Happy Friday to my neighbors of the 168th!
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Well, it is summer’s last hurrah. Between that, the Phillies woeful play against the Mets, and the continuing budget impasse, I am less than happy. But I guess eventually all good things come to end, but really...did we have to play so badly against the Mets? Ugh!
On the bright side, we are looking forward to a great new school year at the districts serving the 168th! I'm sending best wishes to all the students, teachers, and staff at Marple Newtown, Radnor, and Rose Tree Media as you start the new school year!
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I’m not sure what to say regarding the budget negotiations. I fear that what I write will only be out of date by the time this is published, as things seem to be changing quite frequently.
Once again, the ball seems to be in the court of the Senate Republican leadership who have multiple versions of budget legislation to choose from. Most recently, the Governor submitted a budget cutting $2 BILLION from his initial request. Our House leaders have also agreed to the possibility of using some of the money in the Public Transportation Trust Fund as a very short-term funding “loan” for public transit, as long as the plan also includes how that money would be paid back and earmarks a new source of revenue for public transit, roads and bridges.
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These represent significant moves by the Governor and the House to try and seek compromise with the Senate. We, the House, recognize that we cannot allow this budget impasse to continue as it is not only impacting public transit, but hurting our schools, hospitals, and counties who need funding to support mental health programs, substance abuse recovery programs, domestic violence shelters, senior programs, and public health initiatives.
It is time to seek compromise. I anxiously await the time I will be called back to Harrisburg to vote on a budget and keep our commonwealth moving forward. But we need the Senate Republican leadership to make the next move.
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As we celebrate Labor Day weekend, remember you have a union to thank for the five-day work week, paid sick leave, paid vacations, health and safety regulations – just to name a few! As the proud granddaughter of a member of the Plumbers 690 I know I am fortunate to have these opportunities because of what our unions fought for and won for all of us!
Have a great weekend and (please) go Phillies!
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Harrisburg Update
- SEPTA Action Center
In the District
- Grateful for a productive Children's Mental Health Forum
- Welcoming COSA's new director
- Touring Independence Mall
- Stuffing backpacks at Cradles to Crayons
- Progress at Cobbs Creek
- Unity in the Community
- Keeping Newtown Square in Bloom
Spotlight 168: Valley Forge Military Academy
My Events
- Pet Vaccine & Licensing Event (9/6)
- SEPTA Senior Key Card Event (9/22)
- Scam Jam (9/25)
- Digital Legacy Planning Event (9/30)
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
- Edgmont Twp Community Day (9/6)
- Friends of Newtown Public Library Book Sale (9/12-14)
- Community Breakfast Collaborative @ Villanova: The U.S. Constitution (9/17)
- Newtown Square Fire Co. Grill & Chill Bingo (9/20)
- Elder Fraud Prevention Seminar (9/23)
- Rocky Run Fire Co. Bingo (10/4)
- Radnor Fire Co. Fire Prevention Expo (10/11)
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When we return after Labor Day weekend, our normal office hours will resume.
'Til next year, summer!
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Folks, I have nothing new to report out of Harrisburg since my last edition -- I covered the (few) budget-related developments in my opening letter.
The only item for this week's Harrisburg Update is a reminder about the SEPTA Action Center on my website, where you can find the latest news on our fight to properly fund SEPTA (and all of PA's mass transit agencies).
?? If you'd like to offer your feedback to Senate Leadership, you may contact 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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Valley Forge Military College
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I had the honor of meeting with Col. Stuart Helgeson, President of Valley Forge Military College, located right here in the 168th!
VFMC is a private two-year institution that combines rigorous academics with a structured military environment. Students can pursue civilian pathways through the Citizen Leader Track or military pathways, including the U.S. Army and Pennsylvania National Guard Early Commissioning Programs.
Colonel Helgeson and his Chief of Staff, Lt. Col. Brandon Dobenak, filled me in on the incredible opportunities available only at VFMC, including the PA National Guard Military College Assistance Program (MCAP).
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MCAP provides full tuition coverage for all four undergraduate years to selected students. Limited to just 10 scholarships annually, this accelerated ROTC program allows participants to earn an associate degree while serving the nation, attaining the rank of second lieutenant in the PA National Guard.
VFMC helps students develop character, discipline, and leadership while preparing graduates for transfer to top universities, service academies, or professional careers. They produce citizen leaders ready to succeed in college and in life! Learn even more by clicking here.
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Grateful for a productive Children's Mental Health Forum
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It is important to recognize and pay close attention to the mental health concerns of our children. Add in the stressors of a new school year, and many need support that families might find difficult to access.
Fortunately, there are many resources in Delaware County and our schools to help. I recently joined my colleagues Rep. Heather Boyd, Rep. Jennifer O'Mara, and Rep. Regina Young to offer care providers the opportunity to share the services they offer and how families can access them.
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Thank you to Penn State Brandywine for hosting our Children's Mental Health Forum and thank you to all our presenters for joining us as we work together to address the complex needs of our youth, including Delco Department of Human Services, Delaware County Intermediate Unit, and the Delaware County Suicide Prevention Task Force. It was also great to welcome Sid & Rithik, the student leaders of the Wellness Warriors from Downingtown STEM Academy, who are working to promote mental health awareness amongst their peers.
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A few important numbers:
Delco Mobile Crisis Team: 855-889-7827
Delco Crisis Telehealth Helpline & Delco Warm Line: 855-464-9342
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Welcoming COSA's new director
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Earlier this month, Kate, Nate, and I met with Carin Tinney, the new Director of the Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA). We toured the office and met many of the hardworking staff who help our seniors navigate complex challenges, including aging in place, food insecurity, financial concerns, health issues and, sadly, elder abuse.
More than 13,000 senior residents call the 168th home! COSA offers them many services and supports, and cares for some of the most vulnerable in our community.
My office has a strong working relationship with COSA, and we are grateful for their efforts on behalf of our seniors.
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Touring Independence Mall
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I joined the Policy Committee and some fellow House members from across the commonwealth at Independence Mall to learn more about the exciting plans Philly has for America250, and to tour the place where our country was founded.
A great reminder of what can be accomplished when there are people working in good faith to serve the best interest of their people.
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Stuffing backpacks at Cradles to Crayons
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I did my part to get our region’s kids ready for the new school year at Cradles to Crayons Philadelphia! They are a fantastic organization meeting the needs of children and families from birth to elementary school. My colleagues and l had a great time stuffing backpacks and chatting about how we can best meet the needs of area families!
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Newtown Township Supervisor Leonard Altieri and I spent an incredible morning with the 168th’s own Erin Cook, Senior Vice President with the Cobbs Creek Foundation, checking in on the progress of course restoration and hearing about all the great student programming already happening at the Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab.
Erin’s enthusiasm for the project is infectious! So much has been completed since I first toured with the other 168er leading the project, Cobbs COO Enrique Hervada.
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The TGR Learning Lab (a collaboration with the TGR Foundation & Tiger Woods) has been running student STEM programs all summer. The new driving range, community space and restaurant will open soon as will the 9-hole course.
Bringing the beautiful full course once played by golf luminaries like Charlie Sifford back to life is a project well underway. Currently, they are completing one of the country’s largest watershed revitalization projects, which will preserve Cobbs Creek and help protect the surrounding communities from flooding. This painstaking environmental work needs to be completed before full work on the course begins but they hope to be playing golf here in 2026!
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It is a tremendous project, and they will soon be in the public fundraising phase … so if you once played here or want to play, your support will help get the project to the finish line!
Thank you, Erin! We're looking forward to seeing the PGA at Cobbs in the future!
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Such a beautiful day in Radnor Township last Saturday taking part in the 7th annual Unity in the Community Block Party! So great to spend the day with friends and celebrate.
It is always wonderful to see Chief Flanagan and Officer Cocco from Radnor Township Police Department, the tireless Tammy Cohen the Radnor Township Recreation Department Director, and my fellow Radnor alums and community leaders Howard Childs and his sister, Lisa.
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Plus, I got to catch up with the guys from Radnor’s outstanding Public Works Department who work so hard to make these community events a success, and to see the Radnor League of Women Voters, Radnor Historical Society, Radnor Memorial Library, Radnor Troop 284, Willows Park Preserve, the members of St. Mary’s Parish, and Radnor Fire Company!
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I even ran into Radnor Commissioner Cathy Agnew and my Commissioner (Ward 4!) Jim Riley... Truly a day of community from beginning to end!
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Keeping Newtown Square in Bloom
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It was before the crack of dawn when I met up with Eric from Newtown Township Public Works (also a Newtown Square Fire Company volunteer fire professional) to water the beautiful baskets along West Chester Pike, Rt 252, and around St. Albans Circle.
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PA Mentor-Protégé Program expanded to support more veteran-owned businesses
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The Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP), launched by the PA Dept. of General Services in May 2024, pairs experienced contractors with small, diverse, and veteran-owned businesses to help them grow, compete, and win state contracts.
Companies that participate in the year-long program become part of a “cohort.” The second cohort began this week and comprises vendors approved under PA’s Consulting Services Invitation to Qualify (ITQ) contract.
Additional cohorts will be added to the MPP soon. Interested firms can learn more and apply online. If your company is not a current ITQ vendor with PA, please begin the ITQ prequalification process to become eligible. For questions, please contact Charlie White, MPP Manager.
To be eligible for the MPP:
- Mentors must be active PA prime contractors in good standing with at least one contract award of $300,000 or more in the past three years.
- Protégés must be verified as a Small Diverse Business (SDB) or Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE) by DGS and listed on Consulting Services ITQ.
Expanding the MPP is part of the Shapiro-Davis Administration’s broader effort to open doors for businesses of all sizes and backgrounds. Earlier this summer, DGS launched new Micro and Midsize Business Programs.
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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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Radnor Fire Company's annual Fire Prevention Expo is back for another year!
October 11th, 2025
2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
121 South Wayne Ave
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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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