We are definitely in the throes of fall/Halloween fun. As I travel around the district, I am loving all the decorations – so many creative neighbors!
As I get ready to head back to Harrisburg next week, I am hopeful we will finally have some serious budget legislation to consider. This week, the Senate voted on party lines to send yet another version of the budget which does nothing to address the very basic needs of our communities, which include:
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? Adequately and fairly funding public education and shifting the burden from the property owners.
? Funding healthcare, which is so important in an environment where we are losing hospitals and providers because of reimbursement rates.
? Supporting our first responders as we work to address issues of public safety.
These are the most important asks, and it is so important we not lose sight of these very important issues. We can do all these things with no new taxes or an increase to existing taxes.
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Over the past few weeks, I have been doing a deep dive into the challenges we face when it comes to the rising cost of electricity in our region. The issue is complex but boils down to supply and demand issues.
PJM is the electricity supplier for PA along with 12 other states and Washington D.C. What happens in one of the states served by PJM impacts the grid and impacts us. This includes development of large-scale data centers being used to power crypto mining and AI. So, as these data centers are coming on-line across the northeast region, we are feeling the pinch as they consume an immense amount of power.
As a member of the Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee and the Blue-Green Caucus I have participated in hearings and presentations by PJM, the PUC, PA Consumer Advocate, the PA Utility Law Project and the Natural Resources Defense Council. I have visited power generation plants (hydroelectric and nuclear) and participated in multi-state conversations to strategize how we address the issues generated by these data centers, the impacts on communities and electric consumers, and how to balance the rights of property owners and understand what these centers mean when it comes to jobs and generating revenue for the state.
Currently, the House has several pieces of legislation which will be introduced to try and put some guiderails around the siting of data centers in the commonwealth. We need to make sure consumers like you are not footing the bill for the power consumed by these data centers and ensure our communities are prepared to address these new developments.
Thanks to everyone who has written to me about data center concerns. My colleagues and I have our eyes on this issue.
Have a great weekend and Go Birds!
In service,
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Harrisburg Update
- SEPTA Silverliner IV maintenance status
- PID issues notice reinforcing Shapiro's Executive Order re: vaccines
- A day in the life of a medical student at Penn State Hershey
- Visit to Limerick Clean Energy Center
Spotlight 168: Thanksgiving Food Drive (through Nov. 13)
In the District
- Radnor Fire Prevention Expo
- E-scooter Safety Roundtable
- Remembering Art Lewis
- Radnor Library Book Sale
- Brew Fest with a benefit
- Interview for "Radnor My Hometown"
- Launching the Family Village
My Events
- Shredding & Drug Take-Back (Nov. 8)
- Veterans Breakfast (Nov. 10)
FYI
- Nominate an outstanding educator for 2027 Teacher of the Year
Community Events
- Monster Dash 5K at the Bates Motel (10/25)
- Chesco Pops: Classical Remix concerts (10/26)
- Volunteers for Delco America250: Virtual Workshop (10/29)
- Flag Raising Ceremony: U.S. Marine Corps 250th Birthday (11/6)
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SEPTA Silverliner IV maintenance status
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I know the current situation on the regional rails has been a challenge for so many riders. Since the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued its Emergency Order earlier this month, SEPTA has been implementing safety improvements which include new inspections, thermal detectors, and real-time monitoring of train systems.
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Their mechanics, engineers, and safety teams are working around the clock to keep service running safely and reliably while meeting the inspection deadlines set by the FRA.
The Silverliner IV cars are nearly 50 years old – among the oldest in the country. Sadly, the inability of the legislature to develop a sustainable funding plan forced the use of capital funds used to purchase enhanced equipment has been shifted and is now being used for operating expenses. This shift is now holding back plans to continue to modernize the transit system and make investments for the future. That is a battle which we will take up again in 18 months, but for now, click here to keep up to date with SEPTA's maintenance progress on the existing railcars.
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PID issues notice reinforcing Shapiro's Executive Order re: vaccines
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Your access to vaccines remains protected in Pennsylvania.
On October 17, the PA Insurance Dept. issued a notice that reinforces the Executive Order that Governor Shapiro issued on October 2 by reaffirming the department's expectations for insurers to cover the COVID-19 vaccine and other important vaccines during the 2025–26 calendar years.
The notice states these vaccines should be covered at no cost to consumers, with no extra fees or unnecessary hurdles, and consistent with approved policy language, through at least December 31, 2026.
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A day in the life of a medical student at Penn State Hershey
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Last week, I had the opportunity to participate in a unique program hosted at Penn State Health's Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. The Penn State College of Medicine's Project Medical Education program gives legislators like me the chance to very briefly walk in the shoes of a four-year medical student to better understand what they are learning, how it is being taught, and the challenges our next generation of healthcare professionals have to overcome.
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If we want to attract people and business to the commonwealth we need to invest in services and programs that impact quality of life. Accessible healthcare is one of the most important things people look at when choosing a place to locate. And in PA our population is aging. For all those reasons we need a strong, reliable, and vast network of healthcare providers and facilities.
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Visit to Limerick Clean Energy Center
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I hear from my neighbors everyday about the cost of electricity, concerns about infrastructure, service interruptions, the demands of new technology, and the need for more energy, especially green energy, on the grid.
Most recently, the Consumer Protection, Technology and Utility Committee visited the Limerick Clean Energy Center operated by Constellation Energy. There are two nuclear reactors producing over 2,000 megawatts of clean, carbon-free energy at the site. We had the opportunity to tour the facility, hear from the highly experienced, well-trained operators, and learn about the protocols in place to protect the facility and the community.
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It is impressive to be up close to these cooling towers but what was even more impressive was the training, certification, re-certifications, and preparations required of those who operate the facility. I am grateful to have the opportunity to better understand how nuclear energy fits into the puzzle of electric supply and demand.
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Radnor Fire Prevention Expo
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What a day with Radnor Fire Company! Rain did not dampen spirits at the annual Fire Prevention Expo where kids and adults learned all about the work of our fire and EMS professionals, search and rescue, and fire prevention.
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As always, it was great to see my friends from Radnor Fire Company and their Auxiliary, Radnor Township Police Department, Broomall Fire Company, Berwyn Fire Company and Newtown Square Fire Company. Congrats on a fun and informative day!
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E-scooter Safety Roundtable
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Sadly, e-scooters have become a big topic here in Delco due to several tragic incidents which have injured and sadly killed kids riding these powerful machines. Currently, these vehicles are not street legal in PA and there are no laws regulating these vehicles that can go up to 50 miles per hour. Many municipalities are responding to these concerns by passing local legislation to help give parents and police guidelines for safety.
At a special program organized by Delaware County Planning Department, municipalities, community groups, and law enforcement had the opportunity to ask questions and share ideas about the best way to put safety guidelines in place and prevent tragic accidents. Senator Tim Kearney’s office presented information about Abby’s Law, named for Abigail Gillon one of the young victims of a tragic e-scooter accident.
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Abby's Law would:
- Recognize e-scooters as a regulated micromobility vehicle in the PA Vehicle Code.
- Establish safety requirements for operation and helmets based on age.
- Create a public awareness campaign to educate riders and parents on the safe operation and riding of e-scooters.
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During the program, we heard from the 168th’s own Maggy Myers, the President of the Radnor Township Board of Commissioners and their efforts to develop an e-scooter ordinance. We also met up with Radnor resident and Delaware County Councilwoman Elaine Schaefer. This is an issue which requires collaboration from all levels of government to keep communities safe.
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Across the 168th there are so many people making a difference in our communities. From public safety to tree planting, raising brook trout to promoting our business communities, serving in elected positions or supporting our veterans, there are countless volunteers committed to serving their neighbors.
I have learned so much from those I’ve met, but one man stood out as a statesman, a collaborator, a leader, and a consensus builder. Art Lewis, “Mr. Radnor,” taught me how to govern, how to move ideas forward, and how to ensure the community had a voice.
Art passed away in August, and I was privileged to attend his memorial service a few weekends ago. Art would offer trusted and needed advice and critique of my efforts when I first joined the Radnor Township School Board. Once a commissioner, he would help make sure I had my ear to the ground to know what the community was feeling and thinking. A true gentleman and a scholar, Art had high expectations for those who served, and he was generous in offering me guidance.
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I knew only a very small piece of what Art contributed to our community in the 56 years that he and his devoted wife Lois lived in Wayne. Whether you knew Art or not, his legacy has touched your life if you live in Radnor. Unlike many who feel their service deserves accolades or thanks, Art just served. No thanks needed. He saw a problem; he tried to fix it.
Art did not try to divide; he worked to bring people together. A true gift.
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I last saw Art about a year ago at White Horse Village and he gave me a few notes on my work to date as a state rep. I took those to heart.
They don’t make them like Art anymore. A true public servant committed to figuring out the best way to get things done for his neighbors. Thank you, Art. I hope to be at least half the true public servant you were. Rest easy, you have earned it!
This is a list of what he did in his spare time while working full time as an engineer and raising four children:
- President of the North Wayne Protective Association 1960-1961
- Finance Chair and Sunday school teacher Wayne Methodist Church
- President of the Wayne Elementary School PTA 1963
- Republican Committeeman 1964-1978
- Treasurer of the Radnor Republican Committee 1968-1973 and chairman 1973-1978
- Commissioner of Radnor 1st ward 1978-1983
- Member of Radnor Zoning Board 1984-1990, responsible for Radnor’s first open space acquisition of the Willows Park in Wayne
- Co-founder of the Radnor Little League Soccer Program 1978-1983
- Treasurer for the Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired
- Radnor High School Scholarship Fund 1984-2025 Treasurer and President. The Arthur R. Lewis scholarship was established in his honor in 2016.
- Board of Directors of WAYNE Inc (Wayne Area Youth Need Encouragement)
- President of The Wayne Teen Center
- Radnor School Board member 1991 and re-elected to three terms. President 1993-98 overseeing the renovations of the Radnor High School and building the new Elementary School and Middle School.
- Scouting coordinator and citizen’s merit badge judge, Wayne Boy Scout Troop 371
- Radnor Youth League Baseball coach
- Organizer and Emcee for Radnor Fireworks and other fundraisers for the Radnor Scholarship Fund
- 2005 Grand Marshal and proud marcher and participant in the annual Wayne Memorial Day Parades
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I swung by the Friends of the Radnor Memorial Library annual book sale last weekend and picked up a historical fiction thriller!
So many folks volunteer their time to help our libraries thrive like Kate and Pepe who I chatted with on my way out. Thank you to everyone who help make the book sale a success!
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Craft beer, community, and a cause came together last weekend as Tired Hands Brewing Company hosted its 2nd Annual Beer Party in support of the Delaware County Veterans Memorial.
The event brought dozens of East Coast breweries, live music, and food trucks to The Beer Park in Edgmont. I had a wonderful time with my Delco sister rep, Rep. Leanne Krueger, Nicole De Botton Robinson from the DCVMA, and my lovely neighbor Michele Leonard.
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Beer just tastes better when it's for a good cause!
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Interview for "Radnor My Hometown"
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We love visitors in the office! I was so glad to see our friends from Radnor, Cooper Roy and John Ricciutti. These two filmmakers interviewed me as part of Cooper’s “Radnor My Hometown” project for the Villanova University's VUnited Scholars Program.
Great interview, Cooper! I appreciate your thoughtful questions, and I hope my answers make the cut!
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Launching the Family Village
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Family Village is a new, centralized hub where families in Delaware County can access wraparound services from pregnancy through early childhood. That includes care from nurses, doulas, WIC nutritionists, and community health workers for services such as
nutrition and breastfeeding, housing support and legal counseling, mental health services, parenting education, support for partners and other caregivers, and so much more.
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Marie and Jade had a wonderful time at the launch of the Village celebrating the work the Foundation for Delaware County has already accomplished through these programs. Congratulations to the Foundation’s brand-new president, Michael Kellerman and Chief Impact Officer, Joanne D. Craig, on spearheading this initiative.
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Nominate an outstanding educator for 2027 Teacher of the Year
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Do you know an educator who serves learners with compassion and integrity and embraces their unique potential? Please consider nominating them as Pennsylvania’s 2027 Teacher of the Year!
The Teacher of the Year program honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to learners in Pennsylvania. Nominations will be accepted until December 15, 2025.
The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony in December 2026 and will represent Pennsylvania in the National Teacher of the Year ceremony at the White House. Click here to see the list of finalists for PA’s 2026 Teacher of the Year.
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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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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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