Cultivating a Stronger Future for Chester County and Pennsylvania

Rep. Paul Friel August 8, 2025 | 2:46 PM

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Dear Neighbor,

I’d like to provide an update on our ongoing efforts to support Pennsylvania's vital agricultural community. Our state's farms are not just scenic landscapes; they are a $132 billion economic engine that supports over 580,000 jobs. In our own backyard of Chester County, agriculture contributes over $736 million to our economy annually, leading the state in crop production and excelling in mushroom and horse farming as well as producing a wide array of vegetables, corn, hay, soybeans, and dairy products.

Legislative Efforts to Protect Our Farms

This legislative session, I'm committed to advancing key bills that address the most pressing issues facing our farmers and rural communities. I'm proud to be a sponsor on several important pieces of legislation:

House Bill 586 and House Bill 587 (Food Processing Residuals): For years, outdated regulations have allowed Pennsylvania to become a dumping ground for waste from food processing companies, leading to groundwater contamination and noxious odors in our rural communities. These two bills seek to modernize the way we manage food processing residuals. They would establish a statewide tracking system and create a certification program for haulers and brokers, ensuring that this waste is managed responsibly to protect our farms and communities. Both bills have moved out of committee and need to be voted on by the whole House.

House Bill 1584 (Farmland Preservation): Our productive soils and open spaces are constantly under threat from development. I'm a sponsor of HB 1584, a bill that aims to strengthen the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Program. This legislation seeks to improve the process for purchasing agricultural conservation easements, a vital tool that helps ensure that our farmland remains farmland in perpetuity. HB 1584 has moved out of committee and awaits a House vote.

House Bill 242 (Beginning Farmer Tax Credit) Our state’s ability to feed itself depends on empowering new farmers. That’s why I proposed an expansion of the Beginning Farmer Tax Credit Program This bill allows retiring farmers and new entrants to share tax credits, making it easier to transfer land and keep farms in operation. It is an important step toward ensuring that agriculture remains a viable career path for young Pennsylvanians. HB 242 passed the House and is now in the Senate Finance Committee.

Community Connections: Farmers' Breakfast & Visit to a Community Dairy Farm

In addition to my work in Harrisburg, it's essential to stay connected with our local farmers. I recently had the honor of hosting our annual Farmers' Breakfast, a wonderful opportunity to hear directly from our agricultural leaders about the challenges and opportunities they face. These conversations are invaluable, providing the firsthand knowledge needed to draft and support effective legislation.

Last week I and several other members of the Agriculture Committee had the pleasure of visiting Kurtland Farms in Elverson. It was a great opportunity to see their operations and talk with the folks there who work there day in and day out to feed our community. The passion and dedication of our local farmers are a constant reminder of why this work is so important. They also invest a great deal of time into student programs and events, sharing the benefits of their knowledge and farm environment with the broader community.

For more pictures, visit here.

Why This Matters for Chester County

The success of our agricultural sector is about more than just economics; it's about the security and resilience of our community. By supporting farmland preservation, promoting sustainable practices, and helping new farmers get their start, we are investing in our ability to be self-sufficient and ensuring a stable, local food supply for all.

I am committed to continuing this work in Harrisburg, and I invite you to stay engaged as we build a more secure, sustainable, and prosperous Pennsylvania, rooted in the strength of our agricultural traditions.

Sincerely,

SEPTA Deserves State's Attention; Senate Must Pass the Budget

Chester County House Democrats and other elected officials rallied at the West Chester Transportation Center this week to call on the state Senate to fund SEPTA and other mass transit systems in Pennsylvania.

We in the House voted more than five times to send SEPTA the funding it needs. The Senate must act now.

Our conference came a week before SEPTA says it needs funding in place to continue normal operations. Without state funding, on Aug. 24, SEPTA will make cuts to its train, bus, and trolley lines throughout the Greater Philadelphia Area.

Not only does SEPTA face a very real financial deadline, Chester County residents face a bleak new reality with significant reductions in service – including all along regional rail – threatening commuters, local communities, and small businesses. We have relied on SEPTA to move people and drive commerce for over 60 years, and now it’s time we answer their call. SEPTA is simply too valuable in Chester County to lose. Anyone who lives here knows that firsthand.

Read more here. Contact the Senate and tell them to fund mass transit:

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus | Take Action.

Student Legislative Advisory Committee is Formed

We are proud to announce the introduction of our first ever “Student Legislative Advisory Committee.” This is an opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to get involved in and learn more about state government.

We are seeking input from students who want to share their priorities, needs, and views. This committee will provide students a learning opportunity in areas of government and policy, along with the opportunity to hear from and interact with state and local elected officials.

Through SLAC and with the help of legislative experts and key stakeholders, students will work to create a suggested piece of legislation for Representative Friel to introduce in Harrisburg. SLAC will meet every three weeks from October 2025 through April 2026, culminating with the policy proposals for Representative Friel and a trip to Harrisburg to see state government in action.

Scan the QR code to apply and find out more. The application is now open, and will close on September 26th. If you have any questions, DM us or reach out to our program coordinator Ben Spiegel at bspiegel@pahouse.net or 610-427-8782.