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Hi Folks,

We hope this January edition of District Deliberations finds you warm, safe, and well. January—one of the longest and coldest months of the year—is a time for both reflection and anticipation. Its name comes from the Roman god Janus, whose double-faced head looked both backward and forward, symbolizing an awareness of the past and a vision for the future.

As we near our nation’s 250th anniversary, perhaps we find ourselves in the “January” of our years—reflecting on where we have been while anticipating what lies ahead. Yet as hard-working families continue to struggle with affordability, Washington’s recent focus has taken us into uncharted territory. In the span of a single, chaotic month, we have witnessed the slow drip of the Epstein files, an incursion into Venezuela, threats of conflict with our allies over Greenland, and, most recently, the mayhem in Minnesota. The tragic deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti force us to confront painful questions: How long must we endure the killing of lawful citizen protestors; the illegal detention and assault of American citizens; the forced entry into homes without judicial warrants; the troubling emphasis on targeting families and children rather than undocumented criminals; a weaponized Department of Justice investigating victims instead of ICE perpetrators; and the militarization of our cities?

Two hundred fifty years ago, the founders of both our Commonwealth and our nation recognized these actions for what they are: the hallmarks of a tyrannical state. History is watching to see whether we will remain a nation of laws—defending our sacred rights and liberties—or whether we will stand idly by as the foundations of our Republic erode in real time. The hour is upon us, and the choice is clear. As elected officials, we must rise to this moment and use every legal tool at our disposal to protect the people and property of Pennsylvania. Accordingly, I am proud to stand with my Democratic colleagues in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives as we introduce legislation (see below) to help protect our communities and hold a federal government accountable when it threatens our freedoms and our rights as Americans and Pennsylvanians.

This issue of District Deliberations highlights hometown heroes. We celebrate Karen Simmons of the Chester County Foundation, who has faithfully served as President and CEO for a quarter of a century and is now preparing for a well-deserved retirement. We also tip our hats to the Hometown Heroes of the Friends Association for their outstanding work in combating family homelessness in our community.

This issue also includes updates on my pending legislation to allow 16- and 17-year-old students the right to vote in local school board elections; more than $8.8 million in grant funding over the past year for infrastructure, safety, and health; highlights from the 110th Farm Show; tax savings for working families that were passed in time for this filing season; our legislative New Year’s resolutions; and, of course, the sage insights of our official mascot, Penny the Pup.

Folks, as always, we are thankful for the opportunity to serve you and look forward to any questions or concerns you may have. We wish you, your families, and friends a safe and delightful February as we take time out to be grateful for all that we have, including each other. Until our next issue, Stay Well, Stay Safe, and Stay Strong.

PA Representative Christopher Pielli's signature image

Chris Pielli
Pennsylvania State Representative House District 156

Hometown Heroes

This January, our Hometown Heroes are Karen Simmons and the Friends Association!

Karen Simmons Retiring from Chester County Community Foundation after 25 Years of Leadership Service

January’s Individual Hometown Hero is .... Karen A. Simmons, President and CEO of the Chester County Community Foundation!

Karen A. Simmons began her tenure as President and CEO of the Chester County Community Foundation in 2001. Now, as she retires after 25 years of dedicated service, she leaves behind an extraordinary legacy. From her first day onward, Simmons has guided remarkable growth, significantly expanded the Foundation’s endowed funds, and strengthened its ability to support charitable giving throughout Chester County.

Under Simmons’ leadership, the Community Foundation has connected people who care with causes that matter, helping donors establish lasting legacies while supporting local nonprofits and community initiatives. Through programs such as grant panels, giving circles, donor site visits, and legacy philanthropy awards, she has inspired residents to invest in the future of their community. Simmons also launched initiatives like the Cultural Alliance of Chester County and strengthened Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility efforts to address emerging community needs.

Simmons also plays an instrumental role in the planning and execution of 250 PA Chester County events in anticipation of our nation's 250th anniversary. I was pleased to attend the "Dare to Declare" Declaration of Independence event held this past Monday, January 26, at Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center in West Chester. Info on Upcoming Events: America250 PA Chester County

Thank you, Karen A. Simmons, for your decades of leadership and dedication to building a stronger, more generous Chester County!

10 New Housing Units for Families Built by Friends Association For Care & Protection of Children

January’s Organization Hometown Hero is ....

The Friends Association!

Hats off to their incredible team for tirelessly advancing their mission to combat family homelessness, including the creation of 10 new family housing units in our district. I am deeply thankful and proud to partner with them as we tackle one of our community’s most pressing challenges—helping families gain the support they need to become self-sufficient and thrive in safe, stable homes.

The Friends Association was founded in 1822 by Ann Yarnall to provide a home and education for children who had escaped slavery. Their mission has grown and evolved over the years. Today, they operate Chester County’s only publicly funded, low-barrier Emergency Family Shelters that keep families of all kinds together. They also offer free legal services, case management, and financial assistance to families and individuals facing eviction.

The Friends Association doesn’t just wait for families to become homeless—they proactively support those at risk of losing their homes or facing eviction, helping them achieve financial stability and independence. Their work is always guided by a commitment to the dignity of self-sufficiency, the strength of family, and the care and protection of all children. They are truly an extraordinary organization.

I had the opportunity to attend the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the Friends Association’s newest family shelter in West Goshen. I am proud of the fabulous facility they have set up, and the significant difference it will make in the lives of so many in our community.

Our Legislation to Hold ICE Accountable and Protect PA Residents and Workers

Like many of you, I have been outraged by the conduct of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota. While I support securing our borders and prioritizing the arrest of undocumented criminals, the Trump Administration has allowed ICE Agents to act with impunity, to include killing legal protestors, detaining U.S. citizens without probable cause, Warrantless searches into our homes, and military occupations of our cities. Chaos, Cruelty and eventual Control is the intentional policy. These are the acts of a tyrannical government. Without resistance and accountability, what is happening on the streets of Minneapolis will spread across the country.

In response, my Democratic colleagues in the Pennsylvania House and I are taking action to safeguard Pennsylvanians from any unlawful ICE activity. I have introduced two bills designed to limit and regulate ICE operations within the Commonwealth:

✅ Introduced: “Prohibiting State Funds for Federal Immigration Enforcement”

Would restrict law enforcement agencies from using State appropriated funds and resources for the purpose of enforcing federal immigration laws. Additionally, the bill would enshrine the Pennsylvania State Police’s existing policy of limited cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

✅ Introduced: “House Bill 1968 - “Protecting Pennsylvanians’ Rights Against Unlawful Searches and Seizures”

Would create a cause of action against anyone who interferes with a person’s rights secured by the Constitutions and laws of the United States and the Commonwealth through unlawful detention, violence, threat, intimidation, coercion and more.

In our nation’s 250th year, we have a duty and a responsibility to defend our sacred rights and liberties just as our founding fathers. These bills and others introduced by my Democratic colleagues in the PA House uphold Pennsylvania’s founding principles and those of a free nation.

More than $8.8 Million State Grants Awarded to Our District for 2025

Ensuring proper funding for our infrastructure, safety, and health remains one of my top priorities. I’m pleased to announce several additional grants our district recently secured through the 2025 budget process, bringing the total grant funding for our district to approximately $8.85 million!

✅ $335,500 grant to East Bradford Township from the PA Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources to support Phase 2 of its Plum Run Trail construction project.

✅ West Chester Fire Department unveiled a new fire engine made possible by an $818,576 grant from the PA Dept. of Community and Economic Development (See photo above).

✅ Over $1.1 million in grants for water & sewer services in our district -- for West Chester Borough, West Goshen Township, and East Goshen Township.

Q: Do I qualify for the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit?

If so, how can I obtain the tax credit for the 2025 tax year?

A: Thanks to Governor Shapiro and the PA House Democratic Caucus budget demands, this tax season brings the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit (WPTC). Modeled after the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the WPTC can provide up to $805 in tax relief.

Anyone who qualifies for the federal EITC automatically qualifies for the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit.
When Pennsylvanians file their federal and state taxes, the PA Department of Revenue will automatically calculate the state credit.
Visit pa.gov/wptc for more information and to check eligibility using an online calculator.

New Year’s Resolutions for 2026!

Raise Minimum Wage to a Livable Wage in PA

PA House Democrats have worked tirelessly to pass legislation raising the minimum wage to $15/hour and tying it to inflation—but every time, the Republican-led State Senate has refused to act. Pennsylvania hasn’t increased its minimum wage since 2009, when the federal rate was $7.25/hour. No one can live on that. It’s time for Senate Republicans to stop prioritizing tax breaks for billionaires and start supporting working families!

Read about our legislative efforts to raise the minimum wage HERE

Our Legislation to Allow Municipalities to Lower the Voting Age to 16 for School Board Elections in PA

No one deals with the repercussions of Pennsylvania school board decisions more than students themselves. Students are deeply affected by school board decisions, from funding to curriculum to school-based activities, and even to their own safety. Yet, these students have no say about who gets elected to their own school boards and how the decisions that shape their daily education are made.

Pennsylvania students deserve to have a greater voice in how their own school system is run and who runs it. That is why Rep. John Inglis and I are introducing legislation to allow municipalities to lower the voting age for school board elections to 16 years of age. This measure will help instill the responsibility of participating in our democracy in voters at a younger age. It will also ensure that youth voices are heard in decisions that directly affect their education. Many out-of-state school districts have student representatives, allowing for the voices of a select few to represent the entire student body. Allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in school board elections would ensure meaningful representation.

I'm proud to be collaborating with Vote16PA, the newly formed initiative by the Fund for Women and Girls -- Learn about Vote16PA HERE: Vote16 PA | The Fund For Women & Girls

Read this ABC article on our legislation HERE: Pennsylvania lawmakers propose lowering voting age for certain elections | ABC27

110th Farm Show – An Impressive Display of Our State’s Agriculture

My family, my staff, and I had a wonderful time visiting the PA Farm Show again this year! Pennsylvania agriculture generates $132 billion annually and supports nearly 600,000 jobs, making it a cornerstone of our state’s economy. PA grows—and the whole world knows it! 👨‍🌾

From the mushrooms grown right here in Chester County to the corn and soybeans grown out west, our farmers here in PA are some of the best in the world, and I thank them and the folks behind the PA Farm Show for allowing us to see firsthand the magnitude of their work and skills.

Check out what PA farmers are doing HERE:
https://www.pa.gov/agencies/pda

Now Open! - Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

The 2025-26 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Program is now open and accepting applications through April 10, 2026.

LIHEAP is a one-time cash grant paid directly to the energy provider and lasts until the funds are exhausted.

Our state's COMPASS system is the most efficient way to apply for LIHEAP and other state benefits: https://www.compass.dhs.pa.gov/home/#/

Learn more about LIHEAP at PECO's website HERE:
https://www.peco.com/my-account/customer-support/assistance-programs/liheap

Please feel free to contact my district office staff for assistance at (610) 696-4990; or RepPielli@pahouse.net; or stop by 121 West Miner Street, Suite 1E, West Chester Borough.

Now Open! - 2025 Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program

Attention: Renters and property owners who are 65+; widow/ers aged 50-64; or permanently disabled aged 18-64. -- You might qualify for the 2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate program depending on your income level. Please keep in mind that if you receive Social Security Benefits, your total SS Benefits are reduced by 50% toward your total income calculation.

My district office can help you with Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) applications. We have application booklets on hand at the district office.

Please reach to my office staff for assistance at (610) 696-4990; or RepPielli@pahouse.net; or stop by 121 West Miner Street, Suite 1E, West Chester Borough.