Dear Neighbor,
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives kicked off legislative action this week. Several important measures are already on the move from committees, and this session we hope to work with the state Senate to make real progress passing meaningful legislation.
In the Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee, I voted for, and we advanced, a bill that would require that menus in restaurants and food establishments contain a disclaimer regarding food allergies and that there are postings making servers aware of food allergies.
The Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee advanced a measure to grant naturalized Korean American veterans of the Vietnam War the same rights, recognition and benefits under Pennsylvania law as other veterans.
Next week we will be back in Harrisburg for a join session of the House and Senate where Gov. Josh Shapiro will share his 2025-26 budget proposal.
It’s going to be an eventful session these next two years, and I thank you for following the journey. You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky and Threads for more updates.
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State funds awarded for area parks
I’m proud to report that the Commonwealth Financing Authority this week approved grants for Independence Park in East Vincent Township and the future Elverson skatepark and pump track.
East Vincent Township received $100,000 in state grant funding under the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program to add pathways, bocce ball courts, shuffleboard courts, benches, and shade trees.
Action-Impact Inc. was approved for $70,209 to build a 4,758-square-foot skatepark and a pump track at Livingood Park. This grant actually came out of an impromptu discussion at Elverson Community Day last year when we were talking about how our office can support state grants for community projects. It’s cool to see great ideas come to fruition!
When public entities work together to improve our quality of life, it’s meaningful projects like these that get recognized for their value. Thank you to East Vincent Township, the Borough of Elverson, and Action-Impact for their work securing funding and creating something truly special.
Natural gas drilling fees under the Marcellus Legacy Fund supply CFA with funding for planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects.
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Competitiveness Caucus meets for first time
The newly formed Competitiveness Caucus held its first meeting to discuss the caucus’ goals for the legislative session.
The Pennsylvania Competitiveness Caucus, which I helped create, will build on the momentum created by recent pro-growth wins in the 2024-25 state budget, including permitting reform and eliminating Pennsylvania’s start-up tax by improving the treatment of net operating losses. These policy victories reflect a broader effort to enhance the state’s economic landscape – a commitment the caucus intends to carry forward.
The formation of the Pennsylvania Competitiveness Caucus also comes at a crucial time for the Commonwealth. As the state faces challenges in retaining businesses, attracting new investment, and reversing stagnant population growth, the caucus will serve as a dedicated platform for lawmakers to collaborate on policies that drive economic growth and make Pennsylvania an attractive place to live and work.
Like the Eagles, we’re going to work together to bring home the big wins to Pennsylvania! Watch more here, and #GoBirds!
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Exton Library wants your feedback
The Chester County Library Exton wants your feedback! They have launched their short Customer Satisfaction Survey, which is available until Feb. 21. Please take the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CCLS2025
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You can file your taxes with Direct File in PA
More than 2 million Pennsylvanians are now eligible to use Direct File, the IRS tool that allows you to file your federal and state tax returns online securely and for free. The IRS launched this tool last year, but 2025 will be the first year that PA residents can use it.
Check to see if you will be eligible to use Direct File to file this year’s federal and state tax returns at https://directfile.irs.gov/.
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Open Records internship available
Interested in law, government, and freedom of speech? Consider interning at the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records. The OOR provides an exciting opportunity for college students with an interest in law to learn about and assist with its mission to provide citizen access to government records.
The OOR was established in 2009 to create a free, simple method for citizens to appeal a public records’ denial by a local or state government agency. The OOR’s decision to grant or deny access to records is legally binding. Attorneys at the OOR review an agency’s legal reasonings for denying access to records and issue a legally binding decisions that either upholds the denial or grants access.
Learn more here.
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Legislative Fellowship Program open
Do you know a college student interested in gaining firsthand experience with the legislative process? Let them know applications are now available for the PA House Legislative Fellowship Program’s Summer 2025 semester.
The fellowship is based in our state Capitol, where fellows are assigned to work in House committees or PA House leadership offices and are compensated for their work. Fellows will have opportunities to draft and present their own legislation, attend meet-and-greets with various public officials and staff, and tour some of the Commonwealth’s historic public spaces.
Use this link to apply online.
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
123-A East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 772-1411
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District Office
68 Glocker Way
Pottstown, PA 19465
(610) 427-8782
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