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FOLLOW ME: |
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Dear Neighbor,
First and foremost, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the family of State Police Corporal Timothy O’Connor, who was killed in the line of duty earlier this month. His loved ones and colleagues are in my thoughts and prayers as they mourn.
Our PA State Troopers serve our community with dignity, courage, and care every day. I am deeply grateful for their dedication. They have my office’s full support as they continue to do their vital work during this tragedy.
Over the past several weeks, I’ve been working hard both here in the district and in Harrisburg—meeting with residents, supporting local initiatives, and continuing conversations on the issues that matter most to our communities.
In the Capitol, the focus continues to be on advancing legislation and preparing for the state budget. As discussions move forward, I remain committed to advocating for responsible spending, strengthening Pennsylvania’s economic outlook, and ensuring that our communities have the resources they need.
Veterans are invited to my annual breakfast
In recent weeks, we have been reminded, in the most sobering way, that American servicemembers continue to put themselves in harm’s way, with some paying the ultimate sacrifice in the Middle East. We honor their courage, their commitment, and the families who carry that loss. In that spirit of gratitude and remembrance, I invite all veterans in our community to join me for our annual Veterans Breakfast—a time to come together, recognize your service, and express our deep appreciation for the sacrifices made in defense of our nation. |
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This breakfast is an opportunity for my team and me to thank the men and women who put on the uniform and risked their lives so we can live free. If you’re a veteran, please RSVP today. If you know a veteran, please pass this message on.
Veterans Breakfast |
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AN RSVP is required at RepFriel@pahouse.net or by calling 610-427-8782.
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Good Samaritan protections need improvement
Following an incident at Bloomsburg University last year, in which a student was charged by police after finding an incapacitated student and calling for help, the House Majority Policy Committee met in Harrisburg this month to discuss legislation that will focus on bolstering legal protections for good Samaritans. I had the privilege of co-hosting the hearing.
The hearing featured testimony from Rowan Price, who attended Bloomsburg University as a freshman last year. After returning to campus from a student conference for aspiring educators, Price found a student in his dormitory bathroom suffering from alcohol poisoning. Price testified that he and several other classmates assisted the incapacitated student by cleaning him up, rolling him onto his side, and calling for help. After officers arrived, Price testified that one officer became agitated and told the students, “Everything they did was wrong.” Weeks later, Price was charged with Recklessly Endangering Another Person, a crime punishable by up to two years in prison.
“Students stepping forward, doing the right thing, should not fear punishment, arrest, financial ruin, or the loss of future employment. If I had simply closed my door and turned my back on my fellow student, I would not be here before you today,” Price said. “If these bills had existed last year, my life might not have been derailed. I urge you to pass these proposals so no student in this commonwealth loses their future simply for helping someone who needed them.”
My colleague Rep. Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny, and I have introduced bills to update the state’s two medical amnesty laws, which gives individuals immunity from being charged with certain offenses if they seek medical attention for another person. If passed, it will prohibit police from charging an individual for reckless endangerment if they call 911, stay until first responders arrive, and cooperate with first responders.
We teach our children to look out for others and help people in need. Rowan stepped up and potentially saved a life that night. He should be celebrated, but instead, he faced unjust charges, and his life was turned upside down. We have a responsibility to make sure this never happens again. People shouldn’t be deterred from stepping up and doing the right thing; they should be encouraged, especially on our college campuses.
You can watch the entire Policy Hearing here. |
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Join me for a Coventry Area Town Hall
Coventry Area Town Hall 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Come out and join me, alongside your neighbors from the Coventry area, for a chance to share your ideas, ask questions, and stay informed about the issues that matter most to our community and state government.
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Budget hearings wrapped in Harrisburg
I have the privilege of serving on the House Appropriations Committee, which oversees the formation of Pennsylvania’s budget every year. Following Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget address last month, we go to work examining the plan to make sure it’s effective and affordable for our commonwealth.
Department of Agriculture
PA State Rep. Paul Friel questioned PA Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding about the processes and programs available for farmers to transfer their farms—whether passing a family farm down or selling a commercial farm. Friel also asked what programs and resources farmers need to complete these transfers successfully. |
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Department of Education
Students across Pennsylvania have a growing interest in Career and Technical Education—and careers in these fields are in high demand. We need to help our Career and Tech Centers build up their capacity to meet the needs of these promising students. That starts with knowing how many of these young people are waiting for a spot in these critical programs.
Watch part of my hearing about funding with the Department of Education here.
Meanwhile, students from districts with vulnerable immigrant populations are dealing with the fallout of ICE detainments—not only in their homes, but in their neighborhoods, at their bus stops, and near their schools. It is traumatic for our children when they witness aggressive and violent immigration enforcement, and it erodes both student and community safety.
I raised these concerns with Education Secretary Rowe and asked what the Department is doing to support students and their schools as they navigate this instability and trauma. |
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Health and Human Services
Hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians are losing their health care coverage due to federal cuts. This puts even more pressure on local hospitals, which will see unreimbursed costs rise, potentially resulting in additional hospital closures. I asked Secretary of Human Services Val Arkoosh what can be done to preserve health care access in our communities. |
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You can watch all of my budget clips, including on what is being done to keep businesses in Pennsylvania and on our commonwealth’s election integrity on my YouTube channel here. |
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Primary voting nears
As we look ahead to the primary election, remember that mail-in voting is one of your options in Pennsylvania. If you plan to vote using a mail-in or absentee ballot in the 2026 General Primary, held on May 19, 2026, your completed application must be received by your county election office by 5 p.m. on May 12, 2026. The deadline to return your completed mail-in or absentee ballot is 8 p.m. on May 19, 2026.
You can apply online at vote.pa.gov/ApplyMailBallot. |
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Pennsylvania State Capitol Harrisburg, PA 17120 |
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District Office 68 Glocker Way Pottstown, PA 19465 |
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