Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Rep. Paul Friel | News Center

Committees advance three of my bills for PA

(7 hours ago)

I’m proud to report that three of my bills advanced from committee this week. Each of these bills has broad bipartisan support and they are expected to be voted on the House floor in the coming weeks. Read more

 

Friel to host community Town Hall meeting May 1 in Phoenixville

(Apr 17, 2025)

POTTSTOWN, April 17 – State Rep. Paul Friel invites residents of his legislative district to attend a community Town Hall meeting from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 1 at The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St. in Phoenixville to discuss legislative updates, hear about the services provided by his office, and answer questions from constituents. The event is an opportunity for residents to engage directly with Friel, learn about ongoing initiatives in Harrisburg, and share their concerns and ideas in an open, public forum. “This Town Hall is about transparency, accountability and hearing directly from the people I represent,” Friel said. “Whether you have a question about legislation or just want to learn more about the services we offer, I hope you’ll join the conversation.” Constituents who would like to submit a question in advance are encouraged to email RepFriel@pahouse.net with the subject line, “Town Hall Question.” Read more

 

Veterans Breakfast a success; Keeping public education excellent in PA

(Apr 11, 2025)

First, thank you to all the veterans who made it out to my Veterans Breakfast! The conversations we had were impactful. I hear the concerns with what is happening at the VA with federal cuts, and as I said in my remarks, my office is here to help you and to fight for you. Read more

 

Save the date for a June paper shredding event

(Apr 09, 2025)

Our next paper shredding/e-waste recycling event is scheduled! Read more

 

My next Town Hall is May 1

(Apr 09, 2025)

You’re invited to my Town Hall meeting from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 1. I will discuss legislative updates, services provided by my office and answer your questions. Read more

 

Venkat, Friel, Kosierowski, and Mehaffie introduce bipartisan legislation to hold health insurers accountable for denying reimbursement claims

(Mar 24, 2025)

HARRISBURG, March 24 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat, Paul Friel, Bridget M. Kosierowski and Tom Mehaffie have introduced a bipartisan bill that would hold health insurance companies accountable if they systematically fail to reimburse Pennsylvanians receiving medically necessary care. The legislation ( H.B. 966 ) would require health insurers to issue a public report on the frequency of rejected claims that are overturned on appeal and pay escalating fines if more than 50% of their claim denials are overturned on appeal. “A denial rate of over 50% suggests a disturbing pattern of systematically denying coverage for medically necessary care. Not only that, these entities are assuming Commonwealth residents will be deterred by the mountain of red tape necessary to file an appeal,” Venkat, D-Allegheny, said. “Collaborating with bipartisan colleagues on this legislation means more than holding insurers accountable. As an emergency physician, it’s my duty to help patients across the state receive coverage for which they have already paid to maintain and improve their health and well-being.” “An increasing number of people are aware that they can challenge denied health care claims through their insurer and, if necessary, the Insurance Department. However, the appeals process can be lengthy and complex, leading many to forgo it due to the administrative burden involved,” Friel, D-Chester, added. “The potential for Read more

 

Legislation on the Move as Harrisburg Returns to Session

(Mar 21, 2025)

I was in Harrisburg this week for House session, where we voted on important legislation that now moves to the Senate. We passed a bill to stop discrimination solely on the basis that a prospective health care insurance customer obtained an opioid overdose reversal agent such as naloxone. We also passed one to extend VA benefits to Korean-American Vietnam veterans and another to establish a Rural Health Care Grant Program, subject to future appropriations, to help hire medical practitioners in places designated as rural or medically underserved. Read more

 

Winter 2025

(Mar 10, 2025)

Winter 2025 Newsletter Read more

 

Budget hearings underway in Harrisburg; East Coventry Township, Spring City Borough receive grants

(Feb 28, 2025)

As part of my work on the state House Appropriations Committee, I am in Harrisburg this month and next to hear testimony from the various state departments on the proposed 2025-26 state budget. Read more

 

Friel: Invest in Treatment Courts

(Feb 27, 2025)

Pa. state Rep. Paul Friel questions justices and judiciary officials on the funding and role of treatment courts in the commonwealth. Treatment courts are a valuable tool to get people living with mental health issues the help they need while staying out of prison. Read more

 

Friel: $450,000 secured for East Coventry Township, Spring City Borough transportation improvements

(Feb 24, 2025)

POTTSTOWN, Feb. 24 – New grant funding of $450,000 is coming to East Coventry Township and Spring City Borough for bridge and crosswalk improvements, state Rep. Paul Friel announced today. The grants – approved by the Common Financing Authority under the Multimodal Transportation Fund – include $350,000 to rehabilitate Ellis Woods Road Bridge in East Coventry Township and $100,000 to improve two crosswalk locations along Main Street in Spring City Borough. “The funding is outstanding news for East Coventry and Spring City, which will now save local funds thanks to state-level financing,” said Friel, D-Chester. “Funding for Ellis Woods Bridge has been highly anticipated, and the added protections at crosswalks in Spring City will ensure that people are safe walking downtown.” Friel said that his office is happy to help organizations and entities apply for state funding. There are many programs offered by the state to help drive tax dollars to the communities they serve. “From transportation projects to environmental improvements, there is a wealth of resources available from your state government,” Friel said. “If you are interested in helping locate and apply for grants or low-interest loans for a public project, my office can help you.” Pennsylvania offers grants for many uses. This funding supports growth and success across the state. Those interested can visit Read more

 

Friel introduces bill to reclaim cyber charter overpayments in Pennsylvania

(Feb 21, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 21 – State Rep. Paul Friel announced today the introduction of new legislation aimed at addressing the significant overpayment of taxpayer funds to Pennsylvania's cyber charter schools. This comes in response to Auditor General Timothy DeFoor's recent audit, which exposed critical flaws in the state's cyber charter funding formula. The audit of five Pennsylvania cyber charter schools revealed that these institutions have accumulated over $618 million in fund balances, with substantial taxpayer dollars being diverted from school districts, Friel said. Notably, the state's largest cyber school has used these funds for substantial real estate investments rather than direct educational purposes. "The findings confirm what many of us have known: Pennsylvania's cyber charter funding system is broken," said Friel, D-Chester. "Our public education dollars should be used to educate students, not to pad the coffers of cyber charter organizations. These excess funds could be reinvested to improve educational resources across the state or to ease the tax burden on property owners." Friel's bill complements existing cyber charter funding reform efforts and focuses on two objectives: Recovery of excess funds: Empower taxpayers and school districts to reclaim overpayments from cyber charter schools. Clarified financial guidelines: Establish clear definitions Read more

 

E-News: Shapiro Delivers PA Budget Address; Federal Action is Concerning

(Feb 14, 2025)

Last week, Gov. Josh Shapiro addressed a joint session of the General Assembly and proposed a budget that prioritizes opportunity, fairness, and long-term growth for our state. Read more

 

House begins moving bills; Elverson, East Vincent parks receive state funding

(Jan 30, 2025)

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. Read more

 

Friel announces state grant for Independence Park in E. Vincent Twp.

(Jan 28, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 28 – State Rep. Paul Friel is proud to announce that Independence Park in East Vincent Township was approved today for $100,000 in state grant funding under the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program, which is administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority. East Vincent Township is proposing development of Independence Park to provide the community with new recreational opportunities, including at the adjacent Southeastern Veteran's Center. The proposed project will include adding bocce ball courts, shuffleboard courts, benches, and shade trees. “Independence Park is a great community resource,” Friel said. “When public entities work together to improve our quality of life, it’s meaningful projects like this that get recognized for their value. Thank you to East Vincent Township for its work securing funding and creating something truly special.” Additionally, the project will construct a 10-foot-wide path extending along all seven courts and a 5-foot-wide, ADA-compliant concrete path from the northeast entrance at Dunlap Road to the new courts. This path from Dunlap Road will provide a secondary entrance to the park for pedestrians and create a framework for future park connection to the Southeastern Veteran's Center. These grant dollars will assist the township in funding the construction and engineering costs for this project. Natural gas drilling fees under Read more

 

Friel announces state funding for Elverson skatepark, pump track

(Jan 28, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 28 – State Rep. Paul Friel said he is proud to announce that the future Elverson skatepark was approved today for $70,209 in state grant funding under the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program. Under the financing, Action-Impact Inc., a local nonprofit, will use the money to build a 4,758-square-foot skatepark and a pump track in an unused portion of land at Livingood Park for recreational use in the community. “The community is really looking forward to this new amenity because of the excitement that pump tracks and skateparks create for riders and skaters of all ages,” Friel said. “Any time we can steer funding toward our communities, the taxpayer and, in this case, park enthusiasts, win big. “Thank you to Action-Impact for their advocacy and commitment to making Elverson more fun, safe and appealing all at the same time.” The total project cost is $82,740. Other funds include $12,531 in a cash match from Action-Impact. Natural gas drilling fees under the Marcellus Legacy Fund supply the CFA funding for planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects. Friel said any business, organization or public entity seeking funding from a state program is encouraged to contact his office for help applying. Read more

 

State lawmakers launch bipartisan Competitiveness Caucus

(Jan 14, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 14 – Today, Pennsylvania state Sens. Kristin Phillips-Hill, R-York; and Lisa Boscola, D-Northampton; along with state Reps. Paul Friel, D-Chester; and Josh Kail, R-Beaver; announced the formation of a new bipartisan, bicameral group within the state General Assembly: the Pennsylvania Competitiveness Caucus. The legislators said the new caucus aims to unify efforts across the Capitol and party lines to strengthen the state’s economic competitiveness and ensure a robust, dynamic economy today and into the future. The formation of the Pennsylvania Competitiveness Caucus 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. “Although we sit on opposite sides of the aisle, we are united in our belief that making Pennsylvania more economically competitive through the advancement of pro-growth policies will benefit working-class families, reverse our stagnant population growth, and ensure our commonwealth is an attractive place to live, work, and raise a family for generations to come,” Phillips-Hill said. “I am thrilled to be joining this bipartisan group of my colleagues to elevate this vital conversation and focus on Read more

 

E-News: New Year, New Resolve for Pennsylvania House of Representatives

(Jan 10, 2025)

This new year will bring a lot of change but also a fresh start and a renewed commitment to building a brighter future for all of our communities in Pennsylvania. For my part, I am incredibly grateful to serve as state representative for a second term and remain committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance policies that build healthy communities and promote economic opportunity for all in Chester County and Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Friel begins second term, will focus on building strong communities

(Jan 07, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 7 – State Rep. Paul Friel was sworn in to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today, beginning his second term serving the 26 th Legislative District. Friel said that he will fight to increase opportunities for farms, businesses, schools and families to thrive. “I am incredibly grateful to serve as state representative for a second term. I remain committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance policies that build healthy communities and promote economic opportunity for all in Chester County and Pennsylvania,” said Friel, D-Chester. “Together we will continue to find ways to strengthen our public schools, support our farms and farmers, and attract businesses that provide good, family-sustaining jobs.” In his first term, Friel advanced bipartisan legislation to allow employer contributions to PA 529 College and Career Savings Program accounts, accelerated reform to the state’s net operating loss tax deduction to strengthen Pennsylvania’s economic competitiveness and passed in the House his proposal to safeguard and improve how Pennsylvania uses food processing residue to fertilize farm fields. The Pennsylvania General Assembly is currently in its 209th consecutive legislative session, which began on Jan. 1, 2025, and will run through Nov. 30, 2026. The Oath of Office was administered by Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra Read more

 

Happy Holidays from State Rep. Paul Friel! My office is here to help you!

(Dec 23, 2024)

The holidays are here, and I hope they find you sharing time with friends, family and loved ones. My office will be closed Tuesday, Dec. 24, and Wednesday, Dec. 25, for the Christmas holiday and then for New Year’s next Tuesday, Dec. 31 and Wednesday, Jan. 1. Read more

 

Committees advance three of my bills for PA
7 hours ago

Friel to host community Town Hall meeting May 1 in Phoenixville
Apr 17, 2025

Veterans Breakfast a success; Keeping public education excellent in PA
Apr 11, 2025

Save the date for a June paper shredding event
Apr 09, 2025

My next Town Hall is May 1
Apr 09, 2025

Venkat, Friel, Kosierowski, and Mehaffie introduce bipartisan legislation to hold health insurers accountable for denying reimbursement claims
Mar 24, 2025

Legislation on the Move as Harrisburg Returns to Session
Mar 21, 2025

Winter 2025
Mar 10, 2025

Budget hearings underway in Harrisburg; East Coventry Township, Spring City Borough receive grants
Feb 28, 2025

Friel: Invest in Treatment Courts
Feb 27, 2025

Friel: $450,000 secured for East Coventry Township, Spring City Borough transportation improvements
Feb 24, 2025

Friel introduces bill to reclaim cyber charter overpayments in Pennsylvania
Feb 21, 2025

E-News: Shapiro Delivers PA Budget Address; Federal Action is Concerning
Feb 14, 2025

House begins moving bills; Elverson, East Vincent parks receive state funding
Jan 30, 2025

Friel announces state grant for Independence Park in E. Vincent Twp.
Jan 28, 2025

Friel announces state funding for Elverson skatepark, pump track
Jan 28, 2025

State lawmakers launch bipartisan Competitiveness Caucus
Jan 14, 2025

E-News: New Year, New Resolve for Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Jan 10, 2025

Friel begins second term, will focus on building strong communities
Jan 07, 2025

Happy Holidays from State Rep. Paul Friel! My office is here to help you!
Dec 23, 2024