Hi Folks,
We hope this July edition of District Deliberations finds you all doing well. This July has brought the usual Fourth of July celebrations, hot and humid weather, the occasional torrential rains, but unfortunately, no state budget. I wish I could tell you that we have secured money for our crucial Public Transportation or that we finally legislated new funding streams to address any structural deficits. I wish that I could assure our hard-working Pennsylvanians that we have a responsible budget for our Seniors, for our Streets, for our Schools. But alas, no.
Weeks ago, we in the state House sent a responsible, trimmed down budget to the state Senate only to have it immediately gutted to the point that it was insufficient and incomplete. As such, we remain without a budget and have not received any serious budget proposal back from the state Senate. But one thing I know, for good or bad, “inertia” is not sustainable within the realm of politics. Simply saying no to everything without providing any solutions is not a winning political strategy for any politician and certainly not for the health, safety, and welfare of the residents we swore to serve and protect.
Although not an Orioles fan, the great Earl Weaver once said, “No one’s gonna give a damn in July if you lost a game in March.” And with that said, my colleagues and I are not looking back. but instead look forward to rolling up our sleeves to continue fighting for a fair and responsible budget that works for every Pennsylvanian.
This issue of District Deliberations also features our latest legislative highlights to include House Bill 1364 - Governor’s Plan to Fund Transit in All 67 Counties; the state House proposed budget (HB1330); an update on the effects of the upcoming Federal Budget and SEPTA cuts; and more. We also honor our Hometown Heroes: Joe Dobson for his 40+ years of service with the Chester County Public Defender’s Office; and the Eastside Little League Baseball (9-11 year) PA State Champions! Additionally, we have a heads up on how expiring tax credits could adversely affect your Pennie monthly premiums, the 76th Annual Goshen Country Fair and information on supporting and celebrating America's 250th birthday.
Finally, of course, we have the wise whelps of wisdom from our official mascot, Penny the Pup.
Folks, as always, we thank you for the opportunity to serve you and look forward to any questions or concerns you may have. Until our next issue, Stay Well, Stay Safe, and Stay Strong.
Sincerely yours,
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Chris Pielli
Pennsylvania State Representative House District 156
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This July, our Hometown Heroes are Joe Dobson, retiring Public Defender for Chester County, and our very own Eastside Little League Team State Champions.
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Joseph Dobson, Retiring Public Defender for Chester County District Attorney’s Office
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This month, our Hometown Hero is Joe Dobson, a long-time Public Defender who’s retiring after more than 40 years of service to Chester County. While raising a family and working full time for the county as a bail agent, Joe attended Widener Law School during the evening. Upon his graduation and passing of the Bar Exam in 1992, Joe was hired to the Public Defender’s Office where he began his extraordinary legal career and mentored countless young attorneys along the way, including myself!
Joe’s expertise led to an assignment to Chester County Drug Court in 2010, where his knowledge and passionate advocacy for his clients always adhered to a treatment-minded philosophy despite a challenging client population. Joe has adapted and expanded his legal knowledge and client base as treatment courts expanded to include Mental Health Court, Veteran’s Court, and Recovery Court, leading to recognition from all those who regularly interact with the treatment courts.
Joe Dobson’s commitment to equal justice, rehabilitation, and service to a part of his community that is often neglected is commendable. It also serves as a remarkable role model for not just the public defenders he works with, but to the entire West Chester community. For these reasons and more, congratulations to Joe Dobson on his retirement!
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Eastside Little League Team State Champions
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This month, we’re also recognizing the achievement of Eastside (West Chester) All-Star Team for winning the District 28 Tournament, Section 7 Tournament, and Pennsylvania Tournament to earn the State Championship title! This talented group of athletes are now playing in Massachusetts for the Northeast USA Regional tournament to earn the title of best Little League Team in the Northeastern U.S.
Congratulations to players James Martin, Adam Gazonas, Cole Warner, Colton DiGrazio, Daniel Park, Darren Molineux, Dillon DiGiulio, Nico Sciupac, Patrick Corliss, Paul Cowperthwait, Ryan Donnelly, and Ryan Hennessey; coaches Bob Hennessey, Brian Donnelly, Matt DiGuilio, and Marshall Digrazio; and Team Manager Sarah Warner for this achievement. And best of luck to our Hometown Heroes in Massachusetts this week!
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Thanks to our District Office Intern, Jenaea Davenport!
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We’ve enjoyed hosting Jenaea Davenport as our Summer Intern in my district office! Jenaea has brought valuable skills, knowledge, and a can-do attitude to our team. She currently attends Morgan State University (MSU) majoring in Political Science. She has held leadership positions during her academic career so far – including President of the Black Student Union at Henderson High School; Vice President of the Debate Team at MSU; and Community Service Chair of the Political Science Association at MSU. We look forward to seeing what she’ll do further in public service!
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The 76th Annual Goshen Country Fair
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Folks, it is that time of year again to come out with the family and join the friendly, fun atmosphere of the Goshen Country Fair. There will be the usual games of chance, animal exhibits, amusement rides and delicious food (Man, I Love those Doughnuts!) that all support the brave men and women of our local Fire Departments. Come on out with your family and friends to this wonderful community event. For more information, please visit: Goshen Country Fair.
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My colleagues and I in the House have been fighting for an adequately funded state budget for ALL Pennsylvanians. I’ve co-sponsored and voted YES on fair and responsible budget bills to fund our public education, our healthcare, our public transportation and our infrastructure.
Major Legislation that I Co-Sponsored or Voted YES on:
- ?Voted YES on House Bill 1364, a bipartisan budget bill that would adequately support SEPTA and all Public Transportation in all 67 counties of Pennsylvania by investing almost $300 million into mass transit across the Commonwealth - the most significant funding increase in over 10 years AND $500 million to maintain and repair our Roads and Bridges– all without raising taxes. Just saying No to this bill is not acceptable. Please call these Senators and tell them to pass this critical legislation to keep Pennsylvania moving. Frank Farry at 215-638-1784, Tracy Pennycuick at 215-541-2388, and Joe Picozzi at 215-281-2539.
- ?Voted YES on House Bill 1330, a fair and fiscally sound bipartisan budget bill that would fund our public schools, fix our roads and bridges, support our important public transportation, and protect our healthcare, and social services adequately. This is a budget for the benefit of all Pennsylvanians! Our hard-working families deserve this budget. Please call Senate leadership to pass this responsible State Budget. Joe Pittman at 717-787-8724 and Kim Ward at 717-787-6063.
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Fighting For Your Public Transportation
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Time’s Up! The PA House did their job and now the Republican led State Senate needs to theirs. They need to Act Now to Fully Support Adequate Public Transportation Funding Across the Commonwealth (House Bill 1364).
If They Don’t Act Now...
Morning Commutes Will Get Worse -- SEPTA cuts alone could add 70,000 hours to the region’s morning commute.
• More cars on the road mean more pollution
• Seniors and Students will be left stranded
• Estimated Property Values will go Down to the tune of $19.9 billion dollars
• Projected Job Loss of 76,700 jobs equaling a loss of $6 billion in potential lost earnings
• All resulting in an $11.4 billion loss in potential tax revenues.
The Republican leadership of the PA Senate needs to recognize that the economy of our Southeast Region of PA generates 38%, or $15.5 billion, of Pennsylvania’s entire General Fund tax revenues. We are not a region looking for a handout but are the main drivers of PA’s economy and our Public transportation is a huge part of that equation! Invest NOW and save PA from this pending catastrophe!
These Senators have constituents that rely on SEPTA every day. Call Senators Frank Farry at 215-638-1784, Tracy Pennycuick at 215-541-2388, and Joe Picozzi at 215-281-2539 and tell them to get back to work.
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BIG UGLY BILL – Consequences for Every Pennsylvanian
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Congress and the President cut healthcare and food benefits for poor & working people under the pretense of fiscal responsibility, but this is not a fiscally sound bill. These tax cuts for the rich will add more than $3 Trillion to our national debt, while average Americans suffer for it.
To hide this scam, they've delayed some of the legislation's effects. Don't fall for it. If cutting this supposed waste, fraud, and abuse was so good for America they would want to do it right away… not after their elections. See the effects this Big Ugly Bill will have for you and your family.
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We in the PA House are Fighting for Your Health Care Rights
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In March 2025, I and my fellow PA House Democrats voted YES unanimously for these 4 bills –to uphold critical health protections for Pennsylvanians, despite threats by the Trump Administration and U.S. Congress to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. We want to continue your preventative health care without cost sharing, prohibit insurance companies from capping coverage on your essential benefits, keep your children insured until age 26 and guarantee your coverage despite pre-existing conditions. We passed this in the House and we need the Republican leadership of the State Senate to pass this now before it is taken away from you and your family:
Tell Republican State Senate Leadership Joe Pittman at 717-787-8724 and Kim Ward at 717-787-6063 to get back to work to protect Pennsylvania Health Care now!
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We the People Look Ahead to America’s 250th Birthday in 2026!
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As we near our Nation’s 250th Birthday we are reminded that maintaining a Democratic Democracy is not always easy. Democracy is demanding. It can be difficult, divisive but always rewarding to those past and future generations who enjoy the freedoms and liberties that remain the envy of the world. I love this Country and believe in my heart that we are and can continue to be a beacon of light to this world, but freedom isn’t free. It takes work and sacrifice, and most importantly, an awareness of how lucky we are. Complicity and a lack of appreciation for the rights and liberties we have is arguably our greatest enemy. With that said, how can we move forward without recognizing our past? As such, Chester County is hard at work planning to celebrate America's 250th birthday next year. The history of our founding is alive right here in Southeast PA but we can use your help and support to make this a celebration worthy of this great Nation. To learn more and support these celebrations please click on this link: https://america250chesco.org/
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Q: How can veterans get free car registration from PennDOT?
A: Eligible Veterans Include:
- Prisoners of War
- Veterans awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, and/ or the Purple Heart.
- Veterans who lost a limb or eye or who became partially paralyzed while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States.
Full details, including required documentation, are listed on the application form (MV-371DV):
https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/penndot/documents/public/dvspubsforms/bmv/bmv-forms/mv-371dv.pdf
My district office staff is ready to help answer questions and facilitate the application. Please call (610) 696-4990; email RepPielli@pahouse.net; or stop by 121 West Miner Street, Suite 1E, West Chester Borough.
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District Office:
121 West Miner Street
Suite 1E
West Chester, PA 19382-3236
M-F 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Office Email: RepPielli@pahouse.net
Phone: (610) 696-4990
Fax #: (610) 738-2163
Staff Members:
Julie K. Mesaros, District Office Director
Ryan DeStefano, Constituent Services Advisor
Matthew DeWese, Constituent Services Advisor
Jenaea Davenport, Summer Intern
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
115-B East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 705-2075
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District Office
121 West Miner St., Suite 1E
West Chester, PA 19382
(610) 696-4990
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