Dear Neighbor,
I’m disheartened to write to you about the imminent cuts to bus and rail routes at SEPTA—the transit crisis is here. Service cuts are scheduled to begin Sunday, and you can see how they will affect your routes here. Fare increases averaging 21.5% go into effect Sept. 1, and you can see how much your fares will increase here. In the House, we understand how important transit is to workers, employers, seniors, students, and others. Unfortunately, the GOP-controlled Senate feels differently.
Last week, the House took action for the fifth time on a plan to send more state funds to PA’s struggling transit agencies. That bill also included new accountability measures backed by Senate Republicans. The Senate countered by passing a bill that would provide no additional money but allow transit agencies to flex money from a fund meant for maintenance and improvements. That would force transit systems to decide between safety and service. That would not save SEPTA—which has the nation’s oldest rail fleet and 800,000 riders who rely on it—it would only make their situation more dire. It would also force PennDOT in two years to supply funding from their operating budget to the various transit agencies – putting more strain on their already tight operating budget.
I will continue to fight for additional state dollars for SEPTA, hoping we can reverse these cuts and prevent more cuts from being implemented next year.
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Labor Day Office Hours
Next Friday, August 29th, my office will close at 12 pm and remain closed through Monday, September 1st in observance of Labor Day. Normal office hours will resume on Tuesday, September 2nd. All voicemails and emails received during this time will be returned when the office reopens. I hope you enjoy a safe and happy Labor Day Weekend.
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‘Big Beautiful Bill’ raising health care costs
Nearly 500,000 Pennsylvanians purchase health insurance through Pennie, the state’s health insurance marketplace. Yet these working and middle-class Pennsylvanians will see their costs go up in January because the federal “Big Beautiful Bill” ends tax credits that help everyday Americans pay for health insurance while extending tax cuts for billionaires.
You can learn more in the below graphic from Pennie. And rest assured, I will continue to advocate in the state House for measures to lower your health care costs—not raise them.
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Park cheaper and shop local in Media
Media has a new app that allows drivers to park for free for the first 10 minutes in the State Street District. It’s aimed at making it easier for drivers to make a quick pitstop to pick up food, merchandise, or passengers. By using the Passport Parking App to start a session, drivers can park in a metered space for 10 minutes without being charged. This applies to all paid parking spots in the business district, but only while utilizing the app. Read additional information here.
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A program to help smokers and vapers to quit
Main Line Health is offering a FREE program this fall to help tobacco users and nicotine vapers to quit. It’s easy to participate on Zoom, and participants may also be eligible to receive free Nicotine Replacement Therapy. You can learn more in the below info box from Main Line Health.
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Overdose Awareness Vigil in Media
Overdose can happen to anyone, and sadly, it happens too often. State Senators Tim Kearney and John Kane are hosting a vigil next week at the Delaware County Courthouse to raise awareness about overdose, its signs and symptoms, and how to help grieving families. It will be 7 pm on Aug. 28, and it precedes International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31.
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Training grants for treating sexual abuse victims
The PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency is accepting applications through Sept. 12 for grants to be used for training people who treat adult or child victims of sexual abuse. Applicants can be non-profits, for-profit entities, public agencies, hospitals, local governments, schools, and colleges.
PCCD expects to fund five grants with budgets up to $50,000 for up to a two-year period. For more information, visit the PCCD Website.
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Thanking my office’s summer intern
We said goodbye last week to one of my district office’s summer interns, Caroline. I want to thank Caroline for all her hard work this summer and wish her best of luck with the fall semester!
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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 1 pm
Edgemont Avenue, between State and Front streets
Rose Tree Summer Festival
Weekly from Wednesday-Sunday, 7:30 pm
Rose Tree Park
Overdose Awareness Vigil
Thursday, August 28th, 7 pm
Media Courthouse
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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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