First, I want to thank everyone who came out for our recent Shred Event in partnership with Senator John Kane. We shredded over 2,700 lbs of important documents (thank you, J&K Shredding!), collected many bottles of outdated, unused medication for disposal thanks to our District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer and his team, and collected a lot of food for the Delco Food Bank.
I’m always so touched by the generosity of my neighbors in the 168th!
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As we head toward the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year, I want to wish all our students heading back to school, college, technical school, apprenticeship programs, etc. the best of luck this year! It always feels good to start new and have a whole year ahead of new experiences and opportunities to move forward.
As the budget impasse continues, I am increasingly worried about everyone bracing for the impact of Senate leaders' inaction on securing funding for so many important services across our commonwealth.
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Public transit has definitely been in the forefront, but we can’t forget about our schools, our hospitals, and our social service non-profits like senior centers who depend on state funding. It is frustrating, but I remain ready to head back to Harrisburg to vote as soon as we have a reasonable, responsible proposal that funds all the services vital to the success of every community across our commonwealth.
For those who will so keenly feel the impacts of the extreme SEPTA cuts which will now go into effect, I apologize. I have heard from so many of you and I am angry that it has come to this dramatic point. My colleagues and I have been focused on ensuring we put forth legislation to support affordable, safe, secure, and sustainable mass transit now and in the future. This annual chore of jockeying every year for funding puts our systems, their staff, and the riders they serve at a disadvantage. It needs to stop here and now!
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I am hopeful we will move past this impasse, and that I will have something positive to report soon. In the meantime, please continue to reach out.
I wish everyone a wonderful weekend. I'll be looking forward to the Phillies getting back to their winning ways while in Washington this weekend!
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Harrisburg Update
- Passing SEPTA funding... again
- Recognition for our local government collab!
In the District
- National Night Out in Middletown & Edgmont
- Shredding success at PSU Brandywine
- Knocking on doors in our community
My Events
- Children's Mental Health Forum (Aug. 21)
- Pet Vaccine & Licensing Event (Sept. 6)
- SEPTA Senior Key Card Event (Sept. 22)
FYI
- You can now pay Road User Charges for EVs & PHEVs online
- Opportunity for college students: PA House Fellowship Program
- Fall Smoking Cessation Program schedules from Main Line Health
Community Events
- Radnor Twp's "Unity in our Community" Event & Backpack Collection (8/23)
- Friends of Newtown Public Library Book Sale (9/12-14)
- Elder Fraud Prevention Seminar (9/23)
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Passing SEPTA funding... again
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The House voted for the fifth time on Monday, after working on a new bill over the weekend, to give the Senate yet another jumping-off point for a compromise on funding public transit agencies, roads, and bridges.
We even incorporated into H.B. 1788 the audit requirements stipulated in a public transit bill GOP senators introduced two weeks ago, after they started to feel the public pressure.
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Our plan would invest $300 million in mass transit across PA, putting an end to transit agencies’ maddening need to fight Senate GOP leadership for funding every single year. The ROI on that investment is $5.4 billion (that’s a “B”) in economic activity each year!
We can accomplish all this without raising taxes, all while protecting jobs, getting kids to school, ensuring access for seniors, and decreasing emissions from the more than 250,000 additional cars our roads would have to suddenly handle.
TIME IS UP! The time to act is now. The PA House did its job…time for the PA Senate to do theirs!
In my last e-newsletter, I asked you to reach out to the senators who represent regions covered by SEPTA but who expressed disapproval for our bill. They definitely heard you! ?? This time, I'm urging folks to contact the two Senate leaders who revealed in the media this week that their refusal to fund mass transit isn't based on what they do or don't think Pennsylvanians like you deserve, but is in part an act of revenge against Governor Shapiro.
?? You can reach out to Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman at (717) 787-8724 or via web form; and Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward at (717) 787-6063 or via web form.
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Recognition for our local government collab!
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I'm grateful to the PA State Association of Township Supervisors for writing in their magazine about the initiative Newtown Township Supervisor Leonard Altieri and I tackled together -- on the local side for him, and the state side for me -- to give townships like those in the 168th the freedom to operate with greater efficiency!
Those of you with particularly keen eyesight may be able to read it below ?? -- but you can also check it out on my website.
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National Night Out in Middletown & Edgmont
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It was a beautiful night across the 168th for National Night Out on August 5th! My first stop was in Middletown Township to celebrate with Rocky Run Fire Company and Middletown Fire Company No. 1. Their first night out event was a tremendous success!
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Then I headed over to Edgmont Fire Company's station to spend time with the community's dedicated public servants.
Great to see PA State Police, PA Army National Guard, and Jake's Tree Service (they brought the big crane!).
Wonderful job done by Edgmont Fire Company and Edgmont Township!
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Shredding success at PSU Brandywine
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Another successful shred event thanks to my amazing team, Senator John Kane & his team, & our faithful partners J&K Secure Shredding!
We are so grateful to the Delaware County District Attorney's Office & DA Jack Stollsteimer for collecting expired meds, and we were glad to partner with the Delco Food Bank in support of their efforts to help families dealing with food insecurity.
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Truly a great day made complete with a visit from one of our favorites, Senator Tim Kearney! Thank you to everyone who came out to the event, and to Regional Chancellor Marilyn Wells & Penn State Brandywine for hosting us!
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Knocking on doors in our community
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Team 168 loves working for the community, and I love getting out and spreading the word.
I recently met with neighbors out in Middletown Township to hear their concerns and share information about the services our office offers. Not surprisingly, the loss of Crozer, long emergency room wait times, SEPTA funding, road conditions, and the absence of an approved state budget were big concerns.
I was really happy to be able to help a constituent secure a much-needed stress test appointment, and I thank Main Line Health for jumping right on our request for help!
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This is why we knock! Thanks to everyone who took the time to chat.
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You can now pay Road User Charges for EVs & PHEVs online
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PennDOT has launched a new online payment application for the Road User Charge (RUC). This secure online platform allows electric vehicle (EV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) owners to quickly pay their RUC online using their plate number, the first eight digits of their title number, current odometer reading, and a valid credit or debit card. Customers will still have the option to pay by mail, but the new online system is expected to streamline payment and improve the customer experience.
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Opportunity for college students: PA House Fellowship Program
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As students head back to school, we are gearing up to accept applications for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Legislative Fellowship Program for the Spring 2026 semester, January through early April!
The Fellowship Program is based in the Capitol Building in Harrisburg. Fellows are assigned to work in House standing committees or House leadership offices, receive compensation (which may also include college credit), draft and present their own legislation, attend meet-and-greets with various public officials and staff, and tour some of PA's historic public spaces.
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Applications are due by Wednesday, October 1. See the program website to apply.
Qualified applicants will be: 1) College undergraduate juniors or seniors, graduate students, or law school students; 2) Enrolled in a Pennsylvania college/university, or a Pennsylvania resident enrolled in an out-of-state institution; and 3) Pursuing any major with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
If you’re interested in this program, you’re welcome to call my office to let us know and request a letter of recommendation: (484) 427-2884.
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Friends of Newtown Public Library will soon hold their Fall Book Sale! Come in early for best selection of hardback and paperbacks, all genres, as well as DVDs and CDs.
September 12-14th
Community Room at The Newtown Public Library - 201 Bishop Hollow Road, Newtown Square, PA 19073
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Friday 9/12 - “First Look” | 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. | $5 fee for early admission
- Open to the public from 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
- 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.: Bonus Evening hours with Art Show reception featuring artwork from 2 local artists, Eli Bromley and her daughter Joan Bromley, who will be present to discuss their pieces. Light refreshments will be served.
Saturday 9/13 – 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday 9/13 – 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.: $6 per bag
Every dollar supports services, programs and collections at the Newtown Public Library and allows the Friends of Newtown Public Library to sponsor museum passes, summer children’s programming, weekly wellness yoga sessions, and more!
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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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