Dear Neighbor,

One of my favorite traditions of the summer returns this week: National Night Out!  I'm looking forward to once again visiting the events across our community.

National Night Out is an annual community-building event that brings neighbors together with the police officers, firefighters, and EMS workers who respond to their emergencies. It's a wonderful opportunity to learn more about how emergency responses work, and to thank the dedicated public servants who are there for us when we need help.

Last year's events in Doylestown, Solebury and Buckingham were filled with friendly conversations and new connections among neighbors. I'm excited to see that same spirit on display again this year -- and it certainly was last night at New Hope & Solebury's event in Logan Square!

If you're planning to attend the National Night Out tonight in Doylestown or tomorrow in Buckingham Twp., I hope you'll stop by my table, where I’ll have info on state-related services available to you, to say hello. I look forward to celebrating with you and recognizing the outstanding first responders who help make Bucks County such a great place to live.

• TONIGHT (Aug. 4), 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.: Doylestown at Central Park, 425 Wells Road
• TOMORROW (Aug. 5), 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.: Buckingham Twp. at Peddler’s Village

Sincerely,

Honoring two career heavyweights: Judge Panella & Larry Holmes

I recently had the honor of welcoming the former Heavyweight Champion, Larry Holmes, to Harrisburg after he graciously accepted my invitation to visit the House Chamber as my guest. Known as the “Easton Assassin," he is a member of the boxing Hall of Fame and held the champion title for over seven years, successfully defending it more than 20 times – the second most in boxing history.

But it was his work to end human trafficking that prompted me to invite him to our Capitol.

He and his wife, Diane Robinson Holmes, are advocating for legislation and solutions that will help put a stop to human trafficking. For years, they have worked to provide relief to the victims harmed and to put better laws on the books in this Commonwealth. They also founded the Heart of a Legend organization, which helps those whose lives and livelihoods have been shattered by illness or personal disaster.

We ran several bills over this summer that would take action to prevent human trafficking; Holmes visited the chamber to highlight this work and encourage even more progress.

It is worth noting that Bucks County also has been doing great work in this field; we recently became one of the first counties in Pennsylvania to aggressively regulate the operation of massage therapy establishments to prevent illicit operations.

Accompanying Holmes to the chamber was his former attorney, Superior Court Judge Jack Panella, and his wife Jeanne.

Judge Panella is a former President Judge of the court and the former Chair of the Judicial Conduct Board, a former board member of the PA Coalition Against Rape, and wrote the Pennsylvania Sexual Violence Benchbook.

We were all appreciative that Holmes lends his voice to this issue and hope the Senate passes our bills.

Spreading awareness about Chiari malformation & related disorders

I recently attended the first ever Doylestown United4Answers 5K, which benefits research regarding connective tissue disorders including Chiari malformation, syringomyelia, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and related conditions.

The event was a huge success, raising more than $25,000 with nearly 400 people participating. I know or have represented so many people who have suffered from these conditions, including one of my friends, Angelica Rodriguez – this was her first race.

Hearing about Angelica and other neighbors’ similar health and diagnosis journeys has stayed with me, so I introduced a resolution (currently in the House Health Committee) to bring awareness to these conditions by recognizing this coming September as “Chiari Malformation Awareness Month.”

Often occurring when part of the skull does not form properly, Chiari malformations are characterized by the cerebellum being pushed down into the spinal canal and the obstructed flow of cerebrospinal fluid. These malformations may be congenital or acquired and sometimes co-occur with other conditions like syringomyelia, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for a Chiari malformation and, while some individuals who have the condition may be asymptomatic and stay asymptomatic their entire lives, others may require surgery to alleviate symptoms.
 
I hope my resolution will encourage everyone in our Commonwealth to learn about these connective tissue disorders and help them find diagnosis and treatment options.

Supporting first responders with smarter ATV access

Members of the Central Bucks Regional Police Department recently joined us in Harrisburg for a PA House Transportation Committee hearing related to the use of ATVs on roadways by emergency responders. The topics of the hearing included my bill, HB 2233, which would expand the use of these essential vehicles.

Captains Lance Carlen and Paul Kreuter provided testimony regarding this legislation and the needs of our suburban first responders. These vehicles help police, fire, and EMS locate missing people, respond to medical emergencies, conduct operations during snow events and they are also used during large community gatherings. These ATVs become essential when they are able to reach areas that traditional vehicles cannot timely or safely access.

Given current limitations on the milage they are permitted on the road and the distance between our various trail systems, it is important to expand the law to give our first responders more tools.

It was also a pleasure to show them around the Capitol with my colleague and neighbor Rep. Shelby Labs. We will continue to work to provide more tools for law enforcement, and we appreciate the service they give to our communities.

Update on the Law Enforcement Caucus

I’m proud to be a member of PA's Law Enforcement Caucus. Before the start of budget season, we met to discuss 3 of our current priorities:

• We heard from PA State Rep. Tom Mehaffie about his bill (HB 911) that would provide law enforcement officer benefits for the surviving family members of an officer who dies in the line of duty.

• Rep. Sean Dougherty testified about his bill (HB 1289) that would grant a COLA to retired municipal officers and firefighters; it would be their first COLA in more than 20 years. This measure became part of the 2026-27 enacted state budget, which I voted for!

• A student from Ohio State University spoke about the AI law enforcement database his startup released that helps agencies consolidate information in one digital location.

One of the things I value most about this bipartisan caucus, led by co-chairs Rep. Brian Munroe (D-Bucks) and Rep. Eric Weaknecht (R-Berks), is that it gives us a better understanding of the challenges law enforcement officers & agencies face, and the ways state government can help. Our conversations are leading to better policies and stronger support for the people dedicated to keeping us safe.

On a related note, we recently honored the men and women of law enforcement and the brave officers we lost this year at the Fraternal Order of Police 29th Annual Memorial Service. I had the opportunity to stand with FOP State President Joe Regan and a bipartisan group of legislators to remember those lost and to support the families left behind.

Colton said, "[n]o metaphysician ever felt the deficiency of language so much as the grateful." We enjoy every freedom and benefit of this great society at the expense of those we lost. We owe them our eternal gratitude and their memory remains always a blessing:

Honoring those helping to look out for our animal companions

In the District

State Street repaving is underway

It's official: State Street is getting the attention it deserves as PennDOT got underway repaving this road running through the heart of Doylestown!

This has been one of the projects I've consistently pushed for since taking office, because I know how important it is to everyone who lives here or travels this corridor. (You could say I’ve become a thorn in PennDOT’s side, but they always welcome my visits and ride-alongs!)

Last week, PennDOT started the milling process – which readies the road for new pavement – along State Street from U.S. 202 (Buckingham Pike) to Ashland Street, and next comes the segment from the Route 611 overpass to Court Street.

The center of town will be receiving a separate procedure, as PECO gets gas main repairs underway this week starting on West State Street and then moving to East State. Once that work is complete, the repaving work can be completed, and it will be smooth driving through the heart of Doylestown.

Thank you to everyone who reached out over the years to make sure this project was on my radar. It's great to see this long-awaited investment moving forward, and I will keep you updated on the next steps.

Chapman Road Bridge reopening

I was pleased to join Doylestown Township's Board of Supervisors in celebrating the completion and reopening of the Chapman Road Bridge. Road and bridge improvements don't happen overnight - or by the work of any one organization.

Alongside the Doylestown Township Supervisors, Senator Steve Santarsiero, and Bucks County Commissioner Bob Harvie, we recognized the many partners who make these projects possible: PennDOT, the engineers, inspectors, and contractors who plan and build them, and even the neighboring property owners who provided the easements necessary to complete this work.

Most importantly, thank you to the residents who navigated detours and construction with patience. I'm pleased to see this vital roadway connection safely reopened and serving our community.

State funding for Oscar Hammerstein Museum

Site preparation is also required to accommodate public use, including stormwater management, new parking, landscaping, and security infrastructure.

I’m proud to support an investment that is so momentous and that will help bring even more folks here to enjoy Bucks County. Oscar Hammerstein’s work has touched generations of Americans and inspired them to live with hope, purpose and decency.

It’s fitting that the place where he spent so much of his life will become a space where people can learn about his legacy and be inspired by it.

Honoring Pine Run's 50th

I was delighted to join Sen. Santarsiero and the residents of Pine Run Village in celebrating the community’s remarkable 50th anniversary!

Congratulations to everyone at Pine Run Village on this incredible milestone, and thank you for the many years of friendship, service, and community you have provided to residents and families throughout Bucks County.

A Dillicious New Addition to New Hope

I had a great time helping welcome Giovanni’s Dillicious Pickles to their new location in New Hope at their ribbon cutting last Saturday. I was pleased to join Bucks County District Attorney's Office's Joe Khan, New Hope Borough Council Vice President Michele Becci, and Councilmember Roger Green, former New Hope Mayor Larry Keller, Visit New Hope and Explore Lambertville in celebrating this exciting milestone for a local business.

I've already started working my way through the different flavors, and so far Spicy Everything is my favorite! I can definitely confirm—they're dillicious.

What makes Giovanni's even more special is their Beyond the Brine program, which provides meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with physical and mental challenges. Supporting local businesses that are committed to inclusion and making a positive impact in our community is something I always enjoy celebrating!

Doylestown Car Show at Dusk

The 2026 Doylestown at Dusk Car Show was a great time! The streets were packed with over 500 cars and thousands of people. My personal favorites were the 1950s Cadillacs…

I have great memories as a kid of my dad rebuilding a 1959 Cadillac (among other car projects). There was even a guest appearance from Santa Claus who made an early stop for some of the kids! It was another great job by the Rotary Club of Doylestown.

Caregiver Connection is a new, free online resource designed for families of loved ones dealing with substance disorder to find support for themselves as they navigate their family’s treatment and recovery. This site was created by and for Pennsylvania family members navigating substance use disorder. Wherever you are in this experience, there is support for you.

It’s a one-stop shop of resources such as locating a local or online support group, connecting with others who understand what they’re going through, how to find their closest county drug and alcohol office, where to get free Narcan, and more. Click above to access Caregiver Connection and begin to access the support resources for you and your family. 

Nonprofit organizations can apply now for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program to enhance security and protect against hate crimes at their facilities. I voted to include this $10 million program administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency in the 2026-27 state budget.

Grants can range from $5,000 to $150,000 for a variety of eligible items, including:

• Safety and security planning and training;
• Purchase safety and security equipment and technology;
• Upgrade existing structures that enhance safety and security; and
• Vulnerability and threat assessments.

The deadline for organizations to apply online is Wednesday, Sept. 10.

Grassroots Picnic Project

This weekly community picnic run by the Free Library of New Hope & Solebury occurs on Summer Reading program days on Tuesday evenings, from 5-7 p.m., through August 18th! Picnics are held on the NHS-SD practice field on Bridge Street, near the District Offices.

This summer, pack a picnic, grab your friends, and gather with the library!

They’ll have music, snacks, crafts, and a chance to talk about how to shape our community’s future. With different featured guests each week, you’ll hear from neighbors, organizers, elected officials and more about what they’re doing in our own backyard. And, importantly, they will hear from YOU! Part picnic, part workshop, all fun! Bring your ideas, your friends, and your enthusiasm – the aim is to build up our community toolkit to make real change at home.

PLUS: Lolly Hopwood's super popular Musical Evening Storytime will take place during the picnic at 5:30! This interactive story time is filled with imagination and movement that gets the families up and using their bodies and their minds. With props like parachutes, pom poms, scarves, bubbles, and puppets, these programs are a memorable time for the whole family. 

Registration is not required for this program.

Pennsylvania State Capitol

27B East Wing

Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 772-2361

District Office

80 North Main St., Suite 1A
Doylestown, PA 18901

(267) 884-0395

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