
It was great to spend the evening with members of the community and have meaningful conversations about the issues that matter most to you and your families. I appreciate the opportunity to hear your questions and concerns firsthand while sharing the latest updates on what is happening in Harrisburg.
I always value the opportunity to hear directly from you and look forward to seeing you at another community event soon!
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Annual Farmers Breakfast
Next month's Farmers Breakfast will be a great opportunity to honor those of you in the agriculture community and get the latest ag news from Harrisburg.
If you plan to attend, please click here to register in advance. We hope to see you Wednesday, Sept. 16!
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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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