Happy (almost) Red October to my neighbors of the 168th!
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It has been an up-and-down season. Happily, the Phillies were on an upswing just when it mattered most, and we are headed to the postseason! I am eagerly anticipating the first game on October 4th and can’t wait to see where our bats take us.
What is disappointingly down are efforts to secure a workable budget agreement. Thank you to everyone who has shared their concerns regarding the lapse of funding for everything from books for our students to programs supporting behavioral health in the county. This budget impasse is not helping anyone, and I am challenged to understand why we can’t simply come together to do what is right for the residents of the Commonwealth.
The House has sent at least four (maybe five) different proposals to the Senate Republican leadership for consideration, and all we have received back is one budget proposal with no new funding for any projects or programs—and then… crickets. It can’t be a “my way or the highway” budget. Our purple state wants legislators to listen to one another and seek compromise. Many of us, on both sides of the aisle, are more than willing to do so—but sadly, I do not see that happening right now.
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The other issue bringing me down from my Phillies “high” is the debate at the federal level regarding changes to Marketplace Insurance, or Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans. On a call last week with Pennie, the PA Marketplace administrator, we learned that unless Congress acts, the enhanced premium tax credits will end Dec. 31. This means monthly premiums will go up starting with open enrollment on Nov. 1—by as much as 82%.
This will be catastrophic for those who receive their insurance through the Marketplace. Right now, Pennie enrollees save $6,000 a year on healthcare insurance through the premium tax credits. Pennie is the only place where those insured can be guaranteed maximum consumer protections, like out-of-pocket cost caps, no annual or lifetime limits, and coverage for pre-existing conditions.
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Nearly 500,000 Pennsylvanians are covered through Pennie. These include small business owners, the self-employed, gig workers, farmers, early retirees, and those who are COBRA-eligible (e.g., those who may have been laid off from their jobs). The "One Big Beautiful Bill passed by Congress" does not extend the tax credits. Without those tax credits, some insured individuals will see the cost of coverage double or even quadruple. It is estimated that almost 250,000 people could become unable to afford health insurance.
I am old enough to remember what it was like for our healthcare institutions before the ACA. The amount of uncompensated care for the uninsured or underinsured was a huge drain on our healthcare systems, impacting care delivery for everyone. In today’s healthcare environment, adding a huge number of uninsured individuals to the system will impact not only them but also the commercially insured. Our fragile healthcare system is already on the brink of disaster. This could push us over the edge.
I’m sorry if I’ve ruined everyone’s baseball and football “high,” but these are issues we need to consider and be concerned about. They will ultimately impact us all.
If you have insurance through Pennie and need to learn more about the impacts as we head into open enrollment season, please visit Pennie’s help center to connect with real, local people who are certified assisters and brokers. Some offer virtual, over-the-phone, and in-person appointments. You can also call Pennie customer service at 1-844-844-8040 Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Have a great weekend. Go Phillies and Go Birds!
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Harrisburg Update
- Four new gun safety bills pass the House Judiciary Committee
- Supporting the life sciences through bipartisanship
Spotlight 168: Student Voices of Pennsylvania
In the District
- SEPTA Senior Cards in Newtown
- Radnor Fall Fest
- Delco Anglers' fall meeting
- Dedicating Chief Joseph Montgomery Memorial Highway
- Garrett's Way visit
- Deterring fraud at Scam Jam
- Archbishop Carroll's new wellness center
My Events
- Digital Legacy Planning Event (9/30) (registration is closed)
- SEPTA Senior Cards in Radnor (10/8)
- Senior Health Fair (10/9)
FYI
- Wayne Cares Pantry Food Drive
- Women's Resource Center: Girls Lead Program Wishlist
- Phishing Alert: Tax Refund Scam
Community Events
- Rocky Run Fire Co. Bingo (10/4)
- Radnor Fire Co. Fire Prevention Expo (10/11)
- DCIU Fall Career Fair (10/15)
- Fall Book Sale at Radnor Memorial Library (10/17 - 10/19)
- Monster Dash 5K at the Bates Motel (10/25)
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Four new gun safety bills pass the House Judiciary Committee
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The House Judiciary Committee advanced this week four new gun safety bills aimed at reducing gun violence:
- Banning Ghost Guns & Prohibiting Undetectable Firearms (H.B. 1099): Would prohibit the manufacture, sale, or possession of undetectable firearms, also known as “ghost guns,” including 3D-printed weapons and those without serial numbers.
- Background Checks for Firearms (H.B. 1593): Would close gun purchase loopholes by requiring background checks for all firearm purchases, including long guns.
- Extreme Risk Protection Orders (H.B. 1859): Would allow courts to temporarily restrict access to firearms for individuals in crisis. Also known as a “Red Flag Law,” this type of legislation is proven to reduce rates of both suicide and homicide.
- Ban on Machine Gun Conversion Devices (H.B. 1866): Would bans devices, such as Glock switches, that convert semi-automatic firearms into machine guns.
These measures would take common-sense, important steps toward protecting you and your family from the needless gun-related tragedies that continue to devastate our communities. They would reduce illegal trafficking and support law enforcement—moves that members of any party should be able to support—while upholding the Second Amendment.
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Supporting the life sciences through bipartisanship
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As a member of the bipartisan, bicameral Competitiveness Caucus, I am proud to join my colleagues in the House and Senate to better understand the challenges facing businesses in Pennsylvania and identify ways we can improve the environment to make the commonwealth more attractive for investment.
Recently, our chairs—Representative Paul Friel of Chester County and Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill of York County—convened a caucus meeting at Pfizer in Collegeville to discuss ways we can support and enhance investment in the life sciences.
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Pennsylvania is home to many incredible academic research institutions, as well as pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and diagnostics companies that are leading groundbreaking work in health and wellness.
We need to make Pennsylvania an attractive place for them to locate and grow their businesses. This roundtable was an excellent opportunity to hear directly from industry leaders and brainstorm ways to break down barriers to success.
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Great running into the 168th's own Dean Miller, President & CEO of PACT (left, w/ Rep. Friel & me).
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Student Voices of Pennsylvania
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SEPTA Senior Cards in Newtown
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Over 65 seniors in the district received their SEPTA passes at the Newtown Public Library this past Monday, with help from SEPTA representatives and Kate and Josh from Senator Kearney’s office! Thank you, as always, to the team at the Newtown Public Library for hosting us.
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We are continuing our effort to ensure every resident in the district aged 65 and older can ride SEPTA for free at the Radnor Memorial Library on October 8th!
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Another tremendous Radnor Fall Fest in the books!
We were thrilled to see so many families enjoying the beautiful weather and experiencing the best that members of the Wayne Business Association have to offer. From restaurants and unique shopping to local talent and inflatable fun, there was truly something for everyone!
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It was good to see so many friends, especially the dedicated staff from Radnor Police Dept. and Fire Company. The Radnor community is such a special place; it truly shined at this event.
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Delco Anglers' fall meeting
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Last week I joined the Delco Anglers for their fall meeting. If you don’t know about the anglers, they are the group who lovingly raise the Brook Trout stocked in our creeks (or cricks) every spring. I have had so much fun getting to know them, learn about their work (they are all volunteers, BTW) and help support the important role they play in the Delco sportsman community.
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We also celebrated my colleague (and our neighbor in Delco) Rep. David M. Delloso, who was honored for his work on Act 15 of 2025 designed to modernize the Fish & Boat Commission by streamlining its boating advisory efforts. Nice job, Rep!
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Dedicating Chief Joseph Montgomery Memorial Highway
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Yesterday, we honored a hero born and raised here in the 168th by dedicating a portion of Route 352 as the Chief Joseph J. Montgomery Jr. Memorial Highway. At the ceremony, I was joined by Joe’s friends, his colleagues from Edgmont Fire, Rocky Run Fire, and the Delaware County Park Police, and, most importantly, his daughters, to recognize his dedication to his community.
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Chief Montgomery’s career in public service began with his time as a Boy Scout and continued as a lifelong volunteer firefighter, eventually serving as Chief of Edgmont Fire for 20 years. Joe also served as a paramedic with Riddle EMS and founded his own business, ProRescue, teaching CPR and First Aid.
It was wonderful to see so many of Joe’s family members, friends, and colleagues gathered in one place on what would have been his 56th birthday to unveil the signage. Rep. Leanne Krueger, my partner in introducing this road-naming legislation, and Sen. John Kane were on hand to present a PennDOT-made replica of the sign to Joe’s family. Click here to view our livestream from the event.
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I was so thrilled to spend time with Ms. Gina and Ms. Amanda’s Fireflies class at Garrett’s Way on Tuesday. We talked about the role of a State Representative, agriculture as Pennsylvania’s biggest industry, and—most importantly—that they, along with everyone else in the 168th, are my bosses. We even passed a bill into law that allows everyone to take the day off on their birthday!
It is so much fun to engage with these little minds and future leaders!
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Deterring fraud at Scam Jam
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We had a fantastic turnout at the Wayne Senior Center on Thursday for our first Scam Jam event! The PA Department of Banking and Securities, the Attorney General’s Office, Radnor PD, the Delco DA’s Office, and AARP delivered a captivating presentation on how to spot scams and avoid fraud. We even played a little bingo, with some very neat prizes from our presenters!
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Archbishop Carroll's new wellness center
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Marie and I made our way to her alma mater this week to cut the ribbon on the new Connelly Wellness Center at Archbishop John Carroll. The library space has been transformed into a hub for mental health care, campus ministry, and comprehensive learning supports for students.
It’s always a pleasure to run into my friend and neighbor Joe Doyle and to meet his classmate, Fr. Bill Donovan.
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Registration is now closed for this event, but don't forget to attend if you signed up!
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RSVP is required for the Senior Health Fair -- click here!
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Wayne Cares Pantry Food Drive
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My office is helping to fill the shelves and fridge at Wayne Cares Nonprofit. Federal funding cuts are hitting our community food pantries hard, and they need to rely on donations more than ever. September is Hunger Action Month, and every can, jar, and box helps fight hunger in our community. Drop off donations at our office now through Tuesday, October 14th!
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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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Phishing Alert: Tax Refund Scam
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Department of Revenue Secretary Pat Browne is warning Pennsylvanians about a new phishing scam involving fraudulent text messages that impersonate the department’s officials. These messages attempt to trick recipients into sharing sensitive personal and financial information under the guise of processing state income tax refunds. They often include links to fake websites and request banking details and Social Security numbers.
Similar schemes are appearing across the country, not just in Pennsylvania.
Please note: the PA Department of Revenue will never send unsolicited text messages asking for banking information. If you receive such a message, do not click any links, do not respond, and delete the message immediately.
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You may also report the message to the Department of Revenue at 717-425-2495, Ext. 72267.
To safely check the status of your state income tax refund, visit myPATH or call 1-888-PATAXES.
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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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The Friends of Radnor Memorial Library will be hosting their annual Fall Book Sale on October 17-19, 2025. Used books, in good condition, of all genres for children and adults will be sold and all proceeds will benefit Radnor Memorial Library.
- Friday, October 17 | 5pm-8:30pm - Members Only Preview Sale
- Saturday, October 18 | 9am-4:30pm - Open to the public
- Sunday, October 19 | 1pm-4:30pm - 50% Off Sale
To become a member and get early access to the sale, click here.
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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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