Dear Neighbor,

While I’m back at the Capitol for voting session today, last week was a busy one in the District. I spent time meeting with constituents, hearing firsthand about the issues that matter to you. I also had the opportunity to connect with community organizations focused on addressing critical needs within our community. In addition, I had the opportunity to meet with the Delaware County Health Department to discuss ways we can work together to support the health and well-being of residents across the District and throughout Delaware County. We also hosted mobile office hours to make our services even more accessible to those who needed assistance. Staying connected with the community is one of the most important parts of my job, and I am grateful for the conversations, feedback, and partnerships that help guide my work.

I’m back in Harrisburg for session this week, where I’ll continue advocating for our constituents and community’s priorities.

CROZER CLOSURE HEARING UPDATE

Before I drove to the Capitol today, I joined Crozer employees in solidarity in front of Crozer-Chester Hospital at a press conference organized by the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals, the largest union that represents the people who work at Crozer and Taylor Hospitals. The mood was somber as healthcare worker after healthcare worker described how the patients they serve today will be devastated by the closure. Some of them were in tears as they called on the bankruptcy judge in Texas to hold Prospect accountable for the havoc they have caused in Delaware County.

An hour later, over 700 people viewed today’s hearing in Texas online and the hearing lasted almost 2.5 hours. The judge adjourned the hearing and permitted Prospect’s lawyers to move forward with the hospital closures but did not officially approve Prospect's closure plan (which is changing daily but currently calls for closing services by April 28 and putting the real estate assets up for bid by April 25). The judge asked the lawyers to submit revised language to her to address concerns brought up during the hearing by 9am tomorrow and we are expecting another hearing next week on April 30th.

During today’s hearing, Delaware County’s attorney objected to Prospect’s request for exculpation, which means they want to clear themselves from liability once they close, requesting a release in advance to clear themselves from future guilt. The judge seemed to share the County’s concerns and asked for revised language on that section of the plan by tomorrow morning.

Today we heard concerns of patients being discharged too quickly in a way that is unsafe. During the hearing, Patient Ombudsman Suzanne Koenig committed to work with PASNAP’s attorney when she is onsite in Delco tomorrow to investigate allegations that social workers are being threatened by Prospect if they don’t get their patients discharged. The Crisis Unit at Crozer-Chester is currently full and there are 7,000 in-patient and out-patient patients that are covered by Crozer behavioral health who could be without services when they close. 

In response to a request for a lawyer representing Ridley School District, the Borough of Ridley Park, Upland Borough and Aston Township who objected to the 10-day period to cease EMS services (which serves over half of Delaware County), the judge said that she would not force Prospect to comply with current state law to keep EMS open for 90 days. She did order that Prospect needed to speak with their lawyer to explore options for transferring EMS equipment to local municipalities that want to start running their own ALS vehicles.

All in all, it was a disappointing hearing. I hoped to see the judge do more to hold Prospect accountable and she went easy on them today.

My Facebook page and website will continue to have the latest news on Prospect Medical Holdings’ bankruptcy filing and the state of Crozer Health

HEALTH CARE IN DELCO

Delaware County is hosting another informational session this week on ways for county residents to navigate the local health care system during these uncertain times.

Infertility Awareness and Care

This week the House is voting on a resolution I co-authored that brings the topic of infertility out of the shadows and into our public policy discussions. I have introduced this resolution for the past several legislative sessions to support families who experience infertility, to let them know that they are not alone and that they have support in the State Capitol. I had to go through fertility treatment myself to get pregnant with my son and I remember how isolated I felt during that process.

An estimated 1 in 8 U.S. couples experience infertility issues when trying to start a family. Although many people endure these struggles, there is still a stigma around having open conversations about fertility issues. At a time when women across our nation are being denied their rights to body autonomy and reproductive choice – and when fertility treatments like IVF are under attack by politicians – it’s more important than ever to make sure we are discussing and advancing public policy that puts the needs and rights of women and couples first.

The House Insurance Committee is holding an informational meeting at 9:15 a.m. tomorrow, April 23, on protecting prospective parents’ rights to fertility treatment care in Pennsylvania. You can view the hearing live or watch it later on the House Insurance Committee YouTube page. 

Play Ball!

I had a great time joining Swarthmorewood Athletic Association for Opening Day!

I had the honor of throwing out the first pitch when baseball and softball started their season on Saturday. I also had the pleasure of presenting Ridley Township with a grant check in the amount of $304,000 for improvements to Blackrock Park. I’ve been happy to support grants to improve the fields and infrastructure for this league over the past several years.

Thank you to all the volunteers that come out to make this possible!

With May being Teacher Appreciation Month I want to recognize all the amazing teachers in our community – and I need your help finding them!

I am asking you to nominate your favorite teacher to be recognized throughout the month of May to celebrate their dedication to our kids and our communities.

Here’s where you can help! Send the following information to RepKrueger@pahouse.net:

• Choose your favorite teacher!
• Send your teacher’s information to  RepKrueger@pahouse.net.
• We will need their first and last name, and the grade, subject and school they teach at (or taught at)- plus let us know why this teacher is making a difference!

You can also send the information using the following link:  Nominate a teacher for Teacher Appreciation Month.

Primary Election 2025

Make your voice heard! The 2025 Primary Election is around the corner. Make sure you are ready to vote. If you need to update your voter registration, apply for a mail in-ballot or see where you vote, you can visit here.

REAL ID DAYS

Monday, April 28, 2025

8:30 a.m.  – 4:15 p.m.

Beginning May 7, 2025, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID – compliant driver’s license/photo ID card, or another form of federally acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to board a domestic commercial flight or enter a federal building or military installation that requires ID.

To make sure you’re prepared PennDOT will be holding REAL ID Days in our area, with the next one on Monday, April 28, 2025.

REAL ID is optional and PennDOT will continue to issue standard driver's licenses and photo ID cards after the enforcement date.

You do NOT need REAL ID to:

• Drive.
• Vote.
• Access hospitals.
• Visit the post office.
• Access federal courts.
• Apply for or receive federal benefits.

You need a REAL ID to:

• Board domestic commercial flights.
• Enter a military base.
• Enter a federal facility that requires federally acceptable ID at the door.

It’s important to note that you can still apply for a REAL ID after the May 7 enforcement begins.

If you have any questions, reach out to my office for assistance.

The State Transportation Commission and PennDOT need your help! Your feedback is an important part of their 12-Year Transportation Program update process.

Please take a moment to tell PennDOT about the transportation needs that are important to you. You will be asked to identify and categorize your concerns by Bridge, Freight, Pedestrian or Bike, Roadway, and Transit. You can start the survey here.

My office helps local officials and organizations connect to available state grants to help them do their important work to improve our communities and the lives of residents. You can find a list of state grant programs that are currently open for application on my website. I update this list as new programs come online, so check back often. And let me know if I can help you with a letter of support!

SCAM JAM on Friday, April 25

10 a.m. to noon
Aston Township Fire Department

Gain firsthand knowledge from fraud professionals on the latest scams, red flags to watch for, and practical steps to safeguard personal and financial information.

Topics being addressed at the event include:

• Recent Elder Abuse and Exploitation Cases – DA’s office.
• Top 3-5 scams in the community – Aston Police Department.
• Avoiding Investment Fraud – PA Banking and Securities staff.
• Avoiding Scams – AG’s office.
• Avoiding Mail Fraud and Check Washing – AARP representative.

Fun games of Fraud Bingo will be played in between speakers. Snacks and beverages also will be provided.

Registration is strongly recommended since space is limited. To register for this event, you can email RepKrueger@pahouse.net or by calling 610-534-6880.

Senior Wills Clinic on Monday, April 28

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Wilson Center, Chester Township Building

1150 Engle St., Chester, PA 19013

My office is partnering with Sen. John Kane and Legal Aid of Southeastern PA for a Free Senior Wills Clinic. You will be able to get help with simple wills, durable Powers of Attorney and healthcare directives for seniors 60+.

To sign up or for questions, please contact Cassidy Heiserman at cheiserman@lasp.org or 610-230-6074.

License Plate Replacement Event on Thursday, May 1
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Gouley Park
101 Plush Mill Road, Media
 

Is your license plate hard to read, damaged or peeling? Don’t get fined for driving with an illegible plate! Local law enforcement will be at this event to determine if your plate needs to be replaced.

Drivers must bring an unexpired Pennsylvania driver’s license and current vehicle registration card. New plates are not issued at this event. Once your paperwork is processed, I will drive it back from Harrisburg and my office will call you to pick up your new plate. Registration is required. Call my office at 610-534-6880 or email RepKrueger@pahouse.net to register.

Spring Shred and Drug Take Back on Saturday, May 10

9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Upland Park

280 6th St., Brookhaven

Protect your identity and get rid of unneeded medications at this event I’m hosting with Sen. John Kane.

Pet Expo on Saturday, May 17

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Upland Park

280 6th St., Brookhaven

VENDORS WANTED

We are still looking for a few more vendors for our annual Pet Expo that I am hosting with Sen. John Kane.

If you have a pet business - dog/pet sitting, pet accessories, we would love to have you as a vendor at our annual event! Please reach out to my office if you’re interested in setting up a table. We would love to have you. 

Help keep Rockdale beautiful! Sign up here: https://forms.gle/GvXkS83zPjqXD42S8

Meet either at Rockdale Art Center or Rockdale Music to help clean up along Mount Road.

Delaware County Household Hazardous Waste Collection
Registration is required for all events.

The next HHW collection is on Saturday, May 10 at Rose Tree Park. Register here. 

Spring forward to a healthier you!

As always, please feel free to reach out to my office for help with any state-related issues.
 
Sincerely,

Rep. Leanne Krueger
161st District, Delaware County

Pennsylvania State Capitol
512-E Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 705-2567

Brookhaven District Office

115 E. Brookhaven Rd.
Brookhaven, PA 19015
(610) 534-6880