Dear Neighbor,
Many of you have been following the labor negotiations between PECO and IBEW Local 614. The union's approximately 1,500 members began a strike last Saturday after working without a new contract since April.
These hardworking employees play a critical role in ensuring reliable electric and natural gas services for families and businesses across our region. They often work long hours in dangerous conditions and respond during storms and emergencies.
On July 2, I joined my House colleagues from the Southeast Delegation in sending a letter to PECO leadership urging the company to negotiate a fair collective bargaining agreement. This past Sunday, I was on the picket line in Eddystone. And throughout this process, I’ve been vocal with the legislative liaisons at PECO and Exelon about my support for their workers and disdain for corporate greed.
On Thursday, PECO announced that it has reached a tentative labor agreement with IBEW Local 614, ending the strike. Union employees are expected to return to work while the agreement moves through the union’s ratification process. I’m encouraged by this progress and anticipate that the agreement will provide the fair wages, benefits, and workplace protections these essential workers deserve.
I will always side with the laborers who keep our communities running.
Sincerely,
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Pennsylvania State Rep. David M. Delloso
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Budget negotiations continue in Harrisburg, and we await action from the state Senate after the House sent them a budget proposal almost three months ago. Yesterday morning, House Speaker McClinton informed us to report to Harrisburg both days this weekend in anticipation of the House and Senate finally reaching an agreement.
Meanwhile, the House has remained focused on moving important legislation forward.
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Throughout June, we passed bills that would help alleviate everyday challenges facing Pennsylvanians, strengthen consumer protections, and improve the quality of life for workers and families. Here are a few bills we recently approved, which now await Senate action:
H.R. 363 directs a study of Pennsylvania’s childcare industry and calls for recommendations to improve access, affordability, and long-term sustainability. The study will help identify ways the Commonwealth can better support working families, childcare providers, and our workforce.
H.B. 2551 would strengthen consumer protections by prohibiting the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and all Commonwealth agencies from using text messages to notify residents about fines, fees, or tolls. With the increase in text message scams impersonating government agencies, this bill would help protect residents from fraudulent messages and potential identity theft.
H.B. 95 would require AI-generated or manipulated content used to sell products to include a disclosure about its AI usage. As artificial intelligence becomes more common in advertising, consumers deserve to know when the content they see has been created or altered by AI.
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New grant program boosts highway industry careers for PA students
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PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Department of Education have launched a competitive grant program to expand career pathways in the Heavy Highway Industry. From July 7 to Sept. 1, eligible educational institutions—including K-12 schools, career centers, and colleges—can apply for up to $500,000 to fund training, certifications, and on-the-job learning for skilled trades like welding, electrical work, and surveying.
With 92% of contractors struggling to fill positions and 41% of the workforce set to retire by 2031, the $12 million program addresses critical shortages. Applications must demonstrate collaboration with industry partners.
“These grants will help schools start or expand programs to expose students to the trades that will continue building Pennsylvania,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll.
The initiative builds on the Shapiro administration’s $65 million CTE investment and supports the Commonwealth Workforce Transformation Program. Learn more at PennDOT or PDE.
The new competitive grant program will accept applications from July 7 - Sept. 1.
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I hope you had a fantastic July 4th! Here's to another 250 years!
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On Saturday, August 29th, I will be hosting a senior fair at Folcroft’s Community Center located at 797 E Ashland Ave. This is a great opportunity to connect and learn about resources for older people and their families. I hope to see you there!
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DCHD – Navigating Our Health Care System
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If you were previously a Crozer patient and need assistance obtaining your medical records, join DCHD for a special walk-in support event where staff will be available to guide you through the process.
Wednesday, July 15
3 PM – 6 PM
Delaware County Wellness Center
125 Chester Avenue, Yeadon, PA 19050
Walk-ins welcome. Please bring your cell phone and a valid ID. For questions, call the Delaware County Wellness Line at 484-276-2100.
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Staying Ahead of the Heat
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The recent heat wave is a reminder that persistent high temperatures place increased strain on both homes and utility systems. In response, the PUC is closely monitoring electric utility operations across the Commonwealth and remains in regular contact with utilities to help identify and address any issues that may arise as the heat continues.
The PUC is also monitoring developments within PJM, which, as the regional grid operator, has already begun preparations for the possibility of prolonged extreme heat and extraordinary electric demand. This includes PJM’s request for temporary emergency authority from the U.S. Department of Energy, which would authorize PJM—as a last resort and only under the most severe emergency conditions—to direct that certain large electric customers, including some data centers and other major industrial or commercial facilities equipped with backup generation, temporarily operate those backup resources before broader emergency actions affecting electric service become necessary.
The Commission notes that PJM has emphasized this emergency authority would be used only after other available reliability tools have been exhausted, and only to help avoid broader emergency actions affecting electric customers.
During periods of extreme heat, individual consumers can also help reduce strain on the electric system—particularly during the late afternoon and early evening hours, when electricity demand is typically at its highest:
- Raise your thermostat a degree or two, if it can be done safely and comfortably.
- Delay using high-energy appliances, like dishwashers, clothes dryers, and ovens, until cooler parts of the day.
- Close blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day to reduce indoor temperatures.
- Use fans to improve comfort while reducing air conditioning demand where appropriate.
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
111 Irvis Office Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-6437
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District Office
605 E. Chester Pike
Ridley Park, PA 19078
(610) 534-1002
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