Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah & Happy Kwanzaa to all our neighbors of the 168th!

As we all run around finishing up those last little odds and ends needed to make the holidays special, I just wanted to take a moment to reach out and wish you, your families, and loved ones happy holidays and all the best for the coming new year.

As my first two years representing the incredible communities of the 168th draw to a close, I am really proud of the work we have accomplished, together. With the support of Marie, Kate, Peter, and Mary Ann we have worked with thousands of residents and helped them gain access to a wide variety of state services. From SEPTA cards to property tax rent relief, to securing funding for needed programs and services, we have worked hard to create an office which is accessible and responsive to the communities we serve.

We have had so much fun getting to know our neighbors, business communities, first responders, and township staff, as well as our schools and their incredible staff. As I get to know so many districts across the state, I will say (with absolute bias) the 168th is one of the best, if not the best!

I look forward to the next two years of working with you all to continue to raise the 168th's profile in Harrisburg to bring back state investments and create legislation to support the needs of the district. But most importantly, I remain committed to the work we do each and every day in the district office where we serve you, our neighbors.

Team 168 (Marie, Kate, Peter, Mary Ann along with Rhyanna and Lauren in Harrisburg) wishes you all a wonderful and blessed holiday season and a wonderful new year!

Cheers!

In this edition:

Harrisburg Update

- Reduced/eliminated vehicle registration fees for some Veterans, retirees

- Yellow Dot program for medical safety

In the District

- Edgmont tree lighting

- Volunteering with Sharing Excess

- Holiday Open House

- Diaper Drive success!

- Start of Delco Hi-Q season

FYI

- First Day Hike in Ridley Creek State Park (1/1)

- Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program applications due Dec. 31

Community Events

- Unclaimed Property event (2/4)

- Property Tax / Rent rebate event (2/25)

?? Reduced/eliminated vehicle registration fees for some Veterans, retirees

Thanks to a bipartisan effort between the Shapiro Administration and the legislature, PennDOT has increased the annual income threshold for retired Pennsylvanians to qualify for a reduced vehicle registration fee, making more people eligible for the benefit.

Previously, the annual income threshold for a retired customer to qualify for a reduced registration fee of $11 annually was $19,200. The annual income threshold is now $29,906 and will be subject to annual Consumer Price Index adjustments.

Registration and title fees are now eliminated for one vehicle for military veterans who lost a limb or eye or who became partially paralyzed while serving; who were captured by the enemy in any armed conflict for which the Department of Defense authorizes a campaign medal; and for those who have been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor or a Purple Heart.

If eligible, complete and submit Form MV-371 with your invitation to renew your registration and return it to PennDOT. The $11 annual fee will be applied after the application is processed. More information on eligibility requirements can be found on PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website.

?? Yellow Dot program for medical safety

The Yellow Dot Program is a new effort among PennDOT, the state departments of Health and Aging, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, first responders, and local law enforcement.

Placing a Yellow Dot decal in your vehicle’s rear window alerts first responders to check your glove compartment for vital information to ensure you receive the medical attention you need.

To participate and receive your Yellow Dot decal, visit the program website or stop by our office to pick one up.

This week I joined my colleagues in the Southeast Delegation for a day of volunteering at Sharing Excess to prepare produce and foods for those in need this holiday season. We prepared almost 7,000 pounds of food for folks in Philadelphia, Delco, and the surrounding counties!

Loyal readers of my e-newsletters may recall that I first talked about Sharing Excess back in September. The brainchild of a Drexel University grad, the organization takes wholesale food from vendors that would’ve otherwise been thrown away to make room for new inventory and instead distributes it to people in need. Sharing Excess has become the single largest food distribution point in Philly!

We love hosting our neighbors at the office! Earlier this month, we held a little holiday open house and were so grateful to see so many friends stop by. The event was made even more festive with a special cookie tray from Weinrich Bakery in Newtown Square (yum)!

Marie, Kate, Peter, Mary Ann, and I are always available to provide assistance...no matter what the season! Thank you to everyone who stopped by!

I am always in awe of the generosity of our neighbors, and this winter’s diaper drive was no exception! In conjunction with Sen. Kearney’s office, local YMCAs (including Rocky Run), and fellow elected officials across Delco, we collected tens of thousands of diapers, wipes, and containers of formula for moms and babies served by Healthy Start, Nurse-Family Partnership, WIC, and the Maternity Care Coalition.

I was thrilled to join the students of Delco for the start of the Hi-Q season presented by Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union. The first competition was held at the Delaware County Christian School, home to last year’s state championship team. It was a great match between DCCS, Springfield, and Haverford with DCCS taking top honors. Kudos to all the students who are so well rounded in their education and knowledge. Our future is in great hands with these accomplished students.

My score this time? A whopping three

correct answers.

The Friends of Ridley are again hosting a New Year's Day Hike along the Equestrian Trail in Ridley Creek State Park, beginning promptly at 10 am, Wednesday, January 1, behind Pavilion #8.

Gary Sawyer will lead a 3.5-mile lollipop loop with views of the creek and a stop at the historic hilltop Russell Cemetery. It is expected to last 2 to 2 ½ hours. 

The hike starts at the parking lot behind Pavilion 8, descends to the creek at Gradyville Road, passes by an area recovering from a tornado in 2019, and winds around a lovely wooded section up and over Hunting Hill and the Russell Cemetery. The trail is wide, mostly gravel, with good footing. Be prepared for early January weather conditions, and for elevation gains of about 350 ft. They will have hot chocolate, coffee, and light refreshments at the trailhead after the hike. There's a limit of 25 participants for the hike. Dogs are allowed on leash at all times. Please register by email to Gary at muddyboots@comcast.net to secure a spot.

Don’t miss out on your rebate! Pennsylvanians have until December 31 to apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue has already received over 523,000 rebate claims in 2024, including nearly 103,000 first-time applicants. My colleagues and I fought hard to expand this program and we want everyone who is eligible to get a rebate on taxes or rent they paid in 2023.

Community Events

Pennsylvania State Capitol

4-A East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 772-2005

District Office

4 S Newtown Street Rd., Suite 100
Newtown Square, PA 19073
(484) 427-2884