Dear Neighbor,
This week, PA House Democrats and Gov. Josh Shapiro continued to push for more money for schools and SEPTA in this year’s state budget, but I know that many of you have been focused on what’s happening in Washington, D.C. I share the concerns of many Delaware County residents worried about the effect of federal cuts to Medicaid and SNAP and changes to student loan programs. In Delco, approximately 127,000 people are enrolled in Medicaid, and 76,000 people receive SNAP benefits.
Adding additional hurdles with work requirements and requiring renewal every six months instead of a year will mean 310,000 Pennsylvanians will lose Medicaid while 140,000 will lose food assistance. Also, the cap on student loan borrowing in the new federal budget will force students to take high interest private loans or forego college altogether. Those who go into repayment plans will face significantly higher monthly payments and less opportunities for student loan forgiveness.
All of this in the name of tax breaks, which are estimated to only be $150 a year for our most vulnerable communities while the wealthiest will see a cut of $10,950. Meanwhile, economic experts across the board agree this bill is only going to exacerbate income inequality and raise the cost of college with very little reward to our economy. As our governor has acknowledged, this cut in funding to the state, between $40 to $60 billion, is not something the Commonwealth can fix. While most of these cuts and programs will not begin taking effect until next year, I am committed to supporting our vulnerable communities as much as possible and will continue to share guidance and information as we continue to learn the devastating impacts of this bill.
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Fourth of July in Delco
My team and I had a blast at the 4th of July parades in Springfield & Marple-Newtown! Thank you to everyone who made these great events possible for our communities. I already can’t wait for next year when we’ll have a new little one marching with us! ???? ??
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Last Call – Donation Drive for Mitzvah Circle
As a reminder, through July 18th, my office is collecting new, unopened packages of period products on behalf of Mitzvah Circle. Mitzvah Circle is one of the many organizations that lost critical funding at the federal level. Donations can be dropped off at my office during normal business hours or at our mobile office hours in Springfield on Tuesdays.
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Grants for reducing suicides in Pennsylvania
Suicide is a serious, but preventable, public health problem. I want to make sure that groups, governments, and colleges in Delaware County know that the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency has announced the availability of $1 million in federal funding to combat the growing crisis of firearm-related suicides across Pennsylvania.
This initiative will support regional and local projects focused on prevention, intervention, and postvention strategies. Eligible applicants include local governments, nonprofits, and higher education institutions. Applications are due by Sept. 9, 2025. Learn more and register for a July 21 webinar at www.pccd.pa.gov.
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Bill to allow Sunday hunting becomes law
A bill to repeal the state’s longstanding ban on Sunday hunting was signed into law by Gov. Shapiro this week. House Bill 1431 gives the Pennsylvania Game Commission the authority to approve general Sunday hunting. For private property, Sunday hunting would only be allowed with the owner’s written permission.
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Visit to Players Club of Swarthmore Theater
I had the joy of visiting the PCS Theater in Swarthmore recently to tour their building and learn more about the shows and programs they offer. It was wonderful to learn about everything they do and their efforts to be as inclusive to all communities as possible. Read more about the theater and their upcoming show schedule at https://pcstheater.org.
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Celebrate Disability Pride Month
Please join me in celebrating Disability Pride Month in July, because it’s very important to recognize the contributions, accomplishments, and diversity of people with disabilities. July is the perfect time to raise awareness about disability rights and issues because it marks the anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, signed into law on July 26, 1990.
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Health Care Licensure Compact Implementation
Pennsylvania has fully implemented new medical, nurse, and physical therapy licensure compacts this week. These agreements make it easier for health care professionals from other states to practice in Pennsylvania. Those with a nursing, medical, or physical therapy license can begin applying for multi-state licenses if they choose. Below are links to each program’s FAQ page with instructions on how to apply:
Physical Therapy Compact
Medical Compact
Nurse Compact
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Stay safe and cool in Delco this summer
To help everyone stay safe when temperatures rise, I want to make sure you’re aware that Delaware County has a new and improved Extreme Heat Plan. It includes Code Red alerts and cooling centers at senior centers, libraries, and community buildings.
Find the 2025 Delaware County Extreme Heat Plan online at DelcoPA.Gov/HeatPlan, or call the Delaware County Health Department’s Wellness Line if you need help staying cool at (484) 276-2100.
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Upcoming Events:
Dining Under the Stars
Weekly on Wednesdays, starting at 5 pm
State Street in Media
Swarthmore Farmers Market
Weekly on Saturdays, 9 am to 12 pm
Swarthmore Borough Parking Lot
Media Farmers Market
Weekly on Sundays, 10 am to 1pm
Edgemont Avenue, between State and Front streets
Rose Tree Summer Festival
Weekly from Wednesday-Sunday, 7:30 pm
Rose Tree Park
Media Outdoor Movie Night
Friday, July 11 at dusk
Community Center Lawn, adjacent to Monroe between 3rd and 4th streets
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
217 Irvis Office Building
P.O. Box 202165
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2165
(717) 783-4090
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District Office
26 E. 4th Street
Media, PA 19063-3042
(610) 544-9878
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