It was wonderful last week to celebrate America250PA at Congress Hall with a House session in Philadelphia.

As important as it was to celebrate, it was also a time to remember the history of our country, good and bad. We created a democracy, but at the same time, many who would be governed by it were left without a voice. Women and people of color would have no say until years later, when long battles were fought to achieve their right to vote.

As I sat in Congress Hall, I looked around at all the elected officials, myself included, who weren’t imagined having a place at the tables or even in the room. It was a reminder of how far we have come, and what we continue to fight for.

This week, I am happy to announce all the projects for which I was able to secure funding. Investing in our institutions is both economic development and supporting the treasures in our communities. Making sure the commonwealth is investing in us is one of my top priorities, and I was happy to make the case and bring the money home. You can view the full project list in the graphics below.

Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

This past week saw grant funding allocated to a plethora of projects and institutions in our communities. I was able to secure $3,063,385 in funding from the Department of Community & Economic Development’s Local Share Account program, and $514,000 in Cultural and Historical Support Grants from the Historical & Museum Commission. These grants help our institutions, as well as assist in future growth in the area. I appreciate the commonwealth’s support with this economic boost.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has awarded an $8,078,038.85 contract to Kuharchik Construction Inc. of Exeter, PA, for a project to improve the safety of intersections along the 5th Street corridor in Philadelphia.

PennDOT will replace existing traffic signals and add 21 new ones, add pedestrian countdown timers and Accessible Pedestrian Signals at signalized intersections, and install signal supports among other improvements. No vehicle detours are anticipated for this project.

My free community shredding and e-recycling events return for the fall on the following dates:

• Saturday, September 26th from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., 511 S. Front Street
• Saturday, October 17th from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., 343 Fairmount Avenue
• Saturday, October 31st from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Mummers Museum, 1100 S. 2nd Street

This is a great opportunity to safely dispose of personal and sensitive documents.

My fall Senior Fair is scheduled for Friday, October 23rd from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Holy Name Church, bringing resources to seniors and caregivers like information on healthcare, volunteer opportunities, prescription drug plans, preventing identity theft and more.

Tomorrow, September 19th from 1-4 p.m. on the 1100 Block of Callowhill Street, come out and enjoy the 5th Annual Rail Park Block Party! Nearly 50 community partners, businesses, nonprofits and creatives will be on-hand to showcase what makes The Rail Park’s community special. You can also grab a bite to eat at one of the food trucks or neighborhood eateries, a drink at Triple Bottom Brewing’s beer garden, meet local businesses, shop local vendors and more! Visit The Rail Park website for a full list of vendors.

Northern Liberties Neighborhood Association will host its monthly neighborhood-wide cleanup tomorrow, Saturday September 19th, from 9 to 11 a.m. at The Yard behind the NLNA Community Center, 700 N. 3rd St. Supplies including bags, gloves and trash pickers will be given out.

Join neighbors this Sunday, September 20th, from 8:30 to 10 p.m. at Jefferson Square Park, 300 Washington Avenue, for Cinema Sundays. This week’s showing is the Marx Brothers’ classic comedy Animal Crackers.

On Saturday, September 26th, Asian Americans United will play host to the Mid-Autumn Festival in Chinatown. The tradition dates back thousands of years as a seasonal celebration in several Asian cultures, and this year’s free street festival will have programming like lion dances, Korean drumming, folktale-based games and arts activities. Visit the event website for more information.

The 100-700 blocks of South Street will be open on Saturday, September 26 from 12-7 p.m. for the 2026 South Street Fall Fest! Every block will have different activities, including Oktoberfest, a Renn Faire, a skate park and more. You can visit the South Street District website for more information.

Wills Eye Hospital will host Give Kids Sight Day on Saturday, October 3, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Vision screenings and glasses are available for children ages 6-17; no insurance is required. You can reserve your spot by scanning the QR code above, visiting the Wills Eye website or by calling 215-928-3240.

The Philadelphia Fire Department wants to keep your family safe by providing free smoke alarms for your home. You can call 3-1-1 or scan the QR code above to place your request for a smoke alarm. This is a great tool to protect yourselves from potential danger from fire or smoke.

On Sunday, sundown marks the beginning of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement and holiest day of the year for our Jewish neighbors. I wish everyone who celebrates a healthy and happy holiday of fellowship.

Suicide is a very heart-wrenching problem that touches the lives of individuals and families every year. Although the dialogue on mental health is becoming freer and more open, suicide remains one of the most stigmatized and misperceived issues.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. This month draws attention, support and resources to reduce the prevalence of suicide and provide support to those who struggle. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, you can call or text 988, or visit https://chat.988lifeline.org/ to chat with a counselor from the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

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Pennsylvania State Capitol
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Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-8098