This week in Harrisburg my House colleagues and I passed many bills to improve our communities – including two of mine! You can read more detail and watch videos of me speaking about my House Bills 1404 and 583 below. Here are some of the other bills we moved forward:

• HB 928 ensures daycares can carry a supply of EPI pens for extreme allergy emergencies
• HB 1610 prohibits taxes on overtime and tips and creates a Working Pennsylvanians tax credit, which would help nearly a million people who already claim the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit and give them up to $2,300 back
• HB 1425 ensures the public can tell which vape products and manufacturers are legitimate and requires manufacturers to certify their compliance with federal regulations
• HB 1403 helps teachers who left the field more easily return to teaching
• HB 1095 limits access to eviction records, such as no-fault evictions, to ensure fair housing access
• HB 1610 levels the playing field for local businesses by requiring multi-state corporations to use?combined reporting?to determine their tax responsibilities beginning with tax year 2026

On Monday, the House of Representatives voted unanimously to pass my legislation, HB 1404, to help address the growing teacher shortage here in Pennsylvania! According to the 2023 Penn State Center for Evaluation and Education Policy Analysis, in Pennsylvania, about 9,500 teachers left the education profession in 2022-2023 and another 8,300 in 2023-2024. We know, because we’ve seen this happening in school districts throughout Delaware County.

HB 1404 extends the length of time an intern certification can be used, making it easier for people pursuing a teaching certificate while balancing other life responsibilities to achieve their goal. If passed by the Senate, this bill could open the teaching profession up for many people looking to make a career change.

On Tuesday I got to celebrate again – this time for the passage of my House Bill 583, which reinstates Medicaid coverage of root canals, gum disease treatment, and emergency dental exams. These used to be covered by Medicaid, but funding cuts in 2011 removed them from the list of covered services. I know families working to make ends meet have to choose between life essentials and things like dental treatments – and I believe you shouldn’t have to. If passed by the Senate, this bill gives greater oral health access to everyone.

Survey closes July 7

Many women may not know what preventative healthcare services are covered with their insurance or may have faced issues in accessing services like health screenings, birth control and pregnancy care.  To better understand these issues, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) created this quick, anonymous survey for women to share their real-life experiences. Take this 10-minute survey here by July 7.

This week, students from Jack & Jill America visited us in the House chamber. Jack & Jill is an organization of mothers with school-age children dedicated to nurturing future African American leaders. They work to strengthen children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty. The Montgomery County Chapter is one of more than 270 chapters nationwide. Each chapter plans annual programming activities guided under a national theme.

We also welcomed House visitors from Sierra Leone this week! It’s a privilege to hold a position that allows me to meet so many people from so many places. Thank you to our guests for spending some time with us in Harrisburg!

In observance of the Fourth of July holiday next week, our district office will be closed after 12 p.m. on Thursday, July 3, and all day July 4. We will reopen as usual at 9 a.m. on Monday, July 7.

My staffers Cintia and Angela attended Upper Darby’s Juneteenth celebration last Friday and had a wonderful time! The event was hosted by UDTJ and members of the Upper Darby Council. We deeply appreciate the opportunity to get out into the community to share how our office can help the people of our legislative district, all while honoring the legacy of freedom, strength, and civic engagement of the Black community. Thank you to the organizers for putting on such a great event!

I was honored to participate in Lansdowne’s Juneteenth Market & Block Party flag-raising last Saturday! We had fantastic weather and an even better crowd to celebrate our work towards liberation, and to reflect on how far we’ve come and how much further we must go.

The Delaware County Times did a wonderful article about the event,  which you can read here! 

This week, I spoke at the Proud Ravidassia Global 4th Nagar Kirtan celebrating the 648th birthday of Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji. The event was held in Upper Darby by Proud Ravidassia Global, an organization that promotes community and celebrates the culture and beliefs of Sikhism. During the event they presented me with a certificate of appreciation for the work I do to support the Sikh community. It is my honor to serve and support the Sikh community of Delaware County. Thank you for a wonderful event!

On June 25, Alma Bailey, a Tuskegee University United States Nursing Corps cadet and Darby resident, celebrated her 100th birthday. It was a pleasure to attend a celebration for a woman who has always exemplified the tenacity, strength, and intellect that women – especially Black women – have to offer their communities. Even at 100, Alma is an active member of the Philadelphia Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen & Women and parishioner at Blessed Virgin Mary Parish. Happy birthday, Miss Alma Bailey!

The FAFSA deadline is June 30th. Submit your application to access federal financial aid for college or career school. Visit this site for information.

Thursday, July 10

Youth Legislative Council Orientation

5 p.m.

Apply here.

164th District Pop-Up Back-to-School Resource Fairs (multiple dates)

One Free Backpack Per Student!

Registration required! Register here. 

• Monday, August 4

4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Cardington Field: Walnut St. & Heather Rd., Upper Darby

• Tuesday, August 5
• Noon – 2 p.m.

Garden Ct. & E. Taylor Blvd., Millbourne

• 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Barclay Square: 1500 Garrett Rd., Upper Darby

• Wednesday, August 6

4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Penn Wood High School: 100 Green Ave., Lansdowne

Thursday, September 4

Blood Drive presented by Rep. Gina Curry and Sen. Tim Kearney

Noon – 5 p.m.

East Lansdowne Borough Hall

July 10 and forward:

PHEAA Financial Aid Assistance Webinars

Borrowing for Education – Which Loan is Right for Me?

• July 10 @ 6:30 p.m.
• July 24 @ noon

Deep Dive into Covering the Gap

• July 11 @ noon
• July 25 @ 6:30 p.m.

Monday, July 14

Fruits of the Family Table, The Repurposed Project

DCHD Senior Health Support Programs

Tuesday, July 15 and ongoing summer dates (see image)

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Schoolhouse Senior Center

600 Swarthmore Ave., Folsom

DCHD Back to School Fair

Saturday, August 16

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Delaware County Wellness Center

125 Chester Ave., Yeadon, PA 19050

Registration is required for backpacks and immunizations.

You can register here or call the Wellness Line at 484-276-2100.

In partnership and service,

Gina H. Curry

Want to stay up to date on all my happenings in Harrisburg, the 164th Legislative District and beyond? Or do you want to get the latest info on our events and office hours? Make sure to follow me on all my social pages using the icons below! 

If you need assistance with any state-related issue, you can reach out to my office.
 

Thank you for letting our team proudly serve you, your families, and the stakeholders in the 164th in East Lansdowne, Lansdowne, Milbourne, and Upper Darby. 

Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more updates and events happening in Harrisburg and the 164th! 

Sincerely,

Pennsylvania State Capitol

25-A East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-4907

District Office

1500 Garrett Rd.
Upper Darby, PA 19082
(610) 259-7016