Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility E-Blast: Closing out Black History Month, Budget Hearings, and More!

E-Blast: Closing out Black History Month, Budget Hearings, and More!

PA Representative Gina Curry banner image

Hello Neighbors, Community Members and Friends, 

The 2026–2027 budget process has officially kicked off, and this week I was in Harrisburg to attend a few budget hearings as a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

 

We have a packed schedule! This week, my hearings focused on the Department of Agriculture and Pennie, the Pennsylvania Health Insurance Exchange Authority. You’ll see photos and details of these meetings below.

 

We’ve also come to the end of Black History Month, and I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the many events held throughout our area that I was able to attend and participate in. From the Upper Darby Senior Center’s inaugural Black History Month panel to our own Black & Diverse Business Forum and events hosted by Lansdowne and Upper Darby, I saw our community come together over and over again to celebrate the history and culture of Black Americans. We also mourned the loss of Rev. Jesse Jackson, a political icon and persistent voice for justice and equality, and we will carry his legacy on.

 

This weekend, I will mark the end of Black History Month by being honored for my public service by the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Philadelphia Alumni Chapter Senior Affairs Committee. I am deeply grateful to the committee for the recognition!

 

It’s finally starting to feel a little bit like spring in Delaware County! I hope you have a chance to get out and enjoy the sunshine this weekend.

 

As always, feel free to reach out to my office with any state-related questions. We’re here to help.

 

In service,

 

Gina H. Curry

State Representative

164th Legislative District

 

 

Budget Hearing: Department of Agriculture

Wednesday, we heard testimony supporting strategic investment in Pennsylvania’s agricultural sector and the ripple effects of a strong agricultural foundation—such as feeding our communities, preserving natural resources, and supporting the businesses that are the backbone of many Pennsylvania towns. We discussed backing local farmers, continuing and expanding conservation efforts, and more.

 

 

Budget hearing: Pennie

Wednesday, we also heard testimony in support of Pennie, Pennsylvania’s health insurance marketplace. Nearly half a million Pennsylvania residents have coverage through Pennie, most of whom are small business owners, independent contractors, farmers, or individuals juggling one or more part-time jobs.

 

A major concern right now is that federal actions have made rates for Pennie insurance—as well as private insurance—much more expensive. Discussions on Wednesday included the importance of keeping health insurance accessible and affordable, and how the legislature can work to ensure that it remains so.

 

 

Budget hearing: Department of Corrections

On Thursday, we heard testimony from the Department of Corrections, focusing on upholding public safety, efficiently operating its facilities, improving reentry programs, and addressing recidivism.

 

 

PLBC and YPOC celebrate Black History Month

I also had the honor of celebrating Black History Month with the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus and the Young Professionals of Color before leaving Harrisburg on Thursday. We marked the occasion with a reception in the Capitol Rotunda featuring speakers from Affordable PA and members of the PLBC—including me! This year, we focused on the importance of storytelling in advocacy.

 

 

Sheriff Sanders Recognition Breakfast

This morning, we gathered to honor retired Sheriff Jerry Sanders with the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office. We thank Sheriff Sanders for everything he did for our community during his tenure!

 

 

Breast cancer focus groups next week for women of color

The Delaware County Health Department is hosting several focus groups this coming week to speak with women of color about barriers they’ve faced in getting screened for breast cancer. The goal is for the department to learn more about obstacles in breast cancer care so they can make an informed effort to remove them.

 

Focus groups will be held:

  • Monday, March 2, 2026, from 2-3 p.m. at the Darby Recreation Center, 1022 Ridge Ave., Darby, PA  19023. Call 484-276-2100 to register.
  • Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 1-2 p.m. at Life in Christ Church, 3012 W. 3rd St., Chester, PA  19013 (in partnership with Main Line Health System). Call Melanie DeCecco, MPH, CCHW at 484-580-4609 to register.
  • Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 5-6 p.m. at the Lansdowne YMCA, 2110 Garrett Rd., Lansdowne, PA 19050. Call 484-276-2100 to register.
 

 

Apply by Monday!

Applications for the Summer 2026 Pennsylvania House of Representatives Legislative Fellowship Program are due on Monday, March 2.

 

The Fellowship Program is based in our magnificent Capitol Building in Harrisburg. Fellows are assigned to work in House Standing Committees or House Leadership offices, receive compensation (which may include college credit), and have the opportunity to draft and present legislation, attend meet-and-greets with public officials and staff, and tour some of the Commonwealth’s historic sites, among other experiences. The Summer Semester runs from Thursday, June 4, through Thursday, August 6, 2026.

 

EVENTS BY REP. CURRY

Saturday, March 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Shred Event with Rep. Heather Boyd

DCCC Southeast Center, 409 N. Lansdowne Ave., Drexel Hill, PA

 

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

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! 

 

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