Happy Friday, neighbors of the 168th!
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While I am absolutely a fan of summer, these cool temperatures have been a nice change of pace and signal that my second favorite season, Red October, is on the horizon! I'm glad to see our Fightins were able to bounce back from the disastrous sweep in New York and return the favor here at home!
Autumn also means lots of community events and festivals across the district! I was so sad to miss Edgmont Community Day, but my staff was there in full force while me and my best guy are on a long-planned vacation in Ireland. You can catch me and the team at Radnor Fall Fest next Sunday and at all the exciting events we are hosting throughout the rest of the month (keep scrolling for details)!
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I am wishing all our students, teachers, and faculty a “happy back to school” as the new academic year gets underway!
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My office has an exciting opportunity for high school students in the 168th launching this month where they can deep dive into the legislative process and discuss topics of interest with experts from around the Commonwealth. Find more information about our Student Voices of Pennsylvania program in the Spotlight 168 section. It will be run by Stephanie and our new intern, Jade Sheay!
And on that note, please join me in welcoming Jade to the district office. She is a student at West Chester University working toward her Master of Social Work and is completing her field placement hours with us throughout the school year.
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Welcome to Team 168, Jade!
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Lastly, I would like to acknowledge the gravity of this week. 24 years ago, we woke to acts of terror fueled by hate and cowardice. The enormity of the loss of life left us stunned and heartbroken. By the end of the day, we had witnessed tremendous acts of heroism, and we were joined together in patriotism against a common enemy.
On Wednesday, our country again experienced tragedies fueled by hate and cowardice. What is happening in our country is not normal. We need to condemn this violence and work together to make sure we don’t lose another life.
Let us never forget those innocent lives lost on 9-11 and those who stood up in that moment with bravery, putting the lives of others before their own.
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New Mobile Office Hours just dropped! ??
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Harrisburg Update
- Temporary funding solution means SEPTA can restore service, but the fight isn’t over
Spotlight 168: Student Voices of Pennsylvania
In the District
- Honoring those we've lost to overdose
- Edgmont Community Day
- Pet Clinic with Sen. Kearney
- Remembering 9/11 in Delco
My Events
- SEPTA Senior Key Card Event (9/22)
- Scam Jam (9/25)
- Digital Legacy Planning Event (9/30)
- Senior Health Fair (10/9)
FYI
- Women's Resource Center: Girls Lead Program Wishlist
- DMVA encourages us to reach out & check on the veterans in our lives
- PA Mentor-Protégé Program expanded to support more veteran-owned businesses
- PA House Fellowship Program applications are open
- Fall Smoking Cessation Program schedules from Main Line Health
Community Events
- South Wayne Porchfest (9/13)
- Friends of Newtown Public Library Book Sale (9/12-14)
- Community Breakfast Collaborative @ Villanova: The U.S. Constitution (9/17)
- Service Academy Info Session w/ Congresswoman Scanlon (9/17)
- Newtown Square Fire Co. Grill & Chill Bingo (9/20)
- Radnor Fall Festival (9/21)
- Elder Fraud Prevention Seminar (9/23)
- Rocky Run Fire Co. Bingo (10/4)
- Radnor Fire Co. Fire Prevention Expo (10/11)
- Monster Dash 5K at the Bates Motel (10/25)
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Temporary funding solution means SEPTA can restore service,
but the fight isn’t over
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On Monday, Governor Shapiro directed PennDOT to approve SEPTA’s request to use up to $394 million in capital assistance funds for daily operations. In response, SEPTA announced it will be able to restore recent service cuts and avoid further planned cuts for the next two years.
I am excited by the restoration of service, but make no mistake, this crisis is not going away without a sustained funding source. In two years we will have to do all of this over again, because Senate Republican leaders would not agree to any sort of long-term, dependable solution for mass transit funding.
In a response letter to SEPTA’s general manager, PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll noted the pitfalls of this short-term solution and said it represents failure by the Senate to meet Pennsylvanians’ needs. Describing the Senate Republican’s own version of a mass transit funding bill, Caroll said:
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“First, it would have provided a fraction of the funding that the Governor proposed as part of his proposal to provide new funding for system operations.
Second, it would have required these systems to utilize their capital funding over two fiscal years to fill the gap without a revenue source to replace the lost funding they are already relying on for capital projects.
Third, it would have taken funding away from capital projects already underway, thereby compromising the safety and efficiency of the transit system.
Fourth, this Senate-passed bill would have only provided a temporary fix, at a time when systems are seeking assurance that the Commonwealth can provide long term sustainability to their operations.
Fifth and most concerningly, this bill would have taken existing resources out of the PTTF, in the amount of $419 million, and sent them to the Motor License Fund for road paving projects. While PennDOT and the Shapiro Administration support funding for road repair projects and have allocated significant resources to that work, we do not believe utilizing mass transit funding for such purposes is sound public policy.”
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I am hopeful that over the next two years, we will figure out a way to use this short-term fix to help deliver a long-term solution. Philly suburbs thrive with a strong public transit system – and the commonwealth can’t thrive unless the Philly suburbs do.
If you've been following along with my work on the SEPTA crisis via these e-newsletters and my social media pages, you've seen my colleagues and I across the southeast & Philly working hard to raise up the importance of public transit as people go about their everyday lives.
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Last week, before Gov. Shapiro made Monday’s announcements, I stood with the Philly delegation and spoke about the concerns of the suburbs in the fight for SEPTA, and the logistical nightmare getting down to the stadiums would be had FanDuel not stepped in.
Let me be clear: online gambling companies should not have to step in to do the work of the legislature.
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Again, our work continues to convince Senate Republicans that a recurring funding source must be identified for mass transit to avoid this crisis in the future.
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I also joined my Declo colleagues Rep. Gina H. Curry, Rep. Heather Boyd, and Rep. Leanne Krueger along with Senator Tim Kearney, Senator John Kane and Upper Darby Mayor Ed Brown to highlight the need for a fully-funded transit system to get thousands of students in high school and college to school, to work, to extracurricular activities, to opportunity.
This is happening all over our commonwealth. The need for public transit funding is not unique to the southeast. It’s time for the Senate Republicans to stop holding this growing number of communities hostage!
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Time to put our students, seniors, and
working families first!
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Student Voices of Pennsylvania
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Honoring those we've lost to overdose
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August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day. Last month, I was privileged to join Senators John Kane and Tim Kearney for their 7th annual Overdose Awareness Vigil on the steps of the Media Courthouse. We heard some powerful stories from my friend Sarah Laurel with Savage Sisters about the need for support of those struggling with the disease of addiction and we heard tremendous stories of those in recovery with MVP Recovery.
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It was then an honor to join my colleague Rep. Leanne Krueger, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, Delaware County Council’s Elaine Schaefer and Christine Reuther, Delco Controller Joanne Phillips, Delco District Attorney's Office Jack Stollsteimer, and Upper Darby Mayor Ed Brown to read the names of more than 350 in Delco who died from substance use disorder.
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More must be done. I fear as our budget impasse continues, we risk losing the resources designed to help those in need.
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Another tremendous Edgmont Township Day in the books! The weather held out and we were thrilled to chat with all the neighbors who came out to Arasapha Farms for this fun annual event! There were so many great craft vendors, pony rides, a petting zoo, face painters and lots of delicious food trucks to sample.
So good to see so many friends, especially the dedicated crew from Edgmont Twp Fire and the hardworking township staff & volunteers that make this truly special event possible!
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Pet Clinic with Sen. Kearney and Providence Animal Center
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Mary Ann spent Saturday morning with furry friends getting vaccinated and microchipped by Providence Animal Center. In partnership with Sen. Tim Kearney’s office, we helped dozens of pet owners get their dogs and cats up to date on their shots.
A special thank you to the folks at Newtown Presbyterian Church for donating their venue!
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Remembering 9/11 in Delaware County
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Marie attended the beautiful service organized by the county at the memorial in Rose Tree Park. Words of remembrance and honors were offered by members of county government, the Sheriff’s Honor Guard, the Delaware County Park Police led by newly sworn-in Chief Mitchell Rock, and representatives from the Department of Emergency Services, and EMS including Middletown’s own Bill Rigby, as well as the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
We are deeply grateful to all of the first responders, local and state police, firefighters, and EMS personnel who continue to protect our communities with courage and dedication.
Many of my colleagues from the state legislature and local officials paid tribute to the nearly 3,000 lives lost on September 11th, to honor the families forever changed, and to give thanks to those who rushed into harm’s way — and to those who continue to serve here in Delaware County and across the nation, ready to answer the call.
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RSVP is required for the Senior Health Fair -- click here!
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Women’s Resource Center: Girls Lead Program Wishlist
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The Women’s Resource Center’s Girls Lead program is preparing to welcome a new group of students and we are seeking donations of essential supplies such as granola bars, permanent markers, and feminine products to support our program. Every contribution helps! The wish list with links can be found here. Donations can also be dropped off at my district office!
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Girls Lead is a leadership and protective life skills program initiated by WRC in 1999 that continues to thrive after more than two decades. This program is aimed at helping middle and high school girls in 25 schools across the Delaware Valley with untapped leadership potential find their footing and thrive. The participants, nominated by their school’s guidance counselors and principals, develop their leadership capacity and build a culminating Leadership Project which addresses a pressing issue in their school, community and society at large.
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DMVA encourages us to reach out & check on the veterans in our lives
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September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and Pennsylvania’s Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is reminding everyone of the resources available for those in crisis or in need of additional support.
Veterans remain at an elevated risk of suicide — and one veteran suicide is one too many. The DMVA encourages everyone to reach out to the veterans in their lives and remind them that someone cares, even if it has been a while since you last spoke.
If you are a veteran in crisis — or if you are concerned about one — free and confidential support is available 24/7. Call the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988, then press 1, or send a text message to 838255, or chat online.
Two additional resources available to veterans facing challenging times are:
- VETConnect, an outreach program that connects veterans and their families with local resources to meet their needs when it comes to finding a place to live, finding a job, getting mental health support, and more.
- Delco’s Dept. of Military & Veterans Affairs, which regularly hosts events and gatherings and offers a variety of programs, including one that provides veterans & servicemembers with discounts to local businesses.
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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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Come visit us at our booth! ??
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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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Join the family-friendly Monster Dash 5K at The Bates Motel in Edgmont for spooktacular holiday fun this October! Come dressed in your Halloween Costume for an extra dash of holiday spirit! Runners of all ages are welcome (all terrain strollers only, please). All proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the Edgmont Township Fire Company!
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2025 Race Offerings!
5K: This multi-surface cross country course rolls through the beautiful Arasapha Farms and The Bates Motel Haunted Hayride. Registration includes a chipped bib for race results timing and a commemorative t-shirt. Awards will be given to the top 1st, 2nd, 3rd place overall male and female (Specific award to be determined). Divisional Medals will be awarded to each 1st, 2nd and 3rd place male and female. What a fantastic NEW race course last year! It will be the same!
1 Mile: This multi-surface course will primarily run through The Bates Motel Haunted Hayride path, and loop the top of the property. This course will not go the back of the property through the Christmas tree farm. Registration includes a commemorative t-shirt. This will be an untimed race but families are welcome to run or walk.
Costume Rules For All Ages: In order to keep all families safe please do not wear masks. The carrying of swords etc of any kind will not be permitted. Runners must run in closed toed shoes. Spiked running shoes are permitted. Please be mindful of costume length so as to be safe when running.
Monster Costume Contest! Best dressed Halloween costume contest will be awarded to two individual participants, one themed group (i.e. Toy Story) and two youth (under age 12) Specific award to be determined!
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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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