The House was in session last week in Harrisburg. This October session is one of our busiest of the term, as every bill that doesn’t make it to the governor’s desk by the end of November in an even numbered year must start all over from scratch the next year!

 

I had the honor of working with my fellow lawmakers to vote yes on several key pieces of legislation. Many passed into law, and a few others moved the ball forward ever closer to the governor’s desk while there’s still time left.

 

✅ Passed Both Chambers — Signed Into Law

• HB 453: Recognize 911 dispatchers as first responders!!
• HB 928: Improve access to EpiPens in childcare facilities.
• HB 1961: Improve healthcare workforce mobility through the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact.
• HB 2474: Strengthen mandatory reporting requirements for suspected child abuse.
• HB 1098: Increase funding to investigate and prosecute internet crimes against children (Alicia’s Law).
• HB 2443: Establish a Child Victim Recovery Fund.
• SB 1212: Strengthen requirements for testing sexual assault evidence kits.
• SB 804: Phase out PFAS-containing firefighting foam to protect firefighters and the environment.

The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) announced upcoming webinars for applicants to the Keystone Historic Preservation Grant Program. This key government grant program funds local projects that identify, preserve, promote, and protect historic and archaeological resources in Pennsylvania for both the benefit of the public and community revitalization.

 

Applicants can apply for grants ranging from $5,000 to $100,000, with a total of $2 million available from the Keystone Recreation, Park & Conservation Fund! Grants are broken into two categories: Construction or Planning. Applicants may only apply for one type of grant.

 

The grant application portal will open on December 1, 2026, and applications are due March 1, 2027. Grants will be awarded through a competitive selection process and are contingent on the availability of funds.

 

Visit the PHMC website for eligibility information and grant guidelines.

The Commonwealth Workforce Transformation Program (CWTP) expanded support services for OJT trainees, providing assistance to pay for transportation, required tools and equipment, childcare, exam, training fees, and required work-related clothing. The CWTP is a first-in-the-nation job training program that provides workforce development investments to ensure companies, contractors, unions, and others who are working to build Pennsylvania’s infrastructure have the skilled workforce they need.

 

The program has grown from 137 trainees in 2023 to 168 so far this year after expanding and streamlining its On-the-Job Training (OJT) program. The OJT program is a federally required program aimed at training women, minorities, and economically disadvantaged individuals that requires a certain number of trainees per project, varying by project size. Trainees receive support through 1,000 hours of work.

Here is a friendly reminder of upcoming election deadlines as the General Election approaches.

• Monday, Oct. 19 – Last day to register to vote.
• Tuesday, Oct. 27– Last day to apply for an absentee or mail-in ballot.
• Tuesday, Nov. 3 – Election Day: Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Voters must be in line by 8 p.m. to cast their ballot. Mail-in and absentee ballots must be received by your county election office by 8 p.m.

If you are unsure of your polling location or have other inquiries about voting or elections in Pennsylvania, please click below for more information:

 

Voting & Election Information | Voting & Election Information | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Saturday was a beautiful day for our shredding and e-waste event at Upper Moreland High School. It was a tremendous success, the line of cars was wrapped around the parking lot. We helped well over 100 members of our community come through to securely shred sensitive documents and recycle old appliances and computers for scrap.

 

A big thanks to our junior volunteer from Lower Moreland High School, members of my staff and their family, as well as Sullivan Scrap and Wiggins Shredding for coming out and partnering with us.

Hatboro Rotary is hosting a donation drive to send care packages to our military during the holidays!

 

If you are able and willing to donate any of the following items, they can be dropped off to Hatboro Federal (Hatboro, Warminster, Warrington, and Jamison locations) or Hatboro Borough Hall.

 

For more information, email hello@hatbororotary.org.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) recently announced that construction will begin on Monday, November 2, on a project to rehabilitate the bridge that carries Tyson Avenue over Susquehanna Road in Abington Township.

 

Drivers are advised of the following travel restriction.

Monday, November 2, through Friday, December 18, Tyson Avenue will be closed and detoured 24/7 between Albright Avenue and Easton Road. During the closure, drivers will be directed to use Edge Hill Road, Jenkintown Road, Fitzwatertown Road, and Susquehanna Road.

 

Local access will be maintained at all times. Drivers are advised to allow extra time when traveling near the work area or along the detour route because backups and delays will occur. All scheduled activities are weather dependent.

I was invited to a walkthrough showcasing the 50 years of care provided by our neighbors at Access Services. Although I was unable to attend in person, my staffer Marty went and toured the experience.

 

Access Services has grown since its start in 1976 to a wide range of modern services advocating for dignity and independence among the individuals they serve. Providing services across Behavioral Health; Children and Family; Intellectual Disability and Autism; Housing and Homelessness; and all the places those disciplines intersect.

 

Need to return your mail-in or absentee ballot?

 

Secure ballot drop boxes are now open for the 2026 General Election and will be open 24 hours a day until 8 p.m. on Election Day. See below for the closest drop boxes located in and around the 152nd District. Residents can deposit mail-in ballots and absentee ballots at a secure ballot drop box as an alternative to returning their ballot by USPS mail.

 

Ballots are collected from the drop boxes daily by County Security and stored securely at the Voter Services office.

 

Once you have returned your mail-in or absentee ballot, you can check the status of your ballot here:

Check the status of your mail-in ballot