The holidays will soon be upon us! I honestly don’t know where the time goes; I'm making sure to enjoy all the beautiful fall foliage in Harrisburg and at home before it fades.
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It was so great to see so many of you out and about on Election Day, exercising your constitutional right to make your voice heard.
The polling places I visited were running like clockwork thanks to all the dedicated poll workers who commit so many hours of their time to making sure everyone can vote. Thank you to all those who volunteered and made such a sizable commitment to the institution which is the foundation of our democracy.
As I sit writing this on Thursday afternoon, we still have no state budget. I thought we might get called back right after election day, but so far, no.
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I do want to thank everyone who took the time to share their concerns about what this delay, coupled with the federal government shutdown, means to your families and businesses. This “perfect storm” of failure is impacting so many. I am sorry it is taking the PA legislature so long to move anything meaningful forward. It is frustrating to know we are unable to do the one job we are elected to do – pass a budget.
What I can say so far about the budget, when all is finally said and done, is that it will be a compromise; there will be things in it some will hate and there will be things many of us love. Those details are still unfolding, but compromise is never easy, and our wins will probably not feel like very huge ones for anyone. Our most critical task is working together to protect and preserve the services that impact the commonwealth most significantly. There is too much on the line to let this drag on any longer.
Stay tuned. We remain on a 12-hour recall, so I could be called back to Harrisburg at any moment. As soon as I know details, I promise to share.
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There are happier moments to look forward to. Next week we have the opportunity to celebrate our veterans in many ways. I look forward to welcoming everyone to our annual Veterans Day Breakfast on Monday morning. This year we are trying out a new location in the beautiful Ellis Preserve and we are so grateful to have partners like Comcast, IBX, and Main Line Health joining with us to make it a special morning for the veterans of the 168th! We will also have an informative discussion with veterans doing good work in our community as we initiate our “Service After Service” program.
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Throwback photo from last year's veterans breakfast at Tyler Arboretum. We can always count on Kate for a smile while she serves!
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Then it will be on to the parade in downtown Media on Tuesday (Veterans Day!) which steps off at 11:11 a.m. Next, continuing the festivities, we will celebrate at the DCVMA's annual Freedom Medal Dinner on Thursday, where two of the 168th’s own will be honored.
Cheers to our veterans! We thank you for always putting service over self – you are the heartbeat of our communities. ??
Hope to see you all at our Shred Event tomorrow, Saturday, November 8th! (Details are below in the Events section.) Have a great weekend and Go Birds!
In service,
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Harrisburg Update
- Fish & Boat PSA
- Shapiro grants funding boost to PA's food bank network
- Securing a "no shutoffs" pledge from utility companies
- Business development in SEPA
Spotlight 168: Peter's Place
In the District
- Monster Dash 5K
- Celebrating Wayne Senior Center's 50th anniversary
- Food Drive progress
My Events
- TOMORROW: Shredding & Drug Take-Back (Nov. 8)
- Veterans Breakfast (Nov. 10)
FYI
- Nominate an outstanding educator for 2027 Teacher of the Year
Community Events
- TOMORROW: Guided nature hike at The Willows (Nov. 8)
- TOMORROW: Election Campaign Sign Recycling Drop Off (Nov. 8)
- PA Healthcare Virtual Career Day (Nov. 13)
- Friends of Newtown Library Gently Used Clothing Sale (Nov. 14-16)
- Radnor Memorial Library Elves for the Shelves 5K Fun Run (Dec. 6)
- Santa comes to Middletown Twp. (Dec. 21)
- Newtown Township's Comprehensive & Strategic Plan Survey
- "Once Upon a Run" Festival & 5K benefitting Newtown Public Library (April 19, 2026)
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Keep Going -- it's still fishing & boating season! With summer behind us, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors this fall and winter. And thanks to our Delco Anglers, there are fish to be caught in our local creeks. ??
If you're boating, remember that life jackets are required from November 1 through April 30 on boats less than 16 feet including all canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards.
Visit the Fish & Boat Commission website for more information.
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Shapiro grants funding boost to PA’s food bank network
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The Shapiro Administration has taken two more actions concerning the SNAP situation caused by the federal budget impasse. Governor Shapiro announced that he is releasing $5 million in state funding immediately to Feeding Pennsylvania to distribute through its statewide network of food banks. He also signed a declaration of disaster emergency to expedite the process, giving him more tools to act quickly to address the harm.
Feeding Pennsylvania is the statewide association of PA's nine Feeding America partner food banks that serve over 1.5 million people annually.
Please see the graphic below for info on my office’s food drive. Information on getting food from or donating to our local food pantries is available here.
In his announcement, Governor Shapiro said: “There is no substitute for the federal government’s decision not to release SNAP benefits, but my Administration is stepping up to use every tool we have — state resources, private sector support, and the compassion of our communities — to make sure our food banks are fully stocked and our families are fed. The federal government has the money to keep people fed — they’re just refusing to use it. In Pennsylvania, I won’t let our families or food banks shoulder that burden alone, and I’m not going to stand by while the federal government lets Pennsylvanians go hungry.”
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Securing a “no shutoffs” pledge from utility companies
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The federal government shutdown is disrupting programs designed to help low-income Pennsylvanians meet their basic needs; most of those who receive help are seniors, disabled people, or are employed full-time, and many have children in the household.
I joined my colleagues from across the commonwealth in urging the PUC and utility companies like PECO to pause shut-off of heat-related services for households until the program reopens. Read the full letter here.
I’m happy to be able to report that our outreach worked: Governor Shapiro announced on Wednesday that PA’s utility companies have promised not to shut off LIHEAP-eligible residents’ heat or electricity if they don't pay their November bill as the shutdown continues.
PA’s Dept. of Human Services says LIHEAP applications are still scheduled to open on Dec. 3, and it will process the LIHEAP applications it receives. Once the federal shutdown ends and DHS receives the funding to disburse, it will start formally accepting these applications and making payments.
For immediate needs during the shutdown, you may use PA Navigate to find resources and support for housing, job opportunities, assistance programs and more.
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Business development in SEPA
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While in Harrisburg last week, I joined my colleagues from the southeast for a presentation from the Southeastern Pennsylvania Economic Collaborative about SEPA’s challenges in competing with high-performing peer regions around the country. The group is comprised of economic and workforce development organizations in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties, as well as the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission.
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The Brookings Institution recently released a report, Market Assessment for Growing Opportunity Industries and Economic Mobility in Southeastern Pennsylvania, which illustrates how, despite years of job growth across its counties, SEPA continues to lag behind in business development. This was an opportunity for us to learn what our leaders can do to unify behind a shared strategy that leverages the region’s immense economic, innovation, and human capital assets to create more middle-class jobs in industries where the region is well-positioned to compete in the global economy.
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It was a tremendously informative presentation and really reinforced what I have learned from businesses as a member of the Competitiveness Caucus. Our commonwealth lags behind when it comes to policies to incentivize business growth. Sometimes we just don’t know how to get out of our own way.
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I'm working with Rep. Paul Friel, from Chester County, on legislation to support the biotech industry in PA, and recently I heard from one of our 168th neighbors about challenges faced by the medical device industry which we are looking to address.
It was really an informative presentation, and Sen. Tim Kearney and I were thrilled to meet up with presenter Laura Goodrich Cairns, Delco EDC's Commerce Director.
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Last week, Marie and I had the opportunity to visit Peter's Place: A Center for Grieving Children and Families to learn more about their program and the support they provide to children and families who have experienced loss of a loved one.
I have heard a lot about Peter's Place over the years and was thrilled to learn more about their mission from Executive Director Stephanie Lim Capello and meet Joseph, Jessica, and Isabella (and the official mascot Sam), all part of the tremendously caring, compassionate, and creative staff who help children navigate the often unexpected and difficult challenges as they grieve the loss of a loved one.
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I have heard a lot about Peter's Place over the years and was thrilled to learn more about their mission from Executive Director Stephanie Lim Capello and meet Joseph, Jessica, and Isabella (and the official mascot Sam), all part of the tremendously caring, compassionate, and creative staff who help children navigate the often unexpected and difficult challenges as they grieve the loss of a loved one.
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This beautiful space full of emotional and hopeful artwork is located in the 168th’s Radnor Township. It was founded in 2001 in memory of Peter Morsbach, who died suddenly at the age of 10, by his family and friends to support grieving families. The services are totally free so all in need can benefit. They are also pretty much 100% donor funded and provide services at their Radnor location as well as running regular support groups in schools and providing emergency response in the event of a student tragedy.
What a tremendous resource to have in our community! Thank you, Stephanie, Joseph and the team, for sharing your impactful work!
Children’s Grief Awareness Day is November 20th, and Peter’s Place is hosting a webinar program for mental health professionals working with bereaved individuals. Click here to learn more and register.
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What a morning for a run on October 25th! I was so thrilled to again support the Monster Dash 5K to benefit Edgmont Township Fire Company!
It was great to hang with Edgmont Board of Supervisors Chair and longtime firefighter Ron Gravina, and the ladies who run, Supervisors Lindsey Conan and Annie Thorne (aka Dorothy). This race grows every year with everyone running (or walking) for a great cause at the best haunted site in the region: The Bates Motel!
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Celebrating Wayne Senior Center's 50th anniversary
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I was delighted to be at the Wayne Senior Center a few weekends ago to join in their 50th anniversary celebration. For a little history...
Five decades ago in Wayne, civic engagement was high but there was a “dearth in services” for older adults. Community leaders saw a generation being left behind and took action. During Wayne Week that year, the Radnor Nutrition Program was launched – a collaboration between the Neighborhood League Nursing Service, Wayne’s Retired Senior Volunteer Program, a retired IBM executive, the principal of Ithan Elementary School, Radnor Township personnel and representatives from a newly formed Valley Forge chapter of AARP.
Since then, WSC has transformed into a community hub for seniors offering a variety of services. As an elected official, Radnor resident, and supporter of their mission it has been wonderful to see their program grow and flourish.
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Wayne Senior Center, located at 108 Station Road, is open to the public from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For half a century, WSC has been a welcoming, inclusive and vital support hub, fostering health and wellness for older adults and is one of only a few Pennsylvania centers to be nationally accredited by the National Institute of Senior Centers—an honor it has earned three times. Promoting connectivity and a sense of belonging, WSC works to ensure that older adults can remain engaged and supported in their daily lives.
Programs at WSC include wellness classes, a fitness center, music and arts classes, lifelong learning opportunities, technology support, social events, social services counseling and referrals, support groups and a daily community meal program offering dining on-site and to-go. WSC serves over 21,000 meals annually.
Congratulations, WSC!
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My office is still collecting food for our Thanksgiving Food Drive! Kate picked up the first round of donations from overflowing containers at the Rocky Run YMCA and the Newtown Public Library.
We will distribute donations to the Wayne Cares Food Pantry and the Delco Food Bank during the third week in November. Please see their most needed items below:
- cheese
- butter
- eggs
- canned foods
- jams, jellies, & peanut butter
- spaghetti sauce
- pasta and rice
- boxed meal kits
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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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Community Events & Announcements
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Friends of the Newtown Public Library's
Gently Used Clothing Sale Fundraiser
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Save the Date! The Friends of the Library are excited to host a fabulous gently used clothing sale fundraiser featuring adult women’s and men’s clothing. All proceeds benefit the library’s programs and services.
- Festive First Look is on Friday, November 14. I'll be there volunteering as a "Guest Bartender!" Admission is $10 and includes $5 off your purchase. Enjoy exclusive first picks of curated selections!
- Main Sale is on Saturday, November 15 from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Fill the Bag Sale is on Sunday, November 16 from 1-4 PM. Admission is $10.
Let’s make this gently used clothing sale an incredible success for the library! Have questions or want to get involved? Contact Sally O’Connell at clothingsale@newtownlibrary.org
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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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