We retained that Democratic majority for this term, and like re-elected House Speaker Joanna McClinton said in her session-opening remarks on Tuesday, I look forward to making the impossible possible!
Without a doubt, these next two years will bring many legislative challenges, but it’s our grit and resolve as a “humble majority” that will see us through any challenge in the General Assembly.
This term, I’m pleased to report that Speaker McClinton and Majority Leader Matt Bradford appointed me to the House Housing; Tourism, Recreation and Economic Development; Health; State Government; and Children and Youth committees. I am very excited for committee work! New committees for me are Housing, Tourism and Energy, and I’ll be continuing with Health, State Government, and Children and Youth.
The early work we do in a committee plays a critical role in the legislative process by allowing us to review, analyze and refine proposed bills. My committees position me to steer policy in areas that can benefit every Pennsylvanian, and especially the most vulnerable among us.
I also look forward to refocusing on education investments with this year’s state budget, as well as next year’s. Last session, I voted for a budget that included a historic $1.1 billion increase for K-12 education – marking the largest single-year investment in the commonwealth's history. I speak on behalf of Southeast Delco, Upper Darby and William Penn school districts when I say just how necessary those investments became.
And speaking of investments, I’m proud to report that I helped secure over $14.4 million in state grants for our local communities last session – including for safer school buildings, road improvements, conservation projects and much more. Please contact my office if you need help applying for any state grant or program to benefit your organization, community group or business.
I also hope to meet more constituents this year! Thanks to my many district events last year, I spent a good deal of time listening to my neighbors and fellow PA citizens here in Delco. I brought with me those very same voices to each of my votes in the House.
In case you haven’t made it to one or would like to visit again, I host a Coffee with the Rep event the second Thursday of each month. My next one is Feb. 13. We'll discuss whatever state-related issue you'd like, with special focus on state programs available to you.