Tell the Pennsylvania Senate to Fund SEPTA, Transit, Roads and Bridges Now

Rep. Paul Friel August 29, 2025 | 12:17 PM

PA Representative Paul Friel's banner image

FOLLOW ME:

Dear Neighbor,

I want to cut through the noise surrounding SEPTA right now. The state – either through the budget or with a bill on its own – can and should help fund SEPTA, and road and bridge improvements and transit all over the commonwealth.

The state House – which is in Democratic control – has already voted five times to deliver that funding across Pennsylvania without raising taxes. The state Senate, on the other hand, has not considered any of those proposals. Since our last one, and as we’ve tried to appeal to their better judgement this summer, the Republican-controlled Senate only went to session once on the issue, and it was already months too late. What’s more, that one proposal was actually an underhanded and disingenuous bill that would have had SEPTA strip its capital budget (used for brick-and-mortar maintenance and safety improvements at its stations) to fund its operating budget.

Their one plan and obstructing all others are paths to nowhere. Now we’ve seen the cuts go into effect in our communities. We’re watching our neighbors lose essential services, and soon we’ll see how all this affects Pennsylvania’s economy, too. Make no mistake, obstructionists are having their say in Harrisburg, and it could be just for the sake of fighting.

They do everything except face the fact that SEPTA is a key economic driver for all of Pennsylvania, and that funding an instrumental service isn’t a game of country mouse and city mouse either. This whole commonwealth depends on good economies in all of our sectors, across all of our counties, and in all of our communities. Pennsylvania must always stand united. Transit is one of the big things that literally connects us in that goal.

The time is up for the Senate to put solving a real crisis above fights over ideology. You can encourage them to come to their senses by filling out an email form letter addressed to Senate Republican leadership here. For more on the Democrats’ plan to earnestly fund SEPTA, transit across Pennsylvania, and roads and bridges, visit here.

Sincerely,

A Holiday Worth Fighting For

Happy Labor Day weekend to everyone who works for a living!

On Labor Day, we honor the generations of working people who built our nation and the labor movement that fought for fair wages, safe workplaces and dignity on the job. Holidays like Labor Day were not simply given – they were earned through struggle, sacrifice and solidarity.

From the 40-hour work week to weekends off, to paid leave and workplace protections, the gains we celebrate today are also the legacy of organized labor.

As we gather with family and friends, let’s also remember the power of workers standing together! Solidarity forever.

In observance of Labor Day, my office is closed August 29 and Monday, September 1st. We will be back to serve you Tuesday, September 2 at 9 a.m.

Adventure Awaits: New Program for Families and Local Businesses

Do you know someone who owns an outdoor recreation business, or have a 4th or 5th grader who loves the outdoors?

I wanted to make you aware of a recently launched program by Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation Association (PORA) - the PA Outdoor Adventure Pass program. This program is designed to get more families exploring Pennsylvania's amazing outdoor opportunities while supporting our local outdoor recreation businesses.

For Local Outdoor Recreation Businesses: PORA is currently recruiting businesses to participate in this program launching fall 2025. Participating businesses will be included in the organization's marketing efforts to help grow Pennsylvania's outdoor recreation industry. Outdoor recreation providers are accepted on a rolling basis. Learn more and submit your offer here: https://paoutdoors.org/pa-outdoor-pass-initiative

For Families: The annual pass costs $69 per student and provides 4th and 5th grade students access to outdoor adventures statewide. Pass sales begin in August and passes become active September 1, 2025. Visit the pass sales website here: http://www.paoutdooradventure.com

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.