I hope everyone made it through the recent winter storm with minimal disruption and had the chance to enjoy the quiet beauty a fresh snowfall can bring. I’m grateful to our local municipalities and PennDOT crews who worked quickly to clear roads and keep them safe and accessible for our police, fire, EMS, and other essential workers. I’m also grateful for our school administrators and school boards who are working to make sure that bus and pedestrian routes and parking lots are clear and safe so that kids can go back to school tomorrow. Voting session in Harrisburg was cancelled yesterday and today due to the storm but I’ll be back at the Capitol tomorrow.

Over the past few days, I have heard from a number of residents from across our district sharing their concerns about recent fatal shootings in Minnesota involving federal immigration enforcement officers. Like them, I am horrified at what is happening and I am in close contact with legislative leaders in Minnesota who are providing first-hand accounts. Today I signed onto a letter signed by over 250 legislators from 27 states demanding a full and independent investigation into the shootings and deaths of Renee Good, Alex Pretti, and others who have died in ICE custody over the past year. In the PA House, our Judiciary Committee is evaluating a number of bills that have been introduced recently to protect Pennsylvania residents from the kind of ICE activity we are seeing in Minneapolis. While many of these bills have merit, the chance of them becoming law in a state with a divided legislature is unlikely.

Many people have asked what they can do to help. UDTJ, a local nonprofit organization based in Upper Darby, is organizing a series of training courses on how bystanders can respond to ICE presence in their communities. While the first training on January 31st filled up to capacity in less than 24 hours, you can sign up to be notified about future trainings at Delco F.I.R.E. Team — U.D.T.J..

The U.S. Senate is expected to vote this week on a spending bill for the Department of Homeland Security, which funds ICE, in a package of measures that need to pass to keep federal agencies funded past Friday. A growing number of U.S. Senators are going on the record to say they would oppose funding for ICE without significant changes and accountability. If you care about this issue, our U.S. Senators need to hear from you now.

If you’re upset about what’s happening at the federal level, I encourage you to reach out directly to your federally elected representatives to share your concerns and let them know what issues matter to you.

I work hard to bring state resources back into our district, and I’m pleased to share that nearly $4.1 million in state funding has been secured to support critical water and sewer infrastructure upgrades and pedestrian safety projects across our community. These investments will help improve safety, accessibility, and quality of life right here at home.

More than $1.2 million has been awarded to our district for essential water and sewer infrastructure projects. Funded through the PA Small Water and Sewer Program, these investments will help maintain and upgrade infrastructure to reduce flooding.

• $110,000 for the Henry Ln. Project, Phase II in Nether Providence Township.

• $125,000 for open trench repairs with the Southwest Delaware County Municipal Authority – Aston Township.

• $300,000 to Chester Township for stormwater inlet and pipe upgrades.

• $153,916 for manhole rehabilitation with the Southwest Delaware County Municipal Authority.

• $425,000 for Maris Run pipe relining and repairs in Upland Borough.

• $100,000 for the Sanitary Sewer I & I Abatement Program with the Central Delaware County Authority.

I'm proud to bring more than $2.8 million back into our district for pedestrian safety improvements. Investing in safer sidewalks, crossings, and roadways makes our communities more accessible, strengthens local business districts, and helps keep everyone safe.

Here's how these funds are being invested in our communities

• $500,000 for public and pedestrian safety enhancements along Powell Rd. and Bridgewater Rd., in Chester Township.
• $514,000 to Nether Providence Township for Phase IV construction of an ADA-accessible sidewalk along Providence Rd.
• $450,000 for sidewalk, curb, and signal improvements along Upland Ave., Upland Borough.
• $1.4 million for pedestrian safety improvements along MacDade Blvd. between School Ln. and Morris Ave. in Ridley Township.

Last week, The Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued an important ruling on the Chester Water Authority. The Court ruled that the City of Chester does not have the authority to unilaterally take over or sell CWA assets, blocking a sale to a private, for-profit company, like Aqua.

Any potential sale of CWA would require an agreement from the City of Chester, Delaware County, and Chester County, preventing a one-sided takeover.

I have been outspoken in opposing the privatization of CWA and the proposed sale to Aqua, which could have led to higher rates and the loss of public access to the Octoraro Reservoir in Chester County.

In Harrisburg, I have co-sponsored legislation to repeal Act 12, which has allowed municipal water and sewer systems across Pennsylvania to be sold to private companies through deals that often result in higher costs for residents. Repealing Act 12 would pause future sales and give the legislature time to pursue long-term solutions that protect ratepayers and keep water systems in public hands. With this new ruling, I have reiterated my support for repealing Act 12.

This ruling is a meaningful step forward, and I will continue advocating to keep our water public, affordable, and accountable to the communities it serves.

You can read more about this ruling in the Delaware County Times article.

Last week, I joined my colleagues from the Delaware County House and Senate delegations at a roundtable discussion at Main Line Riddle Hospital to support $4 million in state investments for patient care and services. This funding is intended to provide resources to help alleviate some of the increased burden on Riddle due to Crozer’s closure. While a new owner closed on the sale of Crozer-Chester last week, they estimate that it will take six months to finalize a partnership agreement with a nonprofit hospital system to run the hospital and up to two years to reinstate patient care at that site.

As our community continues to deal with the aftermath of Crozer closure, these investments are critical to ensuring patients can continue to access high-quality care close to home. During the discussion, I also raised concerns that I have heard from our neighbors about very long wait times in the Riddle Emergency Room and asked how this new funding will help address those challenges. Hospital leadership shared that they will start tracking these impacts and report back to our legislative delegation at regular intervals.

You can read more about the discussion and its impact on local healthcare in this Delco Times article.

Chelsea Tank Farm Gasoline Release Public Meeting

Wednesday, February 4

Lia’s Catering

1405 Meetinghouse Rd.

Upper Chichester, PA 19061

MIPC will host a public meeting to share information about an underground gasoline release that was announced from the Chelsea Tank Farm in Aston Township right before Christmas and the ongoing cleanup efforts. Representatives from MIPC will be available to explain the remediation process and answer questions from the community.

Starting February 1, Pennsylvanians who are unable to present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly will have the option to pay a $45 fee to use TSA Confirm ID. The TSA Confirm ID is an alternative identity verification system that is valid for a 10-day travel period. It is recommended to obtain a REAL ID for domestic travel.

REMINDER:

A REAL ID, or other form of federally accepted ID, is required to board a domestic commercial flight, enter a military installation, or enter some federal facilities. A passport is still required to fly internationally.

STILL NEED A REAL ID?

To apply for a REAL ID, there is a one-time $30 fee, plus any applicable driver’s license renewal fees. Your REAL ID will be valid for four years, in addition to the remaining time on your current driver’s license.

My office can help you obtain the necessary documents for a REAL ID, review your paperwork, and answer questions you may have about REAL ID.

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) has introduced a new feature on PA Navigate to help SNAP recipients find volunteer opportunities in their communities and comply with federal work and reporting requirements.

Under updated federal rules, certain SNAP participants must work, volunteer, or engage in education/training for at least 20 hours per week to maintain benefits. PA Navigate now allows recipients to search for local volunteer roles, connect with organizations, and track hours to stay eligible.

This new tool is part of our state’s broader effort to support Pennsylvanians as new federal requirements take effect. The 2025–26 budget also includes an $11 million increase for food security programs statewide in response to federally created challenges.

SNAP recipients can visit pa-navigate.org to find volunteer opportunities and learn how to report their hours. Questions can be directed to local County Assistance Offices or DHS’ Customer Service Center at 877-395-8930.

Did you know that my office provides free notary services for state-related documents? If you need help notarizing paperwork connected to state services, my staff can assist.

To schedule an appointment, call my office.

The Commonwealth Financing Authority is now accepting applications from school districts and career or technical schools for facility improvement projects. Eligible projects include roof replacements, HVAC upgrades, plumbing system repairs, window replacements, and accessibility improvements. The deadline to apply is March 13.

For more information, visit the CFA Website.

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 Pennsylvania college in 2026–27 is eligible to apply. The America250PA commission will award twenty-five scholarships of $10,000 each.

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

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/

Upcoming February Mobile Office Hours

Aston Township

Tuesday, February 3

1 PM – 3 PM

Village Green

1000 Park Ave., Media, PA

Chester Township

Tuesday, February 10

1 PM – 3 PM

DCHA Fairgrounds - Bridgeview Apartments

1301 Peterson St., Chester Township

Woodlyn

Thursday, February 12

1 PM – 3 PM

DCHA Kinder Park – Building 4 Community Room

1857 Constitution Ave., Woodlyn

Upland Borough

Tuesday, February 17

1 PM – 3 PM

MacQueen Hall – 224 Castle Ave., Upland

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 610-534-6880 or 610-544-6120.

DCHD Free Community BLS CPR Training

Thursday, January 29

9 AM – 1 PM

Yeadon Wellness Center

125 Chester Ave., Yeadon, PA 19050

The Human Face of Trafficking

January 31

10 AM – 12 PM

Our Lady of Angels Convent – Copper Beech Room

609 Convent Rd., Aston

To register for this event

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Join the important conversation about supporting survivors and preventing exploitation in our community. Leaders from Dawn’s Place will share how their organization helps survivors rebuild their lives and discuss concrete ways you can take action. Learn from experts who have helped create internationally renowned trauma-informed courts that integrate recovery within the criminal justice system.

Devereux Family Resilience Conference

February 7, 2026

11 AM – 4:15 PM

During this free, virtual event, attendees will explore practical strategies for building resilience in everyday life. Through inspiring keynote presentations, interactive wellness activities, and meaningful panel discussions sharing lived experiences, participants will gain tools to combat compassion fatigue, foster optimism, and strengthen their support networks.

Interested? Click here to reserve your spot.

The deadline to register is Friday, January 30.

DCHD FREE Mammogram Screening

Friday, February 27

9 AM – 3 PM

Wellness Center of Chester

151 W. 5th St., Chester

To register call 484-276-2100 or email DelcoWellness@co.delaware.pa.us

Pennsylvania State Capitol
512-E Main Capitol Building

 PO Box 202161
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2161
(717) 705-2567

District Office

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

Unsubscribe from future updates