Happy summer, neighbors!

I am back in Harrisburg and entering what we hope is the final stretch before the state budget deadline on June 30. With a busy week of session ahead, my colleagues and I are hard at work advancing legislation, advocating for our priorities in this year’s budget, and fighting for the resources and services that our communities rely on every day.

On Monday, I was joined by my summer interns, Annabelle and Zoe, who had the opportunity to join me on the House floor and get a behind-the-scenes look at how a session day unfolds. It was wonderful to share with them the work that goes into representing our communities and serving the people of the 161st District.

In this week’s e-news, you’ll find updates on legislation we are working on in Harrisburg, information about state programs and services, and news about upcoming events and activities happening here at home in our district. As always, thank you for staying engaged, and please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office for assistance.

In addition to our ongoing work on the state budget, my House colleagues and I have been working to move important legislation that supports families, increases accountability, and addresses issues that matter to our communities.

My office has received many emails from people concerned about H.B. 2632, legislation that would make changes to Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program. I understand that many families, students, and schools rely on these scholarships, and I want to reassure you that the bill does not reduce the overall funding available for scholarships. The current program provides approximately $680 million in tax credits, and that same funding level would remain in place. Furthermore, we amended the bill in Appropriations yesterday to address some of the concerns that I and my colleagues heard from folks back home.

The goal of H.B. 2632 is to increase transparency, accountability, and oversight of how these taxpayer-supported dollars are distributed, while helping ensure resources reach the students and communities they are intended to serve. The bill would require additional reporting, independent reviews, and public disclosure of how funds are used. The legislation passed the House yesterday with bipartisan support and now heads to the Senate for consideration. As always, I appreciate hearing from constituents on issues that matter to them and will continue working to ensure Pennsylvania students and families have access to educational opportunities that meet their needs.

H.B. 2224 – This legislation passed the House unanimously and would help protect consumers by limiting excessive utility profits and ensuring savings are returned to customers. I have heard so many complaints from neighbors about the cost of their utility bills. The bill would restore fairness in utility billing and could help Pennsylvania families and seniors save money on their energy bills.

Yesterday, I was happy to welcome our summer interns, Zoe and Annabelle, to the House chamber in Harrisburg. They had the opportunity to meet Speaker Joanna McClinton, observe House session firsthand, and see the fast-paced work that goes into a legislative session day.

They also received a behind-the-scenes tour of the Capitol and learned more about the legislative process, constituent services, and the work that takes place both in Harrisburg and back home in our district. I’m excited to have them on the team this summer!

PSEA Advocacy Day in Harrisburg

Today, during the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) Advocacy Day in Harrisburg, I had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Trisha O’Loughlin, a Middletown resident, constituent, teacher, and dedicated advocate, and PSEA intern Luke O’Brien.

We had a productive conversation about the importance of investing in public education, ensuring fair cost-of-living adjustments for school employees, and addressing other challenges facing our schools and educators. I always appreciate hearing directly from the people who work with students every day and learning more about the issues impacting classrooms across Pennsylvania and here at home in our communities.

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives Legislative Fellowship Program is currently accepting applications for the Fall 2026 semester. Applications are due on July 1, 2026.

The Fellowship Program is based in Pennsylvania’s magnificent Capitol Building in Harrisburg. Fellows are assigned to work in House committees or leadership offices, are compensated for their work (which may also include college credit), and have a chance to draft and present their own legislation, attend meet-and-greets with various public officials and staff, and tour some of the commonwealth’s historic public spaces.

Qualifications:

• 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.

Learn more at www.pahousefellowship.us. Applications can be submitted via Indeed.

Last Friday, I was honored to join Girl Scout Troop 51372 in Aston Township to present Pennsylvania House certificates to seven troop members in recognition of earning their Bronze Award. The Bronze Award is the highest honor a Junior Girl Scout in grades 4 and 5 can achieve and requires the completion of leadership and community service projects that make a meaningful difference.

This year, the troop chose to address the issue of work hunger. As part of their project, the girls worked together to organize a food drive, collecting more than 15 bags of food that were donated to the Delco Food Project at St. Timothy’s Church in Aston. They also volunteered their time at a local butterfly garden, helping to clean and maintain the space to support pollinators and promote environmental sustainability.

I am incredibly proud of these young leaders for their dedication to serving others and improving their community. Congratulations to the newest recipients of the Girl Scout Bronze Award.

Residents who have been following the ongoing cleanup efforts at the Chelsea Tank Farm in Aston Township may be interested in an upcoming virtual public meeting hosted by Monroe Energy/MIPC, LLC in coordination with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

The meeting will provide an update on the progress of the remediation work related to the underground gasoline leak and give residents an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the ongoing cleanup efforts.

Virtual Public Meeting

Tuesday, July 7

6 PM

Residents who wish to participate can register by emailing MIPC1@Monroe-Energy.com. The meeting link will be emailed to participants prior to the event, and questions may also be submitted in advance.

MIPC is also continuing its monthly community office hours for residents seeking information and updates.

Office Hours  

• Aston Township Building – the first Monday of each month on a recurring basis.
  • Next Date: Monday, July 6 from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

• Upper Chichester Township Building – the second Wednesday of each month on a recurring basis.
  • Next Date: Wednesday, July 8 from 8 AM – 4 PM

• The Myers Building on the Bethel Township Campus – the third Friday of each month on a recurring basis.
  • Next Date: Friday, July 17 from noon – 8 PM

For additional information and updates, visit HERE.

MIPC has added new information and resources to its website.

Recently, my office mailed postcards to constituents who, according to Pennsylvania Treasury records, may have unclaimed property valued at $100 or more. These funds can come from forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance payments, or other financial assets that belong to you.

If you received a postcard or would like to check whether you may have unclaimed property, my office is here to help. Give the office a call and we can assist you with the process of claiming money that is rightfully yours.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, some Pennsylvanians enrolled in Medicaid may see changes to how they maintain their coverage.

Under the new requirements, certain adults ages 19-64 will need to renew their Medicaid eligibility every six months instead of once a year. Some individuals may also be required to demonstrate that they are meeting work or community engagement requirements to remain eligible for coverage.

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has indicated that exemptions may apply for some recipients. If you receive Medicaid, be sure to watch for information from DHS and keep your contact information up to date so you don’t miss important notices about your coverage.

Learn more about the upcoming changes and whether they may affect you by visiting the DHS website.

The 2026 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Application Period has been extended through Dec. 31, 2026. Rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2025 will be distributed beginning July 1, so submit your application now to get your rebate as soon as possible!  

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians ages 65 and older, widows and widowers aged 50 and older, and people with disabilities age 18 and older. 

Please call or stop by my office to find out if you’re eligible and get assistance applying for your rebate. 

For those who prefer to file by mail, paper applications are available in my office. 

Delaware Riverkeeper Network and Chester Residents Concerned for Quality Living (CRCQL) – Webinar

Wednesday, June 24

7 PM

The webinar will disclose plans to build a liquid natural gas export terminal in Eddystone.

To register for the webinar visit, Webinar Registration - Zoom

Delco250 Events

Delaware County has many events planned throughout the year to commemorate America’s 250th birthday. Visit America250PADelco to browse upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, local history programs, and community celebrations happening across the county.

To see what activities are happening around Pennsylvania visit, America250PA | Start Here, America Did!

Looking for July 4 activities? Visit Celebrate - America250PADelco

DCHD – Navigating Our Health Care System

If you were previously a Crozer patient and need assistance obtaining your medical records, join DCHD for a special walk-in support event where staff will be available to guide you through the process.
 

Wednesday, July 15

3 PM – 6 PM

Delaware County Wellness Center
125 Chester Avenue, Yeadon, PA 19050

Walk-ins welcome
Please bring your cell phone and a valid ID

Questions? Call the Delaware County Wellness Line at 484-276-2100.

DCHD Back to School Donation Drive

Donations for the 3rd Annual Back to School Fair are being collected through August 7.

The Back-to-School Fair will be held on Saturday, August 15.

To see what donations are being accepted and for drop-off locations, check the graphic.

For more information contact the Delaware County Wellness Line at 484-276-2100

Rose Tree Summer Festival

Program runs through August 16

Rose Tree Park

1771 N. Providence Rd., Media

There are no rain dates, so if a show can go on safely, it will.
Call 610-891-4455 to check for a cancellation message.
To receive notifications, text the word DELCOPARKS to 888777 or select Parks & Recreation Alerts in the Delco Alert system.

For a complete list of the shows, visit:

Rose Tree Summer Festival | Delaware County, Pennsylvania

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

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