I have joined my colleagues in the Montgomery County Delegation of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to formally oppose the proposed electric and gas rate increases requested by PECO Energy Company.

 

If approved by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, this proposal would raise residential electric bills by about $20 per month (12.5%) and natural gas bills by $14.52 per month (11.4%) starting next year, impacting more than 2 million residents across southeastern Pennsylvania.

 

At a time when families are already dealing with higher costs for groceries, health care, and everyday necessities, asking them to absorb even more in utility costs is unacceptable. Our residents should not be forced to carry the burden of rising energy demand and corporate decisions they didn’t create.

 

I will continue working with my colleagues to push back against these increases and stand up for Pennsylvania families who deserve fair and affordable utility rates.

The primary election is Tuesday, May 19th.

The last day to registrer to vote in the promary election is May 4th.

 

I want your vote counted on Election Day in a way that works for YOU. Mail-in ballots are a simple, safe, and secure way to make sure your voice is heard...And it couldn't be easier! 

 

Just visit www.votespa.com to request your mail-in ballot or stop in my office for a paper mail-in ballot application. Fill it out – today. You MUST apply for a mail-in ballot each year.

 

Once you receive the mail-in ballot, fill it out. Then mail it, drop it in a drop box, or submit it at your county election office. That's it! 

 

If you don’t put your ballot in the mail by May 12th then you should drop it off in person – don’t risk your vote not being counted.

 

Your mail-in ballot must be RECEIVED by 8:00pm on May 19.

 

Your Voice. Your Vote. Your Choice. Don’t wait - get your mail-in ballot today!

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful are inviting environmentally-conscious 10th through 12th grade students to help preserve Pennsylvania’s natural resources through the Young Ambassadors of Pennsylvania program.

 

The program empowers young Pennsylvanians to train and learn from leaders across the private sector, state government, local media, and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful to protect Pennsylvania’s environment and build leadership and problem-solving skills.

 

Applicants should be passionate about the environment and committed to restoring and protecting Pennsylvania’s ecological landscape through volunteerism and leadership.

 

Ambassadors will serve a one-year term from September 2026 through May 2027 and represent and uphold the mission and values of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.

 

Program requirements include:

• attending 6 mandatory virtual education sessions;
• conducting a community assessment and creating a summary presentation;
• organizing a community cleanup event through Pick Up Pennsylvania and conducting one community education event or activity.

 

Applications are being accepted April 1 through June 10. Students will be chosen through a competitive application process. Students interested in applying should visit keeppabeautiful.org and choose Programs, Education, then Young Ambassadors of Pennsylvania or contact Kylie McCutcheon at 724-836-4121 x114 or kmccutcheon@keeppabeautiful.org.

Yesterday, I sat down with Christine Stutman, Executive Director, and Mary Kearney, Outreach Coordinator, from National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Montgomery County.

 

Mental illness is prevalent in all age groups across all walks of life. Chances are you or someone you know and love is affected by mental illness. NAMI is here to help. Here in Montgomery County, they offer 15 different support groups, including family and peer to peer support groups – some specializing with certain areas or groups. They just started an all-female veterans and first responders support group that will begin this week.

 

They are in 10 different school districts throughout Montco, including all the high schools in my district, offering a program called “Ending the Silence” which discusses the stigma about openly discussing mental health and suicide.

 

“NAMI in the Lobby” is a program that is designed to assist families and loved ones who have family or friends that have been hospitalized and answer any questions for them and offer resources for the future.

 

There are so many amazing programs that NAMI has to offer. If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health issues, please reach out to NAMI. If you are experiencing an immediate crisis reach out to Montgomery County Mobile Crisis at 855-634-HOPE (4673).

 

All of NAMI’s contact information, hotlines, and resources can be found on their website at NAMI Montgomery County PA - Support for Mental Health.

Together, we can help build a more inclusive community for all.