Cursive and Longer Days are Coming Back

Rep. Napoleon Nelson March 6, 2026 | 4:21 PM

PA Representative Napoleon Nelson banner image

Sometimes legislation is long and complicated and sometimes it is not complicated at all.

Cursive is making a comeback in Pennsylvania because of a 7-word bill!

House Bill 17, introduced in January 2025 by Representative Dane Watro, adds joined italics and cursive handwriting to the list of required instruction for every elementary school in the state. The bill passed the House in June 2025 and the Senate in February 2026. It was signed into law on February 11, 2026, becoming the second law enacted this year.

How cursive writing instruction will be incorporated into classrooms remains to be seen. An interesting article on this topic was recently published in Education Week:

Cursive is Making a Comeback. It Won’t Be Without Challenges.

As a reminder, flags will be lowered to half-staff on Saturday to honor the late Reverend Jesse Jackson. His Homegoing services will be held on March 7th

in Chicago.

High Note

Sunny skies may be here again! ??

This weekend returns us to Daylight Saving (DST), yet again. Let's spring forward!

Did you know:

During DST clocks are normally set forward one hour from standard time during the summer months and back again in the fall to make better use of natural daylight.
United States first observed Daylight Saving Time in 1918.
United States has observed DST for 109 years between 1918 and 2026 (DST in at least one location).
Historically, there were no uniform rules for DST from 1945 to 1966. This caused widespread confusion, especially in transport and broadcasting. The Uniform Time Act of 1966 aligned the switch dates across the USA for the first time.
Less than 40% of the countries in the world use DST today. Since daylength variations are negligible around the equator, most tropical territories do not change their clocks.
DST is controversial. More than 140 countries have used it at some point, but about half of them have since abolished it.

Celebrating Women’s History Month

March is Women’s History Month, a time to recognize the generations of women who have shaped our communities, strengthened our institutions, and expanded opportunity for others. From educators and entrepreneurs to public servants and caregivers, women continue to play a vital role in building a stronger future for all.

Throughout this month, we honor the achievements, resilience, and leadership of women past and present, and we reaffirm our commitment to equity, opportunity, and respect in every community.

Save the Date!

Mark your calendars! I'm hosting an Environmental Conference on Friday, April 24 at Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania’s Camp Shelly Ridge in Lafayette Hill.

This event will bring together community members, advocates, and local partners to discuss environmental priorities, sustainability, and ways we can work together to protect our shared spaces. All ages are encouraged to attend.

Event timing and additional details will be announced soon. Stay tuned for updates from our office.

We hope to see you there! ??

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Information on Active State Programs

Other Programs & Events

Community Movie Screening & Discussion:
“The Six Triple Eight”

You are invited to join me for a special public screening of The Six Triple Eight at the Wyncote Towers Community Room, followed by a panel discussion, on Monday, March 9th, from 11am-2pm.

The film tells the story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-Black, all-female battalion deployed overseas during World War II.

These women processed and delivered millions of pieces of mail to service members across the European Theater, helping sustain morale during the war. Eighty-one members of the battalion were Pennsylvania residents at the time of enlistment.

In recognition of their service and the long-overdue acknowledgment of their contributions, I have introduced legislation to designate March 9th as 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion Day in Pennsylvania. This screening and discussion are an opportunity to learn about their legacy and reflect on why honoring their story matters.

The event is open to the public, and RSVPs are requested through my office (215-572-5210, RepNelson@PAHouse.net). I hope you will join me for this meaningful afternoon of history, reflection, and community conversation.

FAFSA Overview Line by Line Online Webinar

Filing your FAFSA® is the key to accessing grants, scholarships, and

federal student aid.

Join PHEAA next Wednesday, March 11, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. for their line-by-line breakdown to help you grab the free money available for college.

Get it done and get it done right! Register to attend now at pheaa.org/virtual.

PECO Customer Relief Fund Applications Now Open

BIG NEWS: Applications are now open for the expanded PECO Customer Relief Fund. Eligible residential customers can apply for a one-time $750 grant administered by the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. We understand that many households are feeling financial pressure from rising energy supply costs, especially during colder months when energy use increases. If you’re struggling to keep up with your bill, support may be available.

To qualify,

you must be a current PECO residential electric and/or natural gas customer with a past-due balance of no more than $2,500 or be able to reduce your balance to $2,500 with a co-payment.
Applicants cannot have received a previous grant from this program, cannot have theft-of-service charges in the past 12 months, and must have a household income between 0% and 300% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Based on current guidelines, the maximum annual income at 300% FPL is $47,880 for a household of one, $64,920 for two, $81,960 for three, and $99,000 for four. Income documentation is required, and you must receive a separate PECO bill rather than having utilities included in your rent.

Applications are processed first come, first served. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval, and applying does not prevent service disconnection if the full balance is not resolved. If approved, the grant is typically applied to your account within one to two billing cycles.

Although this fund is temporary, PECO also offers year-round assistance programs, including payment arrangements, budget billing, and an online Assistance Finder tool. For more information, to check eligibility, or to apply, visit peco.com/relief.

Primary Election Important Dates

The 2026 Primary Election will take place on May 19, 2026. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

If you plan to vote in the primary, be sure to keep these important deadlines in mind:

May 4, 2026 – Last day to register to vote before the primary
May 12, 2026 – Last day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot
May 19, 2026 – Primary Election Day (polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
May 19, 2026, by 8 p.m. – Deadline for county election offices to receive completed mail-in and absentee ballots

Remember: mail-in and absentee ballots must be received by the county election office by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Postmarks do not count.

SNAP Work Requirements Have Expanded

MORE Pennsylvanians must now meet work requirements to stay eligible for SNAP. Federal changes last year mean some SNAP recipients must work, volunteer, or participate in education or job training for at least 20 hours per week and report that they are meeting this requirement. If the requirement is not met, benefits may be limited to three months within a three-year period.

The rules were expanded to include individuals who:

Are 18 to 64 years old
Do not have a dependent child under 14
Are considered physically and mentally able to work

Additionally, exemptions for veterans and individuals who aged out of foster care under age 25 have ended.

To meet the requirement, you must:

Work at least 20 hours per week or earn at least $217.50 per week before taxes
Participate in education or job training for at least 20 hours per week or at least half-time
Complete approved community service hours as assigned by your caseworker

If your hours drop below the requirement, you must report the change within 10 days.

Some individuals may still qualify for exemptions, including those who are:

Pregnant
Medically unable to work
Caring for someone who is ill or disabled
Experiencing homelessness
Participating in drug or alcohol treatment
Receiving unemployment compensation
Temporarily unemployed and expecting to return to work within 60 days

To check whether these rules apply to you and learn what to do next, use the online screening tool at dhs.pa.gov/work. You may also contact your County Assistance Office or call the Statewide Customer Service Center at 1-877-395-8930.

If you have issues with your benefits, please don't hesitate to contact my office at RepNelson@PAHouse.net or 215-572-5210.

Reminder: Unemployment Compensation Tax Filing

What to Know About 1099-G Forms

Pennsylvanians who received Unemployment Compensation (UC) benefits in 2025 will get a form called a 1099-G.

This form shows how much UC income you received, and you need it to file your federal and state tax returns.

The forms are now (or should now be) available in your online UC dashboard. Paper copies are also being mailed and should arrive over the next few weeks.

A detailed FAQ is available on the L&I website to help you review your form and request corrections if something is wrong.

Since 1099-G forms are created automatically, getting one if/when you did not apply for UC benefits could be a sign of identity theft. If you believe someone used your identity to file for benefits, report it to L&I right away. You can file a report online or call the PA Fraud Hotline at 1-800-692-7469.

If you are a victim of identity theft, you should still file your tax return on time. Only report the income you actually earned, not any false income listed on the 1099-G.

You can find more information about identity theft and 1099-G forms on the IRS website.

Inclusive Post-High School Resource Fair

Families and caregivers of children and young adults with IEPs or 504 plans are invited to attend an Inclusive Post-High School Resource Fair to learn about opportunities after graduation.

The event will take place Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Hall A of the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks. Attendees will have the chance to connect with more than 100 organizations offering resources such as employment opportunities, job coaching, transitional services, day programs, continuing education, supported living programs, and more.

If you pre-registered for the original date, you do not need to register again. Those who have not yet registered can sign up here.

This event is open to all.

Did You Know? ??

Congratulations! You've reached the end of the weekly email.

Did you know? In 2023, Joanna McClinton made history as the first woman to serve as Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, marking a major milestone for women’s leadership in Pennsylvania.