Dear Neighbor,
Students are back in school, but unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that the state will provide local school districts with additional funding this year. The state budget is still being negotiated, and of the two chambers in the General Assembly, only the House has approved a budget bill that increases funding for Pennsylvania schools.
House Democrats understand the importance of educating our children and recognize that school districts need help managing rising costs. When we passed a budget bill this summer to boost school funding, the GOP-controlled Senate refused to bring it to a vote. Instead, the Senate approved a bill that provides no additional funding to Pennsylvania schools, failing to meet our court-ordered constitutional requirements.
I will continue to fight for increased school funding in the state budget and will keep working to ensure it happens as soon as possible so that our schools have the resources they need to educate our students.
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School bus safety is everyone’s responsibility
Everyone must play a role in keeping students safe on their way to and from school. Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law requires motorists to stop at least 10 feet away from school buses with red lights flashing and the stop arm extended. Penalties include a $250 fine, a 60-day license suspension, and five points on your driving record.
Drivers should also obey school zone speed limits and avoid using their phones (a new law bans hand-held phones while driving in Pennsylvania). Parents should ensure that children know the safest route to their school or bus stop, and students should keep their headphones off whenever they are near traffic.
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Congrats to an award-winning Springfield artist
Congratulations to artist Toni Kersey of Springfield, whose fiber mixed-media piece titled “Call and Response—Abidjan” received an Art of the State 2025 Purchase Award from the State Museum of Pennsylvania. Her work, which celebrates African American musical and creative traditions, will become part of the State Museum’s permanent collection. You can see an image of her award-winning work below and read more about the awards here.
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Former Crozer patients can access medical records for free
Former patients of Crozer Health System can obtain their medical records free of charge, thanks to a legal agreement between the Foundation for Delaware County and Prospect Medical Holdings. Recently approved by a federal bankruptcy judge, the agreement stipulates that the foundation will cover the cost of accessing records for former patients.
Read more about the agreement here in a statement from the foundation. Patients can start the process to obtain records here.
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Info on service academy nominations from Congresswoman Scanlon
Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon is accepting requests for nominations to the U.S. service academies through October 31. Information on the nomination process can be found on her website. Her office will also host an info session about the process on September 17, and you can learn about that in the notice below.
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Electronics recycling collection in Rose Tree Park
Need to get rid of old electronics? The Pennsylvania Resources Council will host an electronics recycling collection on September 23 at Rose Tree Park. It’s a great way to responsibly dispose of TVs, computers, and stereo equipment. Get more information from their notice below.
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An open house for job seekers and employers
PA CareerLink will hold an open house on September 18 in Media, giving job seekers and employers the opportunity to learn more about their services and receive specific advice on today’s job market. Registration is required. More information is available in the e-flyer below.
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Grants available for library renovation and construction
The PA Department of Education is accepting applications for grants of up to $750,000, which can be used for library renovations or construction. A municipality must submit the application on behalf of a library project. The deadline is October 10. For more information, visit the PDE Website.
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House Fellowship Program accepting applications for spring 2026
The PA House Fellowship Program is accepting applications from eligible Pennsylvania college students for the Spring 2026 semester. Fellows work in committees or leadership offices at the state Capitol. The program provides compensation and may also offer college credit. Eligible applicants include college juniors, seniors, graduate students, or law students with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Applications are due by October 1. Visit this page to learn more.
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Thanking my office’s summer interns
Last week, we said goodbye to two of my office’s summer interns, Kailah and Owen. I want to thank them both for all their hard work this summer and wish them the best of luck in all their future endeavors!
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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
Upper Providence Community Day
Saturday, Sept. 13, 11 am to 3 pm
Rose Tree Park
PA CareerLink Open House
Thursday, Sept. 18
901 S. Media Line Rd.
Electronics Recycling Collection
Tuesday, Sept. 23, 9 am to 1 pm
Rose Tree Park
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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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