A $5 million funding infusion for our district

Rep. Tim Brennan December 22, 2025 | 5:25 PM

PA Representative Tim Brennan banner image

Dear Neighbor,

I’m excited to share some good news before we take a break to celebrate the holidays. New funding from several state agencies, totaling more than $4,815,949, will be coming to our municipalities and local nonprofits. This support will help them maintain critical infrastructure, sustain important programs, and strengthen the cultural institutions that are such an integral part of our communities.

In addition to those outlined in the graphic (you can click to enlarge!):

The Dept. of Community & Economic awarded $90,000 to Lenape Valley Foundation to help fund the Bright Path Center, a new behavioral health crisis center will provide comprehensive, compassionate, and clinically appropriate care in Doylestown Township.

This investment in serving our neighbors in crisis is more than just funding—it’s a sign that we are ready and willing to show up for one another whenever we can.

At some point, nearly every family knows someone who needs this kind of support. The Bright Path Center understands that behavioral health care isn’t a niche service; it’s an essential part of a society that truly takes care of its people.

In addition, last week the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency approved grants for the following organizations and programs in our community that provide support to crime victims, children, and justice-involved individuals with substance use disorders:

The Bucks County Public Defender’s Office will receive $157,220 to hire a forensic reentry specialist who will help people access mental health and/or substance use disorder treatment and other services as they transition out of incarceration.

The Network of Victim Assistance will receive $50,000 to help fund its Family Support Advocate program and increase the number of children victims it is able to serve. It will also receive a separate $125,000 grant to continue its STOP Violence Against Women program; this funding will allow them to employ forensic nurses, a bilingual first response advocate, and counselors for victims of sexual assault.

These programs ensure that our justice system is grounded in both accountability and dignity. Whether it’s helping someone successfully transition out of incarceration with the mental health or substance use support they need or providing children and survivors of violence with compassionate advocates and professionals by their side, these efforts reflect our responsibility to protect the vulnerable and strengthen our community.

As we head into the holidays, I hope this update serves as a reminder that even in challenging times, we can choose to invest in one another and nurture a community defined by care and compassion. I’m proud to represent this remarkable community, which continually demonstrates that we value our responsibility to one another—not just during the holidays, but throughout the entire year.

Sincerely,

Our Doylestown office will operate on a modified schedule for the remainder of the year.

The office will be closed for in-person visits from December 24, 2025, through January 4, 2026, and will reopen on January 5, 2026.

During this period, our team will continue to monitor phone messages and emails and will respond as promptly as possible.

We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season!

Hanukkah celebrations continue in Doylestown & Harrisburg

I celebrated the last day of Hanukkah on Sunday afternoon with family, friends, and our community -- plus donuts, dancing, and Giant Dreidel! -- in Doylestown Borough, at the wonderful gathering hosted by Temple Judea in partnership with Kehilat HaNahar.

I was among the local leaders who had the chance to deliver some remarks to our neighbors, but it's the words of my friend Sen. Steve Santarsiero, about the reasons we gathered together to observe the festival of lights, that I would like to share here: This is the commemoration of an event in the history of the Jewish people," he said. "But for those of us living today, it is more of a symbol of the light that resides within each of us and which we are called upon to spread throughout the world. And we live no doubt in a time that requires that light more than any other time in our lives.”

I observed the second night of Hanukkah at a sundown ceremony in Harrisburg last week, and as reflected by Sen. Santarsiero's words, the mood was more somber than anticipated. It came the day after the mass shooting in Sydney, Australia, in which two gunmen targeted Jewish people in a cowardly act of antisemitism, taking 15 lives—including that of a Holocaust survivor.

I cannot reconcile that our observance of this beautiful holiday—steeped in tradition, celebrating miracles, and the power of bringing light into darkness—had to be marked by violence. We cannot accept a “new normal” in which Jewish congregations must consider the possibility of a mass shooting when planning celebrations for their communities.

I’d like to share the words of Rabbi Shmuel Pewzner, who presided over the ceremony:

"Even in our grief, we gather here to kindle the menorah and remember the miracle from 2,100 years ago, when the Maccabees were victorious. We know that in the darkest night, our light leaves no space for darkness to remain. That is precisely why we place the menorah in public—not to hide, not to hesitate, but to declare that we are here. We always will be here."

As you can see from the photos, the evening made room alongside our grief for music, joy, and the enduring power of coming together as a community.

In the District

More holiday celebrations in our community

My staff and I had a fantastic time kicking off the season at the New Hope Holiday Parade! We decked out our sleigh, handed out candy, caught up with neighbors, and soaked in all the holiday cheer. And while (mercifully) there’s no photographic evidence of me strutting with the Mummers brigade, I’m certain I was a natural.

Thanks to the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce and New Hope Borough for putting on a fantastic celebration!

And nothing says Christmas like building a gingerbread house! Trish and I spent some quality time at Tabora Farm & Orchard, getting into the spirit with a new (tasty) decoration for our house!

Dedicating the Memorial Roundabouts

I was honored to participate in the dedication ceremony for the Blue and Gold Star Memorial Roundabouts, featuring new signage at the Easton Road roundabouts in Doylestown Township. These memorials recognize families whose lives have been shaped by a loved one’s military service—and, for Gold Star families, by an unimaginable loss.

The two linked roundabouts carry powerful symbolism: distinct markers yet connected—just as our community stands united in supporting the families who bear these sacrifices with courage.

I was grateful to stand alongside Sen. Steve Santarsiero, Doylestown Township officials, and representatives of local Blue Star and Gold Star families and veterans organizations—whose voices remind us of the profound impact military service has on entire families.

I’m grateful to be part of a community that keeps their service and legacy at the forefront.

May these markers serve as a daily reminder of the sacrifices borne not only by those who serve, but also by the parents, spouses, children, and loved ones who share that burden. They honor the veterans we salute and the families whose strength and resilience inspire us all.

Visit to the training center for Sheet Metal Workers Local 19

I recently visited the Sheet Metal Workers Local 19 Training Center in Philadelphia to see their Apprenticeship programs in action. I worked with my fellow PA House members to make sure the new state budget invests in apprenticeships because of their proven success in developing skilled workers – with our plans for growth, a strong workforce is essential to meet PA’s future needs.

The apprentices I met were eager and grateful for the opportunity to train for a stable, long-term career while earning good wages and benefits. Programs like this help ensure we are equipping the workforce our communities will depend on for years to come.

Interview with the documentarians at Lenape Middle School

I had an engaging afternoon meeting Lenape Middle School's 9th Grade AP History students in Doylestown recently for their C-SPAN StudentCam2026 project!

I participated in back-to-back interviews with eight different student groups, each exploring a major topic—from reforming the Electoral College to lowering the voting age to pushing back school start times. These students were tough but fair, sharp, and didn’t throw a single softball.

Hats off to their history teachers, Mr. Blair and Ms. Nickett, whose creativity and dedication inspire students to think critically and tackle big ideas—all while running a press junket smoother than C-SPAN itself. I can't wait to see the projects these students produce!

It’s inspiring to see young people so engaged in civics — curious, confident, and ready to tackle real issues. With Lenape student Megha Mallavarapu earning an Honorable Mention last year for her film about our local communities dealing with the PFAS issue, Clean Water: Not a Luxury, But a Right, this year’s groups came in with extra motivation and ambition.

Honoring victims of gun violence in our community

I had some words prepared to share about the Gun Violence Vigil held earlier this month at Buckingham Friends Meeting House (I was out of town; Kelly from my office attended), where people gathered to honor those taken and affected by gun violence in Bucks County this year. Organized by CeaseFirePA and A Woman's Place, the event featured speakers including Dr. Ahmet Tekelioglu, Rabbi Amiel Monson, Sheriff-elect Danny Ceisler, my colleague, Rep. Brian Munroe, and a lovely vocal performance by my friend Lynda Mintz.

But those words felt insufficient in the wake of the horrific mass shootings over the weekend—at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia, and at Brown University in Rhode Island.

The two gunmen responsible for the Sydney tragedy are reported to be a father-son pair. What does that say about the ways antisemitism persists in our world?

At least two of the survivors at Brown University had already lived through school shootings at their respective high schools. What does that say about life in our country—and about our priorities?

These questions deserve more than momentary sorrow—they demand the will to urgently change what we can. This cycle of grief and outrage has become background noise for young people, and we have a responsibility to break it for the generations to come.

When the time comes to vote again on legislation that would take concrete steps to curb gun violence in Pennsylvania, I know where I will stand—and I will be calling on our community to help apply pressure to those whose past votes have blocked efforts to change for the better.

Southeast Delegation's retreat to Bucks County

Earlier this month, I helped host a meeting that brought over twenty state House members to the Mercer Museum & Fonthill Castle for a policy retreat. We learned from a national speaker and focused on strengthening collaboration, deepening our understanding of differing points of view, and recommitting ourselves to active listening and purposeful dialogue as we work together on behalf of our communities.

Of course, I also showed the members some of the best of Bucks County with a visit to The County Theater and several other cultural destinations. We were joined along the way by several of our friends on Doylestown Borough Council. It’s always a pleasure to shine a spotlight on all there is to do and see in this fabulous district!

Re-opening the Bucks County Children's Museum

I was glad to join the Bucks County Children’s Museum, America250PA, Sen. Steve Santarsiero and other local leaders to celebrate the museum’s reopening and the “unplugging” of its new exhibit! “George’s Inn 1776” is a kid-sized tavern where young visitors can step into the Revolutionary Era and experience life as it was during our nation’s founding.

Thanks to the America250PA Semiquincentennial Grant, this hands-on exhibit brings history to life, giving kids a fun and interactive way to explore, learn, and celebrate our nation’s story.

The museum’s reopening and this incredible new exhibit are wonderful examples of how history and learning can come alive for families across Bucks County!

FYI

Volunteer for America250 at the PA Farm Show! The America250PA Countdown to 250 Mobile Experiential Unit is seeking volunteers to help staff the mobile unit during the PA Farm Show. Volunteers will receive a parking pass for a designated lot on the day they serve.

The PA Farm Show runs from January 10–17 at the PA Farm Show Complex & Expo Center, located at 2300 N. Cameron St. in Harrisburg. The mobile unit is a rolling celebration of our nation’s 250th birthday and Pennsylvania’s proud and central place in the American story.