Before we get started, if anyone can tell me what is going on with the Phillies, I would really appreciate your insight. I just keep telling myself we have a long way to go, and we can’t lose heart after only six games. Sanchez and Painter were certainly bright spots!
It’s been a busy two weeks since I last wrote. Last week in Harrisburg was crazy! So many advocates and stakeholders in the Capitol...I love when it is busy, but it was so full we almost exceeded the fire occupancy limits! There was so much interest in the legislation running. From raising the minimum wage and the Family Care Act to the first major piece of legislation to regulate data centers the House definitely had a lot going on.
Details of our busy legislative session can be found below. But I specifically want to share that House Bill 2285 - Health Services Reimbursement Reform and School Nurse Staffing Ratios – was approved by the House Education Committee last week. I introduced this legislation after a conversation with a Newtown Square resident, a school nurse, who shared concerns about the ratio of students to school nurses (currently 1:1500). We want to lower it to 1:750. The best legislative ideas definitely come from our neighbors, and I am glad my colleagues agree! I am hoping it will get a vote in the House chamber soon!
I was also happy to have a great visit with the PA Coroners Association who were in town for their advocacy day. This is the group we have been collaborating closely with on Morgan Rose’s Law (SUDEP legislation) and I was thrilled to have them in town voicing their support for the legislation. I and my co-prime Representative Flood had a productive meeting with Senator Dawn Keefer, Chair of the Senate Local Government Committee, about the bill. I am optimistic our advocacy will pay off!
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If last week was busy in Harrisburg, it has been even busier in district this week! The House Democratic Policy Committee came to Delco and hosted two hearings. One specifically discussed housing concerns. Here I brought up how we can make it easier for our seniors to age in place, keep their homes, and make necessary repairs. The state does have some programs, but we need to expand so more people are eligible.
I also attended a hearing where I learned that not only is private equity negatively impacting healthcare in our communities, it is also impacting the cost of purchasing new fire apparatus.
Firefighters across Pennsylvania are facing a crisis after private equity consolidation of fire truck manufacturing companies has caused prices to soar, saddling local fire companies with outrageous costs and lengthy delivery times for new firefighting apparatus.
I was surprised to learn that in the 2010s, the fire truck industry was diverse and had a wide range of independent sellers. Fire trucks at that time cost between $300,000 and $400,000. Since then, private equity firms have consolidated fire truck manufacturers to the point where just three companies control most of the market. Today, those same trucks cost upwards of $1 million, a price tag also affected by tariffs.
This is negatively impacting our fire companies and our municipalities as these costs continue to rise, but mandates require equipment to be replaced after a certain amount of time. Investment in this equipment can be a struggle for many municipalities and companies - we need to ensure our professionals have the tools they need to respond in emergencies. Time to put people over profits
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Finally, in case you missed it, PECO has proposed steep increases to electric and natural gas rates — raising electric bills by 12.5% and gas bills by 11.4%. This could not come at a worse time for people across our region and in the 168th. This only adds insult to injury at a time when everything is becoming more expensive. My colleagues in Delco and I, along with those in the collar counties, are strongly opposed to this increase, and we have put together a petition to let PECO know of our concerns and will be filing a formal objection with the Public Utilities Commission. We are united in fighting this unsustainable increase. Please stay tuned as we will be asking residents to join us in testifying before the PUC.
In the meantime, sign the petition here Make your voice heard on PECO's proposed rate increases. You can also file a formal complaint against the proposal with the PUC here Complaints | PA PUC. It is time to let PECO know we’ve had enough.
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Chag Sameach to all those celebrating Passover and a beautiful and joyful Easter to those observing this Sunday. Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend and go Phillies (wake up those bats)!
In service,
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Harrisburg Update
- Bills passed last week: Family Care Act, minimum wage, marriage equality, data centers
In the District
- PFBC Legislative Briefing
- Cutting the Ribbon DCCC Southeast
- Policy Committee Talking Housing in Chester
- Citizen’s Police Academy Graduation
Events
- SEPTA Card Event w/ Sen. Kearney (4/13)
- Medicare Supplemental Plans Zoom Seminar (4/29)
FYI
- Survey for new “State of the Woman” Report
- Keep PA Beautiful – Young Ambassadors of Pennsylvania Applications are Open!
- Paul Miller’s Law Going into Effect
- Working Families Tax Credit
Community Events & Announcements
- Media Fellowship House – Monthly Lunch & Learn Legal Clinic
- Main Line Health’s Smoking Cessation Program Spring Schedule
- Once Upon a Run 5K (4/19)
- Newtown Square Fire Co. upcoming events (4/26, 5/9, 7/4)
- Wayne Plein Air Festival (Festival 5/3-9; Exhibition 5/9 – 6/20)
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Marriage Equality, Paid Family Leave, Minimum Wage, and Data Center Regulation Pass the House
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Last week, we returned to the House to advance many crucial bills on issues both old and new. Here are some of the bills we passed:
- H.B. 2189 would raise the statewide minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2029 and provide for cost-of-living increases in future years.
- H.B. 200 would establish paid leave under the Family Care Act. Additionally, the bill would help eligible workers to take up to 12 weeks off for major life events (birth of a child, medical treatment, recovery, care of family members, etc.)
- H.B. 1800 would update Pennsylvania’s legal definition of marriage to a civil contract between two people as opposed to the outdated definition between a man and a woman.
- H.B. 1834 would direct the Public Utility Commission to establish regulations for commercial data centers in the Commonwealth. Additionally, the bill would protect our electric service providers and consumer utility costs.
While these bills cover a wide range of topics, they all are designed with one goal in mind, protecting YOU! It is our hope that the state Senate will see these bills the same way and send them to Gov. Shapiro’s desk.
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Last Tuesday the Capitol was filled with social workers for NASW-PA's Legislative Education and Advocacy Day including Marie and our intern Jade (who I was thrilled to welcome to the house chamber)! The almost 400 social workers and social work students rallied on the steps of the Capitol for a raised minimum wage, their own interstate licensure compact, and regulation of AI in healthcare. The House also adopted a resolution designating March as National Social Work Month in Pennsylvania.
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Thank you for all you do, social workers!
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The American Red Cross was also in the building during last week’s session to educate lawmakers about their mission and the resources they need to continue their work! I can’t emphasize the importance of blood donations enough and my family is living proof. 10 years ago, my father was diagnosed with myelodysplastic anemia, a condition where your body no longer produces red blood cells. Frequent blood donations keep him with us today so I can’t thank the American Red Cross enough for their tireless work around the clock, keeping families together.
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Women have been fighting for wage equality for decades, and yet the wage gap still exists.
Last week at the Capitol, I joined Rep. Melissa Shusterman, other colleagues in the legislature, and advocates at a rally for equal pay. HB 630, which passed the House last May, ensures workers are paid equally for their work regardless of the gender, race, or ethnicity. The Senate must act to give ALL Pennsylvanians the wages they have earned!
Here in PA, women on average make 82 cents compared to $1 their male counterparts earn. Equal pay for equal work ensures economic success for all families!
For more information visit: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/wb/data/earnings
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March is the “official” Women’s History Month (although I would argue women make history everyday of every month) and as it comes to an end, I wanted to share this amazing picture of the women I have the privilege of making history with in the PA House.
We come from different communities, learned experiences, and varied backgrounds, but one of the many things we have in common is our passion for service to our communities.
I am so proud to serve with these women, now 65 strong in the PA House led by the first woman Speaker Rep. Joanna McClinton! It is an honor to learn from these amazing public servants every day!
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PFBC Legislative Briefing
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Kate joined the PA Fish and Boat Commission for their annual legislative briefing earlier this month. This year the PFBC hosted legislators and staff at Pennsbury Manor in Bucks County to educate attendees about their legislative priorities around boating safety and the work they do to keep our streams stocked with trout and optimal for recreation!
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There was also time to tour the grounds of William Penn’s reconstructed home, including the gardens along the banks of the Delaware River and the sheep and ox grazing pastures. What a wonderful day to appreciate the history and nature here in the commonwealth!
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It is always a tremendous honor to be invited back to the place where I and my boys were given a strong foundation - Radnor High School. When I was a student, I never imagined I would return to speak at RHS as an elected official. Just goes to show you never know where life will take you. Never say never and never close a door behind you.
I was guest speaker for Lunch and Learn for these impressive students. Their questions kept me on my toes as they are well versed in many of the issues on the forefront in the state legislature. From raising the minimum wage to SEPTA funding and healthcare access, these students are well aware of the challenges we face as a commonwealth. A shoutout to their teachers who are helping our community to raise thoughtful and engaged young adults. As I always say...they are our hope for the future!
Thank you for having me and thank you to the Radnor League of Women Voters for helping to organize the program. It was also so nice to see Radnor Librarian and 168th neighbor Michelle Wetzel!
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Cutting the Ribbon DCCC Southeast
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There is something special happening in Delco! Last Friday, I was thrilled to join my colleague Rep. Heather Boyd in her district along with Senator Tim Kearney and U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer to celebrate the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Delaware County Community College's Southeast Center in Upper Darby.
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What a beautiful facility! Through the collaborative efforts of Delaware County Council, Delaware County Economic Development Corporation, state and federal governments, Visit Delco, PA The Foundation for Delaware County and the support of all the local school districts (so nice to see Rose Tree Media School District Board Director Shelly Hunt), DCCC has taken the site of the former Archbishop Prendergast High School and renovated the 80,000-square-foot main building. It also created a 30,000-square-foot annex to transform the property into a full-service campus featuring academic and career training programs in high-priority occupations, including Allied Health, Biotechnology and Electronics, Early Childhood Education, Skilled Trades, including Carpentry, and more.
The new campus also includes a Center for Workforce Development and Community Success, which will serve as a center of innovation for workforce training, a 17,000-square-foot Early Childhood Education Center that will provide much-needed childcare for students and residents, as well as a learning lab for students in the College’s Early Childhood Education programs. What a tremendous facility that will educate students in some of the most in-demand professions with the opportunity for employment in good paying jobs now and for the future.
This fantastic facility is right here in Delaware County and a wonderful extension of the comprehensive programming offered at DCCC's Marple campus.
DCCC will hold an open house for potential students and their families 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 9 at the SEC, 409 N. Lansdowne Avenue, Drexel Hill, PA 19026. Learn more https://www.dccc.edu/academics/
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Policy Committee Talking Housing in Chester
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Attaining and retaining housing are issues challenging many communities across the commonwealth.
On Monday night, I joined my colleague Rep. Carol Kazeem in her district to hear about plans for increasing the inventory of attainable housing from experts at the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. We also talked about Whole Home Repairs and ways we can help residents, especially seniors, stay in their homes and age in place.
It was also informative to hear from local officials and the Philadelphia Building Trades about the issues specifically impacting Chester as the issues of aging housing inventory, needs for accessibility, and properties being sold out from under renters as they exist in communities across PA. We need to find ways to stabilize the housing market, create more inventory, incentivize construction, and increase resources for those who need to make important repairs.
Thank you, Rep. Kazeem for the informative program!
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Citizen Police Academy Graduation
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Radnor’s Citizen Police Academy is one of my favorite programs and has been since I was a commissioner. It is a tremendous opportunity for members of the community to learn more about the work of our dedicated officers and gain a higher level of understanding of what it means to protect and serve.
From role playing traffic stops to experiencing the simulated firing range, learning about the forensics behind investigations and learning about K-9 policing, these 12 Radnor residents and newly minted graduates of the academy have a new perspective and appreciation of the day-to-day work of Radnor’s officers.
I was thrilled to join Chief Flanagan and Officer Brady McHale to honor the residents who put so much time and effort into their program participation. Congratulations to all the graduates and thank you to Radnor Police Department for offering this unique and informative behind the scenes program!
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It is always so nice to receive a visit from our friends at CeaseFire PA. It is always great to welcome the advocates fighting so hard to foster civic engagement and build diverse coalitions to address the issues of gun violence and gun safety.
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This is an issue which impacts communities across the commonwealth and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to hear from those who are working to directly impact these issues through Violence Intervention Programs (VIPs). Across PA we lost almost 1,700 lives to gun violence. While one life lost is too many, this number does represent a 46.5% decrease in deaths from last year and this is due in large part to the investment in VIPs. Funded by the PA Commission on Crime & Delinquency (PCCD) these programs are making a measurable difference by teaching conflict resolution and de-escalation tactics. CeaseFire is looking to the General Assembly for additional support for these programs in the 2027 budget. A worthy investment in the future of our communities.
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Today was our Budgeting Hacks seminar designed to help folks get the most out of their money with our wonderful community partners, Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union. Beth gave attendees tips and tricks to stretch their budget such as setting alarms to cancel free trials, knowing where to get free things during your birthday month, and how to shop and compare prices easily! Thank you to the Newtown Public Library for hosting us and Luigi and Giovanni’s for a delicious lunch!
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Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit
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Tax season is here, and the April 15 deadline is swiftly approaching. Don’t forget we have a NEW Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit you may be eligible for this year.
If you qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, you automatically qualify to save an additional 10% break on your state taxes. That's money you can spend on groceries, childcare, or any other expense.
You could earn up to $805 in a tax credit. You can use this online calculator to estimate your credit.
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Paul Miller’s Law Going into Effect
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On June 5, law enforcement will start pulling over drivers using hand-held mobile devices while operating a vehicle – even if you’re paused in traffic or stopped at a red light. Paul Miller’s Law protects us all from distracted driving – put down the phone and keep your eyes on the road!
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Young Ambassadors of Pennsylvania - Keep PA Beautiful
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The Young Ambassadors of Pennsylvania (YAP) Program seeks to build community stewards and civic leaders by inspiring, engaging, and empowering young Pennsylvanians to become ambassadors of our shared vision of a clean and beautiful Pennsylvania. From September through May, the program will engage students in 10th through 12th grades from diverse socio-economic, racial, and ethnic backgrounds. Every Ambassador will receive Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful merchandise and cleanup supplies as part of the program.
View the Year in Review for the Young Ambassadors Class of 2025 (.pdf). See what you can be a part of in 2026 - 2027!
Preview the 26-27 application (pdf). This is a preview only, and all applications must be submitted through the online form. Download the 26-27 program flyer (.pdf).
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Community Events & Announcements
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Stay Well, Build Your Skills Youth Group
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A new online mental health group for students grades 8-12.
The first half of these 90-minute sessions will consist of an open support group. The second half will feature a presentation/discussion with a mental health professional or peer about a specific mental health skill. This group will meet on Zoom every other week on Thursday nights through May 28. The next session will be Thursday, April 9th at 7pm.
Registration link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf8w8cVLHIw-r7EyFOC-SZ9JNbUEbExy9ESpcEeoz4mxe5xGA/viewform
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Mental Health Summit for Youth
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Join us April 26th at 1pm at St. James Church in Havertown for this FREE Summit for HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH including:
- A panel in which teenagers and young adults will speak about mental health struggles and coping skills
- Creative, fun activities
- Resources for students
- Chair Yoga
- Raffle
- ...and more!
Registration greatly preferred. Register here: https://forms.gle/WhMpeB4cm6SW7Ywg9 or use the QR code on the attached flyer.
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Parent/Caregiver Session on Youth Mental Health
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Parents can learn more about recent trends, signs and symptoms, treatment options and will have the opportunity to ask mental health providers questions. This program is also FREE.
Registration required. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/CaregiverSession26 or use the QR code on the attached flyer.
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
28-B East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 772-2005
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District Office
24 S. Newtown Street Rd., Suite 100
Newtown Square, PA 19073
(484) 427-2884
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