Dear Neighbor,
Prospect Medical Holdings, the for-profit owner of Crozer Health, recently filed for bankruptcy. This alarming move is what my colleagues and I have been worried about since cutback of services and shuttering of hospitals began in 2020. Our healthcare systems in Delaware County are already feeling the strain and if further cutbacks happen, it will only get worse. I will continue to remain in contact with all stakeholders and do all that I can to advocate for quality accessible healthcare in Delaware County. I will also continue working to pass legislation that would prevent private equity firms from repeating this process over and over again across the Commonwealth.
Click here to read an article from the Philadelphia Inquirer to learn more about Prospect Medical Holdings bankruptcy filing.
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Listening to first responders’ voices
I had the honor of joining my colleagues state Rep. Greg Scott and state Sen. Amanda Cappelletti at the Pennsylvania Career Fire Chiefs Association meeting to discuss the group’s legislative priorities and what issues they as firefighters are seeing across the Commonwealth. Thank you for having us and for everything you do for your communities!
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Upcoming SEPTA outage
From Saturday morning, Feb. 15 through Sunday, March 2, the Route 101 Trolley will be shut down. This is so SEPTA can conduct an essential bridge rehabilitation project just south of the Drexeline Station.
Throughout this outage, SEPTA shuttle buses will replace all Route 101 Trolleys between 69th Street Transportation Center and end of line Media (Orange Street) Station. Customers should plan for approximately 15 minutes of additional travel time and look for signage at stations for bus boarding locations.
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Committee Assignments for New Legislative Session
I'm excited to announce my committee assignments for the 2025-26 legislative session! I will once again be serving on the Labor & Industry, Transportation, and Veteran Affairs & Emergency Preparedness committees. Also, for the first time, I have been appointed to serve on the Education Committee. I am looking forward to serving again on these committees and continuing to work for you from Delco to Harrisburg!
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PTRR Program now open
Applications are now open for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. This program benefits older adults and Pennsylvanians with disabilities by providing a portion of money back on property taxes or rent paid in the prior year.
The income cap was recently raised to $46,520 (excluding half of Social Security), meaning more Pennsylvanians qualify than in previous years.
It’s quick and easy to apply online at https://pa.gov/PTRR, but my district office can also provide paper applications to anyone interested.
If you have any questions about the application process, feel free to call my office at (610) 544-9878. My office is also teaming up with state Sen. Tim Kearney & state Rep. Greg Vitali to host a PTRR clinic on Friday, Jan. 31 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Surrey Senior Services. To register, please call Sen. Kearney’s office at 610-544-6120.
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Delaware County Real Estate Tax Deferral Program
Delaware County’s Real Estate Tax Deferral Program is designed to help eligible homeowners manage increases in real estate taxes caused by millage rate changes. This program allows qualified homeowners to defer (postpone) tax increases, with the deferred amount becoming a lien on the property. Deferred taxes are repaid only when the property is sold, transferred, or upon the death of the claimant, unless paid earlier voluntarily.
There is no cost to participate in the program, and eligible homeowners must meet the following criteria:
- Have a household income of $46,520 or less.
- Own and occupy the property as a primary residence for at least 12 months.
- Maintain fire or casualty insurance coverage equal to or exceeding the amount of deferred taxes.
- Have no outstanding property taxes or special assessments.
- Written approval is also required from a spouse (if filing jointly) or Trustee (if held in a qualifying Trust).
Visit Delco’s tax help page for more information.
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Gun violence prevention webinar: Discussing Extreme Risk Protection Orders
Join CeaseFirePA and me for a virtual discussion on Extreme Risk Protection Orders – a cause I’ve advocated for since my first term in office – on Feb. 6. ERPOs temporarily disarm people in crisis, ensuring they do not have access to firearms when they’ve demonstrated that they are a risk to themselves or others. My legislation to enact ERPOs in Pennsylvania passed the House with bipartisan support last session, but never received a full Senate vote. This free webinar will open a dialogue on strategies to prevent that from happening again in 2025. Anyone interested in attending can register at: bit.ly/B4SERPO.
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Pennsylvania House Fellowship Program
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives Legislative Fellowship Program is currently accepting applications for the Summer 2025 semester.
The Fellowship Program is based in Pennsylvania’s magnificent state Capitol Building in Harrisburg. Fellows are assigned to work in House Standing Committees or House Leadership offices, are compensated for their work (which may also include college credit), are provided the opportunities to draft and present their own legislation, attend meet-and-greets with various public officials and staff, tour some of the Commonwealth’s historic public spaces, and much more.
If you’re a Pennsylvania college student with at least a 3.0 GPA and an interest in public service, check out the details by visiting www.pahousefellowship.us.
Applications can be submitted via email at pahousefellowship@pabmc.net before March 1, 2025.
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Ice on State is Back this Weekend!
It’s that time again! Ice on State is back in downtown Media, PA on Jan. 25 & 26! Last year was an absolute blast, and this year promises to be just as magical (if not more!)
Get ready to witness the incredible Ice Sculpture Philly squad creating sparkling, custom ice art right on State Street! Plus:
LIVE ICE CARVING of a full-sized DJ booth on Saturday at 4 p.m., followed by a killer DJ set from
5 p.m. - 8 p.m. with family-friendly singalongs!
PINK & GREEN WICKEDLY WITCHES will be strolling the streets on Sunday from noon - 3 p.m.!
the DJ will be back on Sunday from noon – 3 p.m. with another set of great tunes!
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
217 Irvis Office Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-4090
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District Office
26 E. 4th St.
Media, PA 19063
(610) 544-9878
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