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Hi Folks, We hope this April edition of District Deliberations finds you all doing well. For this month’s issue, rather than reinvent the wheel, I felt it would be best to restate my remarks from last April since their relevancy remains stronger than ever. - As April rolls in bringing with it another season of growth and rebirth, we look ahead to sunny days and new possibilities. Yet, even with the advent of a milder season there are always “April Showers” to create some uncertainty. And so, it is in these uncertain times that one can look back on our own history for fresh beginnings and growth, not of a botanical or seasonal type, but of freedom and liberty.
Over 250 Aprils ago, the cause of Democracy was born like a new spring flower budding not from the earth’s bounty but from the hearts of men and women yearning to be free. It is not an exaggeration to say that since that fateful Spring Day, when embattled Lexington and Concord colonists stood and fired the “shot heard round the world,” our planet has changed forever. And now we are forced to revisit these historical truths and ask if we are being true to ourselves, to our forefathers’ sacrifices, and to the future of our children blessed with the citizenry of this great nation.
I, like most of you, love this country. And my heart tells me that Democracy and the Republic for which it stands, is like a spring garden. Tend it well with a sense of duty and care. Nurture it. Pull out the invasive weeds of division and shore up the bending plants with poles for strength and support, while always recognizing that care and effort are needed to enjoy the final bounty it brings forth. And with that bounty, we share the fruits of our labor and save the seeds of freedom for generations to come.
This issue of District Deliberations includes the following District’s Hometown Heroes: Hats off to 12 inspiring West Chester Area High School students who were awarded 2026 Spellman Humanitarian Awards for their significant contributions of service to our community. And what better way to celebrate National Public Library Week than by honoring our “gem” of a public library- the West Chester Public Library and their scholarly staff whose mission of learning & enrichment has been serving our community for over 150 years.
Also included in this edition is an update on our budgetary process with the passage of HB 2400, our successful PECO petition drive which put the kibosh on a $510 million proposed rate hike for ratepayers, our attainment of $477,256 in Violence Intervention and Prevention Grants for our District, a special shout out for my West Chester University PA State Government students during their Capitol visit, increased savings on your utility bills through my new legislation, “Ending Excess Utility Profits” and of course, the wise whelps of wisdom from our official mascot, Penny the Pup.
Folks, as always, we thank you for the opportunity to serve you and look forward to any questions or concerns you may have. Until our next issue, Stay Well, Stay Safe, and Stay Strong. |
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Chris Pielli |
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Hometown Heroes |
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Organization Hometown Hero: West Chester Public Library |
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I had a great time honoring a true gem of our community, the West Chester Public Library, for National Library Week. For over 150 years the West Chester Public Library has provided our community with access to information, ideas, and knowledge through books, programs, and other resources to support lifelong learning. Fun fact, I had the pleasure of working there during my high school years, and since then I have been committed to supporting libraries and their mission of education & enrichment. Thanks also to West Chester Borough Police Chief Josh Lee for joining the celebration. |
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Individual Hometown Hero: Winners of Spellman Humanitarian Awards |
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Our next April Hometown Heroes are the 12 students who were honored with the prestigious Spellman Humanitarian Award this year! This award is presented to high school seniors in West Chester Area School District who -- in addition to keeping up with academics, extracurriculars, and applying to colleges -- donated a significant portion of their time to give back to their community.
I had the honor of meeting this inspiring group of high school students at the awards ceremony earlier this month. Many thanks to winners: Kaitlin Alansky, Gabriella Alex, Samantha Carroll, Sharifa Diasseny, Marie Gallo, Evan Kratz, Denali Lucot, Nada Neskovic, Jackson Ogden, Katelyn Orkin, Lacy Taylor, Karina Thomas, Angelica Todd, and Ella Toomer. |
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Our Sincere Condolences to West Chester University Student Struck by Car in the Borough |
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Our entire office stands vigil with the West Chester University community in memory of Garrett Nicholas, a WCU student whose life was tragically taken by a driver on High Street in West Chester Borough. Our sincerest condolences to his family, friends, and the community of West Chester University. |
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Pleased to Announce $477,256 in Violence Intervention and Prevention Grants to Chester County |
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I'm pleased to announce Chester County is awarded a $477K Violence Intervention and Prevention Program grant from the PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency.
The funding is provided through the PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency School Safety and Security Committee. The purpose of Violence Intervention and Prevention funding is to provide grants to address community violence throughout Pennsylvania.
Our police officers, detectives, and probation officers work hard to be prepared for any and all incidents that may occur in Chester County. This grant will give our first responders the tools and training they need to protect and serve the community with even greater safety. I thank the PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency for providing these funds to ensure our officers are ready for any situation. |
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Legislative Fellowship & Capitol Visit by WCU "PA Politics and Government" Class |
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This week, I was proud to host WCU Professor Dr. John Kennedy and our "PA Politics and Government" students at the Capitol. Several State Representatives who are WCU alumni joined us in the House chamber - including Tim Briggs, Danielle Friel Otten, Kyle Mullins, Brian Munroe, Jennifer O'Mara, and Jim Prokopiak. (See photo above.)
I greatly appreciated serving as Legislative Fellow for two semesters helping to instruct these bright future leaders. I thoroughly enjoyed our discussions and debates, in addition to capping it all off with this Capitol visit. The group had lunch with me and fellow legislators for a question and answer session, in addition to touring the Capitol and PA House of Representatives Archives.
What I will always cherish is not only sharing my experiences as a State Representative, but also listening and learning from all the students about their personal goals and their thoughts on the political future of our country. I wish them all well and feel more confident in our future having shared this experience with these future leaders. |
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PECO Withdrew its Rate Hike Proposal - Saving 1.7 Million PA Consumers $510 Million |
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Thanks to our collective efforts PECO withdrew its rate hike proposal! The rate requests would have increased average residential electric bills by about 12.5% per month and natural gas bills by about 11.4% per month beginning in 2027.
Working families already face rising costs in food, housing, and medical care. As such, my colleagues and I choose to fight these egregious utility cost increases. I co-signed a letter admonishing the PA Public Utility Commission (PUC) on behalf of PECO customers along with fellow State Representatives from Southeastern Pennsylvania and thousands of community consumers.
Thanks to those who advocated against the rate hike proposal by contacting my district office, signing petitions, and/or filing complaints to the PUC. We succeeded together! Read Governor Shapiro's press release HERE: https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2026-press-releases/gov-shapiro-saves-1-7m-pa-consumers--510m-on-utility-bills |
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Proud to Introduce Legislation to End Excess Utility Profits |
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My colleague Representative Fiedler and I have introduced a bill that would end excess utility profits by both mandating regional transmission organization participation and eliminating unneeded incentives.
Current law gives investor-owned utilities a financial bonus for joining a regional transmission organization — a group that coordinates electricity across multiple states to improve efficiency and reliability. While this bonus was originally meant to encourage participation, it is funded by customers through their electricity bills and paid directly to utility shareholders. This legislation would update that policy by requiring utilities to join a regional transmission organization and eliminating the extra bonus payment.
At a time when utility shareholders are earning record profits and households continue to face rising costs, we need to work to find solutions to restore balance by tipping the scales back into the favor of Pennsylvania families. This legislation will restore fairness and accountability using commonsense measures to ensure affordable energy is provided for everyone.
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I Voted YES to Pass First Round of State Budget Legislation through PA House [House Bill 2400] |
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This month, I voted Yes to help pass Governor Shapiro’s 2026-27 state budget bill (House Bill 2400) through the PA House of Representatives. All 102 House Democrats and five House Republicans voted in favor with a 107-92 vote.
This marks the first step in the state budget process and it’s a hopeful one – giving us an early start to negotiations in advance of our June 30 budget deadline. I vow to work for a robust, balanced, and on-time budget that benefits those who need it most -- to alleviate local taxpayers and working individuals and families facing extreme financial pressures with the rising costs of food, fuel, healthcare and housing.
Nearly 80% of this budget bill’s expenses are dedicated to two state agencies: $20.6 billion to the PA Department of Education (PDE); and $21.9 billion to the PA Department of Human Services (DHS). The bill contains nearly $700 million to help school districts close long-standing funding shortfalls. Also, about $1 billion of DHS revenue that would help fund Medicaid increases. These increases could be mitigated if the state legislature ultimately passes a long overdue increase to the minimum wage from $7.25 per hour to $15 per hour.
Recently, my colleagues and I in the PA House passed a minimum wage increase (House Bill 2189); and Governor Shapiro included this increase in his originally proposed 2026-27 state budget as part of revenue generating measures. If passed we would see an additional $53.3 million in revenue and realize approximately $300 million in savings for workers who would no longer need medical assistance because of their new living wages. It’s a no brainer and it’s time we join all our neighboring states and increase the wage of workers, not give more tax breaks to billionaires.
I urge my colleagues in the PA Senate, to enact this state budget by our June 30 deadline. Our schools, our local agencies and non-profits, and our children and families can’t wait for these critical investments. |
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Register to Vote by May 4th for the Primaries on May 19th! |
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The May Primary is just around the corner! The 2026 Primary Election is on May 19, just a few short weeks away! Your voice matters, and this is your chance to make it count. Make sure everyone in your family is ready to take part.
Important dates to remember:
To check your registration status: www.vote.pa.gov/register To apply for a mail ballot: www.vote.pa.gov/mailballot To find your polling place: www.vote.pa.gov/polls To find mail ballot drop-off locations: https://www.chesco.org/4758/Ballot-Drop-Off-Locations (Open May 5). |
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Earth Day |
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On Saturday, I enjoyed taking part in Earth Day activities hosted by the West Chester Green Team. Festivities included a march through WC Borough, a wellness fair, and a community dinner. A big shout out to the West Chester Green Team, vendors, volunteers, and all who came to make this a huge success.
As State Representative for the greater West Chester area, I'm committed to working and legislating for environmental rights.
Examples of my legislation include: House Bill 441 and House Resolution 66 – Both aimed at protecting endangered insects and pollinators that our vital to our environmental health. Learn more about WC Green Team's mission HERE: https://wcgreenteam.com/ |
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Q: There have been some cold days and nights this month. Is there help to pay my heating bills?
A: Yes, the 2025-26 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) deadline has been extended to May 8, 2026!
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/#/ |
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District Office: 121 West Miner Street M-F 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Office Email: RepPielli@pahouse.net Phone: (610) 696-4990 Fax #: (610) 738-2163 Staff Members: Julie K. Mesaros, District Office Director Ryan DeStefano, Constituent Services Advisor Matthew DeWese, Constituent Services Advisor Olivia McClain, Constituent Services Advisor |
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Pennsylvania State Capitol 115-B East Wing |
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District Office 121 West Miner St., Suite 1E |
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