Happy May to my neighbors of the 168th!
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Things are looking up these first few days of May. We received some much needed and welcome rain, and I am cautiously optimistic the Phillies are back on the right track for a great season.
I started writing this week’s note at my desk in the House chamber. It has been a very busy week here in Harrisburg. I enjoyed welcoming friends from the district who came up to the Capitol to discuss issues like protecting voting rights, funding for our K-12 schools, support for home care professionals, and full practice authority for nurse practitioners.
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We moved significant legislation this week in the House chamber. The Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit would put money back in the pockets of almost a million taxpayers – who will put that money back into the communities where they live, while helping them cover household costs. More details in a story below!
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We also moved legislation regarding adult-use cannabis. Controversial, to say the least. For the past two years, as a member of the House Health Committee, we immersed ourselves in efforts to understand how to learn from the successes and mistakes of other states when taking on this effort. The legislation passed by the House on Wednesday checks some of the most important boxes for me, including:
? Banning sales to anyone under the age of 21, requiring an ID check with every purchase, and limiting cannabis advertising, including banning packaging aimed at kids.
? Cracking down on the vape and smoke shops selling unregulated products, creating public nuisances and overburdening our police with complaint calls.
? Making sure all products are safe and well-regulated.
? Preventing a “weed store on every corner” like some states are dealing with. The commonwealth will control the numbers of retail locations, on-site consumption locations, and all licensing at all levels.
? Making sure public and private buildings – including residences – can opt to ban cannabis usage on the property just like they can with tobacco usage.
For those who have asked about impairment and how that will be measured, I have had the same concerns. Our current DUI law uses blood tests to determine the levels of THC in a driver’s system, but does not take impairment into account. This bill makes sure field sobriety tests and an arresting officer’s training and experience are the deciding factors.
Once a police officer determines impairment, then the blood test will be ordered. If that blood test shows the person’s THC levels are above the legal limit, they will then be charged with a DUI. This gives police officers the ability to determine impairment based on observing the driver’s actions in relation to possible cannabis usage. This mirrors successful laws in six other states and is more reliable and effective than what has been passed in 14 other states. (We reviewed the wealth of constantly updated information collected by the National Conference of State Legislatures.)
Finally, as the commonwealth continues to seek new sources of recurring revenue, this model is estimated to generate $2.2 billion in revenue for PA, as we seek to recapture revenue lost to all of the surrounding states (except West Virginia) who have already legalized recreational use. This is revenue we can use to reinvest in our commonwealth.
This legislation still has a long way to go. What eventually gets to the governor’s desk will most likely look different. But this was an important first step in the process of working to regulate an unregulated industry, an industry that already flourishes in our state, and provide structure, oversight, management, and rigorous product standards.
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Back at home, we were happy and sad to celebrate the retirement of Team 168’s Peter Lake. Peter has been with me from the very beginning, and I am grateful that he took a chance on this fledgling legislator and helped me build our office and tradition of service to the community.
On the heels of Peter’s departure, we welcomed Alex Ramos to the team to make sure we can keep serving constituents as efficiently as possible. Alex has jumped right in and is here ready to work for the 168th...stop by and say hi!
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Just a reminder...we have a lot of great events coming up over the next few weeks so be sure to read through, so you don’t miss out!
Finally, I’d like to just end by wishing all the mothers — and those who care like mothers — a wonderful and happy Mother’s Day!
Sincerely,
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My office will be closed on Tuesday, May 20th for Primary Election Day
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Harrisburg Update
- Lombardi Tropies at the Capitol!
- Passage of the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit
- Welcoming Radnor LWV members!
- A visit from PASBO President-Elect & RTSD Business Manager Brian Pawlings
In the District
- Honoring veterans at Fair Acres
- Main Line Chamber breakfast
- WRC Breakthrough breakfast
- Tree planting at Garrett Williamson
- Delco Environmental Expo
- 27th Annual Delco Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation Service
- Delco Gives Day
- Touring the Vanguard School
- DCARO Housing Legislative Roundtable
- Square Tavern dedication
My Events
- Medicare: Extra Help (5/12)
- Shred & E-recycling event (5/17)
FYI
- Issues with PECO delayed billing
- New way to report scams & predatory business practices
- Is there money in your mailbox?
- DCHD Community Health Improvement Plan
Community Events
- Crozer Job & Resource Fair (May 13) & Crozer Transition Center
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Lombardi Trophies at the Capitol!
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The Super Bowl victory celebrations have not slowed down for our Philadelphia Eagles! We were delighted to welcome members of the Eagles organization to the House chamber on Wednesday to showcase both the Super Bowl LII and LIX Lombardi trophies.
We honored the team with a House Resolution naming March 7, 2025, as Philadelphia Eagles Day at the Capitol!
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Passage of the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit
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As I mentioned in my opening note, we passed this tax credit to provide relief to working people, who will in turn infuse their local economies when they spend it.
The bipartisan measure passed the House overwhelmingly. If eligible, you would receive a state tax credit equal to 30% of your federal Earned Income Tax Credit, ranging from $200 to $2,000 depending on family size and income. If you qualify for the federal credit, you would automatically qualify for this one, too.
Many of those who would qualify are employed full time, but at wages or salary that haven’t kept up to meet the basic costs of living. In 2022, this applied to nearly 41% of Pennsylvania’s households.
As tariffs and supply chain disruptions send bills rising, this is just one way we’re fighting to cut costs for you. Democrats and Republicans on all levels widely agree the federal Earned Income Tax Credit is the most successful anti-poverty program of the last 50 years. If we can get the Senate to pass our bill, Pennsylvania would join 31 other states in having its own state tax credit to enhance the federal EITC’s impact.
As with any legislative effort, this one is more likely to succeed if the public voices its support. Click here if you’d like to tell your state Senator to approve the tax credit!
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Welcoming Radnor LWV members!
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The League of Women Voters brought their energy and advocacy to Harrisburg this week to fight for redistricting reform, contraceptive access protection, cyber school tuition reform, same day voter registration and much more!
I was so happy to meet with Gillian Norris-Szanto from the Radnor League (where I am a member!) to talk about the issues that are facing our communities and the commonwealth.
Thank you for visiting, Radnor LWV!
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A visit from Brian Pawlings
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It is so fun to see familiar faces up in the Capitol during long session weeks. It was great to welcome Radnor Township School District Business Administrator and PASBO President-Elect Brian Pawlings.
We discussed cyber charter funding and its impacts on our public schools, ways to cut redundancies in reporting in order to save staff time and money, and bussing requirements. Brian has a wealth of information, and I am grateful to hear from him as an advocate for our public schools.
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Honoring Veterans at Fair Acres
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I was honored to join the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 67 and Col. (Ret) Arthur L. Jenkins Jr., Director of Military and Veterans Affairs for Delaware County, and the wonderful Fair Acres staff to honor and thank the veterans who reside at Fair Acres Geriatric Center.
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Every branch of service is represented by this tremendous group who served honorably in campaigns dating back to WWII through Operation Desert Storm and Iraq. We are so proud of our veterans and grateful for the sacrifices they and their families and loved ones have made so we can enjoy our freedoms.
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Main Line Chamber Breakfast
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The 168th is always excited to welcome Majority Leader Rep. Matt Bradford!
Last week, I attended the Main Line Chamber of Commerce’s conversation with Leader Bradford and KYW Newsradio’s Suburban Bureau Chief Jim Melwert, hosted by Villanova University. Maggy Myers, President of the Radnor Township Board of Commissioners and Ken Kearns, President of the Wayne Business Association also joined.
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Top of mind topics for questions from our business leaders? Possible SEPTA cuts; impacts of federal budget decisions on the state budget; and the impacts of losing Crozer Health.
I thank Leader Bradford for setting a hopeful tone and promoting a forward-looking agenda in these uncertain times.
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WRC Breakthrough Breakfast
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Last week, Marie and I were thrilled to join our friends at the Women's Resource Center to celebrate their 50th anniversary of service to the women in the Greater Philadelphia Area!
I first learned of the work of WRC back when I was a member of the Radnor Educational Foundation Grant Committee, when we supported a girls leadership program at Radnor Middle School. The work of the WRC Is to empower women with the tools and support they need to be confident and Independent. Their impact stretches far beyond the walls of the location on West Wayne Avenue they have long called home.
It was an honor to bring a celebratory citation from the PA House of Representatives on behalf of my colleague Rep. Melissa Shusterman, our first woman (very appropriate) Madam Speaker of the House Rep. Joanna McClinton, and Chief Clerk Brooke Wheeler and to join Sara Kelly, Chief of Staff for Senator Amanda Cappelletti as she presented a Senate citation.
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Cheers to women leading, & congrats WRC!
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Tree Planting at Garrett Williamson
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It’s always so much fun to visit Garrett Williamson and especially the students and teachers at Garrett’s Way! It was a beautiful day last Friday when I was joined by Senator Tim Kearney and Rep. Jennifer O'Mara to celebrate with the Frogs Class of 2024-2025 as they planted a beautiful cherry tree on the grounds of the farm.
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These students are making a difference! After learning about trees being cut down in the rain forest, they got angry. They took that anger and channeled it in a positive way by raising money to buy a tree and plant it. They leave a lasting legacy and a tree that will grow strong and blossom - just like them! Way to go, Frogs! ????
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I was thrilled to join many of my colleagues at the Delco Environmental Expo hosted by Rep. Jenn O’Mara and Sen. Tim Kearney. Team 168 was there providing info about the sustainability and conservation work happening in our district and giving out Garden in a Glove Kits to attendees.
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There were several vendors there talking about energy alternatives, ways to naturalize your lawn and garden, and long-term sustainability goals for the County. Thank you, PennEnvironment, for bringing this event to Delco!
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27th Annual Delco Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation Service
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On Wednesday, the Delaware County Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation remembered the 47 officers hailing from Delco who have fallen in the line of duty, dating back to 1902. During this beautiful ceremony each officer was recognized by name and honored with a salute and ring of a bell in front of their placard on the DCLEMF Wall. It was an event full of honor and remembrance, and prayer for the protection of current law enforcement officers.
Their courage, sacrifice, and legacy will never be forgotten.
To their families and to all who serve, thank you. We remember. We honor. We will never forget.
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Yesterday I attended just one of the wonderful events happening across the county to promote the second annual Delco Gives fundraising effort! Our friends at the Delaware County Veterans Memorial hosted a Veterans Tailgate to kick off the giving!
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Last year, the Foundation for Delaware County raised over $1.7 million for non-profits all across Delco. The last I checked this year’s totals, the count was just over $1.2 million raised by more than 9,000 donors going to 306 non-profits, and there are still hours left to donate!
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Touring the Vanguard School
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I had the opportunity to tour The Vanguard School with Executive Director Tom Quinn and learn about the wonderful work they do educating children with specialized needs. I was especially impressed with their Transition Center, which helps young adults aged 18-22 learn life skills and prepare them for the world after they are ineligible for school-based services.
Programs like the ones offered at The Vanguard School are necessary to ensure that every child in Pennsylvania has access to a valuable education, no matter how they learn.
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DCARO Housing Legislative Roundtable
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Marie and I joined members of the Delaware County Advocacy and Resource Organization and A.A.L.I.V.E for a roundtable discussion on housing supports for those living with autism and other intellectual disabilities. A lot of the conversation centered around the worries of aging parents and what safety and supports that will be in place for their children after they are gone.
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I stopped by the Square Tavern on Saturday morning to witness its transfer of ownership from Equus Partners to Newtown Township! They had a great turnout of local residents, township officials, historical society members and friends to see Leonard Altieri, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, along with Steve Spaeder of Equus Capital Partners sign over the Square Tavern property to the Township. A celebration followed with wonderful colonial tavern music, food and drink, and a special art exhibit of Carl and Alice Lindborg's work.
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Thank you and congratulations to Equus and Newtown Township for preserving this piece of history for current and future visitors to enjoy!
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Issues with PECO delayed billing
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Last month, the House Southeast Delegation sent a group letter to PECO about our concerns with constituents reporting billing issues. Here's a summary of their response:
- The issues are arising from PECO getting its new customer information system running. It aims to "address the billing challenges and have reduced the backlog of delayed bills by no later than the end of August."
- For customers who are experiencing delayed bills, PECO has: Removed them from the collections process; Waived late payment fees; Offered extended payment arrangements, if needed; and issued proactive communications, including special outreach to those enrolled in automatic payment.
PECO says it has also expanded staffing by adding more than 60 additional associates, including IT support, to support customer billing issues; and established a dedicated email to provide customers an additional channel to address concerns: PECOBilling@exeloncorp.com.
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New way to report scams & predatory business practices
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In February, the acting director of the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) ordered employees to stop working to protect consumers — and in recent weeks, the federal government has made clear that it intends to leave this work to the states if it is going to happen at all. Thanks to Pennsylvania’s exceptionally strong consumer protection laws, the Shapiro Administration will continue to protect consumers in the commonwealth — and a new initiative Governor Shapiro announced this week makes it easier than ever for Pennsylvanians to report a consumer complaint.
The administration has launched a new, centralized consumer protection hotline (1-866-PACOMPLAINT), website, and email address (consumer@pa.gov) to make it easier for you to report scams, resolve financial and insurance issues, and access help from the commonwealth.
The initiative connects consumers with the appropriate state agencies, including:
- Department of Banking and Securities (DoBS) — Protecting against financial exploitation, predatory lending, and banking issues.
- Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) — Resolving disputes over insurance claims, coverage, and unfair practices.
- Other agencies, including those regulating utilities, student loans, and professional licensing.
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Is there money in your mailbox?
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Keep an eye on your mailbox -- 40,000 Pennsylvanians are receiving letters this week as part of the PA Money Match program, which returns unclaimed property worth $500 or less automatically. Confirm your address, and you could receive a check in about 45 days! Visit patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property or contact my office for help searching for other unclaimed funds of yours PA Treasury may be holding in safekeeping -- the average claim is worth over $1,000.
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DCHD Community Health Improvement Plan
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The Delaware County Health Department (DCHD) is excited to announce the completion of its Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) for 2024-2028! The CHIP is a comprehensive strategic plan designed with our community partners to address the pressing health needs of our residents identified in the Community Health Assessment.
The plan emphasizes a focus on health equity, addressing the social determinants of health, and fostering collaboration across sectors to create sustainable improvements in community health. CHIP 2024-2028 Priorities include:
- Promote Whole Person Care & Prevent Mental Health & Substance Use Disorders: This goal focuses on improving mental health and decreasing overdoses and substance use disorders.
- Promote Maternal, Parental, and Infant Health: This goal aims to improve birth outcomes, decrease prenatal opioid misuse, and prevent infant deaths.
- Prevent Chronic Diseases: This goal focuses on decreasing breast cancer deaths, increasing primary care access, understanding local asthma trends, and reducing obesity.
PA Navigate
PA Navigate is Pennsylvania’s database of health and community services serving Delaware County and beyond, built on the findhelp.org platform. During the CHA, we heard from residents that they struggle to find health and community services. To respond to this need, we’ve partnered with the Community Action Association of PA (CAAP) to improve and promote the system for Delaware County residents.
I encourage you to explore the CHIP, which is available on the Delaware County website, delcopa.gov/community_health/dchd_chip.html. Findings from the Community Health Assessment (CHA) can be found at delcopa.gov/cha.
If you would like to join a CHIP committee or have other ideas about how you can get involved, please contact the Delaware County Wellness Line (484-276-2100, DelcoWellness@co.delaware.pa.us).
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
28-B East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 772-2005
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District Office
24 S. Newtown Street Rd., Suite 100
Newtown Square, PA 19073
(484) 427-2884
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