Dear Neighbor,
Last Thursday marked the 16th anniversary since the federal minimum wage was increased to $7.25 back in 2009. Here in Pennsylvania, we have been stuck at this level since then, while every state surrounding us has increased their wage above the federal minimum, including West Virginia.
In June, I voted to pass the Raise the Wage Act, HB1549, a real-world plan to give hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians their first raise since 2009.
This bill is designed to work for every community by gradually increasing the minimum wage and tying future raises to the cost of living, so no one falls behind.
Now it’s up to the Senate. Tell your Senator that hardworking Pennsylvanians deserve a raise and a stronger economy.
Click here to take action!
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While budget talks continue, we do not yet have a deal with the State Senate about this year’s state budget. Last week I shared with you that the State Senate gutted the budget bill we sent them two weeks ago in their Appropriations Committee and zeroed out almost every line item. Instead of sending back a counter-offer, they left the Capitol right after that and are not currently scheduled to be back in session until September, although Senate Leadership could call them back sooner.
My colleagues and I in the House are ready to pass a compromise budget, but we need the State Senate to participate in negotiations in order to get there. I’ll continue to keep you posted in this weekly e-newsletter.
This story from City and State gives a succinct summary of where things stand right now: What we now know – and don’t know – about the Pennsylvania budget - City & State Pennsylvania
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Yesterday WHYY posted a story about the impact of the Crozer Health system’s closure on increased ambulance and emergency room wait times across the County. I have been advocating for more funding for Riddle Hospital and Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital in this year’s state budget to help them care for the increased number of patients they’re seeing due to Crozer’s closure as we work towards a longer-term solution.
Meanwhile, Prospect Medical Holdings, the California-based hedge fund that forced the Crozer Health system into bankruptcy in January, has put the four closed Crozer Health hospital buildings up for sale and has hired a real estate broker to handle the transactions. While at least some of the buildings have been bid on, I have been hearing complaints that Prospect has not responded to the bids in a timely manner. The only person who has any power to hold Prospect accountable at this point is the judge overseeing the bankruptcy case in Texas.
Today Harold Brubaker at the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Prospect now wants permission from the judge to “abandon” the buildings at Delaware County Memorial Hospital and Taylor Hospital and filed a motion in court last Friday to get her permission to do so. Prospect apparently thinks that the bids are too low (reportedly $1.25M for DCMH and $575,000 for Taylor, less than their unpaid property taxes) and rather than sell them, Prospect would continue to own the buildings and let them sit in disrepair unless a creditor files to foreclose on them. Prospect plans to argue in favor of this motion in court on Monday. Allowing Prospect to abandon these buildings would be terrible news for Delaware County and would set a dangerous precedent. The motion to abandon the properties does not mention Crozer-Chester Medical Center or Springfield Hospital.
The next bankruptcy hearings are scheduled for next week, on August 4 and August 6. If you want to follow the bankruptcy case more closely, Prospect Medical Holdings created a website with information that includes court documents and hearing dates, including a link to watch the upcoming hearings: https://cases.omniagentsolutions.com/?clientId=3725
We’ll continue to keep you posted in our e-newsletter and on the Crozer Update page on our website at Crozer-Chester Medical Center Updates
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Independence and Stability for Adults with Disabilities
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Last week, I helped convene a meeting between Deputy Secretary Kristin Aherns and her team from the Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs and a number of Delaware County families with adult children with disabilities. These families reached out to me and other legislators earlier this spring because they want to create a pilot housing program for their adult children aimed at expanding independence, stability, and long-term support, but they kept getting caught up in bureaucracy and red tape.
I am confident that we broke down some of the barriers at last week’s meeting and will continue to support these families as they pursue their vision. One of the participants was Brian Foti and his family, who did a great job of highlighting Brian’s desire to have a choice in where he lives and who his roommates are. I’m so impressed with how powerful these individuals and families are in their advocacy.
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Ridley School District’s New Superintendent
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Last week, I visited Mr. Charles “Chas” Maiers, the newly appointed superintendent of the Ridley School District. Appointed in 2025, Mr. Maiers is the district’s sixth superintendent since 1967. Although we’ve met before over the years, it was a pleasure to connect with him as he takes on this new role. I look forward to more meaningful conversations and continued collaboration in the future as I support our local school districts.
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United States Post Offices Celebrate 250 Years of Service
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On Wednesday, my staff member Florence had the pleasure of attending the United States Postal Service “250 Years of Service” stamp reveal at the Chester City Post Office, one of only 60 sites nationwide that had a post office in 1775. Above, Florence is pictured with Adrienne Irving, Communications Specialist for the City of Chester.
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We’re all still celebrating our amazing Super Bowl win this year. Last week I got a chance to visit Eagles Training Camp alongside my colleagues and community members, watching our Philadelphia Eagles get ready for another exciting season! I even got to meet SWOOP! Go Birds!
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Join Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon for Coffee!
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We’re getting a lot of questions about Federal policy right now, so we’re highlighting the chance for you to join Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon for coffee on August 4, 5, 6, or 7. Find more information and RSVP here
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The last day to register to vote in the municipal election is October 20!
Voting takes place on November 4. If you need to update your voter registration, apply for a mail in-ballot or see where you vote, you can visit here.
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Important Programs and Services
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Veterans Temporary Assistance Program
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The Veterans Temporary Assistance Program provides up to $1,600 per year to help with essential needs such a rent, groceries, utility bills and clothing during times of financial hardship.
Administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the program has awarded over $7.4 million to more than 6,800 veterans and families across the state.
Eligible applicants include:
- Veterans with honorable or general discharges
- Veterans with service-connected disabilities
- Surviving dependents of eligible veterans or service members who died in the line of duty
To learn more about the program or to apply, contact the Delaware County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
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Need Help Navigating Medicare?
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Medicare coverage can be confusing – but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our office offers FREE, one-on-one Medicare counseling through PA Medi.
Whether you’re new to Medicare, need help during open enrollment, have questions about Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plans (Part D), or want to understand Medigap supplemental insurance – a trained PA Medi counselor can guide you through it.
Appointments are available in my office on August 13, September 10, October 8, November 12, and December 10. Contact my office today to schedule your session.
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Property Tax/Rent Rebate Event with Sen. Kearney
Monday, August 25
11 AM – 2 PM
Ridley Township Public Library
100 E. MacDade Blvd., Folsom
To register, call 610-544-6120.
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Medicare 101- In-Person Event
Tuesday, August 26
6:30 PM
Ridley Township Public Library
100 E. MacDade Blvd. Folsom
To register, call 610-534-6880 or email at RepKrueger@pahouse.net.
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Senior Expo
Thursday, September 18, 2025
11 AM - 1 PM
Brookhaven Municipal Center
2 Cambridge Rd.
Brookhaven, PA 19015
To RSVP for this event call my office at 610-534-6880 or email RepKrueger@pahouse.net
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Clean Slate Expungement Clinic
Thursday, September 25, 2025
6 PM – 8 PM
Brookhaven Municipal Center
2 Cambridge Road, Brookhaven, PA 19015
Reservations are required.
Email RepKrueger@pahouse.net or 610-534-6880
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Fall Shred and Drug Take Back Event
Saturday, September 27
9 AM – Noon
Northley Middle School
2801 Concord Rd. Aston, PA 19014
Protect your identity and get rid of unneeded medications at this event I’m hosting with Sen. John Kane.
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Happening in the Community
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National Night Out Events: Tuesday, August 5
National Night Out is an annual relationship-building event designed to bring community members together with their local law enforcement and emergency services personnel. Police and fire departments nationwide host free, family-friendly events for you to meet your police and firemen, familiarize yourself with their services, and enjoy time with your friends and neighbors.
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Aston Township Police Department
Tuesday, August 5
6 PM – 8 PM
Neumann University – behind the Mirenda Center
501 Convent Rd., Aston
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Brookhaven Police and Fire Departments
Tuesday, August 5
6 PM – 8 PM
Brookhaven Municipal Center
2 Cambridge Rd., Brookhaven
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Ridley Township Police and Fire Departments
Tuesday, August 5
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Ridley Township Municipal Building
100 E MacDade Blvd., Folsom
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Middletown Township
Tuesday, August 5
4 PM - 8 PM
Middletown Fire Company
Parking at Roosevelt Community Center
464 S. Old Middletown Road, Media
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Rose Tree Summer Concerts
June 11 - August 10
Rose Tree Park
167 N. Providence Rd., Media 19063
Visit DelcoPA.Gov/Parks for the full schedule and additional information.
Concerts are weather-dependent, with no rain dates. Call 610-891-4455 for updates or sign up for alerts by texting DELCOPARKS to 888777.
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Children’s Mental Health Forum
Thursday, August 21, 2025
4 PM – 6 PM
Penn State Brandywine
25 Yearsley Mill Road, Media, PA 19063
Main Building Auditorium (Room 101)
To RSVP, call 484-427-2884 or email RepBorowski@pahouse.net
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
512-E Main Capitol Building
PO Box 202161
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2161
(717) 705-2567
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District Office
115 E. Brookhaven Rd.
Brookhaven, PA 19015
(610) 534-6880
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