You're invited: my Policy Hearing at NHSHS on Monday

Rep. Tim Brennan September 5, 2025 | 6:39 PM

PA Representative Tim Brennan banner image

Dear Neighbor,

I won’t mind if this weekend flies by, because on Monday I’ll be at New Hope-Solebury High School for an event I’ve eagerly awaited since beginning to plan it with the House Majority Policy Committee – a bipartisan hearing on civics education: its importance in maintaining democracy and getting students to become future voters, and looking at ways we can enhance it in PA.

George Washington described our government as an

“experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.”

I’m thrilled we’ll be talking about civics in a school setting and with our young students present, and honored that former Gov. Schweiker and former Congressmen Jim Gerlach and Joe Hoeffel will join us to offer their perspectives. I can’t wait to see what questions the students have for us!

If you’re interested in attending, please give my office a call at 267-884-0395 or email us at RepBrennan@pahouse.net – we'll add your name to the list and give you instructions for checking in with the school.

Sincerely,

Harrisburg Update

Support for public health through Planned Parenthood

I recently met virtually with the team at Planned Parenthood Keystone to discuss the challenges they’re facing and how we can support their mission here in Bucks County.

From cancer screenings to contraception and STI treatment, to supporting safe spaces like Doylestown’s Rainbow Room, their services are essential for thousands of local residents.

This especially goes for those who are under- or uninsured. However, with federal Medicaid and Title X funding cuts, their health centers are confronting serious financial challenges that threaten access to these essential services.

We need to make sure that everyone in our community can access the care they need, no matter what. I’m proud to stand with them in this fight.

In the District

Meeting with our regional PennDOT maintenance team

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend a briefing at the PennDOT Region 6 Bucks County Maintenance Facility with regional and local leadership to get a closer look at how PennDOT plans and manages road maintenance in our region.

Maintaining safe, reliable roadways is a top priority of mine—and it’s essential for families, businesses, and commuters alike. PennDOT shared details about their paving and maintenance cycles, as well as the smart, cost-effective strategies they use to extend the life of our roads. We also discussed challenges such as staffing and resources, and how we can work together at the state level to support PennDOT.

While there’s always more work to be done, I’ll keep working to ensure Bucks County drivers see the benefits of strong planning, investment, and real improvements that matter.

Rallying for SEPTA & all mass transit

I joined fellow Bucks lawmakers Rep. Brian Munroe & Rep. Jim Prokopiak a little over a week ago for a rally in Warminster, calling on Senators who represent the southeast region to come to the table with the House and find a reasonable and reliable solution for the funding crisis SEPTA and other mass transit agencies around PA are facing.

We urged them to listen to their suburban constituents who depend on bus and rail transit, instead of Senate GOP leaders who are neglecting their responsibility to meet the public's needs.

Senate leaders seem fine with putting 275,000 more cars on our already busy suburban roads and parking areas (the entire population of Pittsburgh!), with 30% more delays on I-95, with 20% more delays on I-76 and the Blue Route moving even slower. That's not good enough for me, it's not good enough for you, and it shouldn't be good enough for any lawmaker who represents the working people who make the southeast our commonwealth’s economic engine.

Talking real estate policy at the Doylestown Inn

I recently had the pleasure of meeting with a great group of realtors from Class-Harlan Real Estate at the beautiful and historic Doylestown Inn. I talked about the view from Harrisburg amid the current budget impasse, as well as the work we’re doing here in the 29th District to support our infrastructure, including prioritizing needed maintenance to our roads and upgrading our water systems.

We also discussed how recent legislative actions are shaping real estate here in Pennsylvania, including measures that would make a difference for buyers and sellers:

?? Act 52 of 2024 – Protecting Home Sellers went into effect in January of this year:

Cracks down on “wholesaling” practices that sometimes mislead homeowners.
Requires transparency so sellers know who they’re really dealing with.
Gives families more time and protections when making such a big decision.

?? H.B. 818 – First-Time Homebuyer Savings Accounts was passed by the House in May and is now with the Senate Urban Affairs & Housing Committee for consideration.

Would let you open a tax-deductible savings account for down payments & closing costs.
Estimated to help about 4,000 more families become homeowners each year, and allow individuals to save up to $5,000 a year ($10,000 for couples).

Strong neighborhoods start with strong housing opportunities, and I’m grateful for the chance to work with local realtors to keep our community moving forward.

Meeting with Harborview Rehab Center

I met with some truly dedicated healthcare workers and administrators at my recent visit to Harborview Rehabilitation Center in Doylestown. We had important conversations about the challenges they’re facing—and how we can better support them at the state level.

?? Staffing remains a major concern. Like many long-term care facilities across Pennsylvania, Harborview is struggling to recruit and retain enough caregivers to meet the growing needs of its residents. These are compassionate professionals doing difficult work, and they need real support.

?? Medicaid funding plays a critical role in keeping facilities like Harborview operating. But with more people needing care and limited bed capacity, we’re facing a real strain on the system. It’s clear we need to strengthen Medicaid and make sure facilities have the resources they need.

?? Another issue that stood out was the impact of SEPTA service cutbacks. Many staff rely on public transportation to get to work. When routes are reduced or eliminated, it puts jobs and patient care at risk. Transit access is a healthcare issue, too.

I’m grateful to the Harborview team for sharing their experiences. I’ll be taking their concerns back to Harrisburg as we push for solutions that truly support long-term care in our communities.

Honoring Buckingham’s Lt. Moffett

I recently joined grateful community members and the Buckingham Police Department to celebrate Lieutenant William Moffett, who has retired after 35 years of dedicated service to our community.

Lt. Moffett’s years of service, commitment, and sacrifice have made a lasting impact. I hope this next chapter brings him the peace, fulfillment, and joyful experiences with family and friends he so richly deserves.

Bartering at the Renaissance Fair

This year, my visit to the annual Bucks County Renaissance Fair included plenty of time inside the Mercer Museum at Fonthill, catching up with the TileWorks folks on what’s new and upcoming.

I invited their employees to come to the Capitol for a tour – I’ll explain the building, and they can explain the tiles! Also had the nice surprise of running into Rep. Steve Malagari, who represents part of Montgomery County.

Fly, Eagles, fly! ??

Kicked off the Eagles season opener by remembering an unforgettable day earlier this year—celebrating with my son at the Super Bowl Victory Parade!

Let’s do it again this season—Go Birds!

FYI

Scam targeting Bucks County property owners

The Bucks County Planning Commission has issued a warning about a scam targeting property owners currently working with the Commission. Fraudulent emails have been sent claiming to request payment for an “application approval fee.”

In both instances, the emails appeared to come from the Commission’s board chair. However, Bucks County officials confirm that neither the board chair nor board members send official communications regarding application approvals or fee payments.

This type of scam mirrors similar schemes reported across the country, often associated with wire transfer fraud, where victims are tricked into transferring large sums of money that are often unrecoverable.

Key safety reminders:

Do not click on any links.
Do not download any attachments.
Do not follow instructions provided in the message.

These emails are fraudulent and are not from the Bucks County Planning Commission. The county does not request payments via email in this manner.

To protect yourself:

Guard your personal information carefully.
Be cautious of unsolicited emails requesting payment.
If you receive a suspicious message, contact the Bucks County Planning Commission the county directly at (215) 345-3400—not one listed in the suspicious email.

PA House Fellowship Program accepting applications for Spring 2026

If you're a college student looking for an opportunity to get valuable state government experience this spring (January through early April 2026), I hope you consider applying to the PA House Fellowship Program!

The Fellowship Program is based in the Capitol Building in Harrisburg. Fellows receive compensation (which may also include college credit) and are assigned to work in House standing committees or leadership offices. Duties and experiences include drafting and presenting your own legislation, researching policy, helping with constituent services and outreach, attending meet-and-greets with public officials and staff, and touring PA's historic public spaces.

The deadline to apply is October 1. Click here for eligibility details and to submit your application. You're welcome to call or email my office to request a letter of recommendation if you decide to apply: RepBrennan@pahouse.net | (267) 884-0395

Vote-By-Mail – it’s safe, it’s secure, and it’s YOUR choice to be heard

November 4th is Election Day, and you have several options for how to make your voice heard. First, make sure you’re registered – you have until October 20th.

You can vote in person at your local polling place; the polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Click here to find out where to vote. If it’s your first time voting at a new polling place, you will need to show a photo ID to cast your ballot.

If voting in person doesn’t fit your schedule, Pennsylvania also offers safe and secure Vote-By-Mail options. Once you apply, your ballot will be sent to your home. You can fill it out and either drop it in a mailbox -- make sure to allow at least a week for delivery -- or return it in person to your county election office.