I don’t know about you, but after slogging through this dreary, cold February, I really need a pick-me-up.
Well, this week that comes in the form of potential movement of my House Bill 1460 (regulating private equity in healthcare), introduction of our bipartisan House Bill 2162 (incentivizing pharmaceutical & biomedical innovation), and the Governor including my House Bill 72 in his recently announced Housing Action Plan (affirming a tenant’s right to terminate a lease due to domestic violence). In a legislature where it takes so long to get anything done, I will take these small wins and use them to keep powering through.
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But what really keeps me going is the work in district and having the opportunity to hear directly from my neighbors of every age about what is important to them and gaining their feedback on where I should be focusing my efforts. I was over the moon when last Friday, we received a whole stack of letters from freshmen at Radnor High School who wrote research-based letters about issues they are passionate about and would like to see their state legislators prioritizing.
As I read these letters, I cannot help but be tremendously impressed by the thorough work done to not only state their concern, but to use real facts to back up why we should be focused on finding real solutions.
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Topics range from the environment, gun safety, influence of social media, immigration, political divisiveness, inconsistent refereeing in PIAA sports, student mental health, and school funding just to name a few (as you can see by the picture, I’m still going through these thoughtful letters).
The first thing that comes to mind is, “Wow!” These students are engaged and so aware of what is happening in their world right now and how it not only impacts just them, but how it impacts others. These students are genuinely concerned about these issues and have done their research regarding the impacts (positive and negative) on society today. I can’t help but think back to when I was their age (yes, I can remember that far back – sorta) and what I was worried about; why wouldn’t my mom buy me Sassoon jeans, how was I going to cram for my AP Bio test (hardest class ever), who was I going to hang out with on Friday night. These worries pale in comparison to what today’s students are thinking and feeling right now.
I am so grateful to these students for writing, and if any of you are reading this, please know I am working on answers to all your questions and hope we have the opportunity to connect soon. Your letters are inspiring, and in some ways upsetting because of the severity of what you're compelled to worry about as young people. I know you are looking to adults for answers and to help make change. I am committed to helping be that change on so many of these issues.
I hope everyone has a great weekend. First Phillies Spring Training game is this weekend – 1:05 p.m. against the Blue Jays and opening day is March 26th – come on spring!
Happy Lunar New Year and Ramadan Mubarak to all who are celebrating!
In service,
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Harrisburg Update
- Policy hearing on hospital closures
- Working to control electricity costs
- PA is considering a cell phone ban in schools
In the District
- Speaking to the Ardmore Rotary Club
- Honoring Bishop Richard Allen
- State game land public meeting
- Presenting a state grant to Radnor Fire Co.
My Events
- Bridging the Gap: Panel discussion on healthcare equity (2/28)
- Unclaimed Property Week (3/16-20)
- Budgeting Hacks with Franklin Mint Credit Union (4/2)
FYI
- Congrats to Christopher's!
- Advisory Commission on LGBTQ Affairs webinars
Community Events
- DCHD/Jefferson Health Mobile Mammogram Screening (2/27)
- Peter's Place: Anticipatory, Ambiguous & Non-Death Loss Webinar (3/12)
- Friends of Newtown Public Library Spring Book Sale (3/13-15)
- Delco Sustainability Conference (3/13)
- "Once Upon a Run" Festival & 5K (4/19)
- Newtown Square Fire Co. upcoming events (4/26, 5/9, 7/4)
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Policy hearing on hospital closures
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As Delco residents, our community is already familiar with the healthcare system crisis and how it’s resulting in community hospital closures. But the rest of the commonwealth hasn’t necessarily been impacted yet, so I continue to attend House Policy hearings across PA to discuss the issue: solutions like my legislation, HB1460, and the challenges we face getting the Senate to approve the measures we send them to protect hospitals.
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Rising costs, workforce shortages, and the impending expiration of federal Affordable Care Act tax credits are expected to leave more workers and families uninsured, further destabilizing local hospitals and the state’s economy.
Even when a struggling hospital is able to keep its doors open, dozens of them are cutting essential services, especially maternity care.
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At our hearing in Scranton last Wednesday, we heard testimony from experts including Dr. Patrick Conaboy, the chief medical officer at Commonwealth Health Regional Hospital of Scranton and Moses Taylor Hospital; Jill Avery-Stoss, the president and CEO of The Institute, which analyzes and researches issues to provide recommendations; Maria Montoro Edwards, the president and CEO of Maternal and Family Services; Jennifer Huber (pictured here), a registered nurse from Geisinger Community Medical Center and a member of PASNAP; and Sue Wiggins, a medical laboratory technologist and a member of SEIU.
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Working to control electricity costs
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Recently, I joined a bipartisan group of legislators from across our region urging PJM Interconnection (electricity grid operator in PA) to strengthen reliability, protect consumers, and keep energy markets competitive as data center development surges. The collaboration was initiated by the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators and just one of many happening across the states served by PJM.
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Our advocacy (along with other stakeholders) seems to have made a difference, as PJM recently announced the extension of the PJM Capacity Market Price Collar (i.e. price cap and price floor) which will benefit consumers by preventing extreme price spikes, and offer a higher baseline rate which means more kilowatt hours (kWh) are covered at the lowest price — you pay less per kWh for a larger portion of your usage.
There is also a commitment to initiate a stakeholder process to re-design the capacity market and large load reform which shifts power costs to AI data centers and other large load additions and not put it on the backs of the consumers. There is so much work to be done to control energy costs and mitigate negative impact of data center growth. Just one small step of many more to come.
You can read the letter here.
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PA is considering a cell phone ban in schools
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I was recently asked my thoughts on a bell-to-bell ban on cell phones. I know this a priority of the Governor, and the Senate just passed legislation to initiate this across the state.
I have participated in hearings where this issue and solutions were discussed. I understand the concern but do feel our school districts know what is best for their communities, and many in the 168th have already initiated policies to address the issue of cell phones in the classroom. I prefer to leave these decisions in the hands of school administrators and elected school boards who will make decisions in collaboration with teachers, staff, students, and parents.
I’d be interested to know what you think, so please send me an email if you have thoughts you’d like to share.
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Speaking to the Ardmore Rotary Club
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I hopped right over the county line recently to speak at the Ardmore Rotary Club’s monthly meeting. Marie and I were greeted with good cheer, insightful questions, and even a little singing. I spoke about the legislation I am trying to pass in Harrisburg, the state of fire and EMS in the county and across the commonwealth, and always a big topic when I am out in the community: funding for SEPTA and public transit.
Click here for more info from the event flyer.
Ardmore Rotary recently celebrated the 100th anniversary of their founding, and I joined my fellow state reps in the area to recognize the momentus occasion with a House citation and an American flag flown over the Capitol on the day of the anniversary.
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Honoring Bishop Richard Allen
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On Friday, I was thrilled to join with Radnor Township to celebrate the 266th birthday of Bishop Richard Allen and honor his memory at the park which celebrates him and his legacy. It was wonderful to join so many neighbors from the 168th and special guest Mrs. Yvonne Studevan, the great, great, great, great granddaughter of Bishop Richard and his wife Sarah Allen.
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In 1784, Radnor Township played a significant role in the life of Bishop Richard Allen as he took his faith and his service from New Jersey to Philadelphia to the people of the areas outside the city. He spent time early in his life as an itinerant preacher in Radnor and was welcomed by Caesar Waters and his wife, Phebe, to stay in their home.
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The park, dedicated by the township in 2009, sits near a property line that once separated the first two pieces of land that Black individuals owned in Radnor Township. Formerly enslaved Black people named Caesar Waters, Thomas Craill, and Judy Miller owned these lots that were in what is now the Fifth Ward. The residents who lived in the space survived the cruelty of slavery and formed new lives and relationships when they became free, living out the rest of their lives as contributing members of the community.
This is always such a special event steeped in history and tradition. I was honored to meet Mrs. Studevan and celebrate with the leaders of Radnor Township.
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Public meeting on state game land swap
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On Tuesday night, I joined representatives from the PA Game Commission and elected officials from Edgmont and Middletown townships for a public meeting on proposed state game lands at the Sleighton School property.
Attendees had plenty of questions to ask, including:
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- Is this land protected in perpetuity? Yes, it’s rare for state game land to be turned back.
- Who will remediate the land and address the failing structures? The seller.
- How will the land be marked? Signage and markers on trees.
- Who will patrol the land? PA State Game Wardens and PA State Police
- What type of hunting will be permitted? This is still to be determined, but most likely bow hunting.
- Does the state pay a PILOT? Yes, a $90/acre split among the township, school district, and county.
There is still a long way to go, and the commission has assured Edgmont Township and its residents they will be involved in the process every step of the way.
Thank you to Edgmont for coordinating the meeting, thank you to Penn State Brandywine for hosting, thank you to the Game Commission for answering all our questions, and thank you to all the residents who attended to learn more. If the plan goes forward, this would be the first state game lands located in Delco.
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Presenting a state grant to Radnor Fire Co.
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You may not think of water rescues in Radnor Township but with several major stream systems (including Darby Creek) running through densely populated residential areas and 100 year rainstorms coming more frequently, our first responders need to be prepared. RFC members are well trained to respond in water rescue and not only in Radnor but to emergencies across the county.
Thank you RFC for all you do to be ready to serve every emergency from a grateful 168th and commonwealth!
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Congrats to Christopher's!
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Pride Safety with the Governor's Advisory Commission on LGBTQ Affairs
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The PA Office of Homeland Security, in partnership with the Governor’s Advisory Commission on LGBTQ Affairs, is offering a three-part learning series to organization leaders, security personnel, and members of the LGBTQI+ community. Participants will learn best practices to enhance security and situational awareness while attending or participating in community gatherings and events.
Pride Safety Session 1: Friday, February 27 9am-12pm (RSVP here)
Pride Safety Session 2: Friday, March 27 9am-12pm (RSVP here)
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Your contact information is secure and will not be shared with anyone outside of this meeting. This event is held on Microsoft Teams and will not be livestreamed or recorded.
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Community Events & Announcements
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Spring is around the corner — and so is one of Newtown’s favorite community traditions!
The Friends of the Newtown Public Library will hold their Spring Book Sale March 13–15 in the Community Room at the Newtown Public Library. Browse thousands of donated items, including books for all ages and interests, plus DVDs, CDs, and vinyl records. Proceeds help support programs and services at our beloved library. Sale Hours are as follows:
- Friday, March 13
• First Look Early Admission: 8:00–10:00 AM ($10 fee)
• Open to the public: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Saturday, March 14: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Sunday, March 15: 1:00–4:00 PM — $6 a bag
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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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