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| Capitol Report |
#Listrak\DateStampLong#
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The latest news from the State Capitol
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Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unattended account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link.
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Governor’s Budget Address Takes Aim at Energy Affordability and Misses the Target of What We Need in Pennsylvania
The Governor’s budget address put energy affordability front and center, and Pennsylvania needs that focus. Families across our region face electric bills that have reached unacceptable levels. We require immediate action to lower costs, not policies shifting more burden onto households and small businesses.
Pennsylvania is the core of the 13-state PJM electricity grid. According to 2024 U.S. Energy Information Administration data (the most recent data available), Pennsylvania is the largest net electricity exporter within PJM – and it is not even close. The next closest state – Illinois – has a power surplus which is roughly half of ours. Meanwhile, states like Virginia, which is the world’s leading data center developer, require 35 TWh more of electricity than it produces. States like Maryland, who have driven power off the grid with their policies, also consume huge amounts of Pennsylvania power.
So, why are our prices continuing to climb? Because Pennsylvania ratepayers are competing with big data for tomorrow’s power and subsidizing our neighboring PJM states for today’s power. As I have said repeatedly, the only answer is tremendous growth in our electricity production. And we all can benefit.
The Governor hit on energy issues at least three times in his budget address. He got some policy ideas right. Others he got fundamentally wrong, which we saw play out in a regressive bill advanced in the Energy Committee that same week.
Here is where the Governor was spot on:
• We are in an AI-supremacy battle with China, and we must not lose. My addition to his comments is that our economy and national security cannot permit our data to be housed in China. The reason it might go there is China’s willingness to build power faster than any country in the world, and its desire to have the business of data hyper-scalers.
• Pennsylvania is the second-largest energy producer in the United States. I add, as stated above and as is more relevant to our energy affordability, we are the biggest producer by far in PJM, our regional grid operator. It is far past time for Pennsylvania ratepayers to benefit from being a huge exporter to neighboring states, especially when that production is driven by our state’s natural resources.
• Newly built data centers in Pennsylvania should Bring Your Own Generation (BYOG). I agree – full stop. Here, I am talking mainly about the hyper-scalers, which will consume the equivalent electricity of small cities. The piece missing from the Governor’s analysis (and the analysis of many, to be fair) is that we are already competing with these hyper-scalers for tomorrow's electricity today. It is the prime driver of our higher costs. Our excess generation is being bought up on the wholesale market, leaving us to compete for dwindling future supply.
• Data Centers coming to Pennsylvania will need to respect our state constitutional right to a clean environment. I agree – full stop.
Here is where the Governor fell short (or perhaps needs an informed conversation around these issues):
• The Governor claimed that he sued PJM to “stop the price increase” they were about to impose. The Governor makes that claim often in social media too. It is – at best – partially true. If you have been following our energy discussion, then you know that the capacity price for Pennsylvania in the first explosive auction increased over 800%. As a result of that auction price, the Governor did in fact sue PJM to prevent future prices from escalating that much again. In settlement, PJM agreed to a temporary capacity price cap. But the agreed-to cap was after the capacity price for the previous auction hit your bill. We will be paying that price for some time.
o The FERC settlement capped prices for the next period at ANOTHER big increase (although not what the market price would have required).
o Your prices are increasing, and we will be paying that increased price indefinitely through negotiated price-collar levels.
o No one “stopped the price increase,” which is why your bill is still so astronomical.
o Your new “price-collar” capacity price is going up again, while Maryland’s will come down to match the common price across the states. We are subsidizing Maryland’s (and other net importing states) energy costs through our utility bills.
• The Governor also said that PJM needs to speed connections for new generation. This statement is a great recognition that we need more electricity supply in Pennsylvania. But what he is parading is an old, tired trope that PJM is holding up thousands of requests to connect solar projects. (1) I have asked PJM about the interconnection queue at two separate hearings, and they say it is not true. They have literally thousands of approved projects which have stalled for developer reasons. (2) Even if we built those thousands of solar projects, it would not come close to the power we need. This trope is about finding someone to blame rather than advancing policy to get hyper-scale generation in Pennsylvania.
I strongly believe that the Governor is on the right track. He understands that we need more electricity. But I do not believe he understands the economics of the PJM market and how much leverage we have in Pennsylvania to take care of our own ratepayers first. We have the most. We could have a mountain more. And if we state policymakers make smart next moves, our ratepayers could be the big winners.
Next week we will talk about the bill which passed the Energy Committee on party lines. Knowing full well what the Governor was about to say about our energy needs in the budget address, we went backwards.
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Delco Hi-Q competition
I had the pleasure of attending the Delco Hi-Q competition on Thursday at Garnet Valley High School. Thank you to Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union Foundation for inviting me again this year. Some of the best and brightest students from Garnet Valley, Upper Darby, and Marple Newtown competed. Congratulations to Garnet Valley on the victory!
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Roadway Construction Continues at U.S. 202 and Route 926 Intersection
PennDOT will continue roadway construction at the intersection of U.S. 202 (Wilmington Pike) and Route 926 (Street Road) in Thornbury and Westtown townships under a $2.9 million project to improve traffic flow and reduce crashes. From Monday, February 16, through Friday, February 27, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., drivers will encounter a weekday lane closure and flagging through the intersection.
These improvements address long-standing safety concerns and will make travel through this corridor more predictable. Under the project, PennDOT will install a new southbound right-turn deceleration lane on U.S. 202 at Route 926 and also add a second eastbound left-turn lane on Route 926 (creating a double left-turn configuration onto 202). Additional work includes signal upgrades, curb ramp improvements, and milling and paving. I will continue to monitor progress and communicate updates.
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Roadway Construction Continues on 322
PennDOT will perform nighttime bridge repairs next week on eastbound U.S. 322 (Conchester Highway) in Upper Chichester Township.
From 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., Tuesday, February 17, through Thursday, February 19, PennDOT will close a lane on eastbound U.S. 322 between Bethel Avenue and the ramp to southbound Interstate 95.
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PennDOT Seeks Public Input Through Highway Safety Survey
PennDOT is inviting residents to complete an online highway safety survey, which remains open through February 28 at pa.gov/dotsafety.
The voluntary survey asks about seat belt use, impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving and bicycle, pedestrian and motorcycle safety. The survey takes approximately five minutes to complete.
I work closely with PennDOT on traffic and roadway concerns throughout our district, including congestion, detours and long-term infrastructure planning. Feedback from residents helps guide those discussions and strengthens our case for improvements that make driving safer and more efficient for our community.
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Supporting Our Local Fire and EMS Companies
Fire and emergency medical services organizations in our area received nearly $63,000 in funding through the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program.
The General Assembly created this ongoing program, and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Office of the State Fire Commissioner administer it. Slot machine gaming proceeds fund these grants, not General Fund tax revenue.
Local recipients include:
Bethel Township Hose Company No. 1 (Fire): $15,724.32
Chester Heights Fire Company No. 1 (Fire): $16,136.55
Concordville Fire and Protective Association (EMS): $15,000
Concordville Fire and Protective Association (Fire): $16,136.55
These grants support practical needs that strengthen emergency response. Eligible uses include facility construction or renovation, equipment purchase or repair, training, recruitment and retention, fire prevention education and debt reduction.
Every company that applies and meets the Office of the State Fire Commissioner’s requirements receives funding. This program delivers direct support to the volunteers and professionals who protect our communities every day.
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Grow PA Grant Applications Open for 2026-27 School Year
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency is accepting applications for the Grow PA Grant Program for the 2026-27 school year.
Act 89 of 2024 created the program to help address Pennsylvania’s workforce needs by supporting students preparing for in-demand occupations.
Qualified students may receive up to $5,000 per year for as many as four years.
More information and the application are available here.
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Tax forms are available in my District Office
State and federal tax forms, along with instruction booklets, are available in my district office. Please stop by Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to pick up any forms you need.
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PennDOT Driver License and Photo Centers Closed for Presidents Day
PennDOT will close all driver license and photo centers from Saturday, February 14, 2026, through Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents Day.
During the closure, residents may still access many driver and vehicle services online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website.
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District Office Closed on Presidents Day
My district office will close on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents Day. The office will reopen for regular business hours on Tuesday, February 17.
Presidents Day began as a federal holiday honoring the birthday of President George Washington, who was born on February 22, 1732. Congress first recognized Washington’s Birthday as a federal holiday in 1879. In 1971, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved the observance to the third Monday in February. While the official federal designation remains Washington’s Birthday, the day has come to recognize the broader legacy of American presidents and their service to our nation.
Presidents Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the responsibilities of executive leadership and the enduring principles of our constitutional system.
If you need assistance while the office is closed, please leave a message or send an email, and we will respond promptly when we return on Tuesday, February 17.
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Around The District
Thornbury Township Volunteer
Thornbury Township is now accepting nominations for 2025 Volunteer of the Year! Do you know someone who truly went above and beyond for our community? Someone who’s always willing to step in, lend a hand, and make a difference?
If so, please submit their name via the link here and help us celebrate the volunteers who make Thornbury Township such a special place to live!
Photo Credit: Facebook
Westtown Township Parks and Rec Event
Westtown Township released their March-May Parks and Recreation events and programs schedule. There are events for the whole family as well as for just adults. This is a great opportunity to get out and meet neighbors as well get out with the family!
Photo Credit: Facebook
Garnet Valley Summer Programs Open for Registration
Garnet Valley families may now review and register for summer camps serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade.
The programs offer a range of activities throughout the summer. Families may find additional details and registration information at the link below.
Photo Credit: Facebook
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Bravo Zulu
*The BZ pennants are hoisted as a part of Navy/Marine Corps custom to communicate “GOOD JOB!”
Garnet Valley Women’s Basketball: Outstanding Season
Jags Women’s Hoops celebrated Senior Night with a dominant 59-28 win vs the Ridely Green Raiders. They celebrated Senior Regan Leydig, Reese Hunter, Amanda Bilson, Katie Dwyer, and Cassidy Zipperlen that night.
Unfortunately, the women’s season ended in a 46-43 contest against Haverford. The Jags fought down to the buzzer but were unable to prevail. Congratulations to this outstanding squad which went 17-5 this year.
Photo Credit: Instagram
Garnet Valley Men’s Basketball Advance in Playoffs
The men’s team basketball squad handedly advanced to the second round of the Central Athletic League playoffs, beating Lower Merion 66-46. They now move on to the second round in the Central League’s playoffs.
Garnet Valley Orchestra Performs in PMEA Festival
Garnet Valley students performed in the PMEA Region Orchestra after earning selection through a competitive audition process.
Students from across Philadelphia and Chester and Delaware counties joined the festival ensemble for an orchestra concert. Garnet Valley participants included violinists Mitul Ajith, Eliana Byun and Roy Hur, trumpeter Amanda Bilson, French hornist Chase Craley, flutist Catherine Qian and percussionist Joshua Vance.
Congratulations to these young musicians!
Photo Credit: Instagram
Garnet Valley Robotics Team Earns Awards at South Central PA Qualifier
The Garnet Valley High School robotics team earned three awards at the South Central Pennsylvania Qualifier: Finalist Alliance Captain, Reach Award Winner and Design Award Winner.
Congratulations to the team for strong performance, creativity and engineering work throughout the competition. Thank you, Dr. Diane Zack for providing guidance and support to these students.
Photo Credit: Instagram
Garnet Valley Scholastic Art and Writing Awards Winners
Congratulations to three Garnet Valley seniors who earned Gold Key recognition in the national Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. The program recognizes outstanding student work in creative writing and the visual arts from across the country.
The Gold Key recipients are Hannah Danthunluri, Victoria Li and Kyra Desai. Great work.
Great job!
Garnet Valley Football
The Garnet Valley Football team completed 1657 hours of community service in the 2025 season! Players helped landscape community spaces, assisted the senior community, coached younger players and lead toy drives. Their impact was seen across the community.
Photo Credit: Facebook
Rustin Soccer Star Wins All State
Congratulations to Cole Turner, a Connecticut College commit from Unionville, who was honored with an all-state selection at the PA Soccer Coaches Association Banquet in Harrisburg. His hard work continues to pay off. Congratulations!
Photo Credit: Instagram
Rustin Signing Day
Congratulations to Ashley Rae, Jackson Roche, and John Hoffmayer for taking the next step in their journey as student-athletes. Ashley Rae committed to Lycoming College to play basketball, majoring in early childhood education and psychology; Jackson Roche has committed to play Shortstop in Goldey-Beacom College’s baseball program; and right-handed pitcher John Hoffmayer will play baseball at Virginia Wesleyan University. Congratulations to these outstanding student-athletes for taking the next step in their educational and athletic careers!
Unionville Robotics
Unionville High School’s Silver Wolves will travel to Washington, D.C. next week as the only robotics team to represent Pennsylvania in the Inaugural FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) United States Governors Cup.
Photo Credit: Facebook
Graduate’s List
Muhlenberg College Dean’s List
Julia Lennon, Spanish and Media Communication
William Wilson, Finance
Eliot Zhou, Biochemistry
Gabrielle Kiddie, History
Emma Friedlander, Theatre and Dance
Wilkes University Dean’s List
Reagan Weldon Peri, Environmental Engineering
Cameran Costello, Civil Engineering
Joseph Jackson, Civil Engineering
Sebastian Hess
University of Alabama Dean’s and President’s List
Natalie Gartner, News Media
Avery King, Sport Management
Blake Ellsworth, General Business
Gavin Lee, General Business
Anthony Del Beato, Finance
Mitchell Houck, Business
Jack Melvin, Finance
Skylar Saul, Psychology
Sofia Tolotta, Nursing
Stella Tucker, History
Ursinus College Provost’s List
Nolan Carroll
Grace DiGiacomo
Vienna Gurev
Molly Martin
Jason Bernard
Nicholas Covis
Daniel Kupiec
Colin Deal
Macey Hoffman
Alec Plante
Gianna Trusello
Ryan Zhuge
State University of New York at Purchase College Dean’s List
Lily O'Neil, Theatre Design/Technology
Salve Regina University Dean’s List
Fiona Simcox, Criminal Justice & Criminology
Grant Hineman, Finance
Presbyterian College President’s List
Isabella Romesburg, Biology
University at Albany Dean’s List
Skylar Baur, Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security & Cybersecurity
Trevor Saccomandi, Political Science
La Salle University Dean’s List
Natalie Ricci, Secondary Education
David McClain, Sport Management
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| Office Locations |
| District Office: |
| One Beaver Valley Road | (intersection of Route 202 & Naamans Creek Road) Chadds Ford, PA 19317-9012 | Phone (610) 358-5925 | FAX: 610-358-5933 |
| Capitol Office: |
| 3 East Wing, P.O. Box 202160, Harrisburg, PA 17120-2160 | Phone: 717-783-3038 | FAX: 717-787-7604 |
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