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Hi Folks,
We hope this May edition of District Deliberations finds you well. Edwin Way Teale once wrote, “The world’s favorite season is spring. All things seem possible in May.” Once again, we prepare for another round of June budget negotiations and hope for the possible, though at times improbable, timely state budget. Last May, we wrote that budget season is always an uncertain time in Harrisburg, but even more so with the pending DOGE cuts and the possible passage of the “Big (but not beautiful) Bill.”
This year, after the passage of this ill-conceived bill, we are facing higher costs for food, gas, housing, and utility bills. We also see even more troubling impacts, as hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians have lost their health care coverage and/or their SNAP benefits. On top of all this is a war that no one asked for but everyone endures. I share these affordability concerns not to be partisan, but to clearly inform you that much of these costs, cuts, and chaos will now have to be addressed by the state. There’s one problem: we don’t have the money.
In truth, we would never have enough state funding to cover all those who lost Medicare and SNAP. Nor do we have the current means to immediately lower gas, housing, and food costs. But we can alleviate suffering and do what we can, when we can, wherever we can.
This will take political cooperation and courage—scarce attributes for some in Harrisburg—but I am hopeful we can rise to the occasion and do what is needed: legislate for additional revenue. In the PA House, we have been ahead of the curve and passed a budget proposal on April 14. It has been with the State Senate ever since. This budget once again offered new sources of revenue, including legalizing cannabis, taxing skill games, closing corporate net income tax loopholes, and raising the minimum wage. (Yes, a higher wage would generate approximately $53.3 million in revenue and save $300 million in Medical Assistance benefits.) All these initiatives have been enacted successfully in many other states, yet Pennsylvania once again lags behind. Why? Because State Senate leadership continues to block these measures that would help bring much-needed revenue to our citizens. Worse yet, they offer no solutions of their own. Having no plan is not a plan, and it is not responsible governing. The inevitable result is drastic cuts and possible income tax increases that no one can afford. Pennsylvanians are fed up with politics driven by delay, distraction, and distortion. And on that note, let’s see what June brings.
This issue of District Deliberations also features my latest legislative highlights, including HR66, which studies invertebrate conservation policies to help protect our multi-million-dollar agricultural industry and environment; HR259, designating “Ukrainian Independence Day” in Pennsylvania; and the passage of HB95 (Notice & Disclosure of AI Content) in the Communications & Technology Committee. Also featured are our Hometown Heroes of the month: the academic team of B. Reed Henderson High School for their first-place finish in the 2026 Pennsylvania State Academic Competition; and National Merit Scholar and student extraordinaire Alexander V. Issac of West Chester East High School. We also highlight the latest on the Vote 16 PA project, Pennsylvania’s new hands-free driving law, and the “America 250 at Goshen” family fun celebration on May 30. And finally, of course, the wise words of wisdom from our official mascot, Penny the Pup.
Folks, as always, we thank you for the opportunity to serve you and look forward to any questions or concerns you may have. Until our next issue, Stay Well, Stay Safe, and Stay Strong. |
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Chris Pielli |
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Hometown Heroes |
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Organization Hometown Hero: Henderson High School Academic Team |
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Congratulations to B. Reed Henderson High School for their first-place finish in the 2026 Pennsylvania State Academic Competition! This event brought together 20 of the top high school academic teams in the state for a day of intense competition, showcasing academic knowledge, intellectual skill, and teamwork. The Henderson High School team won in a landslide with 110 points in the championship match. Congratulations to the coaches and these talented students! Coaches: Brian Johnson & Mary Sweeney Team Members: 1) Ajay Anne
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Individual Hometown Hero: Alexander V. Issac |
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This month’s individual Hometown Hero is Alexander V. Issac, a student at West Chester East High School. It was my pleasure to present a citation on behalf of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to Alexander in recognition of being named a 2026 National Merit Scholar. Alexander’s academic excellence, leadership, entrepreneurship, and community involvement are truly impressive. From founding and leading multiple student organizations to ranking in the top 5% of his graduating class, he represents the very best of our community. Congratulations, Alexander, and best wishes as you continue your studies at the University of Delaware! |
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My Legislation Highlights |
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Resolution to Study Invertebrate Conservation Policies Adopted by PA House (House Resolution 66) |
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This month, House Resolution 66 was adopted by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. This resolution directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study invertebrate conservation policies.
The current State Wildlife Action Plan identifies 238 terrestrial invertebrates as species of greatest conservation need. However, there has not been sufficient research to fully understand their habitats, populations, and distribution.
The endangerment of these species also poses a risk to our agricultural industry, which is vital to Pennsylvania’s economy. Annually, Pennsylvania growers receive more than $250 million in economic value from crops where pollination increases fruit and vegetable production, along with approximately $9.3 million in additional value from crops where pollination produces seeds. Nationally, the economic value of insect pollination totals an estimated $34 billion.
If we do not protect our pollinators, we risk a significant decline in both this economic value and food production at a time of growing food insecurity. Action is therefore necessary to protect not only our ecology, but also the strength and sustainability of our agricultural economy.
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Resolution to Designate “Ukrainian Independence Day” Adopted by PA House (House Resolution 259) |
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In May, my House Resolution 259 was adopted by the PA House. This resolution designates "Ukrainian Independence Day" on August 24, 2026, in Pennsylvania. |
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Legislation to Require Disclosure on AI-Generated Content to Consumers Passes House Communications and Technology Committee (House Bill 95) |
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Earlier this month, my House Bill 95 was voted out of the House Communications and Technology Committee. HB 95 requires disclosure of all AI-generated content, including images, audio, video, and text. Consumers deserve transparency when purchasing goods, especially when they may unknowingly be interacting with a computer program. The premise of this bill is simple: if it is AI, it must be disclosed as AI.
Read more about HB 95 HERE: Pielli’s artificial intelligence content disclosure bill advances out of House Communications and Technology Committee |
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Vote16PA Visited State Capitol to Advocate for Voting Rights for 16- and 17-Year-Olds |
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Thank you to Vote16PA and Rep. John Inglis for teaming up at the State Capitol. Rep. Inglis and I are co-prime sponsors of legislation that would allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in school board elections in Pennsylvania.
Vote16PA students from Chester County joined leaders from the Fund for Women and Girls to advocate to state legislators, visit the House chamber floor (see photo), and tour the Pennsylvania House Archives. As this effort shows, these young people deserve a voice at the ballot box for the decision-makers who influence their everyday school experience. |
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Join me at "America 250 at Goshen' -- Saturday, May 30, at East Goshen Township Park! |
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This Saturday, May 30, I will have the distinct honor of joining fellow public officials and Revolutionary War reenactors at “America 250 at Goshen” for the first ceremony to recognize the veterans who fought in the Battle of the Clouds.
The names of those who died in the Battle of the Clouds have been lost to history. To honor those veterans, I will present flags that have flown over the State Capitol in Harrisburg to East Goshen and West Goshen Townships. Later in the ceremony, I will join East Goshen and West Goshen Township Supervisors, County Commissioners Josh Maxwell and Marian Moskowitz, and reenactors in signing a copy of the Declaration of Independence.
The Battle of the Clouds took place on September 16, 1777, and was crucial to the eventual American success at Valley Forge. A violent rainstorm prevented the British from destroying Washington’s army, which was running low on supplies. The storm allowed the American forces to retreat, resupply, and recover, ultimately leading to the pivotal winter encampment at Valley Forge.
We will take this opportunity, for the first time, to formally recognize our sacred dead whose sacrifice helped begin this grand experiment centuries ago. Two hundred and fifty years ago, Americans stood up to a king’s tyranny and declared that government exists to serve the people, not to rule them through force or fear. Let us pledge again allegiance to the republic for which it stands and to one another as patriots—caring, sharing, and sacrificing; out of many, one—enduring, dreaming, building, and believing in the free and unconquerable United States of America. |
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On June 5, Hands-Free Driving Law Takes Effect in PA |
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Attn. Drivers! - On June 5, PA's hands-free driving law takes effect. |
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Q: Is property tax relief still available from the state government?
A: Yes, the 2025 Property Tax / Rent Rebate Program (PTRR) application deadline has been extended to December 31, 2026!
Depending on income, you might qualify if you’re 65+, a widow/er, or a permanently disabled adult aged 18-64. 2025 program year max rebates range from $380 to $1,000.
If you need help applying, please contact my district office staff at (610) 696-4990; RepPielli@pahouse.net; or stop by 121 West Miner Street, Suite 1E, West Chester Borough.
Find More Info at: http://revenue.pa.gov/ptrr |
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District Office: 121 West Miner Street M-F 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Office Email: RepPielli@pahouse.net Phone: (610) 696-4990 Fax #: (610) 738-2163 Staff Members: Julie K. Mesaros, District Office Director Ryan DeStefano, Constituent Services Advisor Matthew DeWese, Constituent Services Advisor Olivia McClain, Constituent Services Advisor |
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Pennsylvania State Capitol 115-B East Wing |
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District Office 121 West Miner St., Suite 1E |
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