Dear Neighbor, 

With the state budget now passed, I want to take a moment to recognize the collective effort it takes to get a budget across the finish line. House and Senate leadership, rank-and-file members, Capitol staff, district office staff, and even our interns all played a role in moving this year’s budget forward for the people of Pennsylvania. 

Our district office was fortunate to have two interns this summer, Trisha and Grace, who have been an incredible help. They strengthened our presence on social media, responded to constituent inquiries, and conducted legislative research on key issues that matter to Chester County. Their work has made a real impact on how we serve the district. 

In this week’s newsletter, we are doing an “Intern Takeover,” where you will hear directly from Trisha and Grace about why it is important for Gen Z to get involved in government, and see some of the content they created throughout the summer. I am proud of their contributions and excited to share their perspective with you. 

Why Gen Z Should Get Involved in Government 

People in government genuinely want to hear from Gen Z because our generation brings a unique and fresh perspective to the issues shaping our future. Lawmakers rely on new ideas, new experiences, and new ways of thinking. That gives young people real power to advocate for the policies and priorities that matter to us. It can feel intimidating to be a new voice in a large and stubborn system, but taking that first step is incredibly empowering. Our generation carries the potential of the future, and that gives us leverage. Use your voice and get loud. 

Engagement can start small. Read the news. Learn about bills and court cases. Fall into research rabbit holes. Contact your legislator. Tell them what you support and what you want to see changed. Join clubs and nonprofits that advocate for the issues you care about. Every action builds momentum. 

But engagement can also mean stepping directly into the work. You can be the person answering the phones, drafting legislation, or shaping policy. You can run for office. You can work in an agency. You can serve your community from inside the system. Democracy is meant to represent all of us, so show up and represent your community, your family, and your story. 

Government will not always move the way you want it to. It can be slow, exhausting, and discouraging. But that is part of the process. Change requires persistence, and the status quo will not shift unless someone pushes it. 

Our generation has to be involved if we want our interests considered and our needs understood. We need our representatives to understand our economic and social reality. Many of us are unsure if homeownership will ever be possible. We need aging lawmakers to grasp technology and AI well enough to regulate it. We are the ones who will live with the effects of climate change. And we cannot afford to let our democracy backslide. These challenges make our engagement essential, and they are exactly why our voices matter. 

Gen Z has a voice, and it matters. Use it. 

Our Social Media Highlights from the Summer 

One of our favorite parts of this internship was strengthening the office’s social media presence. We wanted to make state government feel more accessible, more engaging, and more relevant to the everyday lives of people in the district. Throughout the summer, we created videos that explained policy topics, highlighted community events, and showed what a day in the Capitol really looks like. 

These projects let us bring a fresh perspective to the work and use digital storytelling to help connect constituents with what is happening in Harrisburg and here at home. Below are some of the videos we are most proud of and the content we enjoyed creating the most. 

Harrisburg 101 Series 

When we created the Harrisburg 101 series, our goal was to make state government easier to understand and less intimidating. A lot happens in the Capitol, and it can be hard to follow if you are not in the building every day. We wanted to break things down in a simple, engaging way that shows how the legislative process works and why it matters to people here at home. 

Each video focused on one topic at a time so viewers could learn the basics, see behind‑the‑scenes moments, and get a clearer picture of how decisions in Harrisburg shape everyday life in Chester County. Our hope was to give constituents a quick, accessible way to learn more about their government and feel confident getting involved. 

Click here to watch Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4 (with more to come!). 

What are Chester County House Democrats fighting for this budget season? 

Back in June, we caught up with each member of the Chester County House Democratic Delegation to learn what they were fighting for in this year’s state budget. Our goal was to give constituents a clear, simple look at the priorities their lawmakers were bringing to the table. We wanted viewers to hear directly from the delegation, understand what shaped their budget decisions, and see how local needs guide the work happening in Harrisburg. 

Every member had a different focus, but together they highlighted the needs of our schools, our communities, and our local economy. 

Click here to watch our discussion with each member. 

Breaking Down the Budget 

We wanted to give constituents a quick, clear look at what is in this year’s state budget without needing to sort through hundreds of pages. Our 90‑second breakdown highlights the major investments, the key takeaways, and how the budget supports communities across central Chester County. It is a fast, accessible way to understand what lawmakers delivered this year. 

Click here to watch the 90-second budget breakdown. 

Our Out-and-About Moments 

Some of our favorite memories from this internship came from getting out into the community and seeing firsthand how state government connects with everyday life. Whether we were in the Capitol, at a local event, or celebrating a Chester County tradition, these moments helped us understand the work beyond the office and meet the people who make this district special. 

Click here to spend the day with us at the Capitol, here to work the Upper Uwchlan Block Party, and here to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Chester Springs Creamery.