Protecting workers with legislation in Harrisburg; Nominate a teacher for Teacher Appreciation Month

Rep. Heather Boyd April 11, 2025 | 2:12 PM

PA Representative Heather Boyd banner image

Dear Neighbor,

This week saw PA House session action in Harrisburg, and my colleagues and I passed important bills to help workers and improve our communities.

We passed critical worker protections that would extend federal OSHA protections to public-sector workers in Pennsylvania, and we passed a bill that would provide a cost-of-living increase to long-time state employees and public school employees. We also sent the state Senate a bill to update the Workers’ Compensation Act to ensure that workers who are seriously or permanently disfigured are eligible for workers’ compensation.

Another bill we passed would add 911 operators to the list of professions that are considered emergency responders. Another would require that childcare facilities be equipped with carbon monoxide alarms. We also passed a bill to provide driver’s licenses for youth experiencing homelessness. Finally, we passed a bill making communities safer by banning remote stalking and the unauthorized tracking of victims using AirTags and similar devices.

We also welcomed State Rep. Dan Goughnour, D-Allegheny, to the chamber. He replaced the late Rep. Matt Gergely and brings the House back to its full complement of 203 members.

You can contact my office any time regarding state legislation. It’s my pleasure and honor to serve you!

State football champs Bonner-Prendie visits Capitol

Congratulations to the 4A-PA state champion football team at Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School! Last season, Bonner-Prendie won the title by defeating Lampter-Strasburg 40-14.

It was a pleasure and a privilege honoring their winning season during PA House session. Their hard work and dedication reflect highly on our community!

Upper Darby Teen Advisory Board visits Capitol

The Sellers Memorial Library’s Teen Advisory Board is a volunteer organization of more than 30 middle and high school students who dedicate themselves to making the Upper Darby Municipal Library a great place for teens and children. It was an honor having them visit the state Capitol with me and State Rep. Gina H. Curry this week!

TAB plans programs, does fun activities, raises funds for events, develops leadership skills, does community service, shares ideas about how to improve the library for all teens, and contributes in a positive way to both the library and Upper Darby community.

Meeting with CARIE

I had an amazing meeting with the Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of Elders (CARIE) in our office! We discussed their vital programs for Delco residents and how our office can be a partner in supporting them.

CARIE is a leading advocate for the rights of older adults, working tirelessly to enhance the health, safety, and dignity of seniors from all walks of life – no matter their socioeconomic, racial, or cultural background.

It was such a pleasure to talk about their incredible work and how we can support their mission, especially in relation to the state budget and its impact on the services our seniors rely on.

Pictured from left are Michele Mathes (Lead, Development & Special Projects), Daniel Milloy (PA-SMP Program Manager), myself, and Randall G. Jefferson (Board Member).

Nominate a teacher for Teacher Appreciation Month in May

May is Teacher Appreciation Month! And while it is still April, I would like to take this time to find the most influential teachers within our community to honor – and I need your help to find them.

Please nominate your favorite teacher to be recognized and celebrate their dedication to students and our communities.

You can help by sending the information to RepBoyd@pahouse.net.

Choose your favorite teacher!
My office will then need the teacher’s first and last name, and the grade, subject and school they teach at (or taught at) – plus please let us know why this teacher is making a difference!

Thinking back on our own childhood, there is at least one teacher we can all remember who either changed our lives or changed our view of the world – now is our chance to say Thank You!

Nominated teachers will receive a Pennsylvania House of Representatives Certification of Recognition and a shout out on social media! Do not wait to nominate your favorite teacher by April 30. Teachers will be honored throughout May.

Supplies drive for Family Support Line’s Room to Heal

For the month of April, our office will be hosting a supply drive for Family Support Line's Room to Heal. Learn more here: Room to Heal - Family Support Line.

What We Accept:

Bedding
Blankets
Journals
Toiletries
Small toys
Teddy Bears
Under garments
Socks
Pajamas

We do not accept used items, adult items or furniture.

RSVP now for food distribution event with Sharing Excess on May 1

If you or someone you know needs food, we are here to help!

Join us for a Food Distribution Event hosted by Sharing Excess and my office on May 1. To request food or for more information, please contact 484-200-1563.

Date: Thursday, May 1

Time: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Location: Garrettford-Drexel Hill Fire Company: 323 Edmonds Ave., Drexel Hill, PA 19026

LIHEAP energy assistance application deadline extended to April 18

Pennsylvania has extended the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) application deadline to April 18. LIHEAP provides cash and crisis grants to help low-income households, older adults, and people with disabilities afford home heating costs. Despite federal staffing cuts, this season's LIHEAP program remains unchanged, and eligible residents struggling with heating bills are urged to apply before the new deadline.

LIHEAP offers cash grants ranging from $200 to $1,000 and crisis grants between $25 and $1,000 for those facing heating emergencies. Eligibility is based on income, with households earning up to 150% of the Federal Poverty Limit qualifying. Applications can be submitted online, by phone, or at local assistance offices. More information is available on DHS' website or by contacting my district office.

Join the fight against breast cancer!

The Delaware County Health Department needs your input. Take an anonymous survey to share your knowledge and experiences. Plus, enter to win a raffle prize!

DCHD is especially interested in hearing from Black/African American, Hispanic/Latina, Asian American or Pacific Islander, and immigrant, refugee, or asylum seeker women, but all women are encouraged to participate!

The survey will close on Wednesday, May 7.

Click here: https://delawarecountyhealth.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4Ykz676U9YsLlJQ?Q_CHL=qr.

House Scholarship Program open until April 15

The PA House of Representatives Scholarship Program is still accepting applications! If you're a graduating high school senior in Pennsylvania, this is your chance to secure a four-year scholarship to support your college journey! The application period is open until April 15.

Each year, TFEC awards two incredible scholarships that cover one semester of tuition at the State System of Higher Education for four years! All you need to do is meet the eligibility requirements, and you'll be set for continued support throughout your college years.

For more info and to apply: https://www.tfec.org/scholarships/pahr/.

SAVE THE DATES!

Join State Rep. Heather Boyd to access state programs and services all this spring! Please RSVP for all events at (484) 200-1563 or by emailing RepBoyd@pahouse.net.

Are you ready for REAL ID enforcement?

Beginning May 7, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID, or a valid passport or military ID, to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.

For more information, visit PA.gov/REALID. To find dates and locations for PennDOT REAL ID hours in our region, visit here (QR Code https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv/driver-services/real-id/real-id-days.html)

You can also come to a REAL ID Information Session on April 16 with the Delaware County Register of Wills Clerk of the Orphan’s Court – especially if you have a name change!

When: April 16th 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Where: 6 S. Springfield Road, Clifton Heights PA 19018

Call to RSVP: 484-200-1563

Thank you to Vincent A. Rongione, Esq., Delaware County Register of Wills for clarifying the guidelines and requirements for complying with the REAL ID deadline related to services offered in his office.

We are also partnering with Senator Tim Kearney and Delaware County Elected Officials to host a REAL ID Webinar from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. April 22. Register for the fair at www.senatorkearney.com/REALID if you need to learn more about REAL ID.

Pet Expo is April 26

Join my staff and me for a Pet Expo in partnership with Upper Darby Township on April 26. We’ll discuss legislation that affects our pets, and help you register them!

Date: April 26

Rain date: May 3

Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Location: Scullion Recreation Area, Whitehall Drive in Clifton Heights

Join us for the Southeast Delegation Community State Budget Briefing!

We're excited to invite you to an important event that will help keep you informed and engaged with our community's future. The Southeast Delegation will be hosting a State Budget Briefing on Thursday, May 1 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Municipality of Norristown, Council Chambers, located at 235 E. Airy St., Norristown, PA 19401.

This briefing is a fantastic opportunity to hear directly from state officials about the proposed state budget, its impact on our region, and the priorities for the coming year. It's your chance to ask questions, share your thoughts, and learn more about how decisions in Harrisburg affect our community.

Date: Thursday, May 1

Time: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Location: Municipality of Norristown, Council Chambers, 235 E. Airy St., Norristown, PA 19401

Whether you're a community leader, resident, or simply someone who cares about the future of our area, this briefing is an important event to attend. Let's work together to make sure our voices are heard, and our priorities are represented!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Property Tax and Rent Rebate Sign Up Event is May 7

Join Sen. Tim Kearney and me for a Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program Sign Up Event. Please call (610) 544-6120 to register.

Date: May 7

Time: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Location: Centro de Apoyo, 2235 Garrett Road in Drexel Hill.

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program supports homeowners and renters across Pennsylvania. This program provides a rebate ranging from $380 to $1,000 to eligible older adults and people with disabilities age 18 and older.