Yesterday, SEPTA revealed the harsh impact months of Senate Republican inaction will have on commuters, students, and businesses in southeastern Pennsylvania if we’re not able to pass state funding to help support it.

Transit is an essential need throughout the Commonwealth, and especially in densely populated areas like Delaware County. Our roads are already overcrowded, and our rush hour is already arduous because of the sheer number of commuters that need to get around our neighborhoods every day. Leaving SEPTA funding off the table would be irresponsible and devastating.

Right now, SEPTA anticipates their cuts will go into effect on Aug. 24, just days before our public school systems begin the 2025-2026 school year. The new restricted bus, trolley, and regional rail lines will mean teachers, administrators, school staff, and students will all have a harder time getting to work and to class. Whether it’s because their bus line changed or because there are far more cars on the road, this school year will be much more stressful for everyone if we don’t get transit funded soon.

People also need efficient transit to participate fully in our local economy. Cutting services is cutting jobs. Cutting services is restricting how people get to their jobs and whether they can keep their jobs. What are we going to do when our delivery drivers, maintenance workers, food service workers, and small business owners can’t get to work? When medical office staff and post office staff can’t get to work?

The PA House Transportation Committee met yesterday to discuss and vote on a new bill, H.B. 1788, that would bridge the gap between the House and the Senate regarding SEPTA funding. It includes a balanced plan to fund mass transit and road and bridge repairs throughout Pennsylvania that already has the support of the House and combines with it a plan brought forward by the Senate to introduce more oversight and modernization to SEPTA’s services.

The House already passed SEPTA funding four times, while Senate Republicans have done nothing to fund transit, and instead issued demands and conditions. Senate Republican leaders even stated funding transit is something they could live without.

I am hopeful that this bipartisan initiative will swiftly move forward in the legislature so that we can keep our transit lines running effectively and alleviate the stress everyone in Delaware County is feeling right now.

Mid-week I joined Color & Culture for their Maternal Health Summit in Lancaster, where I had the honor of interviewing actress, executive director and producer Terri J. Vaughn. The conversation focused on maternal health, family, self-care, and Ms. Vaughn’s journey as a mother of three, a creative leader, and a health advocate. The whole event was inspiriting and uplifting, and I am grateful to Color & Culture for inviting me to continue advocating for maternal health issues at their conference!

Earlier this week my team and I hosted four Back-to-School resource fairs throughout the 164th Legislative District to help you prepare for the upcoming school year. We shared the many child, family, and student state services we can assist with, welcomed other organizations who can help, and gave out nearly 300 backpacks to students! To those students and every student in our district, know that every one of you has a bright future ahead of you, and I wish you the best of luck this year!

Touring Cater2You Youth Haven

Tuesday, I had the opportunity to co-host, with the PA Council of Children, Youth and Family Services (PCCYFS), an informational tour of the newly opened Cater2You Youth Haven, an emergency residential care program for at-risk youth ages 13-21. The new facility is located on Long Lane in Upper Darby and provides a 24-hour safe haven where kids in crisis can access shelter, necessities, emotional support, educational resources, life skills training, and pathways to long-term stability. PCCYFS also held a discussion of issues impacting this kind of children’s service with the legislators who attended.

National Night Out took place on Tuesday! My team and I had tables at the Upper Darby, Lansdowne, and East Lansdowne events, and I had the chance to personally attend the one in Upper Darby. National Night Out brings together law enforcement agencies, emergency services, and community members for a night of fun and connection. Thank you to our police departments for organizing such a great evening! 

August 4 – 8 is National Health Center Week, and to celebrate, I toured the Center for Family Health in Upper Darby, part of ChesPenn federally-qualified heath centers. Their locations offer coordinated medical, dental, and behavioral health services for children, teens, and adults. 

I had a great time meeting staff, discussing many of the current issues with funding and Medicaid cuts that will devastate their ability to serve Delaware County. I truly appreciate the work their staff is doing and encourage them to keep going even in as things become difficult. 

Our Youth Legislative Council for summer 2025 is officially over, and I could not be more proud of this year's cohort. I can't wait to see where they take their new skills in the future. Thank you for participating, and for your eagerness to improve the world around you!

Sunday evening, I attended the 2025 Black Star Film Festival in Philadelphia. I was invited by directors Dr. Kanika Harris and Stephanie Etienne to come to a screening of their documentary Listen to Me, a beautifully written and executed film around the devastating stories of the rising maternal and infant mortality rates across the nation. I am so honored to have been invited and can't speak highly enough about this film. It is a must-see!

Tuesday, August 12 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

SEPTA Senior ID Event with Sen. Tim Kearney

East Lansdowne Borough Hall

Thursday, September 4 from noon to 5 p.m.

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

East Lansdowne Borough Hall

We highly encourage people living with sickle cell disease to donate blood at this drive – donor blood for individuals living with sickle cell disease is in limited supply, making it harder for those with the disease to get emergency medical care.

Saturday, September 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Inspi-HER’d Field Day for Girls ages 4th through 8th grade

Naylors Run Park, Upper Darby

Saturday, August 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

DCHD Back to School Fair

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.

Saturday, August 23 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Night at the Zoo with Jefferson Health Plans

Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia

Thursday, August 28 at 7 p.m.

Overdose Awareness Vigil by Senators John Kane and Tim Kearney

Delaware County Courthouse

201 W. Front Street, Media

Thursday, Sept. 4 at 7 p.m. 

Veterans can check out REBOOT Recovery for help dealing with emotional wounds. Meetings are Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 4 at Veterans Chapel in Morton. Any veteran from the county is invited.

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