I’ve got my fingers crossed. Forecasters are calling for 8-16 inches of snow this weekend. The grocery stores will be crazy on Saturday. Hardware stores are looking forward to seeing everyone to sell salt and shovels.
Find your snow boots, your space heaters, and some hot chocolate and let’s try to do this show storm right!
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Snowstorms bring out the best in our communities. Everyone slows down. Kids are throwing snowballs and sledding down any hill they can find. Neighbors are outside shoveling sidewalks; their own first but the neighborhood elders are close behind. Folks actually talk to each other.
We don’t worry about politics or work, we talk about when the Eagles should have made coaching moves and free agent pitchers, the shows we’re binge watching and the cocktail recipes we’re experimenting with. I believe that 8 inches of snow will be enough for us to connect again this weekend.
Do me a favor. As you’re out, try and stay off the roads to allow our road crew to work safely. They’re going to have a long weekend. Also, as you check in on your neighbors, if there is anything state related that my team and I can help with, please do give us a heads up. We can connect you to local pantries, if needed.
My staff will be home, but they’ll have their laptops with them for emergencies. Finally, in the event of widespread power outages, we will be relaying timely updates from PECO and our local emergency services units.
Now, let’s just hope that the weather forecasts are accurate. I’m frankly not in the mood for a dud!!!
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Our office was invited to Pack 210’s Pinewood Derby last Friday, and what a great turnout! It was Leah’s first Pinewood Derby, and she was impressed by the creativity and craftsmanship that went into each car.
She especially loved seeing the joy on the kids’ faces as their creations raced down the track for the first time. With so many amazing designs, Leah had a hard time picking a favorite—can you guess which car she chose?
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January 23rd is Maternal Health Awareness Day
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Today, January 23rd, we recognize Maternal Health Awareness Day and highlight the PA MOMNIBUS, a comprehensive package of legislation focused on improving maternal health outcomes across Pennsylvania. The PA MOMNIBUS was created to address the alarming maternal health crisis in our Commonwealth, where Black Pennsylvanians face a maternal mortality rate nearly twice as high as the state average and significantly higher than that of white residents. In Pennsylvania the overall maternal mortality rate is about 82 deaths per 100,000 live births, and for Black families it is much higher, reflecting stark disparities in care and outcomes.
This package works to expand access to quality maternal care, eliminate maternal health deserts, and address social determinants of health that impact pregnancy and postpartum outcomes. It also strengthens support for new moms and postpartum people by improving coverage, resources, and protections during the critical months after birth.
Representative Nelson is proud to have supported these bills so far and remains committed to advancing policies that promote maternal health equity and better outcomes for families across Pennsylvania.
To learn more about the PA MOMNIBUS and track the progress of this legislation, visit:
https://www.pahouse.net/BMH/Legislation.
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Winter Storm Preparation Tips
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A major winter storm is expected over the weekend. Here are some tips form the PA Emergency Management Agency about what you can do right now to prepare. Be sure to gather all necessary supplies, such as salt, a shovel, blankets, enough food for the weekend, and a warm coat (or two)!
A reminder that pipes can freeze in very cold temperatures. To avoid this...
?? Keep garage doors closed, especially if there are water supply lines in there
?? Let cold water trickle from a faucet served by exposed pipes
?? Open cabinet doors so warmer air can circulate around plumbing
?? Wrap exposed pipes and water heater in insulation
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More than $1.5M in Grant Funding Announced
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The Commonwealth Financing Authority this week approved more than $1.5 million in grant funds to four projects in the 154th Legislative District.
I’m excited to bring this much needed funding that will help complete key infrastructure programs and increase safety for pedestrians. I look forward to continuing working with our municipalities to secure funding like this again to help prevent municipalities from having to raise taxes on residents while improving the quality of life.
Projects funded by the Multimodal Transportation Fund include:
- $750,000 to replace a culvert along West Glenside Avenue in Cheltenham Township.
- $250,000 to support pedestrian safety improvements along High School Road in the East Elkins Park neighborhood of Cheltenham Township.
Projects funded by the Small Water and Sewer Program include:
- $427,474 to support the replacement of collapsed storm pipe along Valley Road in Cheltenham Township.
- $97,194 to support cleaning and replacement of a sanitary sewer meter in Jenkintown.
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County Assistance Office Update Regarding the Storm
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If your area is affected by the upcoming winter storm and you are planning to visit your local County Assistance Office (CAO), call ahead to make sure they are open before you travel!
A recorded message will play on the main phone line if the CAO is closed. You can find your CAO at dhs.pa.gov/CAO.
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Stay Safe During Snow Squalls
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Snow squalls are dangerous to encounter on the road. They severely reduce visibility and create hazardous conditions within minutes. If you must travel, here's what to do:
? The best thing you can do is pull over and wait it out.
?? If you're on the highway, take the next exit and find somewhere safe to wait.
?? Snow squalls can't always be predicted but if they are in the forecast, try to avoid or postpone travel.
Snow squalls can cause major highway pileups, putting motorists in danger. Here's what to do to stay safe and avoid a pileup:
- Get as far away from the road as possible, if you can safely do so.
- Slowly drive to the front of the pileup if you can.
- Don't stand on or near the roadway.
- Stay seated in your vehicle if you can't safely exit.
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Check Your Energy Supplier!
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In PA, utility customers have the opportunity choose their electricity or natural gas supplier. Regardless of who you choose to supply your energy, PECO will continue to serve as your energy delivery company.
But if you are enrolled with a competitive electric generation or natural gas supplier, the rate you are charged could be higher or lower than the rate charged by PECO. You should check PECO’s Price to Compare to see the current rates for PECO customers and how they compare to the rates charged by competitive energy suppliers: https://tinyurl.com/Electric-PTC | https://tinyurl.com/Gas-PTC.
If you are currently enrolled with a competitive energy supplier, you should review your contract terms and conditions and contact your supplier to discuss pricing options. We have many constituents that reach out not realizing that they use a different supplier. Ask the following questions:
- Will the supplier charge a fixed or variable rate?
- Is there an escalation clause in the contract?
- How long is the contract term?
- Are there any early termination or cancellation fees?
- Based on PECO’s current PTC, how much will you save over the term of the contract?
More information about understanding a contract with a competitive natural gas or electric generation supplier can be found on the PA Public Utility Commission’s websites www.pagasswitch.com or www.papowerswitch.com or PECO’s website: https://www.pecoconnection.com/2025/02/28/competitive-energy-suppliers-what-you-need-to-know/.
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Click on the image below for information
on township events & updates
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Click on the image below for information
on active state programs
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PECO Customer Relief Fund EXTENDED!
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PECO is expanding its Customer Relief Fund to help more customers manage higher winter energy costs.
?? $2.5 million will be administered by United Way starting March 2, 2026, bringing total assistance to $12.5 million over the past year.
? Eligible customers can receive a one-time $750 credit on their PECO bill. Click here for more information on eligibility requirements.
Apply for the grant here. Please note that you will be prompted to create an account with Submittable / The United Way of Greater Philadelphia.
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The 2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is open NOW! The program supports homeowners and renters across Pennsylvania. This program provides a rebate ranging from $380 to $1,000 to eligible older adults and people with disabilities age 18 and older.
This program is supported by funds from the Pennsylvania Lottery and gaming. ?
A reminder that it’s necessary to apply for a rebate every year because eligibility is based upon annual income and property taxes/rent paid in the prior year (2025).
Contact our office for help TODAY! 215-572-5210 or RepNelson@PAHouse.net! You can also file online at mypath.pa.gov.
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Pennsylvania House of Representatives Scholarship Program
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The Pennsylvania House of Representatives Scholarship Program helps expand educational opportunities for eligible Pennsylvania students. The program is privately funded by individual and corporate donors, with no taxpayer or public funds used. It is administered by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities and uses the nowU Pennsylvania 529 College Savings Program to help awards keep pace with rising tuition costs.
Each year, the program awards four-year scholarships to two graduating high school seniors. The scholarship can be used toward tuition and fees at a Pennsylvania college, university, or career school. Each award equals the cost of one semester of tuition at Shippensburg University per year, distributed over four years, with payments made each fall and spring semester. Students must continue to meet eligibility requirements each year to receive the full award.
Deadline: April 15
Award: 2 recipients, amount varies
Applicants must:
- Be a graduating high school senior
- Be a legal resident of Pennsylvania
- Attend a Pennsylvania college, university, or career school as a full-time student
- Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative high school GPA
- Demonstrate community involvement and leadership
- Participate in extracurricular activities
- Show financial need
FAQs can be found here.
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James R. Roebuck PLBC Scholarship 2026
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This prestigious scholarship was named after Mr. James R. Roebuck- former member of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus (PLBC) and champion for education. Mr. Roebuck served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1985-2020 and served as chair of both the House Education Committee and the PLBC.
Successful applicants will receive a $1,500 scholarship made possible by the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus Foundation for educational purposes. Students are encouraged to use the scholarship award for tuition, fees, books, or school-related supplies and equipment.
Applicants must be a:
- Resident of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
- Person of color
- Graduating high school senior or current undergraduate college student
The Deadline for registration is 5pm on Friday, February 20, 2026. Applicants are responsible for submitting all material to the PLBC on time. Incomplete applications will not be evaluated.
Apply now!
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Know before you go! 511PA.com and the free 511PA app are a one-stop shop for PA travel info. If you must travel, be sure to stay informed during winter weather. Plan your trip in advance or use driving mode on the app for hands-free updates.
We’ve got features to help you navigate through PA:
- Weather forecast and alerts
- Winter road conditions
- Plow truck status
- And more!
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Cold weather is here, and our pets rely on us to keep them safe. ????
In Pennsylvania, Libre’s Law makes it illegal to leave a dog outside for more than 30 minutes in temperatures below 32°F, or in dangerous winter conditions like freezing rain and heavy snow.
Simple steps can make a big difference: keep outdoor time short, wipe paws after walks, offer fresh (unfrozen!) water, and bring pets inside where it’s warm.
If you believe an animal is in danger, contact local police or a humane officer.
Let’s keep Pennsylvania’s pets safe this winter ??
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Congratulations! You've reached the end of the weekly email. This is our new trivia and fun fact section.
Did you know? While the U.S. Constitution has been amended only 27 times (and only 17 times since 1791), Pennsylvania has adopted five constitutions, which have been amended 113 times.
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Harrisburg Office
325 Irvis Office Building
PO Box 202154
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-1079
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Glenside Office
115 East Glenside Avenue
Suite 8
Glenside, PA 19038
(215) 572-5210
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