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Dear Neighbor,
Happy spring in April! I hope you’ve made it outside to enjoy the beautiful foliage and the sunshine. Pennsylvania is beautiful year-round, but the fuchsia and ivory blooms on our cherry, dogwood, pear, and magnolia trees burst into life in spring like no other season.
I’m also happy to report some very good state news this week: PECO Energy has withdrawn its bid to raise rates on residential customers and small businesses across Pennsylvania. Thanks to your voices, we pushed back and sent a message to utility companies: find another way before you raise rates on your customers.
The withdrawal, announced by Gov. Josh Shapiro yesterday, will save 1.7 million ratepayers a total of $510 million on their utility bills. PECO’s requested hike would have increased household bills by up to $34 a month.
Pennsylvanians are already working multiple jobs, foregoing care and struggling to pay for basics like groceries … and utilities.
Furthermore, I’m pleased to report that the House this week passed meaningful legislation to safeguard local communities dealing with data center development.
In confronting these large, energy-intensive data centers and their impact on our communities, protecting the constitutional right to our Commonwealth’s natural resources and using our voices against unchecked development will always come first.
In other legislative news, I’m proud to announce that House also passed my bill to strengthen mental health awareness for students and provide critical training for coaches and staff at schools across the Commonwealth!
House Bill 1706 would require coaches to receive mental health awareness training, similar to the training required of other school personnel. The bill would also ensure that all students, their parents or guardians, athletic staff, and extracurricular advisors are informed about the availability of mental health services within their school and local community.
According to reports, nearly 20% of students have seriously considered suicide, while 75% report struggling with anxiety. Furthermore, while a significant number of students express a need for professional mental health support, roughly 65% say that they are uncomfortable speaking to family or friends about their struggles, often turning to coaches and extracurricular advisors for support.
Meanwhile, a study surveying more than 10,000 coaches found that only 18% of youth coaches feel highly confident in their ability to link athletes to mental health resources, and 67% say they want more training and information on the subject.
For many students, school isn't just about classes, it’s where they grow, socialize, and find their sense of belonging. The dedicated individuals who shape lives are not successful simply by teaching lessons or leading practice, but by being present, involved, and supportive.
In Solidarity, |
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State Rep. Mary Jo Daley 148th Legislative District |
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In This Update:
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News & Upcoming Events |
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Ardmore Station Opens |
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Thank you to SEPTA for having me at the official opening of our Ardmore Station this month and thank you for the years of rides from this lifelong commuter!
As a crucial junction served by both SEPTA’s Paoli-Thorndale Line and Amtrak’s Keystone Service, Ardmore Station is more than just a train stop—it is an economic driver for our town. It connects us to Philadelphia and Harrisburg, and it brings visitors right into the heart of our local business district.
As a lifelong rider here, I thank everyone who help accomplish this project. The community will benefit for decades to come.
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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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May 7th - Satellite office hours in Whitemarsh |
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Join us on the first Thursdays (William Jeans Memorial Library) and third Wednesdays (Whitemarsh Township Building) per 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 for PennDOT, and access many other state-level services.
NEW SATELLITE HOURS! First Thursdays 12:30 – 2:30 @ William Jeanes Memorial Library Thursday, May 7th, 2026 @ 12:30pm to 2:30pm 4051 Joshua Road |
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May 12th – Know Your Renters Rights |
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I hope to see you at my Know Your Rights as a Renter in Pennsylvania. The theme is Empowering Voices, Ensuring Rights: Building a Stronger Community for Residents.
The event is free, and I highly encourage you to attend if you have any questions about state law and housing. I'll be joined by experts from the Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania, as well. Register at the QR code or at https://tinyurl.com/RenterInPA.
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May 13th – Meet the Rep |
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Wednesday, May 13th, 2026 @ 4pm to 5pm at Narberth Borough Hall – 100 Conway Ave, Narberth, PA 19072
Come talk with me during a legislative and state programs update.
RSVP REQUIRED: Email: RepMaryJoDaley@pahouse.net Phone: (610) 832-1679 I hope to see you there! |
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Important Election Deadlines |
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Pennsylvania’s primary Election is coming up next month and I would like to remind you of the important dates you need to know to ensure your vote is counted.
Get registered, check your status and update your voting information by visiting www.vote.pa.gov! |
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Sexual Assault Awareness Month |
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Paint Norristown Teal helps provide advocacy and counseling for all who have been affected by sexual violence and other crimes against the person and to promote prevention and awareness in the community through education.
Learn more about this event and Victim Services Center of Montgomery County here. |
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Montgomery Child Advocacy Project |
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On April 2, workers at the Montgomery Child Advocacy Project and I stood on the steps of the Montgomery County Capitol Building and spoke on the importance of age-appropriate, evidence-based education on the awareness and prevention of child abuse, including sexual abuse and exploitation. The House passed my H.B. 460 in February. If passed in the Senate and signed by the governor, the bill would require school districts to adopt age-appropriate curricula on child abuse.
UPCOMING MCAP EVENTS:
Saturday May 2nd, 2026, Heros on the Run - 5k/1-Mile Fun Walk: Come spend a morning at the historic Norristown Farm Park followed by family-friendly fun with face painting, breakfast, giveaways, music and more! All proceeds will benefit MCAP's ongoing mission to give vulnerable children a voice as they heal from the devastating effects of abuse and neglect. Check-in @ 7am | Start @ 9am Norristown Farm Park - 2500 Upper Farm Road Norristown, PA 19403 (Whitehall Road Entrance)
Wednesday June 3rd, 2026, Wild About MCAP – Family Night at the Zoo : Enjoy an exclusive after-hours evening at the Elmwood Park Zoo, open only to MCAP guests. The night will feature animal encounters, a picnic dinner, ice cream, giraffe feeding, playground access, face painting, carousel rides, and more! All proceeds support MCAP’s mission to give vulnerable children a voice as they heal from abuse and neglect. 5:30pm to 7:30pm Elmwood Park Zoo 1661 Harding Blvd Norristown, PA 19401 |
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Veterans Luncheon |
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Thank you, Veterans, for showing up!
I would like to thank all the veterans who I’ve had the honor to host over the last 14 years, and during my final Veterans Luncheon Tribute last month.
It has been a true honor to host this amazing group of humble heroes from Narberth, Whitemarsh, and Lower Merion Township. You have taught me about service, sacrifice, and patriotism like no other group I’ve met during my time as a state representative. I look forward to staying in touch with you all in the future. |
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You know who you are: thank you, on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and your hometowns, for your service.
Thank you, as well, to everyone who has helped celebrate by speaking over the years. This year, state Rep. Joe Webster, retired USAF Colonel, gave a brilliant speech on duty and protection. |
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Thanks to Spring Mill Ballroom and sponsors Aqua and Main Line Health, too, and for lunch by Hymie's, and to our vendors!
Thanks also to Pastor Jonathan Suloff for the blessing and finally: Valley Forge Military Academy & College’s color guard for their always sharp drill and ceremony each year! You leave me with faith in our country’s future! |
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Reopening of the PALM Center |
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The newly renovated PALM Senior Center in Ardmore reopened on March 27. Due to the hard work of several PALM board members, Lower Merion Township officials, and state representatives, the PALM Center now has brand-new facilities to foster wellness, learning, and cultural engagement. |
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Tourism & America250 |
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With America’s big 250th anniversary on the horizon, Mary Jo Daley and her colleagues met with Valley Forge Tourism & Convention board to discuss this year’s festivities. |
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Upcoming Events for Our Community |
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April 18th – International Spring Festival |
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Saturday, April 18th, 2026 @ 10am – 5pm North Penn High School: 1340 S Valley Forge Road, Lansdale, PA |
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May 2nd – NarbEarth Day 2026 |
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Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 @ 12pm – 4pm North Penn High School: 1340 S Valley Forge Road, Lansdale, PA |
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Available Programs |
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Fishing Licenses, Permits, Gift Vouchers Now Available |
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Never miss an opportunity for outdoor adventure when you purchase your 2026 Pennsylvania fishing license, launch permit, or gift vouchers – available now!
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission reminds anglers and boaters that beginning December 1, 2025, licenses, permits, and vouchers for the upcoming 2026 season can be purchased easily at HuntFish.pa.gov or by visiting one of nearly 700 retail license issuing agents. 2026 licenses, permits, and vouchers purchased now are valid immediately for up to 13 months, from December 1, 2025, through December 31, 2026. |
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LIHEAP Still Open |
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The 2025-2026 LIHEAP home heating help season is now open through May 8, 2026!
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps families living on low incomes pay their heating bills in the form of a cash grant. Households in immediate danger of losing heat can also qualify for crisis grants. The cash grant is a one-time payment sent directly to the utility company or fuel provider to be credited to the customer’s 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.
*Our office can print out these applications and send them to the Department of Human Services for our constituents. |
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2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Application Open |
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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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Available Grants |
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It is important that the 148th Legislative District receives the funding support it needs for public and nonprofit services year-round. Below are a few grants available with upcoming application deadlines.
Please feel free to share this information with any entity, organization, or local group you know that may be interested in applying. Our office can help you with this process and with connecting to other government agencies.
Pennsylvania eGrants Online Portal
Commonwealth Financing Authority: Business in Our Sites Who May Apply: Municipalities, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development authorities, private developers (construction loans only) Use: The acquisition and development of key sites for future use by businesses, private developers, and others Application Deadline: June 30, 2026 More information: CFA Website
Department of Community and Economic Development: Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP)
Who May Apply: Nonprofit organizations Use: The goals of the Programs are to promote community participation and collaborations among the residents, nonprofits and businesses while producing outcomes by assisting a distressed area or the low-income population in a neighborhood. Eligible neighborhood nonprofits apply for tax credits based on pending contributions from for-profit companies. Application Deadline: May 29, 2026 More information: DCED Website
Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Juvenile Defender Training Initiative Who May Apply: Any organization that can demonstrate the ability to provide training and technical assistance statewide to juvenile defenders in Pennsylvania Use: To provide systematic and comprehensive training for juvenile defenders that includes tools, strategies, mutual support, and best practices in the leadership, management, and administration of justice Application Deadline: April 15, 2026 More information: PCCD Website
Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Justice Reinvestment Initiative 2 (JRI-2) Grant Who May Apply: Pennsylvania counties providing adult probation and parole services Use: The implementation of promising, innovative, and evidence-based practices and programs and align with PCCD’s Operating Standards for Adult Probation and Parole Departments in Pennsylvania Application Deadline: May 7, 2026 More information: PCCD Website
Department of Agriculture: Very Small Meat and Poultry Processor Reimbursement Grant Who May Apply: A person operating under a grant of inspection that meets the definition of “very small establishments'' in 9 CFR 381.65(g)(1)(i) (relating to operations and procedures, generally) Use: To cover costs associated with opening a new processing operation or the expansion of a current operation. The grants can also be used to cover the costs of getting a USDA Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) inspection Application Deadline: May 8, 2026 More information: PDA Website
Department of Transportation: Automated Red Light Enforcement (ARLE) Transportation Enhancement Grants Program Who May Apply: Local governments, planning organizations, or commonwealth agencies. Use: Grant funding through the ARLE Funding Program may be utilized for a range of safety and mobility projects located in Pennsylvania. Application Deadline: Preapplication scoping forms are required. Feedback on pre-application submission forms submitted by April 30, 2026, will be provided by May 29, 2026. Applications will be accepted from June 1, 2026, to June 30, 2026. More information: PennDOT Website
Department of Agriculture: Fresh Food Financing Initiative Who May Apply: Entities primarily engaged (70% or more of revenue) in the sale of fresh, staple and perishable food to consumers. Use: To improve access to fresh food, strengthen market opportunities for Pennsylvania producers, promote economic development, or encourage innovation. Application Deadline: May 20, 2026 More information: PDA Website
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 Environmental Protection: Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebate Program Who May Apply: Pennsylvania residents whose total household income is below 400 percent of the Federal Income Poverty Level. Use: This program provides a rebate to Pennsylvanians who purchase or lease alternative fuel vehicles. Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted and evaluated on a first-come, first-served basis as long as funds remain available. Please note applications must be received within six months of the date of the vehicle purchase. More information: DEP Website
Department of Environmental Protection: WIIN 2107: Voluntary School and Childcare Lead testing and Reduction Grant Who May Apply: Childcare facilities and schools located in Pennsylvania with lead in drinking water sample results within 36 months of the application date showing water fixtures exceeding the remediation trigger level of 5 ppb (parts per billion). Use: Reduction activities may include purchasing and installing hydration stations, point-of-use devices designed to remove lead or replacement of faucets. The primary goal of this grant program is to reduce children's exposure to lead in drinking water. Application Deadline: Applicants are strongly encouraged to schedule a pre-application meeting to discuss their lead reduction plans to ensure they meet applicable program criteria. Meetings can be scheduled by emailing RA-EPWIINLEAD@pa.gov. More information: DEP Website
Department of Agriculture: Farm Vitality Planning Grant Program Who May Apply: Farmers, prospective farmers, and others Use: Create or obtain business plans, management strategies, transition plans, ownership plans, or plans to maintain the long-term economic viability of a farm. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted until funds are exhausted. More information: PDA 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
Commonwealth Financing Authority: Solar for Schools Program Who May Apply: A school district, intermediate unit, area career and technical school, charter school, cyber charter school, regional charter school, a chartered school for the education of the deaf or blind, a community college, the Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, the Pennsylvania College of Technology. Use: Purchase and installation of equipment for a solar energy project, energy storage costs related to the storage of electricity, engineering, design, and inspection costs, site preparation for ground mounted systems, or any other cost associated with a solar energy project. Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until funds are depleted. More information: DCED Website
Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency: Home Investment Partnership Program - ARP Who May Apply: Developers Use: The HOME-ARP Program offers zero percent (0%) interest, deferred payment loans that can be used to support the development, rehabilitation, and preservation of rental housing for applicable qualifying populations and low-income households. Application Deadline: April 1, 2026 More information: PHFA Website
Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Violence & Delinquency Prevention Programs Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to local units of government (counties, municipalities), nonprofit organizations, private providers offering services to system-involved youth, and institutions of higher education. Use: To strengthen community-based strategies that prevent youth violence, delinquency, and other problem behaviors, expand diversion and deflection opportunities, and support successful reentry in accordance with Balanced and Restorative Justice guiding principles. Application Deadline: April 6, 2026 More information: PCCD Website
Department of Agriculture: Agricultural Product Promotion, Education and Export Promotion Matching Grant Program Who May Apply: Nonprofit organizations that can demonstrate engagement in market research, product development or promotion of agricultural products grown, raised or produced in the Commonwealth Use: To provide matching funds to nonprofit organizations engaged in market research, development or promotion of agricultural products Application Deadline: April 10, 2026 More information: PDA 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. Application Deadline: April 18, 2026 More information: PDA 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. Application Deadline: April 30, 2026 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 Application Deadline: April 30, 2026 More information: PennDOT Website
Department of Environmental Protection: Recycling Program Development and Implementation Grant Program Who May Apply: Municipalities Use: To develop and implement recycling programs Application Deadline: May 22, 2026 More information: DEP Website
Commonwealth Financing Authority: Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Councils of Governments, Authorized Organizations, Institutions of Higher Education, Watershed Organizations, for profit businesses. Use: Planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects. Application Deadline: May 31, 2026 More information: CFA Website
Commonwealth Financing Authority: Baseline Water Quality Data Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Councils of Governments, Authorized Organizations, Institutions of Higher Education, Watershed Organizations, for profit businesses. Use: Eligible projects are those that will use accepted scientific principles and practices for water sample collection and analysis to document existing groundwater quality conditions on private water supplies. Application Deadline: May 31, 2026 More information: CFA Website
Commonwealth Financing Authority: Flood Mitigation Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Councils of Governments, Authorized Organizations, Institutions of Higher Education, Watershed Organizations, for profit businesses. Use: Eligible projects are to assist with flood mitigation. Application Deadline: May 31, 2026 More information: CFA Website
Commonwealth Financing Authority: Orphan or Abandoned Well Plugging Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Councils of Governments, Authorized Organizations, Institutions of Higher Education, Watershed Organizations, for profit businesses. Use: Cleaning out and plugging of abandoned and orphan oil and gas wells, stray gas mitigation systems, and well venting projects. Application Deadline: May 31, 2026 More information: CFA Website
Commonwealth Financing Authority: Sewage Facilities Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Councils of Governments, Authorized Organizations, Institutions of Higher Education, Watershed Organizations, for profit businesses. Use: Costs associated with the planning work required under the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act. Application Deadline: May 31, 2026 More information: CFA Website
Department of Transportation: National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Funding Round 1 (Southeastern Region) Who May Apply: Contractors installing a publicly available community charger Use: To plan, design, construct, operate, and maintain charging stations across Pennsylvania. Subsequent rounds for other regions will be announced at later dates. Application Deadline: August 21, 2026 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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