$1 million RACP grant secured for Ardmore Avenue Community Center upgrades

(Nov 01, 2024)

"This investment in the Ardmore Avenue Community Center builds a space where seniors, families and young people can connect and thrive," Briggs said. "Projects like this support healthy communities and bring real value to our daily lives." Read more

 

Briggs secures over $1.3 million in grants for Montco community projects

(Oct 22, 2024)

“These LSA funds will improve public spaces, revitalize landmarks, and modernize local infrastructure,” said Briggs. “The projects being funded are essential to improving the quality of life for our residents, whether it’s through the creation of public parks, the restoration of historic landmarks, or ensuring the safety of our fire stations. I’m thrilled to see these projects move forward.” Read more

 

2024 Summer Newsletter

(Aug 05, 2024)

2024 Summer Newsletter Read more

 

2024-25 Budget Update

(Jul 15, 2024)

I hope this email finds you well. I am excited to share some excellent news about the new state budget for 2024-25, which has been passed after a two-week delay. Here are the key highlights from our $47.6 billion budget: Read more

 

Bill to expand voices in higher education governance passes PA House

(Jul 03, 2024)

"With continued conversations about higher education policy and how our State System operates, it is time to ensure that employees' voices have an official place in those discussions," said Briggs. "This bill recognizes the contributions of faculty and staff and ensures their perspectives are included in decision-making processes that affect the entire state system." Read more

 

PA House passes legislation authorizing Corrections to establish a Medicaid reentry program

(Jul 02, 2024)

"This bill will undoubtedly reduce recidivism and help make our communities safer,” Briggs said. “Ensuring that individuals have access to the care they need during their transition back into society is not just beneficial for them, but for all of us. Read more

 

Bill to update regulations for dog kennels passes House

(Jul 02, 2024)

"House Bill 2413 would support service dog organizations, reduce unnecessary costs for dog owners, and ensure that our kennels operate efficiently and safely,” Briggs said. Read more

 

Briggs’ bill to authorize land conveyances passes House

(Jul 02, 2024)

"These land conveyances are crucial for maintaining and improving infrastructure while ensuring the efficient use of state-owned properties," Briggs said. "H.B. 2216 will allow us to manage our resources effectively and benefit communities across Pennsylvania." Read more

 

Daley, Briggs to hold Sunday morning paper shredding event on May 19

(May 08, 2024)

MERION STATION, May 8 – State Reps. Mary Jo Daley and Tim Briggs will hold a paper shredding event from 10 a.m. to noon, or until the truck is full, on Sunday, May 19. The free event will take place at Har Zion Temple, 1500 Hagys Ford Road in Penn Valley. Residents who live in the 148 th or 149 th Legislative districts are encouraged to bring their old, sensitive documents such as tax paperwork, utility bills and bank statements to be securely shredded on site. There is a three-box limit, and the event will be held rain or shine. “Securely shredding paper can help reduce the incidence of identity theft, plus the paper will be recycled,” said Daley, D-Montgomery. “I hope to see you there.” “This is a great opportunity to secure some peace of mind and extra space,” Briggs said. “Events like these provide a valuable service and give us the opportunity to connect with the community.” More information for those interested is available by contacting Daley’s office at 610-832-1679 or Briggs’ office at 610-768-3135. Read more

 

Gergely’s bill to advance PA health care initiative becomes law

(May 01, 2024)

HARRISBURG, May 1 – State Rep. Matthew R. Gergely’s bill to protect plasma donated throughout Pennsylvania and preserve its suitability for use in health and medical forums has been signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro at the state Capitol. Act No. 6 of 2024 , formerly H.B. 1795, requires that source plasma undergoes extensive testing upon donation and before it is ultimately integrated into essential pharmaceuticals The new law, co-sponsored by state Rep. Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery, also allows more focus to be devoted to developing such pharmaceuticals by eliminating a signification portion of subsequent testing conducted in labs during the clinical development phase. “Not only am I thrilled that my bill is officially on the books in PA, I’m thrilled to help put a positive step forward into place for Pennsylvanians who depend on donated plasma. Safeguarding their health is crucial, and I’m grateful to Gov. Shapiro for getting this legislation across the finishing line.” said Gergely, D-Allegheny. “Having been in office for a little over a year, I’m proud to be able to facilitate the passage of this bill and work with the Pennsylvania House and Senate and the governor.” “We're thrilled to join the governor in signing this bill and providing a beacon of hope for those facing serious medical challenges,” Briggs added. “Let's celebrate this milestone together and continue to fight for real Read more

 

Gergely’s bill to advance PA health care initiative heads to governor’s desk to become law

(Apr 11, 2024)

HARRISBURG, April 11 – State Rep. Matthew R. Gergely’s bill to protect plasma donated throughout Pennsylvania and preserve its suitability for use in health and medical forums passed the state Senate unanimously this week. The legislation (H.B. 1795) would require that source plasma, specifically, undergoes extensive testing upon donation and before it is ultimately integrated into essential pharmaceuticals. Gergely’s bill, co-sponsored by state Rep. Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery, would also allow more focus to be devoted to developing such pharmaceuticals by eliminating a signification portion of subsequent testing conducted in labs during the clinical development phase. “Plasma centers are a priority for me, as there are many in the communities I represent. Safeguarding healthy and viable plasma not only enhances quality of life for residents, it will save lives throughout the 35th District and the commonwealth at large,” said Gergely, D-Allegheny. “A huge thanks to Rep. Briggs for his collaboration and to the members of the Senate for all their efforts in getting this legislation to Governor Shapiro’s desk.” “We're on the verge of securing a lifeline for those battling serious medical conditions. With this bill’s imminent passage into law, we affirm our commitment to ensuring that every drop of plasma donated in our state is a beacon of hope for those in need,” Briggs added. “Let's Read more

 

Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti and Representative Tim Briggs announce Act 13 Grants for the Southeast

(Jan 18, 2024)

Act 13 grants give us the opportunity to invest our resources in the projects that protect, preserve, and enhance our outdoor spaces,” said Representative Briggs. “Phase two of the MacKenzie Park project in West Conshohocken will offer our community more outdoor recreation spaces to utilize with their friends and families, which is something we can all use more of these days. I’m proud to support this investment that will boost our quality of life for the whole region. Read more

 

House Judiciary approves Cephas/Kenyatta bill to end ‘ghost guns’

(Jan 17, 2024)

Today, the PA House Judiciary Committee approved a measure sponsored by state Reps. Morgan Cephas and Malcolm Kenyatta, both D-Phila., aimed at ending the proliferation of “ghost guns” in Pennsylvania Read more

 

Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti and Representative Tim Briggs announce $217,600 for Harriton Preserve

(Jan 08, 2024)

I’m proud to support the Growing Greener Program and its investment in the Preserve at Harriton’s restoration signifies a commitment to safeguarding natural havens for passive recreation. This grant fuels not just revitalization, but the longevity of our community's ecological legacy, setting a strong precedent for responsible open space management. Read more

 

House committee to consider Reproductive Rights Amendment

(Dec 13, 2023)

The Otten and Hanbidge bill proposes an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution that would reaffirm and protect every individual’s right of reproductive liberty with respect to personal, sexual, and reproductive healthcare decisions, including the right to choose or refuse an abortion, the right to choose or refuse contraceptives, and the right to choose or refuse fertility care, without discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or relationship status. Read more

 

Gergely’s bill to enhance quality of donated plasma in PA passes House unanimously

(Dec 11, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 11 – State Rep. Matthew R. Gergely’s bill that would ensure plasma donated throughout Pennsylvania is suitable for subsequent use in health and medical forums passed the state House of Representatives unanimously. The legislation (H.B. 1795 ) would require that source plasma specifically, undergoes extensive testing upon donation and before it is ultimately integrated into essential pharmaceuticals. Gergely’s bill, co-sponsored by state Rep. Tim Briggs of Montgomery County, would also allow more focus to be devoted to developing such pharmaceuticals by eliminating a signification portion of subsequent testing conducted in labs during the clinical development phase. “Having several source plasma centers local to the citizens I represent is a big part of why it’s such a priority for me. Safeguarding healthy and viable plasma will save lives and enhance quality of life throughout the 35th District and the Commonwealth at large,” said Gergely, D-Allegheny. “Thank you to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for moving this commitment to human welfare a step closer to reality.” “Plasma is a lifeline for countless individuals battling critical conditions. This proposed legislation aims to optimize this life-saving resource, ensuring its safety while expediting its availability for pharmaceutical use,” Briggs added. “Collaborating on this bill underscores our dedication to advancing Read more

 

2023 Judiciary Newsletter

(Nov 03, 2023)

2023 Judiciary Newsletter Read more

 

Gergely introduces bill to enhance quality of donated plasma in PA

(Oct 30, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Oct. 30 – State Rep. Matthew R. Gergely, D-Allegheny, introduced a bill today that would ensure plasma donated throughout the state is suitable for subsequent use in health and medical forums. The legislation (H.B. 1795 ) would require that source plasma, specifically, undergoes extensive testing upon donation and before it is ultimately integrated into essential pharmaceuticals. Gergely’s bill, co-sponsored by state Rep. Tim Briggs of Montgomery County, would also allow more focus to be devoted to developing such pharmaceuticals by eliminating a signification portion of subsequent testing conducted in labs during the clinical development phase. “Plasma is vital for treating rare diseases, chronic conditions, and emergencies like trauma and burns,” Gergely said. “My bill would help ensure that PA has a safe and sustainable plasma supply necessary for bettering and saving countless lives.” “In a world where plasma can mean the difference between life and death, we cannot afford to hinder the flow of this precious resource,” Briggs added. “By proposing legislation to align Pennsylvania's laws with federal standards for source plasma donation centers, we are taking a crucial step toward ensuring a reliable plasma supply for our state.” In 2017 alone, approximately 30 million liters of source plasma were collected in approximately 40 million procedures in the United States, per a work published Read more

 

2023 Newsletter

(Sep 22, 2023)

2023 Fall Newsletter Read more

 

PENNSYLVANIA STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS

(Aug 22, 2023)

PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Economic Development: Keystone Communities Program Who May Apply : Units of local government, redevelopment and/or housing authorities, nonprofit organizations to include economic development organizations, housing corporations, etc., community development corporations, business improvement districts, neighborhood improvement districts, and similar organizations incorporated as authorities. Use : Multiple uses, including: Planning grants (address a particular need or circumstance within a community, undertake a study relevant to an identified need, or study the results of implementing a specific activity) Implementation grants (assist designated KC program communities in implementing critical components of their approved Five-Year Strategy) Façade grants (to stimulate private investment in properties, foster an attractive environment, and preserve the architectural heritage of properties and communities. The grant funds may be used for primary street-facing, exterior building improvements in a defined target area of a downtown or neighborhood such as storefront signs, exterior façade painting, design assistance, etc.) Development grants (available to fund a variety of physical improvements, see program guidelines for full list) Public improvement grants (available to assist communities in a variety of development projects to help Read more

 

$1 million RACP grant secured for Ardmore Avenue Community Center upgrades
Nov 01, 2024

Briggs secures over $1.3 million in grants for Montco community projects
Oct 22, 2024

2024 Summer Newsletter
Aug 05, 2024

2024-25 Budget Update
Jul 15, 2024

Bill to expand voices in higher education governance passes PA House
Jul 03, 2024

PA House passes legislation authorizing Corrections to establish a Medicaid reentry program
Jul 02, 2024

Bill to update regulations for dog kennels passes House
Jul 02, 2024

Briggs’ bill to authorize land conveyances passes House
Jul 02, 2024

Daley, Briggs to hold Sunday morning paper shredding event on May 19
May 08, 2024

Gergely’s bill to advance PA health care initiative becomes law
May 01, 2024

Gergely’s bill to advance PA health care initiative heads to governor’s desk to become law
Apr 11, 2024

Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti and Representative Tim Briggs announce Act 13 Grants for the Southeast
Jan 18, 2024

House Judiciary approves Cephas/Kenyatta bill to end ‘ghost guns’
Jan 17, 2024

Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti and Representative Tim Briggs announce $217,600 for Harriton Preserve
Jan 08, 2024

House committee to consider Reproductive Rights Amendment
Dec 13, 2023

Gergely’s bill to enhance quality of donated plasma in PA passes House unanimously
Dec 11, 2023

2023 Judiciary Newsletter
Nov 03, 2023

Gergely introduces bill to enhance quality of donated plasma in PA
Oct 30, 2023

2023 Newsletter
Sep 22, 2023

PENNSYLVANIA STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS
Aug 22, 2023