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Dear Neighbor,
Thank you for reading my March newsletter. I would first like to recognize our district’s—and all of Pennsylvania’s—active-duty and National Guard servicemembers and their families for their sacrifices during the extended deadly conflict in the Middle East.
Servicemembers have been killed in action, and innocent lives are being lost around the globe. As we help our country and others move toward the goal of peace, let’s never forget that our U.S. troops are second to none and we fully support them as they take and carry out orders in this fight.
A war by any other name is still a war. Congress is the only entity that can declare one, and what is taking place is a deadly war, nonetheless. Today, supporting our troops also means that our job at home is demanding accountability from the civilian military decision-makers in Washington, especially when American lives are on the line.
In just over two weeks, on March 31, I will host my final Veterans Tribute Lunch, where all veterans from the 148th Legislative District are welcome to eat and connect with fellow vets and service providers. |
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VETERANS TRIBUTE LUNCH MARCH 31ST Spring Mill Ballroom: |
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Our community is grateful for your service, and as your state representative, I value your perspective on matters concerning our current military servicemembers, the VA services being provided in Pennsylvania, and anything else you would like to discuss.
An RSVP is required at repmaryjodaley@pahouse.net or by calling 610-832-1679. I look forward to seeing you there! |
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Data Centers in Focus in PA
Many people are now tuned in to the issues surrounding energy-intensive data centers and their potential growth across Southeast Pennsylvania, and I want you to know that we—you and your elected lawmakers—actually have a lot of say in how they will conduct business here in Montgomery County, Southeast PA, and across our commonwealth.
For starters, we know that these high-electric-demand tech entries into our power grid shouldn’t mean higher bills for residential ratepayers when the grid must be improved. Data centers also use a lot of water and could dot our neighborhoods and open spaces for miles.
For those reasons and more, the debate has made its way into the Capitol, where we are hearing and weighing different bills that aim to balance responsible development with innovation. Some people are excited to usher in new jobs and hires from the industry, while others worry more about the cost in natural resources or how our zoning laws must be updated to contend with multibillion-dollar corporate development.
The truth is all of them are right. My colleagues make salient points, and that is why the House Energy Committee has already moved several bills on this issue, with more expected.
If you have perspective you’d like to share with me over data centers, including over zoning for them, please reach out to me at RepDaley@pahouse.net. In the meantime, I will report back with continued legislative updates over the issue. |
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Sincerely, |
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State Rep. Mary Jo Daley 148th Legislative District |
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In This Update:
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Upcoming Events |
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March 31st – Free Veterans Tribute Lunch |
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To all veterans and their family and friends, please join me for a free Veterans Tribute Lunch in the Spring Mill Ballroom. Lunch will be served, and guests can learn about services for veterans from our many vendors attending. An RSVP is required. Please register by reaching out to repmaryjodaley@pahouse.net or 610-832-1679.
Tuesday, March 31, 2026 @ 12pm to 2pm at the Spring Mill Ballroom,1210 E Hector St, Conshohocken, PA 19428 |
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May 2nd – Free Shredding Event |
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Join my office staff and me for our popular FREE shredding event! Bring up to three boxes or bags per household of your unwanted documents and other paper scraps, and we’ll shred them for FREE until the shredding truck is full. All shredded paper will be recycled.
Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 @ 11am to 1pm at the Black Rock Middle School Parking Lot, 1860 Montgomery Ave, Villanova, PA 19085 |
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March 18th - Satellite Office Hours in Whitemarsh |
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Visit the Whitemarsh Township Building every third Wednesday of the month to meet with my district staff to get your photo taken for a Senior SEPTA Pass, complete a Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program application, discuss a Pennsylvania Department of State issue, submit an application to PennDOT, or handle many other state government services.
Wednesday, March 18, 2026 @ 10am to 12pm at my satellite office, 616 Germantown Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444
We hope to see you there! |
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Starting in March: Free Virtual Support Group for Adult Survivors of Sexual Assault |
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Women’s History Month |
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From the bottom of my heart and as co-chair of the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus, thank you to all of the women with whom I serve in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives! We have our choice words for being a woman in the Capitol and in Pennsylvania, and I was happy to hear them listed off this month! |
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As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor the trailblazing women who have shaped the political landscape of the Keystone State. From the halls of the General Assembly to the highest courts and executive offices, these leaders have broken barriers, championed critical legislation, and paved the way for future generations of public servants. |
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Famous Women in PA Politics |
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Marion Margery Scranton (1884–1960) was a suffragette at the age of 16. In 1923, she organized the Pennsylvania Council of Republican Women, making it one of the nation’s first women’s political organizations. In her time, Scranton established the Mothers’ Assistance Fund, served as vice-chair of the Executive Committee of the RNC, and was the only woman on the Pennsylvania State Council of Defense during WWII.
Joanna McClinton (1982- ) became the first woman and first Black American to serve as Democratic Caucus Chair in 2018. In February 2023, McClinton was elected Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, the first woman to be elected to the position. During McClinton’s tenure she oversaw the passing of gun safety legislation, women’s health care expansions, and the K. Leroy Irvis Voting Rights Act [HB 2090].
Nellie Bly (1864-1922) investigated the Women’s Lunatic Asylum on Blackwell’s Island by going undercover as a patient. She was held captive for 10 days despite pleading sanity. After release, she wrote a report and book, Ten Days in a Mad-House, detailing the abuse in women’s mental health facilities. Her bravery caused an international uproar and led to several reforms in mental health care and the policy that governs it. |
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Gov. Shapiro’s Advisory Commission on Women |
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The Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women is gathering input from women across PA via a new digital survey as part of the Shapiro Administration's forthcoming State of the Woman Report, a comprehensive, data-driven effort to assess the status of women across Pennsylvania.
The report will build on PA’s inaugural 1966 Report on the Status of Women and the most recent report from 2004, examining the progress women have made over the last 60 years and identifying the gaps that still exist. The report will combine historical analysis, current data, and firsthand experiences from women in rural, suburban, and urban communities to provide a comprehensive picture of the current status of women.
Women: Click here to take the survey. (Open through May 30)
In addition to the digital survey, the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women will launch a statewide listening tour in the coming weeks to further engage with the women of Pennsylvania.
You can register for one of the regional listening sessions.
You can also view the whole list here. |
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Speaking With Lower Merion High School Students |
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I had the pleasure and privilege of visiting Lower Merion High School to discuss what being a state representative in Pennsylvania is like. I stressed the importance of government programs and services as well as civic interaction with the students, to whom I wish all the best in their studies! They will go far! |
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Bringing Awareness to Underage Gambling |
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With the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship upon us—one of the most significant wagering events in the United States—the PA Gaming Control Board is encouraging younger Pennsylvanians to keep the madness of March on the court, not in their wallets.
The PGCB’s “What’s Really at Stake” campaign aims to raise awareness about young people who can be negatively affected by gambling. According to an NCAA study, 58% of 18- to 22-year-olds engage in sports betting, with 6% reporting losing over $500 in a single day. Greater availability of online gambling has resulted in an increase in youth gambling across the board, so we need to have open discussions about the risks and potential harms.
The What’s Really at Stake website includes a risk check quiz for youth, and resources for parents, siblings and friends. More information can be found on the campaign on the website, or at ResponsiblePlay.pa.gov. As always, if you are of legal gambling age, do it responsibly. |
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Upcoming Events for Our Community |
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March 14th – Conshohocken St. Patrick’s Day Parade |
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Saturday, March 14th, 2026 @ 2pm Beginning at 11th & Fayette St., Conshohocken |
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March 28th – Inclusive Post-High School Resource Fair |
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Saturday, March 28th, 2026 @ 1pm – 4pm Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Hall A: 100 Station Ave., Oaks, PA |
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Available Programs |
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Fast File your PA taxes
The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue has launched a free pilot program offering eligible Pennsylvanians a simplified way to file their PA Personal Income Tax Return (PA-40) this tax season.
The Fast File initiative is for Pennsylvania taxpayers who have a straightforward state tax return and meet other specific criteria.
The Department of Revenue has identified nearly 100,000 Pennsylvanians who may qualify to use Fast File ahead of the April 15 deadline for filing taxes. Eligible taxpayers will also receive letters in the mail encouraging them to use the Fast File option through myPATH.
2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate application open
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program supports homeowners and renters across Pennsylvania. This program provides a rebate ranging from $380 to $1,000 to eligible older adults and people with disabilities age 18 and older.
Click here to learn whether you qualify, how much you would receive and to apply online.
The program is scheduled to end on June 30. Reach out to my office if you have questions. |
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LIHEAP is open
The 2025-26 LIHEAP season is open through April 10.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps families with low income pay their heating bills in the form of a cash grant. Households in immediate danger of being without heat can also qualify for crisis grants.
The cash grant is a one-time payment sent directly to the utility company/fuel provider to be credited on your bill. These grants range from $200 to $1,000 based on household size, income, and fuel type.
Apply online using COMPASS or by downloading and filling out a paper application and returning it either in-person or via mail to the Montgomery County Assistance Office at 1931 New Hope Street, Norristown, PA 19401-3191. If you need assistance filling out the application, call the LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095.
My office can print out these applications and send them to the Department of Human Services for constituents. Contact my office if you need help applying. |
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Available Grants |
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It is important that the 148th Legislative District receives the funding support it needs for public and non-profit services year-round. Below are a few grants available with application deadlines in March and April.
Please feel free to share this information with an entity, organization, or local group you know that may be interested in applying. My office can help you in this process and connecting with other government agencies.
Pennsylvania eGrants Online Portal
Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES: Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: DCED Website
Department of Community and Economic Development: Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant: Who May Apply: Technical and trade schools, school districts, post-secondary academic institutions, workforce investment boards, economic development organizations, and non-profit organizations. For-profit entities are not eligible. Use: Projects must focus on the development and deployment of workforce training programs for individuals with barriers to employment, engage youth or those with barriers in awareness building activities of manufacturing career opportunities, and advance capacity for local or regional manufacturers to meet the needs of local and regional manufacturers that cannot be met through existing programs such as WEDnet and Industry Partnerships. Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted and evaluated on an ongoing basis as long as funds remain available. More information: DCED Website
Department of Community and Economic Development: Pennsylvania First: Who May Apply: Businesses, Municipalities, Municipal Authorities, Redevelopment Authorities, Industrial Development Authorities or Corporations, Local Development Districts. Use: Machinery/equipment; Job training; Infrastructure; Land and building improvements; Environmental assessment/remediation; Acquisition of land, buildings, rights-of-way; Working capital; Site preparation. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. More information: DCED Website
Department of Environmental Protection: Small Business Advantage Grant Who May Apply: Pennsylvania-based small businesses. Use: Adopt processes or acquire equipment which results in energy efficiency, pollution prevention, and natural resource protection. Funds: Funding can range from 50% or $7,500 (whichever is less) up to 80% or $12,000 (whichever is less) and will vary depending on environmental impact and project location. A total of $1 million is available in this round of funding. Application Deadline: March 13, 2026, or whenever funds are exhausted. More information: DEP website
Liquor Control Board: Alcohol Education Grant Who May Apply: Eligible grant applicants include Pennsylvania school districts and institutions of higher education (including technical, trade, and post-secondary establishments), community organizations, municipal police departments, municipal officials/representatives, and nonprofit and for-profit organizations Use: The PLCB is now accepting applications for grants to fund programs that discourage and reduce underage and dangerous drinking and promote a message of responsible alcohol consumption by those of legal drinking age. Application Deadline: March 20, 2026, or whenever funds are exhausted. More information: PLCB website
Department of Agriculture: Pennsylvania Agriculture Innovation Grant Program Who May Apply: A person who grows an agricultural commodity and who has anticipated sales greater than $2,000 per year, a person who processes an agricultural commodity and has anticipated sales greater than $10,000 per year, a person who provides technical assistance or services to farmers for conservation, engineering, veterinary care, animal disease management, farm management, agricultural commodity production, nutrient management or similar services, or a person or cooperative association that utilizes agricultural commodities to create products or energy. Use: To help farmers and other agriculture businesses implement new agricultural technologies, conservation, and renewable energy innovations. Funds: The program received $10 million in funding through the 2025/26 budget. Application Deadline: April 18, 2026, or whenever funds are exhausted. More information: DOA website
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) Who May Apply: County or Municipal Government, Higher Educational Institution, Other Educational Institution, Non-profit with 501(c)3 IRS Status and Non-profit with PA Bureau of Charitable Organizations Status. Use: Park rehabilitation and development, recreation and conservation planning, land acquisition and conservation, trail projects, river conservation and development, and community and watershed forestry. Funds: The total grant awards vary based on state and federal funding sources, with the program awarding approximately $50 million for projects each year. Individual grant amounts also vary, with typical awards ranging from $50,000 - $500,000. Application Deadline: April 30, 2026, or whenever funds are exhausted. More information: DCNR website
PennDOT: Automated School Bus Enforcement Grant Program Who May Apply: School entities, independent school bus contractors, and municipal governments. Use: To cover costs associated with the issuance of CDL licenses to operate school buses within the Commonwealth or to increase school bus safety, education, and training. Funds: The total amount of funding available is $1.2 million. Grants can be awarded up to $100,000 per applicant. Application Deadline: April 30, 2026, or whenever funds are exhausted. More information: PennDOT website |
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Pennsylvania State Capitol 225 Irvis Office Building Harrisburg, PA 17120 (717) 787-9475 |
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District Office 312 Old Lancaster Rd. (610) 832-1679 |
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