Last weekend, the House was called back to Harrisburg for a Sunday voting session, where I was proud to cast my vote for the 2026–27 state budget. This budget supports students, parents, seniors, and emergency responders, while also investing in our local economies.

And in Delaware County, it also included essential funding to help our remaining healthcare facilities continue to provide lifesaving care in the wake of the Crozer closure.

I am happy to share that both Upper Darby and William Penn School Districts received much-needed funding, and that our retired public servants—public school employees, police officers, and firefighters—will receive their first cost-of-living increase in 20 years.

While no budget is perfect, this is one I’m proud to share with you. It works hard for your well-being, even in the face of one of the most divided legislatures our state has seen in recent history.

Below, you’ll find more information about budget points that are important to us locally.

In service,

The full budget allocates $565 million in adequacy and tax equity funding for public schools, a $58 million increase for Basic Education Funding, and a $55 million increase for Special Education Funding. Locally, we're getting $9 million for Upper Darby School District and $5.6 million for William Penn School District.

There’s also $10 million to expand the Student Teacher Stipend Program and increase PHEAA programs.

Our retired public servants have watched their retirement funds cover less and less as the costs of basic needs have risen. After a 20-year fight, they're finally getting a cost-of-living increase to help make life more affordable.

So many of our lives were altered by the irresponsible closure of Crozer Healthcare. Your access to quality medical care suffered. I'm proud of every member of the Delaware County Delegation for their staunch dedication to trying to make this better for you—this year, through investment in our existing facilities, so that they can rise to the challenge of filling Crozer's gap.

I’m also proud to share the state’s investment in the work of the PA Black Maternal Health Caucus, which I co-chair. We dedicate our efforts to legislation that will make pregnancy, birth, and postpartum safer and more accessible to all women, but especially our Black and Brown communities, who are at greater risk of dying during their pregnancy and birth journeys. I am so grateful to see this funding and to watch it have an impact in our communities in the coming year.

I was excited to participate in the Urban Agriculture Week Tour, which came through Delco. We got to see the work of Black Girls with Green Thumbs and their teen program. Secretary Redding and Majority Chair Eddie Pashinski were in the area with their team, and we were joined by Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, who sits on the Agriculture Committee. It was great learning about gardening and seeing the excitement around healthy fruit and vegetable growth.

Yesterday, our Youth Legislative Council had a visit from Rep. Napoleon Nelson, whom I sit with on the Communications and Technology Committee, to talk to our youth about AI. We were happy he made the trek from Montgomery County to bring his knowledge on AI, data centers, and legislative priorities. Thank you, Chairman Nelson!

Members of the PA Youth and Public Safety Caucus visited the Chester County Youth Center last week. We were able to tour the facility and ask questions about continuity of care.

We had to reschedule the previously noted August 4 dates for our annual Back to School Resource Fair! These events will now take place on August 3rd, 5th, and 6th.

Mark your calendars because supplies are first come, first served. Children MUST be present to receive supplies!

Did you lose food purchased with SNAP because of a power outage, fire, or other household misfortune? You may qualify for replacement SNAP benefits.

To be eligible, you must report the loss and apply within 10 days of the disaster. Contact your local County Assistance Office or call the Statewide Customer Service Center at

1-877-395-8930 to begin the process.

You can learn more, find your local CAO, and access the required forms by visiting www.dhs.pa.gov/SNAP. If you have questions or need help navigating the process, my office is always here to assist.

Are you or someone you know a first-time student planning on community college or trade school? Get your FAFSA in by August 1 to be considered for a 2026-27 PA State Grant.

Apply here.

Students who have already submitted their FAFSA® and completed the PA State Grant process may now be able to view a provisional PA State Grant award in GrantUS.

While final eligibility and award amounts are determined later, reviewing your provisional award can give you an early look at anticipated financial aid amounts for the upcoming academic year.

Sign in and review your status at grantus.pheaa.org.

Thursday, July 30 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

STEMFest Philly

Vare Recreation Center

2061 Moore St., Philadelphia

Visit www.stemlinx.net for more information

Tuesday, August 4 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

DCHD Free Food Safety Workshop

1400 Providence Rd., Media

To register email environmental@co.delaware.pa.us

Saturday, August 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

DHCD Back to School Fair

Delaware County Wellness Center

125 Chester Ave., Yeadon

Registration is required for free backpacks, vaccines, and physicals.

Register here.

To schedule a free physical, call 484-276-2100

Thursday, September 24 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

DCHD Rally for Recovery

Governor Printz Park

W. 2nd St. & Taylor Ave, Essington

Pennsylvania State Capitol

111 Irvis Office Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-4907

District Office

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

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