Dear Neighbor,

 

It looks like much of the country is gearing up for a major winter storm, and central Chester County is right in the path of it. With so many of us preparing to hunker down, this is a good moment to take stock of what you might need for a few days at home. 

 

Weather models are predicting a significant amount of snowfall in our area beginning Saturday evening and continuing through Monday. With the likelihood of unsafe driving conditions throughout the storm, it is important to make preparations now and avoid unnecessary travel once the snow begins to fall. 

 

Early preparation can make a meaningful difference. Charge your devices, check your home and car emergency supplies, and make sure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working properly. Top off fuel for your vehicle and for any heating sources you rely on. If you have weekend plans, especially those involving travel, consider adjusting them before conditions deteriorate. It’s a good idea to follow your municipality’s official social media channels if you can, and be sure to sign up for local emergency notifications at ReadyChesco.org.  

 

Staying informed and prepared will help keep everyone safe as this system moves through our region. 

 

New Grants Awarded 

 

I am proud to announce that nearly $1.4 million in state funding was recently approved for infrastructure projects here in central Chester County.

 

State investments like these help our communities address long-standing infrastructure needs and keep pace with growth while alleviating some of the burden on local taxpayers.  

 

My team and I enjoy working with our local municipalities to identify their needs and funding priorities, and I’m thrilled to have helped bring these resources to our district. These projects will help to improve public safety, address the infrastructure challenges that come with development and population growth, and enhance quality of life for residents across central Chester County. 

 

Funding awarded from the Multimodal Transportation Fund includes: 

• Main Line Hospitals Downingtown Health Center Transportation in Caln Township, $532,167 for roadway, intersection, and pedestrian infrastructure improvements at the site of the proposed Main Line Health Center at Lloyd Avenue and Route 322. 

• Uwchlan Township and Lionville Middle School Whitford Road Pedestrian Crossing Project, $120,569, for pedestrian safety improvements at the intersection of Whitford Road and Lori Circle. 

Funding awarded from the Small Water and Sewer Program includes: 

• Uwchlan Township Municipal Authority, $500,000, for the Eagleview Wastewater Treatment Plant Diversion. 

• Wallace Township Municipal Authority, $275,000, for Sand Filter Replacement. 

Read more here.

 

Honoring Retiring Uwchlan Township Law Enforcement Officials 

 

At the January 12 Uwchlan Township Board of Supervisors meeting, Police Chief Scott G. Alexander and Lieutenant Maureen P. Evans were recognized as they prepare to retire from the Uwchlan Township Police Department at the end of the month.

 

My office was proud to provide citations from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives honoring both Chief Alexander and Lt. Evans for their long service to the community. 

 

Chief Alexander and Lt. Evans have each spent more than two decades serving Uwchlan Township, contributing to the department’s growth, stability, and strong connection with residents. Throughout their careers, they advanced through a range of leadership roles and helped shape a department known for its professionalism and commitment to public safety. 

 

I’m grateful for everything Chief Alexander and Lt. Evans have given to the people of Uwchlan Township. Their dedication made a real difference, and I hope retirement brings them plenty of time to rest, enjoy their families, and do the things they love. 

 

Recognizing the Contributions of EBFC Fire Chief Vince D’Amico 

 

On Wednesday, I had the privilege of presenting a citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to outgoing East Brandywine Fire Chief Vince D’Amico in recognition of his many years of service to our community. 

 

Vince has been a dedicated public servant since the age of 16, when he first joined the Thorndale Fire Company as a volunteer firefighter. He then brought his skills and leadership to East Brandywine Fire Company, where he rose through the ranks and served as Chief from 2017 through 2025. 

 

The ceremony honoring Vince’s service included several meaningful moments. 

 

In a touching tribute to his son, Vince’s father spoke of his son’s journey to becoming a firefighter and ultimately being named chief in 2017. He added that his dedication and commitment to service began as a child, choosing to follow in the footsteps of his uncle who served as chief of the Thorndale Fire Company. 

 

Vince then had the opportunity to pass the torch to his successor, Sergio Ora, presenting him with his official white chief’s helmet to mark the transition in leadership. 

 

Additionally, John Edwards, a prior EBFC Fire Chief who served as company president from 2018 through 2025, was recognized for his years of service to the company and community by incoming president Joe Monestere. 

 

Vince’s colleagues and community members speak often about his reliability, his humility, and his unwavering commitment to service. It was an honor to recognize his contributions and to thank him for the countless hours he has devoted to protecting and serving our residents. 

 

Please join me in expressing our gratitude to Chief D’Amico and John Edwards for their outstanding service to our community. 

 

Anniversary of Roe v. Wade & the Path Forward 

 

This past Thursday marked the 53rd anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the landmark decision that protected the constitutional right to abortion, grounded in the right to individual privacy, for nearly five decades. For generations, Roe ensured that people could make their own health care decisions without political interference. 

 

Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe in 2022, we have seen the consequences across the country: women denied essential and sometimes lifesaving care, families forced to travel long distances for basic medical services, and politicians inserting themselves into deeply personal decisions. The loss of federal protections has put safe, legal reproductive health care at risk for millions. 

 

Here in Pennsylvania, we are working to protect and defend these fundamental rights. In December, the House passed H.B. 1957 with bipartisan support. This is the constitutional amendment I introduced with my colleagues Rep. Liz Hanbidge and Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes. Our legislation would give Pennsylvania voters the choice whether to explicitly enshrine personal reproductive liberty in the Pennsylvania constitution, including the right to choose or refuse contraceptives, abortion, or fertility care, without discrimination based on race, sex, religion, or relationship status. 

 

The amendment now moves to the Senate for the next required step in Pennsylvania’s constitutional amendment process. To ultimately give voters the ability to weigh in, the Senate must advance H.B. 1957 during the 2026 session. This would mark the first of two consecutive approvals required by the General Assembly before the question can appear on a future ballot. The Senate’s action this year will determine whether Pennsylvanians move closer to having their voices heard or whether the process must start over in the 2027–28 legislative session. 

 

As we reflect on this anniversary, the path forward is clear. We must keep abortion safe and legal in Pennsylvania. If you support protecting reproductive freedom and keeping healthcare decisions in the hands of women and their doctors, not politicians, contact your state senator and urge them to bring H.B. 1957 up for a vote.