State lawmakers aim to honor and support Pennsylvania veterans

(21 hours ago)

HARRISBURG, March 27 – Today, a bipartisan group of state lawmakers held a news conference at the Capitol touting legislation they’ve introduced to support Pennsylvania veterans exposed to the dangerous herbicide “Agent Orange” and other toxic chemicals during their service, and make March 29 Vietnam Veterans Day in Pennsylvania . This group of lawmakers includes state Reps. Paul Takac, D-Centre; Mike Cabell, R-Luzerne; Brian Munroe, D-Bucks; Dane Watro, R-Schuylkill/Luzerne; Tarik Khan, D-Phila.; Zachary Mako, R-Northampton/Lehigh; Chris Pielli, D-Chester; and Abby Major, R-Armstrong/Westmoreland. Both bills were introduced earlier this year. “We owe all those who have served our country, especially those who have been harmed as a result of their service, not only our profound respect and gratitude but an enduring commitment to serve and support them and their families. That, of course, includes Vietnam-era veterans who were exposed to -- and at the time, unknowingly harmed by -- Agent Orange. As our understanding of the extent of the damage caused by that chemical exposure has grown and evolved, so have the programs and benefits available to those affected,” Takac said. “Since taking office, one of my areas of focus has been ensuring that veterans and their families are aware of and can more easily access all of the benefits and support available to them,” he said. Read more

 

Rep. Pielli's Legislative Update - March 2024

(Mar 26, 2024)

I'd like to thank Governor Shapiro for signing my bill, HB 1278, last week at a ceremony to honor its passage into law. Renewing and improving the Wiretap Act is an extremely important crime-fighting measure. This extension to the Wiretap Act and the improvements made will go a long way toward assisting our law enforcement community here in Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Pielli announces $750,000 in transportation asset grants

(Mar 26, 2024)

“Our commonwealth is committed to improving its infrastructure,” Pielli said. “Sidewalks are not something we give a lot of thought to, but when left ignored, it can cause a multitude of problems. This project may seem small in name, but thanks to this funding, West Chester can provide safe sidewalks that will leave a lasting impact on residents and visitors alike. I thank the Commonwealth Financing Authority and state Sen. Carolyn Comitta for their help in making sure projects like this are provided for in the 156th Legislative District.” Read more

 

Pielli bill to help seniors stay in their homes passes House

(Mar 19, 2024)

“As a former Court Appointed Guardianship Attorney, I saw clients who lost their homes as a result of unpaid property taxes,” Pielli said. “Too often, these were individuals with cognitive impairment or those who were otherwise incapacitated and could not pay tax bills without assistance. Tragically, these same individuals sometimes had the financial means but were so impaired they were unable to keep up with payments. It is simply unfair to leave these people to try and pay these bills alone." Read more

 

District Deliberations: March 2024 Edition

(Mar 18, 2024)

Hi Folks, I hope this March edition of District Deliberations finds you all doing well. March, coming in like a lion and going out like a lamb has come to us once again through the cold, bleak winter. To many, March signifies new beginnings as the advent of Spring blooms into our lives. For me, it has always reminded me of family. Read more

 

AI content might soon require a disclaimer in Pennsylvania

(Feb 29, 2024)

"Disclosure would give people who are reading and viewing the content the information they need to make informed decisions and not be misled," said Pielli. "I think it potentially can do a lot of harm to us as a society, a republic and in so many [other] ways. It’s almost incomprehensible." Read more

 

State lawmakers offer support for Pennsylvania’s Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange during their service

(Feb 21, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 21 – Today, state lawmakers introduced legislation that would create a task force on Agent Orange -- a blend of herbicides used during the Vietnam War. Agent Orange was banned when evidence of the harmful and sometimes deadly results of exposure to it began to emerge. Those who were exposed to Agent Orange are at risk of developing cancers, neurological and psychological conditions, and other long-term effects to the skin and heart. Exposure to Agent Orange can also cause reproductive health problems and birth defects in the children of veterans, including spina bifida, hip dysplasia, and congenital heart disease. The task force would comprise several members of military organizations and members of the PA House and PA Senate to investigate and form recommendations on how best to communicate with veterans affected by Agent Orange concerning the treatment options available to them. This bipartisan legislation was introduced by state Reps. Paul Takac, D-Centre; Mike Cabell, R-Luzerne; Brian Munroe, D-Bucks; Dane Watro, R-Schuylkill/Luzerne; Tarik Khan, D-Phila.; Zachary Mako, R-Northampton/Lehigh; Chris Pielli, D-Chester; and Abby Major, R-Armstrong/Westmoreland. “We owe all those who have served our country, especially those who have been harmed as a result of their service, not only our profound respect and gratitude but an enduring commitment to serve and support them and their families. That, Read more

 

District Deliberations: February 2024 Edition

(Feb 15, 2024)

Hi Folks, We hope this February edition of District Deliberations finds you all doing well. February, some say the shortest but sweetest month, is upon us. During this month, we celebrate our past Presidents, hold close and cherish our loving partners, and honor the many contributions of Black Americans past and present during Black History Month. Read more

 

Lawmakers discuss future of artificial intelligence during House Majority Policy hearing

(Feb 13, 2024)

Artificial intelligence was the topic of vast discussion at a House Majority Policy Committee hearing Tuesday morning, including how it’s already impacting everyday life and what comes next. Read more

 

Winter 2024 Newsletter

(Feb 01, 2024)

Hi folks, My staff and I hope this Winter 2024 Newsletter finds you all doing well and enjoying the start of a new year. Plato stated long ago, “The beginning is the most important part of the work.” With that said, we look to a new year with new goals on how best we can improve the lives of our fellow residents. Read more

 

District Deliberations: January 2024 Edition

(Jan 17, 2024)

Hi Folks,We hope this January edition of District Deliberations finds you all doing well and enjoying the start of a new year. Plato stated long ago, “The beginning is the most important part of the work.” With that said, we look to a new year with new goals on how best we can improve the lives of our fellow citizens. Read more

 

Pielli announces $570,000 in nature and recreation grants

(Jan 16, 2024)

“We are truly fortunate to have such natural beauty in West Chester,” Pielli said. It’s our responsibility to protect and preserve our natural surroundings in the 156th Legislative District. I am very glad that this funding is going toward our local stakeholders who tirelessly maintain and preserve our wonderful parks, trails, and streams.” Read more

 

Pielli presents $25,000 check to West Chester Area Senior Center

(Dec 20, 2023)

“These days, everyone’s lives are tied to the internet in some way, shape, or form,” Pielli said. “Outdated equipment can make our everyday access to the internet frustrating and sometimes impossible. That’s why I am glad to see these state funds upgrade the equipment at this computer lab to help these seniors access all the resources they may need online.” Read more

 

District Deliberations: December Edition

(Dec 20, 2023)

Hi Folks, We hope this December edition of District Deliberations finds you all doing well. As we enter the Holiday season and draw upon a very productive year, we look back on our achievements and remind everyone what remains to be done before the New Year. Read more

 

Pielli announces Small Water and Sewer, H2O PA Program grants

(Dec 19, 2023)

“I’m glad to join state Senator Carolyn Comitta in supporting this funding to improve water infrastructure within our legislative districts,” Pielli said. “Negligence of our storm drains and sewers can have catastrophic consequences. These grants will help rehabilitate and improve our stormwater and sewer systems, giving peace of mind to all in our community.” Read more

 

Pielli announces arts and culture grants awarded to local organizations

(Dec 19, 2023)

“Chester County has such a vibrant community because of our many arts programs,” Pielli said. “The financial consequences of COVID-19 are far reaching, and the long closures our arts programs went through had the potential to be devastating. I am happy to work with state Senator Carolyn Comitta and the commonwealth for delivering this funding to keep the arts alive and well in Chester County and all of Pennsylvania.” Read more

 

Pielli's Battle of the Bulge resolution adopted by House

(Dec 13, 2023)

“Without the courage of and sacrifice of Pennsylvania troops, in particular our own 28th Infantry Division, the history of this battle and the war might have been told very differently,” Pielli, an Army veteran said. “I’m proud to have passed this legislation with the help of my colleagues in the state House. Because of their support, we can highlight the heroism of Pennsylvania’s 28th Division units toward this crucial effort and will enable the DMVA to start preparing for commemorating the 80th anniversary of Pennsylvania's tremendous contribution to this historic battle.” Read more

 

Pielli’s wiretap bill heads to governor’s desk

(Dec 13, 2023)

“Renewing and improving the wiretap act is an extremely important crimefighting measure.” Pielli said. “I thank my colleagues in the legislature who helped pass this bill quickly to ensure that this crucial law continues to aid our law enforcement authorities.” Read more

 

Pielli presents $25,000 check to support Justice Rain Inc.

(Dec 04, 2023)

“This is state government at work helping neighbors who are trying to help themselves and lead productive lives within our community.” Pielli said. “Organizations that help others, especially at the local level, need all the support they can get. I am proud to have Justice Rain Inc. right here in West Chester to provide a wide range of services to the people of Chester County.” Read more

 

State Rep. Pielli attends naturalization ceremony

(Nov 21, 2023)

State Rep. Chris Pielli, D-Chester, was proud to congratulate 24 new United States citizens on Friday, Nov. 17. Read more