 |
|
|
| |
| |
| Capitol Report |
#Listrak\DateStampLong#
|
The latest news from the State Capitol
|
Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unattended account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link.
|
Building on Last Year’s Bipartisan Budget Wins
Last year I voted for a bipartisan state budget that delivered several important results for our communities while maintaining fiscal discipline. That agreement continued funding for the Project Safe Neighborhoods program I secured, which provides funding for assistant district attorneys to serve as Special Assistant United States Attorneys in federal court prosecuting previously convicted felons found in possession of firearms. The budget also increased funding for Pennsylvania schools and maintained programs relied upon by seniors and working families. At the same time, the General Assembly avoided broad tax increases and kept spending decisions focused on core priorities.
This week the House Appropriations Committee concluded its series of state budget hearings with agencies from across the Commonwealth. During these hearings, legislators question agency leaders about spending plans and program performance. The hearings allow the General Assembly to examine how taxpayer dollars are being used before negotiations on the final state budget begin.
Energy policy also remained a major focus during the hearings and in my work this year. Pennsylvania sits at the center of the PJM electricity grid and remains one of the largest exporters of electricity in the region. At the same time, demand continues to grow rapidly as data centers and electrification place additional pressure on the grid. As I have written in recent months, expanding electricity production and protecting Pennsylvania ratepayers will remain an important part of the policy discussions surrounding this year’s budget.
With the hearings now complete, the focus turns to negotiating the final state budget.
|
PHEAA Hosts Scholarship Sweepstakes
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is offering a chance to win a $2,500 scholarship through its PA Forward Student Loan Program.
The scholarship sweepstakes is open to Pennsylvania college students, graduate students and parents of students who opt in to receive communications from PHEAA between now and May 1 for the 2026-27 academic year. These communications provide information and guidance to help families plan and pay for college.
Twelve winners will be announced in May. Please click here to learn more and enter the PA Forward sweepstakes.
|
New Tax Credit to Help Working Pennsylvanians
With tax season underway, Pennsylvanians should know about a new tax credit created in the state budget to help working families keep more of their earnings.
The Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) Tax Credit, also known as the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, provides income-qualified workers with a tax credit equal to 10% of their federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). I supported this measure because it returns more of a worker’s own money back to the people who earned it.
Eligibility for the credit depends on income and number of dependents. More information, including a tax credit calculator, is available here.
|
Plan Your PA Getaway!
Pennsylvania’s 2026 Travel Guide is now available to help residents and visitors plan trips across the Commonwealth.
This year’s free guide highlights events connected to the nation’s 250th anniversary and several major sporting events coming to Pennsylvania, including the FIFA World Cup, NFL Draft, PGA Championship and NCAA March Madness tournaments.
The guide also features attractions and destinations across the Commonwealth for travelers of all ages. Please click here to view the guide online or sign up to receive a free printed copy.
|
Toll Scam Targeting Pennsylvanians
A new text message scam is circulating across Pennsylvania involving supposed unpaid toll violations. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission reports that scammers are sending messages to random individuals in an attempt to trick them into providing personal financial information.
These messages falsely claim to come from the “Traffic Division of Philadelphia Municipal Court.” The texts typically state that the recipient owes unpaid tolls, fines and court costs and may include a fake QR code directing the recipient to submit payment.
If you receive an unsolicited text or email claiming to be from the Pennsylvania Turnpike or another tolling agency, do not click the link or scan the QR code. Customers who use E-ZPass or Toll by Plate may check their accounts through the official Pennsylvania Turnpike E-ZPass website or through the PA Toll Pay app available in the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Anyone who receives a fraudulent message may report the incident to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov, which helps law enforcement track and investigate online fraud.
|
Around the District
Blood Drive at Rachel Kohl Library
The Rachel Kohl Community Library will host a blood drive on Friday, March 27, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The drive will take place in the library’s community room at 687 Smithbridge Road in Glen Mills.
Donors must be at least 17 years old or have parental consent. Please bring a photo identification card, eat beforehand and stay hydrated before donating.
Residents may register to donate by visiting delmarvablood.org/drives.
Chadds Ford: Archie’s Corner Preservation Efforts
CBS Philadelphia recently highlighted ongoing efforts in Chadds Ford Township to preserve the remains of the African Union Methodist Protestant Church, known today as Archie’s Corner. Lydia A. Archie, known to her congregation as Mother Archie, purchased the property in 1891 and served the community as a spiritual leader until her passing in 1931.
Archie’s Corner later appeared in a series of paintings by Andrew Wyeth, who visited the site frequently in the 1950s. The property includes the ruins of the historic church and the surrounding cemetery. After Mother Archie’s passing, the site fell into disuse and Chadds Ford Township purchased the property in 1954.
In recent years, the township’s Board of Supervisors created Mother Archie’s Steering Committee to guide preservation work at the site. According to the report, the township is partnering with the University of Pennsylvania to use drone technology to help map and document the property.
The preservation of historic places like Archie’s Corner helps maintain an important part of our community’s heritage. I appreciate the work of the steering committee and the township to protect this historic site.
You may view the story from CBS here.
Photo Credit: Chadds Ford
|
Bravo Zulu
*The BZ pennants are hoisted as a part of Navy/Marine Corps custom to communicate “GOOD JOB!”
Wrestler Neve O’Byrne Repeats as State Champion
Congratulations to Garnet Valley sophomore Neve O’Byrne on winning a second consecutive Pennsylvania state championship. Neve O’Byrne completed the season undefeated with a 32-0 record.
This achievement reflects months of hard work, preparation and determination. The Garnet Valley community looks forward to watching Neve O’Byrne continue competing and representing the school at the highest level.
Photo Credit: Delco Times
Wrestler Paxton Hunt Wins Silver at State Championship
Congratulations to Garnet Valley senior Paxton Hunt on earning a silver medal at the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association state wrestling championship in the 215-pound weight class.
Paxton Hunt competed for four years with the Garnet Valley wrestling program. His season concluded with a strong performance at the state championship tournament.
Paxton Hunt has committed to play men’s football at Franklin and Marshall College. Best wishes as he continues his athletic career at the collegiate level.
Photo Credit: Instagram
Unionville Pole Vaulter Alex Undorf Places Fourth at State Championship
Congratulations to Unionville senior Alex Undorf on earning fourth place at the Pennsylvania Track and Field Coaches Association Indoor Track and Field State Championships. Alex Undorf cleared 14 feet 6 inches in the pole vault to set a personal record and secure the fourth-place finish.
Alex Undorf has built a strong high school track and field career. The Unionville community looks forward to watching him compete during the outdoor track season this spring.
Photo Credit: Instagram
Unionville Swimmer Grant Fleming Wins Gold at District One Championships
Congratulations to Unionville junior Grant Fleming on winning first place in the 100-yard backstroke at the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association District One Swimming Championships. Grant Fleming finished with a time of 48.98 seconds to earn the gold medal.
Grant Fleming now advances to the state championships. Best wishes as he continues the season at the next level of competition.
Photo Credit: Instagram
Rustin Wrestler AJ Corp Wins Second State Medal
Congratulations to Rustin junior AJ Corp on earning his second Pennsylvania state wrestling medal in the 172-pound weight class. AJ Corp secured another podium finish through strong performance during the state championship tournament.
AJ Corp has committed to continue his wrestling career at the United States Naval Academy. The Rustin community looks forward to watching his continued success next season.
Photo Credit: Instagram
Rustin Men’s Basketball Player Timmy Batchelor Earns First Team All Ches-Mont
Congratulations to Rustin men’s basketball player Timmy Batchelor on earning First Team All Ches-Mont recognition. In his final high school season, Timmy Batchelor recorded 229 points, 149 rebounds and 23 blocks while shooting 52% from the field.
This recognition reflects a strong senior season and consistent performance on the court. The Rustin community wishes Timmy Batchelor continued success in the next chapter of his athletic career.
Photo Credit: Instagram
Millerville University Graduates
Christina Konstantopoulos, Chadds Ford, Bachelor of Science, Elementary and Special Education
Abigail Sims, Garnet Valley, Garnet Valley, Bachelor of Science, Elementary and Special Education
Michael Rock, West Chester, Bachelor of Arts in Entertainment Technology
Matthew Maiorano, West Chester, Bachelor of Science- Education in Social Studies
Dino Carbone, Garnet Valley, Bachelor of Science-Music Industry
|
|
| 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 |
| |
|
|
