Dear Neighbor,
I think we found a way around Citizens United.
That may sound like a bold claim, but this week I helped introduce legislation inspired by the Montana Plan that takes a new legal approach to getting corporate money out of politics. It was just one of many ways we worked to turn ideas into action, from investing in education and workforce development to supporting people with disabilities, improving public safety, preparing students for the future of AI, and bringing information directly to your doorstep.
And help us take action this Saturday at 10 AM at the East Falls Farmers Market, where we’ll meet for our community clean-up. Here’s a look at what we’ve been working on for our community and Pennsylvania.
More below!
Warm regards,
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Tarik
📞 215-482-8726 📧 RepKhan@pahouse.net 📍 4001 Main St., #101, Manayunk
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In This Issue:
💰Getting Corporate $$ Out of Politics ⚖️ Justice for Cold Case Victims 🧑🍳 World-Class Chefs Coming Home to Manayunk 🛠️ Investing in Career and Tech Ed 🤝 Supporting Transitions in IDD 🤖 AI in Our Schools: Protecting Kids
🎒 Starting the Year Out Strong 🚪 Taking the Budget Door-to-Door 🌳 Join Us in East Falls! 🎉 A Great National Night Out
♿ Passport to Accessible Living
🌷 Thank you John Boyce
👩 Last Word
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💰 Getting Corporate Money Out of Politics
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Yesterday, I joined Reps. Ben Waxman, Paul Friel, and Joe Webster at a press conference to introduce legislation inspired by the Montana Plan. The proposal responds to the Citizens United decision by testing a new legal approach that uses Pennsylvania’s authority over the corporations it creates to prohibit the use of corporate treasury funds for independent political spending.
Click here or the image below to watch the press conference:
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Image: Screenshot from press conference
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It preserves the free speech rights of individuals while seeking to reduce the influence of corporate money in our elections. Our goal is simple: Government should answer to voters, not the biggest checkbooks, and businesses should compete for customers, not politicians.
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⚖️Justice for Cold Case Victims
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Some cases may go cold, but the pain families experience never does. I’m proud that this year’s bipartisan Pennsylvania budget includes $2.5 million to help law enforcement investigate unsolved murders and other violent crimes.
Click here or the image below to watch the video:
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I joined Lt. Gov. Austin Davis and Rep. Jordan Harris to highlight this important investment, which will help investigators use modern forensic tools and dedicated resources to pursue long-overdue answers.
Every victim deserves justice, and every family deserves hope that the truth will one day come to light.
Before the press conference I met Davis here in Roxborough for iced tea. We had a great time visiting Eremita Cafe on Ridge Ave!
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Image: With LG Davis and owner Phil at Eremita Cafe
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🧑🏼🍳 World Class Chefs Coming Home to Manayunk
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Few things are as exciting as seeing world-class talent come home.
Congratulations to former Shawmont classmates Justin Bogle and Art Cavaliere for signing a lease to open a new “punk French” restaurant in the former Winnie’s space on Main Street! Justin was one of the youngest chefs ever to lead a two-Michelin-star restaurant, and Art served as Executive Chef at Parc. Bringing talent like this to Manayunk is a huge win for our community.
It’s also a reflection of the investments we’ve made to strengthen Main Street Manayunk, including more than $350,000 in grants and supporting the return of the Manayunk Bike Race. I can’t wait to see what Justin and Art create! 🍽️🚴
Click here or on the image below to read the story.
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Image: Chef Justin Bogle at Two Michelin Starred “Gilt”
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🔨 Investing in Career and Technical Education
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Many people know that great-paying careers don’t always require a four-year degree.
Every student should have the opportunity to pursue a skilled trade or a four-year degree. That’s why I was proud to host a House Majority Policy Committee hearing with Rep. Danielle Friel Otten at Technical College High School’s Brandywine Campus in Chester County.
Click here or below to watch a brief video about investing in PAs workforce:
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This year’s bipartisan budget invests $10 million in Career and Technical Education, $10 million in STEM and computer science grants, and a total of $193 million in workforce development. These investments are helping to prepare students for rewarding, family-sustaining careers in the skilled trades, technology, manufacturing, and beyond.
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Image: Chairing the policy hearing on investing in career and tech education
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🤝Supporting Transitions for Adults with IDD
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On Tuesday, I joined Reps. Paul Friel and Danielle Friel Otten for a tour of the Camphill School Transition Program at Beaver Farm in Chester County. This is a beautiful residence and school supporting youth with IDD.
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Image: Touring Camphill School
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After touring the Camphill School, I was honored to host a House Majority Policy Committee hearing on improving the transition to adult services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Programs like Camphill help students build independence, yet about 82% of Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities are unemployed.
Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences. I’m committed to expanding opportunities and supporting Pennsylvanians with IDD.
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Image: Hosting Policy Committee
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🤖 AI in Our Schools: Protecting Students
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On Wednesday, I was honored to chair a House Majority Policy Committee hearing alongside Reps. Chris Pielli and Greg Scott at the West Chester Area School District to explore the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence in education.
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Image: Chairing the policy committee hearing
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We also heard from school leaders, the Chester County District Attorney’s Office, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) about how AI is affecting students. Our discussion focused on student privacy, online safety, well-being, and the opportunities and risks AI presents in education.
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Image: At yesterday's policy hearing
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Thank you to the West Chester Area School District for hosting us and to everyone who shared their expertise as we work to develop thoughtful policies that help students thrive in the age of AI.
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🎒Starting the Year Out Strong
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Thank you to Northern Children’s Services for hosting another wonderful Back-to-School Fair on Friday and to everyone who helped make it a success.
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Image: With Northern Services Staff
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A special thank you to our 5th Police District for collecting supplies, all those who donated, and all the community partners that supported the event!
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Image: With Northern Services and Unity Staff
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🚪Taking the Budget Door-to-Door
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Instead of waiting for people to come to us, we’re bringing the information directly to them.
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Image: Knocking doors with David
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Friday, David and I went door-to-door in Manayunk, sharing a simple summary of Pennsylvania’s newly passed budget—including historic school funding, investments in Medicaid, and COLAs for many retired teachers, police officers, and firefighters.
Click here or on the image below to watch a short video:
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This is just the beginning. Our office will be knocking on doors across the district throughout the summer to keep neighbors informed, answer questions, and hear what’s on your mind. If you see us out in your neighborhood, please say hello!
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⚖️ Touring the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center
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On Monday, I toured the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center with the Pennsylvania Youth & Public Safety Caucus, led by Reps. Carol Kazeem and Andre Carroll. This facility has under a 14% recidivism rate of youth reoffending after their time here.
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Image: Photograph from the tour
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One statistic really stood out to me: in Pennsylvania, it costs about $24,000 a year to educate a student, but nearly $300,000 a year to house a young person in secure juvenile detention. That’s why investing in education and prevention is one of the smartest ways to improve public safety, and why this year’s budget includes more funding for Philadelphia schools.
I’m also proud that the House adopted my resolution to study juvenile diversion programs so we can expand what works. Thank you to Reps. Kazeem and Carroll for organizing the tour, and to the dedicated staff for the work they do every day.
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Join us this Saturday from 10 AM–12 PM for an East Falls community clean-up! We’ll meet at the parking lot under the Twin Bridges (4100 Ridge Ave.) where the farmers market will be going on and help us clean the surrounding area and Midvale Avenue. Gloves, bags, and supplies will be provided by the East Falls Development Corporation and East Falls Town Watch.
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Image: Weeding on Shurs Lane
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And thank you to all the neighbors, volunteers, and groups who regularly do this type of weeding and neighborly beautification, without fanfare or attention, to help make our community look the way it does!
There will be more cleanups as we help to get our community ready for the bike race and welcome students back to school!
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Image: Pruning the trees to help Roxborough High look its best! 🌳🏫
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🎉A Great National Night Out
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It was wonderful to spend National Night Out with neighbors at Wissahickon Brewing Company and Gorgas Park. Thank you to our police officers, firefighters, first responders, community partners, and everyone who came out—including City Commissioners Seth Bluestein and Lisa Deeley.
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Image: With 5th District PDAC, including Officer Caggiano and Chaplain Jack Kennedy (center)
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National Night Out reminds us that when neighbors and first responders come together, we build safer, stronger communities.
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Image: At Gorgas with PA Parole Workers
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A special thank-you to Wissahickon Brewing Company for hosting. If you stop by, I highly recommend trying their pineapple kombucha—it’s one of my favorites!
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♿Passport to Accessible Living
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Looking for accessible housing options? Join NewCourtland’s Passport to Accessible Living at The Tower at Henry to tour ADA-accessible apartments, explore accessibility features, enjoy lunch, and connect with experts. The event is open to older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers, and anyone interested in independent living.
📅 Wednesday, August 12 🕤 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM 📍 The Tower at Henry 3232 Henry Ave., Philadelphia
RSVP: acorter1@newcourtland.org
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Image: Flyer for the event
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Speaking of people quietly taking care of our community to make it beautiful, special shout out to Jack Kennedy (pictured above with me at national night out), and John Boyce below who has worked for the last 30 years plus to beautify Gorgas Park. Thank you for all of your amazing work John!🧑🌾
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Image: John Boyce tending one of the many gardens at Gorgas
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Happy Birthday Mom!! So grateful for all the time we have together. Thanks for being a great mom!! ♥️
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Image: With my mom at Trattoria Valona in Hatboro last night for her birthday
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COMMUNITY UPDATES
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Pennsylvania State Capitol 121-A East Wing Harrisburg, PA 17120 (717) 783-4945
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Community Office
4001 Main St., #101 Philadelphia, PA 19127 (215) 482-8726
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