2024 Winter/Spring Newsletter

(Feb 09, 2024)

Read my latest newsletter for more information on my work in Harrisburg and upcoming community events. Read more

 

House Democratic Leaders Praise Governor’s Budget Proposal

(Feb 06, 2024)

HARRISBURG, February 6 – Pennsylvania House Democratic Leaders today issued the following statement on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2024-25 state budget proposal, which makes important investments in education, jobs and communities, creating new opportunities for strengthening Pennsylvania without raising taxes: “Governor Shapiro laid out a comprehensive proposal that builds on last year’s historic investments in education while recognizing the important work of the Basic Education Funding Commission. House Democrats remain committed to fulfilling our constitutional and moral obligation to fund our public schools to ensure that every child, regardless of their ZIP code, has access to a quality public education. We look forward to working with the governor and our colleagues to deliver on that obligation. “As our economy continues to strengthen, this is a critical moment in time to invest in our workforce and economy. Governor Shapiro’s proposal prioritizes investments that will attract and retain businesses while growing our workforce. “We’re very encouraged that this plan makes key investments without raising taxes or diminishing our healthy surpluses. “To be clear, House Democrats insist that we fulfill our constitutional and moral obligation to fund our public schools; that we do more to invest in our colleges and universities; that we make smart investments to attract and retain businesses Read more

 

Email Update: February 5

(Feb 05, 2024)

The application for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is now open. This program provides real relief to thousands of Montgomery County homeowners and renters. This year, more of our neighbors will see relief from this program. The maximum rebate amount has increased this year from $650 to $1,000, and the income limit has increased to $45,000 for both homeowners and renters. This means an additional 5,000 Montgomery County homeowners and renters will qualify under these new income limits! Read more

 

House Democratic Leaders Commend Governor Shapiro's Plan to Strengthen Our Workforce and Economy

(Jan 30, 2024)

Pennsylvania House Democratic Leaders' statement on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s comprehensive economic development plan for Pennsylvania: Read more

 

Email Update: January 26

(Jan 26, 2024)

Mitzvah Circle is an amazing community partner that provides a variety of items for our neighbors in need. Right now, they have an immediate need for toddler-sized clothing and winter coats. We have such a generous community who stepped up when our office held a winter coat drive last fall. So, I am teaming up with my fellow Montco state representatives to support Mitzvah Circle and meet this current need. Read more

 

House Democratic Leaders Praise Governor Shapiro’s Plan to Build a Student-first Streamlined Higher Education System

(Jan 26, 2024)

House Democratic Leaders' statement on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s plan to build a student-first streamlined higher education system to ensure higher education is affordable and accessible to all.   Read more

 

Email Update: January 19

(Jan 19, 2024)

State Rep. Liz Hanbidge and I invite you to our upcoming town hall meeting on Thursday, Jan. 25, from 6:00 – 7:30 PM in College Hall 144/148/151 at Montgomery County Community College, 340 Dekalb Pike, Blue Bell (enter off Cathcard Road and follow signage). Read more

 

Rep. Bradford announces $250,000 for Perkiomen Township Park development project

(Jan 16, 2024)

WORCESTER, Jan. 16 – Pennsylvania House Majority Leader Matt Bradford today announced $250,000 for a park development project in Perkiomen Township, Montgomery County. "A community park is an important landmark for a community, providing recreational opportunities for our neighbors and a greenspace to preserve our natural resources. This funding will go toward the development of a much-needed park in a community that currently lacks sufficient recreation space," said Bradford, D-Montgomery. "I'm grateful that the state is investing in Perkiomen Township's park project." Perkiomen Township was awarded a $250,000 Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program grant for the construction costs associated with the development of the Highlands/Huber Park along Salem Road. This project involves site preparation, the construction of two parking areas with ADA access, walkways, a pedestrian bridge, a pavilion, and a nature-based playground, planting of 40 trees and construction of a rain garden with bioswale and plantings to address erosion issues. Funds distributed through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development's Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program go toward projects that involve the development, rehabilitation and improvements to public parks, recreation areas, greenways, trails and river conservation. ### House Democrats are committed to promoting better jobs, better Read more

 

Email Update: January 12

(Jan 12, 2024)

Access to affordable child and dependent care is an issue that many Montco families can relate to. But it's more than a family issue. It's a business issue. If we want a strong and stable workforce, we must ensure that working families have access to affordable child and dependent care. We have delivered on this and families will see real relief soon! Read more

 

House Democratic Leaders laud significant, targeted investments proposed in education funding report

(Jan 11, 2024)

Pennsylvania House Democratic Leaders today issued the following statement on a report and recommendations passed by the Basic Education Funding Commission today: Read more

 

Email Update: January 8

(Jan 08, 2024)

Ensuring that our older neighbors have access to affordable prescription medications is critical to maintaining a healthy quality of life. Thankfully, help is available to qualifying individuals ages 65 and older through the PACE and PACENET programs, which are run by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. The Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly (PACE) and the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly Needs Enhancement Tier (PACENET) programs provide comprehensive reimbursement coverage for prescription medications to qualifying older Pennsylvanians. Read more

 

PA House Democrats Deliver: Safer, healthier, more equitable communities

(Dec 29, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 29 – As the House majority in 2023, the Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus advanced measures to keep communities safer, healthier and make them better places to live for all residents. First, House Democrats championed legislation to strengthen public safety, including keeping 911 services operational, making Pennsylvania roadways safer for drivers and pedestrians, and recruiting more law enforcement professionals. 911 Centers serve residents and first responders 24/7/365 -- often during times of emergency. When funding for 911 Centers was at risk, House Democrats fought for a plan to secure funding to enable them to continue to serve the public and make improvements to the 911 system. Communities across Pennsylvania are struggling to fill police officer positions , but a plan introduced by Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, will update some outdated standards used to assess applicants that have made recruiting municipal police officers more difficult and imbalanced statewide. “Vacancies in local police departments hurt our communities and put us all at risk,” Williams said. “This measure will give our local police departments a tool to help solve their vacancies but is only a piece of the puzzle as we need to do more.” This comes after an announcement earlier this year that the Pennsylvania State Police was removing its college credit requirement on a trial basis to attract more Read more

 

Email Update: December 29

(Dec 28, 2023)

As the year winds down and we look forward to what 2024 holds, I’m proud of many accomplishments this year. My staff and I are grateful for the opportunity to have helped thousands of our neighbors throughout the year in our district offices and at community events and town hall meetings. Read more

 

PA House Democrats Deliver: Investing in a Quality Education for PA Students

(Dec 28, 2023)

This year, House Democrats championed record investments in K-12 public education while starting action to fulfill their constitutional obligation to adequately and equitably fund public schools. Read more

 

PA House Democrats Deliver: Improving PA’s Economy for Workers and Businesses

(Dec 27, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 27 – With an aggressive agenda in 2023, the Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus advanced the commonwealth’s economic outlook and helped working families and seniors across the state by driving policies that return more money to the people who make our local economies thrive. Read more

 

Email Update: December 21

(Dec 21, 2023)

‘Tis the season to spread holiday cheer! My office recently visited several local senior centers to deliver festive poinsettias to our neighbors. While my staff and I enjoy helping people in our offices, it’s also nice to be out in the community connecting with folks – whether at community events, holiday parades, and even visits like these. We’re proud to be a part of our community and we look forward to continuing to helping our neighbors in 2024. Read more

 

Rep. Bradford Announces Nearly $2.2 Million for Local Water Infrastructure Improvement Projects

(Dec 19, 2023)

These state funds will help support East Norriton’s and Schwenksville’s efforts to make repairs and upgrades to ensure our infrastructure remains strong. I’m grateful that the state is investing in these important local projects so that the cost is not passed on to local residents. Read more

 

Email Update: December 15

(Dec 15, 2023)

Many families understand the struggle to balance work and family-related expenses, especially if you’re paying for your child’s daycare or you’re a caregiver of an adult or an elderly loved one. Families shouldn’t have to choose between going to work and having quality care for a loved one. Families shouldn’t have to work just to pay for care.My colleagues and I fought and won for working families by easing that cost burden through a significant increase in the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit, which we just passed in the legislature this week with bipartisan support. This was part of a larger package of state budget-related bills that we passed and that Governor Shapiro signed into law this week. Read more

 

Email Update: December 8

(Dec 08, 2023)

As parents of a daughter in college, a son exploring his post-high school graduation options, while saving for two more kids, my wife Renee and I are keenly aware that affordability is a significant factor when we as a family discuss higher education opportunities. I want to make sure families like ours have the tools and resources available. That's why I'm teaming up with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) for a financial aid webinar for families and students who would like to pursue a higher education. Read more

 

Email Update: December 1

(Dec 01, 2023)

As we near the end of the year, it’s easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays. But if you’re a pet parent, it’s important that you don’t neglect to have your dog licensed. All dogs three months or older must be licensed by Jan. 1 of each year. Licensing your dog is the law and the most effective way to ensure their safety. Need help with the licensing process? My office is here to help! I’m teaming up with the Office of Montgomery County Treasurer Jason Salus to host two dog licensing events. Read more