This week has been a whirlwind for me and my team. I had the pleasure of celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at the annual PA Latino Convention in Easton. We also hosted our annual senior fair, a heavy lift for me and my staff, but always one of the most rewarding days of the year. Today I am attending the annual Cannabis Opportunities Conference in the city.

The one item that I want to highlight in this email, however, is a conversation that I took part in Thursday evening around artificial intelligence and AI infrastructure. I know that many of you have written me letters advocating for the state to advance AI policy and it has certainly been in the news a great deal, and rightfully so. I want to make sure that I highlight here some points that I stated publicly yesterday evening. As a heads up, this is a pretty geeky post, but for those that are following this stuff, I believe I have a responsibility to tell you where I am heading.

First, I am not in favor of a data center moratorium. I am a co-sponsor of our GRID legislation and authored the language in that bill on ensuring environmental justice considerations, so I want data center development to be done responsibly. However, I also know that a data center in PA will likely be union built AND environmentally responsible and that is not assured if built in another state or country (or galaxy). I believe PA should be clear about our path to “YES” and then seek developers that can meet our standards.

Second, I ABSOLUTELY believe and expect world leaders to provide a governance structure that will help ensure humanity is kept safe. I admittedly lean more on “believe” than “expect” as this technology is advancing FAST and we might well lose control and fight to regain it with collective effort, but I know that global leadership is what is required. That is important, because it adds clarity onto what is NOT my role as a state lawmaker. My job is to ensure that our state structures are able to sustain our communities. How do we regulate AI in healthcare, education, public safety, the provision of social services, and how do we build a social safety net that is equipped to handle the world we would likely enter in a world with these proven AI capabilities, but also a world with AI guardrails?

It is in that vein that I look forward to the next few weeks, our last session days in Harrisburg to wrap up this term. We will undoubtedly have several AI-related bills to vote on next week, few of which will become law, but all of which are meant to message our attention to this important space. I am, frankly, not thrilled with the posture our legislative body has taken in this space to meet the moment that TOMORROW will have required of us, but I must also acknowledge that I know no easy answers here. I guess I am hoping that we take more time to think deeply about the responsibility we all have in this moment, staring down the barrel of immense change, power, and uncertainty.

Yesterday, we welcomed seniors and caregivers from across the district for our 6th Annual Senior Fair, and I was so glad to see so many familiar faces and meet new ones. Events like this are one of my favorite opportunities to connect with the people I represent, hear what’s on their minds and make sure they know where to turn when they need help.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by, asked questions, shared their experiences and spent part of their day with us.

I also want to thank all of the organizations and community partners who joined us and shared their time and expertise.

It was a great way to spend the day, and I'm already looking forward to next year's fair.

From September 17 through September 24, we recognize Veterans’ Suicide Prevention Week, a time to raise awareness about veteran suicide and the resources available to those who may be struggling. ??

My staff attended a Veterans’ Suicide Prevention Week ceremony at Rep. Joe Webster’s district office alongside fellow PA House members, local officials and the Lower Providence Police Department. The ceremony included the reading of a proclamation officially recognizing Veterans’ Suicide Prevention Week, the raising of an American flag and the placement of 17 dog tags on a Witting Tree to honor the 17 veterans we lose to suicide each day.

Veterans and their loved ones should know that support is available. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health or suicide crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. A simple phone call, text or visit can make a meaningful difference.

Location Update: The location for my Sept. 29 community town hall has changed. The town hall will now be held in the Jenkintown Middle/High School Auditorium, at the same address.

I'm hosting a community town hall for residents of Jenkintown Borough on Tuesday, September 29, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. I want to hear directly from you about the issues affecting our community, answer your questions, and share information about state resources and programs that might be available to you. My staff will also be on hand to help with state-related services and constituent concerns.

Jenkintown Middle/High School Auditorium
250 West Ave., Jenkintown, PA 19046
September 29 | 6:30–8 p.m.

I hope you'll join me, bring your questions, and share what matters to you and your family!

The conversation is now rescheduled for Thursday, October 1, from 7–8:30 p.m. at the Free Library of Springfield Township, 8900 Hawthorne Ln., Wyndmoor, PA 19038.

Join me for a conversation about local environmental priorities with the Environmental Advisory Councils of Cheltenham Township, Jenkintown Borough, and Springfield Township. We’ll discuss sustainability, stormwater management, recycling, renewable energy, litter prevention, and other environmental issues affecting our communities.

If you planned to join us in August, we hope you'll mark your calendar for October 1 and join us! RSVP here.

I'm proud to see $1.45 million in Local Share Account funding coming back to projects in our district. Cheltenham Township was awarded $400,000 for Curtis Arboretum accessibility improvements, $350,000 for the Glenside Pool and $400,000 for the Rowland Community Center. In Jenkintown Borough, Grace Presbyterian Church received $300,000 to support its project as well.

These investments will help strengthen community spaces that residents use every day, and I'm glad to see state funding making its way back to our communities.

These awards are the result of local organizations and municipalities applying for competitive grant funding.

While this round includes projects in Cheltenham and Jenkintown, communities across the district have opportunities to pursue these funds for projects that benefit their residents.

I'll continue making sure our municipalities and community organizations know about these opportunities and have access to the information they need to apply.

Need a copy of the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual? We have printed copies available at our district office! Stop by to pick one up if you're studying for your permit, preparing for your driver's test, or know someone who is.

Our office can also help residents navigate a variety of PennDOT-related issues, including driver's licenses, vehicle registrations, title and registration questions, license suspensions, REAL ID and other PennDOT services. If you've been trying to resolve an issue with PennDOT and aren't sure where to turn, give our office a call or stop by. We may be able to help get you pointed in the right direction or work with PennDOT on your behalf.

You don't have to figure it out alone. If you're dealing with a PennDOT issue, reach out to my office and let us know how we can help.

Big changes are coming to Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program beginning January 1st, 2027. Under a new federal law, some adults ages 19-64 will need to meet new work and community-engagement requirements, and some Medicaid recipients will have their eligibility reviewed every six months instead of annually.

If you receive Medicaid, it is important to make sure that DHS has your current address and contact information so you do not miss notices about your benefits. You can update your information through COMPASS and sign up for text and email alerts from DHS.

If you receive a notice from DHS or need help updating your information, my office can submit changes to DHS and communicate with the department on your behalf to help make sure your information is received and your case is properly updated. Email us at RepNelson@PAHouse.net or call 215-572-5210.

Learn more about the upcoming Medicaid changes here. You can also call the HR1 FAQ Line at 1-877-883-6383. 

Odin is a 60-pound black Lab mix who has endured more uncertainty than any dog should. His journey to rescue started when he was abandoned in a local park and brought to ACCT Philly before making his way to Phoenix Animal Rescue.

Despite everything he's been through, Odin remains one of the sweetest, friendliest dogs you could hope to meet. He greets the world with a wagging tail and a happy attitude. He approaches people with a loose, friendly body, walks nicely on leash, and happily accepts pets and affection from everyone he meets.

According to a previous caretaker, Odin is an energetic, playful dog who loves attention and companionship. We've already seen plenty of that loving personality firsthand. Whether he's out for a walk, soaking up affection, or simply spending time with his people, Odin is happiest when he's part of the action.

Odin has every reason not to trust people, but instead he chooses kindness. Now, this handsome boy is looking for the one thing he's been missing: a forever family committed to loving him for the rest of his life. ??

Odin will come neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and 4DX tested.

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Harrisburg Office

325 Irvis Office Building

PO Box 202154

Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-1079

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(215) 572-5210

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