PA Representative Joe Ciresi banner image

Dear Neighbor,

This week’s email is a bit longer than usual, but most of it is good news, including nearly $1.9 million in state funding for public safety and infrastructure projects in the 146^th District.

These state grants are smart investments in both public safety and our infrastructure. Residents will feel safer walking the streets or traveling around Pottstown and Royersford thanks to new security improvements. First responders will reach people in distress more quickly with the addition of two ambulances and a firetruck. The water our residents use to drink and cook with will be safer thanks to upgraded service lines. And our community will have a refreshed space to connect and gather in a renovated community center.

As a long-time advocate for resuming commuter rail service from Philadelphia to Reading, I am especially thrilled that this funding will allow the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority to begin preliminary engineering & design, and environmental documentation. Our community will see significant benefits from this project, including greater access to jobs, higher property values, and stronger local businesses.

Learn more here: Ciresi brings back $1.9 million for area public safety and infrastructure projects

Over $67,000 for community projects in Pottstown

Also this week, $67,050 in funding through the Neighborhood Assistance Program to support educational initiatives for at-risk students and public safety improvements in Pottstown.

Learn more here:Ciresi announces over $67,000 for community projects in Pottstown

Upcoming Holiday District Office Hours

Legislative Update

Cleaning Up PA!

Litter remains a huge problem along Route 422 and elsewhere.

This week, the Pennsylvania House Environmental & Natural Resources Committee unanimously approved a resolution I prime sponsored. It directs the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study and issue recommendations on litter law enforcement in Pennsylvania.

Learn more here: Ciresi’s House resolution on litter enforcement in PA unanimously referred out of committee

Speaking out against the Trump Executive order overriding state laws regulating the AI industry

States like Pennsylvania have stepped up to pass laws to protect residents from bad actors misusing the technology in the absence of comprehensive federal AI policy and the inability of Congress to pass laws safeguarding Americans from harmful use of the technology. Pennsylvania’s state legislature has a better understanding of how this rapidly evolving technology is impacting Pennsylvanians and has a demonstrated ability to more quickly pass sound legislation that protects residents from being targets of AI’s misuse.

Unlike Trump, I don’t believe that this is an either/or choice between safety and innovation. What I do believe is that it is our job as legislators first and foremost to safeguard our constituents from harm.

As majority chair of the House Communications & Technology Committee, I have guided the committee to be informed about the benefits and dangers of this nascent technology so we can establish legal guardrails to protect people while at the same time enabling technological innovation.

Learn more: Ciresi announces opposition to Trump executive order neutering state laws regulating AI industry

House Communications & Technology Committee holds hearing on bill to establish guardrails for AI use in health care

The Pennsylvania House Communications & Technology Committee, which I chair, considered legislation (H.B. 1925) that would establish guardrails for the use of AI in the health care industry.

House Bill 1925 would create necessary guidelines for the use of AI by health care providers to ensure there is transparency that keeps patients informed, and that important decisions about their health are always made by a qualified, licensed, and human medical professional -- not AI algorithms.

State legislatures have a responsibility to protect patients from the risks that come with the unregulated use of AI, making sure that this technology is responsibly implemented the right way.

Learn more: House Communications & Technology Committee holds hearing on bill to establish guardrails for AI use in health care

Delivering for You in Harrisburg

This week, my House colleagues and I passed important bills that will help our neighbors and improve our communities:

We’re protecting your privacy by establishing privacy and security requirements for direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies to protect consumer genetic data from misuse, unauthorized access, and discriminatory practices (HB 1530).

We’re protecting workers by requiring employers to adopt written policies and procedures to prevent workplace harassment, discrimination and retaliation (HB 1825).

We’re preventing human trafficking by requiring hotels, motels and third-party listing platforms to provide training to each employee and rental operator regarding what human trafficking is, how to identify the signs of trafficking, and how to respond if suspected trafficking is taking place (HB 1286).

We’re establishing a statewide literacy program to provide free books to Pennsylvania children ages 5 and under (HB 1663).

We’re providing opportunities for fresh food in schools by establishing the Keystone Fresh grant program so schools can purchase local and minimally processed food for school meals (HB 1768).

We’re ensuring access to healthcare by allowing pharmacists to provide vaccines based on recommendations from Pennsylvania health authorities, which may draw from guidance issued by professional medical societies (HB 1881) and by letting midwives directly refer patients to physical therapy, reducing delays in care (HB 1251).

We also finalized legislation that now moves to Gov. Shapiro’s desk to be signed into law:

We’re protecting workers by making it easier for domestic violence survivors to receive unemployment compensation benefits if they are forced to quit working in situations where continued employment would jeopardize their safety (HB 274).

We’re reducing the required seven-day notification to a 24-hour notification for use of an off-premises catering permit for an end-of-life memorial event (HB 467).

We’re protecting children and teens from illicit vape products by requiring a public directory managed by the Office of Attorney General that lists all approved and certified electronic cigarette manufacturers and products and requiring manufacturers to submit certification forms that confirm their compliance with federal regulations to the attorney general's office prior to selling e-cigarettes (HB 1425).

Winter Weather is here! Do you need help with your home heating bill?

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) application period for 2025–26 opened this month! Whether you rent or own your home, you could receive a cash grant from $200 to $1,000 based on your household size, income, and fuel type. This is a grant sent directly to your fuel provider and does not have to be repaid.

To find out if you qualify and for help applying, call my office at or stop by my office. We also can help you find out if you qualify for any other state or local programs. You can also apply for LIHEAP online.

Apply NOW for your Property Tax or Rent Rebate—Deadline Dec. 31!

I encourage all eligible older Pennsylvanians and adults 18 or older with disabilities to apply by the deadline, Dec. 31, for the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program — an important source of relief for property taxes or rent paid last year. With this year’s income‑eligibility ceiling raised to $46,520, more households may qualify.

State Grant Program Funding Available

The latest grant opportunities from the state are located on my website! My office is happy to connect you with government funding opportunities like these, so please reach out if you have any questions or need a letter of support.