I am a fan of industry. I believe firmly in the innovating power of the capitalist system, and support the right to reap big rewards when you take big risks. I am a graduate of the Wharton School of Business, a training ground for some major heavyweights like Mike Milken, JD Power, William Wrigley (the chewing gum guy), Sixers owner Josh Harris, and yes, even Elon Musk, Donald Trump and more than a few dozen residents here in the community.   

Market systems seek to deploy capital now in spaces that could offer a return in later years, often using extensive process analysis to find and take advantage of inefficiencies, loopholes, or pricing abnormalities. All this is great if you’re an investor. However, if those inefficiencies, loopholes or abnormalities have been your lifeline, the market doesn’t work for you. I do, however.

This week, the PA House passed a series of bills that all spoke to the role of government in protecting vulnerable residents from the profit-seeking motives of market forces. HB 1250 protects the nearly 55,000 PA households that own mobile or manufactured homes that sit on land owned by private corporations from massive, frequent, unaffordable land-rent increases. HB 1460 expands the authority of the Office of Attorney General to protect Pennsylvanians from predatory investors that try to undermine our hospitals and health care entities. Finally, HB 1549 would increase the minimum wage here in PA, joining the 30 other states (including every state bordering PA) that has already moved above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr. I spoke on increasing the minimum wage on the House floor earlier this week (see below to watch).  

Housing, health care, and the dignity of work. None of these bills would alter large components of the market forces at play in our society. None of these bills would prevent innovation, profit-seeking, rewarded risk-taking, or any other hallmark of the world’s strongest economy. Each of these bills provides some added protections for those who have been getting the short end of the stick in our economy. HB 1250 passed with a vote of 144-59, with 42 Republicans joining the 102 Democrats in support. HB 1460 passed with a vote of 121-82, with 20 Republicans joining 101 of the 102 Democrats in support. HB 1549 passed with a party-line vote of 102-101. All three bills move on to the state Senate. 

With graduation season here, I want to send a big congratulations to students of the Class of 2025! Whether you’re heading to college, joining the workforce, or just beginning to explore new opportunities, I wish you all the best as you take this exciting next step. 

And just a quick reminder – if you have questions about state student loan or grant programs, my office is here to help, so don’t hesitate to reach out by calling (215) 572-5210 or emailing RepNelson@pahouse.net.  

Check out how much fun Shannon, Grace, & Zhanna had at this past week’s outdoor office hours!  

Come see them and the rest of my staff on Wednesday, June 25 from noon to 2 p.m., this time at James A. Cisco Park in Erdenheim (199 W. Montgomery Ave.)! We will be set up by the picnic tables near the gazebo.  

These outdoor office hours are weather-pending, so check my Facebook page on the day of to ensure they will be taking place. If we do go outside, the Glenside district office will be closed during this time. 

Join my office and the office of Congresswoman Madeleine Dean for an expungement clinic on Saturday, June 21 from noon to 1:45 p.m. at Congresswoman Dean’s Glenside District Office (115 E. Glenside Ave., Suite 1, Glenside, PA 19038).  

Legal experts will be on hand to provide FREE information about the criminal justice system, explain expungement eligibility requirements, and offer limited on-site application assistance. My staff and I will be on hand to provide information on state services.  

We still have several spots open for this event, so please take advantage of this opportunity if you are interested. Contact my office at RepNelson@pahouse.net or (215) 572-5210 to register for this event or if you have any questions. 

As we age, everyday tasks that were once simple can become real challenges. My office has heard firsthand from senior constituents about the difficulties they may face with basic home maintenance. What used to be routine chores – like mowing the lawn or pulling weeds – can now be sources of stress and concern.  

That’s why we are reaching out to the community. We’re looking for volunteers or recommendations for organizations that offer free or low-cost assistance to seniors for household upkeep or yard maintenance. If you or someone you know is able to help, or if you’re aware of a local group providing these services, we’d love to hear from you. Contact Zhanna at my office at ZIvanick@pahouse.net. 

Let’s come together to support our senior neighbors and help make their lives a little easier! 

My Glenside district office will be closed Thursday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth. We will be back in the office on Friday, June 20. All PennDOT centers will also be closed on Juneteenth.  

The PA House Fellowship Program is now accepting applications for the Fall 2025 semester. Based in Harrisburg, the program places undergraduate juniors and seniors, graduate students, and law students attending PA colleges or universities in the offices of Committee chairmen or PA House leaders. PA residents are also eligible to participate even if they attend an out-of-state school. 

Applications are due July 1. To learn more about the program and to apply, go to the PA House Fellowship’s website.  

Montgomery County is holding its fourth annual Juneteenth Flag-Raising Ceremony on Monday, June 16 at 10 a.m. at the Montgomery County Courthouse (at the corner of Airy & Swede streets).  

This ceremony will commemorate the anniversary of when the last enslaved Americans learned of their freedom on June 19, 1865 – more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. The winners of the K-12 Art and Poetry of Freedom contest will also be announced.  

We’ve heard from a number of constituents about needing to dispose of hazardous materials like paint products, gasoline, or other household chemicals. Montco’s next Household Hazardous Waste Collection event near the district will be on Saturday, June 28 at Abington Middle School (2056 Susquehanna R, Abington, PA 19001).  

Registration is required to attend this event. Consult the County’s list of acceptable & unacceptable items before going to ensure you are following guidelines. Information about future waste collection events can be found on the County’s website.  

Attention, college-bound students and families! If you sign up for PA Forward’s email list, you will be entered for a chance to win one of twelve $2,500 scholarships (no essay required)!  

The PA Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) also recently announced reduced interest rates on their PA Forward student loans. Head to PHEAA’s website to sign up for the email list and learn more about financial aid opportunities.