It's past time to raise the minimum wage in PA

Rep. Leanne Krueger January 13, 2026 | 5:07 PM

PA Representative Leanne Krueger banner image

Dear Neighbor,

As a State Representative, I do not get to vote on issues at the Federal level. But much of the Federal news over the last week has been upsetting and I have heard the same from some of our neighbors. Last night I listened to a “Moms for Good” Zoom call where moms who are on the ground in Minneapolis described what it has been like to live there after Renee Nicole Good was shot and killed by an ICE agent after she dropped her child off at school last week. Hearing the real-life stories of people who are seeing these events unfold with their own eyes moved me to tears. Today Fox9 News, the local Fox affiliate in that area, reported that there are estimated to be over 2,000 ICE agents currently operating in the Twin Cities in Minnesota, more than the total combined number of police officers in Minneapolis and St. Paul. While we haven’t seen the same kind of mass deployment of ICE agents here in Pennsylvania that we have seen in other cities, I know it could happen at any time. No matter how people feel about the immigration policies of the Trump Administration, I have had Republicans, Independents, and Democrats tell me that they disapprove of what is happening.

One of the questions I have gotten from folks in our community is how to make sure that they are getting accurate information about what is happening in the world when there are news outlets on both the right and the left that “spin” the news to fit a particular worldview. If you’re not thinking critically, it is very easy to curate your news and social media feeds to only show you posts that reinforce your existing beliefs and never challenge you with an opposing viewpoint. One of the sources I read every day is Heather Cox Richardson, a political historian who uses facts and history to put the news in context. She posts a short, written update almost every day on Facebook and Substack, which you can read for free without a paid subscription. One of the things I appreciate most about Heather’s posts is that she links to her sources in the notes so you can read her citations and primary source documents for yourself, something that is missing from the news networks. She often connects what is happening now back to key relevant moments in American history. She also hosts an occasional Politics Chat on Facebook Live where she will solicit questions from readers and interview public figures. The last few Politics Chats have been titled, “What the Heck Just Happened?” and that has felt like an appropriate reaction after many current events.

Now is the time to make your voice heard if there are issues at the Federal level that you are upset about because right now, only Congress and the U.S. Senate and the courts can hold the Trump Administration accountable. Our Congresswoman and our U.S. Senators are responsible to the voters who elected them – please reach out to them to make your voice heard. Even if you’re only able to leave a voicemail message, their staff should be listening to those messages and recording them in a constituent database.

It's Time to Raise the Minimum Wage

As we begin 2026, nearly 300,00 Pennsylvanians are still earning between $7.25 and $12 an hour, even as the cost of everyday essentials continues to rise. Meanwhile, states in nearly half the country have already raised their minimum wages, leaving Pennsylvania workers behind.

Last June, the House passed HB 1549, which would raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $12 an hour by 2028, giving workers a long-overdue base level of pay they can count on. Now, the bill is sitting in the Senate.

It’s time for action. If you believe Pennsylvania workers deserve a raise, I encourage you to reach out to the Senate and urge them to move HB 1549 this year.

Send a message to the state’s Senate leadership to raise the minimum wage here.

Enough is enough. Our neighboring states are leaving the commonwealth in the dust. It’s past time Pennsylvania raises the minimum wage.

PA House Legislative Fellowship Program

Applications for the Summer 2026 Pennsylvania House of Representatives Legislative Fellowship Program are now being accepted.

House Fellows work with legislative committees or in House Leadership offices to gain experience drafting and presenting their own legislation, attending meet-and-greets with public officials and staff, and more! It’s a great introduction to the everyday workings of the legislature for undergraduate, graduate, and law school students interested in a career in state government.

Applications for the summer semester are due on Monday, March 2. The 2026 program runs from Thursday, June 4 through Thursday, August 6. All fellowships are based in Harrisburg.

Qualified applicants will be:

College undergraduate juniors or seniors, graduate students, or law school students;
Enrolled in a Pennsylvania college/university, or a Pennsylvania resident enrolled in an out-of-state institution; and
Pursuing any major with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

If you know of any college students who would benefit from the Fellowship Program, please invite them to visit the website at: www.pahousefellowship.us. Applications can be submitted via email to: pahousefellowship@pabmc.net.

Pennsylvania Farm Show is Back for 2026!

Experience the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show, January 10–17, at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center, Harrisburg.

Admission is free! Celebrate “Growing a Nation” with food, fun, and farm traditions for the whole family, and meet the farmers and young innovators shaping Pennsylvania’s top industry!

See the daily schedule for more details.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Closing

Please note that my office will be closed on Monday, January 19 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

We will reopen on Tuesday, January 20 for normal business hours.

In the District

Aston Township Stormwater Management Meeting

Aston Township is hosting a community meeting to discuss a proposed stormwater management project for homes along Hetherton Drive between Surrey and Wickersham Lanes, where residents have experienced ongoing flooding concerns.

Last August, a number of concerned residents reached out to my office and I walked through the neighborhood with them to see the issues firsthand. Aston Township and their engineer have been working on possible solutions since then and they will be presenting the next steps at a public meeting.

The meeting will take place on Monday, January 19 at 6:30 pm at the new Aston Township Municipal Building, 3264 Concord Rd., Aston. Township administrators will be on hand to share information and hear directly from residents.

During heavy downpours, this area has seen a persistent and worsening stormwater issue. Storm drains are unable to adequately move water into retention areas, causing water to pool and surge through the neighborhood, particularly impacting homes in low-lying areas.

Township officials and residents will meet to discuss the project, next steps, and potential solutions. I encourage affected residents to attend and participate in the conversation.

Academic Excellence on Display at Sun Valley High School

On Wednesday, my staffer Florence was excited to return to her alma mater, Penn-Delco School District, to watch the Delco Hi-Q meet at Sun Valley High School. The Sun Valley Hi-Q team hosted a home match against Cardinal O'Hara and Upper Darby High Schools.

Though Sun Valley didn't win, it's always impressive to see the depth of knowledge the students bring to the competition. They all work incredibly hard preparing for Hi-Q season, and the dedication of the faculty advisors who support and guide them truly shows.

Visit to a 4-STAR High Quality Early Education Provider

I love when I receive an invitation to read to our future generation of leaders! This morning, I visited an early learning center, located in the district, to read to their Toddler, Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten classes. I also had the opportunity speak with the Center Director, Sharon (pictured above), regarding the Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program, offering approximately $450 in bonuses per worker to licensed providers for their staff in DHS-certified programs, aiming to stabilize the workforce.

As a mom, I want quality childcare that ensures our children are safe, happy, and learning. To learn more on choosing quality childcare in Pennsylvania, click here: https://papromiseforchildren.com/a-guide-to-choosing-quality-child-care-in-pennsylvania/

Keystone STARS (Standards, Training/Professional Development, Assistance, Resources, and Supports) is a rating system that promotes quality improvement in early learning and development programs and school-age child care. A Keystone STARS designation informs parents that their children are in a safe, respectful environment in which they are learning new things every day to support their current and future successes in school and in life. To learn more about Keystone STARS: https://www.pakeys.org/keystone-stars/

Pictures below: classroom bunny, Max, and the

sensory path designed and installed by a local Eagle Scout.

Important Programs & Services

2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Update

The 2025 PropertyTax/Rent Rebate Application window opens January 15. This is the date when the department will begin accepting applications for rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2025. Forms and instructions will be available online on that date.

If you are age 65 or older, ages 18 to 64 and are permanently disabled, or a widow or widower ages 55 to 64, you may be eligible for a rebate on property taxes or rent paid in 2025. Your gross income must not exceed $48,110.

For more information on the Property/Tax Rebate Program, please visit the Department of Revenue website here.

If you have received assistance previously from my office and would like to file your 2025 rebate, please contact my office on or after January 15, and we will gladly assist you

PA ABLE Expands Eligibility

The PA ABLE Savings Program has expanded eligibility, allowing thousands more Pennsylvanians with disabilities to benefit from a tax-free way to save for their future. Individuals are now eligible to open a PA ABLE account if their disability began before age 46 – an increase from the previous age limit of 26 – making this a significant and impactful change.

Since its launch in 2017, PA ABLE has helped people with disabilities build financial security without jeopardizing essential benefits such as Medical Assistance (Medicaid) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Participants can contribute up to $20,000 annually, use funds for a wide range of disability-related expenses, and deduct contributions from Pennsylvania state income taxes.

Currently, more than 11,500 Pennsylvanians have saved nearly $185 million through PA ABLE, with many more now eligible due to the expanded age limit. To learn more, visit paable.gov or call 855-529-ABLE (2253).

Seniors Ride FREE on SEPTA

There are a lot of events to look forward to in 2026, like the Philadelphia Flower Show, America250PA celebrations, concerts, sporting events, museums and so much more. If you're 65 and older, you can ride SEPTA for FREE.

Now is the perfect time to get your SEPTA Senior Fare Card.

Stop by my office to apply or call 610-534-6880 if you have questions.

PHEAA 2026 Financial Aid Assistance Webinars

Searching for Scholarships and Affording the Balance

Thursday, February 12

6:30 PM – 7:15 PM

Advanced Planning for Financing Higher Education

Thursday, January 22

6:30 PM – 7:15 PM

Thursday, February 17

NOON – 12:45 PM

College Scholarship Opportunities for PA students

To honor Pennsylvania’s long-standing commitment to education, the state commission planning America’s 250th anniversary will award $250,000 in scholarships to deserving Pennsylvania students attending in-state colleges next school year.

Any Pennsylvania high school senior planning to attend a PA college for 2026–27 is eligible to apply. Twenty-five scholarships of $10,000 each will be awarded by the America250PA commission.

Applications are due Jan. 31. More details can be found here.

2026 Partners in Giving Grants

The Foundation for Delaware County and The Community’s Foundation have opened the 2026 Parters in Giving competitive grant cycle to support nonprofits serving Delaware County.

Applications open January 15, 2026, and are due February 19, 2026.

This funding supports organizations working in community development, health, hospice, and home healthcare, youth development, and supportive services for cancer survivors.

For more information visit: https://delcofoundation.org/advancing-nonprofits/apply-for-a-grant/

Multimodal Transportation Grants Available

PennDOT announced recently that they are accepting applications for a new round of Multimodal Transportation Fund grants. Applications are due by Feb. 13.

The MTF provides grant funding to municipalities, councils of governments, businesses, economic development organizations, public transit agencies, and ports and rail freight entities to improve transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety and transit access.

More information about applying for the MTF grants is available by clicking here.

Our Events

January Mobile Office Hours

Upland Borough

Tuesday, January 20

1 PM – 3 PM

MacQueen Hall – 224 Castle Ave., Upland

Dog Licensing Event

Thursday, January 22

3 PM – 6 PM

Brookhaven Municipal Center

2 Cambridge Rd., Brookhaven, PA 19015

Registration is required. Call 610-534-6880 to register.

Please note this event does have licensing fees. Payment is by cash or check only.

Annual Dog License

Regular License Fees - $10.80

Senior Citizen/Person with Disability Fee - $8.80

Lifetime Dog License

Fee - $52.80

Senior Citizen/Person with Disability Fee - $36.80

Applicants for a lifetime license must bring a completed Permanent ID Verification form and proof of microchipping signed by a veterinarian.

For more information on fees and required forms, please contact our office.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate Event

Wednesday, February 11

11 AM – 3 PM

Ridley Township Public Library

100 MacDade Blvd., Folsom, PA 19033

To register for this event call 610-544-6120 or 610-534-6880.

In the Community

MLK Day Events

Sunday, January 18

37^th Annual Dr. Martin Lurther King, Jr. Commemoration & Spirit Hall of Fame

3 PM – 4:30 PM

Community Dinner to follow 4:30 PM – 6 PM

First Church Media, 350 W. State St., Media,

Monday, January 19

Breakfast and Opening Ceremony: 9 AM– 10 AM. Chester City Hall, 1 E 4th St, Chester, PA 19013

Peace March: 10 AM – 10:45 AM | Chester City Hall to Edgemont Rally Point

Community Clean Up: 10:45 AM -12 PM | Edgemont neighborhood 14th and Edgemont Sts. weather permitting)

Lunch 12 PM – 1 PM. | Pride Cafe, Widener University Center, 1301 Potter Street Chester, PA 19013

Remarks, Community Building and Art Activities by the CAAT Center and America250PADelco: 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM. | Lathem Hall, Widener University, 1301 Potter St. Chester, PA

Hoops for Hunger Basketball Game: 4 PM – 7 PM. | Schwartz Athletic Center, 621-623 Penn St, Chester, PA 19013

For a full list of event visit here.

Ice on State

January 24-25

State St., Media, PA 19063

For more information visit: https://visitmediapa.com/event/ice-on-state-presented-by-visit-delco/