Dear Neighbor,

The past two weeks have been incredibly busy and challenging in the district. Last week, I was proud to stand with the Pennsylvania Federation of Teachers, some of my colleagues, and the Southeast Delco School District community to oppose pending cuts to the U.S. Department of Education. We have been working tirelessly to ensure equitable education in Pennsylvania, and these federal cuts will only increase the burden on state and local resources.

The U.S. Department of Education supports over 1.7 million children across 2,900 Pennsylvania K-12 schools, funds two-year and four-year colleges and trade schools, invests in our workforce, and provides critical mental health and support services. Organizations like PFT are fighting against these unconstitutional and inhumane cuts. Thankfully, organizations like the Pennsylvania Federation of Teachers and many others are fighting to hold our federal government accountable to serve our students and communities!

I also had the opportunity to stand with my state legislative and county council colleagues, PASNAP, as well as the doctors and nurses at Crozer Hospital, who are fighting to keep Chester Crozer’s doors open. In the 163rd District, we understand firsthand the destruction to our healthcare system caused by Prospect Medical Holdings when they closed Delaware County Memorial Hospital. Instead of reinvesting in healthcare, Prospect profited from property sales, leaving patients and staff abandoned.

Legislation introduced by Rep. Lisa Borowski, which I strongly support, aims to prevent corporate sabotage by increasing oversight of hospital ownership changes. Additionally, the PA Senate Policy Committee recently held a crucial hearing to explore how we, as state legislators, can keep private equity out of hospital ownership in Pennsylvania. Prospect’s actions underscore the failures of privatized, for-profit healthcare. Their greed destroyed a vital institution, proving that corporate control is the problem—not the solution.

If you are in need of information regarding services or care at Crozer, or you just want to stay updated, the most up-to-date information can be found at the Delaware County Department of Health website.

Finally, don’t forget that this Saturday is my free paper shredding event hosted with State Rep. Gina H. Curry. In addition to sensitive paper documents, you can also bring hard drives, laptops and cell phones to be recycled.

It will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 15 in the Upper Darby High School parking lot.

Please read on for more about upcoming program deadlines and other updates that I hope you find useful.

Read Across America

I had an opportunity to read for Read Across America at St. George Head Start in Glenolden. I am an emphatic supporter of Head Start, and it's very important to remember that both federal and state funding goes to Head Start and early learning everywhere. Public funding for Head Start programs and early learning is crucial in providing children with access to quality education, health care, and nutrition, laying a strong foundation for their future success and closing achievement gaps.

Also, thanks to Ms. Stevens and Assistant Principal Jackson for inviting me to be a guest reader for an inquisitive and attentive third grade class at Darby Township School! I am always excited to be part of Read Across America Day!

Extended office hours available March 19

My Clifton Heights Office will be open for extended hours Wednesday, March 19, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to better serve constituents in the district.

My staff can help you with Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, PACE prescription assistance, health care insurance for kids, SNAP and Medicaid, Unemployment Compensation, utility problems and more.

Help with heating bills still available

After experiencing the coldest January in the past decade, PECO says customers need to take action to manage their bills. In addition to payment arrangements and assistance PECO provides, the company supports customers by connecting them with federal, local, and other funding that may be available to help meet their energy needs.

• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – Provides grants in varying amounts based on a household's income size, type of fuel and type of dwelling, with no pay back required. Customers can apply for LIHEAP energy assistance at peco.com/liheap or by calling 1-800-34-HELP4
   
• Customer Assistance Program (CAP) – A Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) that provides income-eligible customers with a fixed monthly bill so they can rely on and plan for a consistent bill amount from PECO every month.
   
• Low-Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP) – Provides year-round conservation and weatherization assistance to qualified households.
   
• Matching Energy Assistance Fund (MEAF) – Funded by citizen voluntary contributions, which are matched dollar-for-dollar by PECO. The fund provides up to $1,250 per customer in total assistance for those who qualify.
   
• Customer Assistance and Referral Evaluation Services (CARES) – A referral and information service designed to assist customers with temporary, personal, or financial hardships that prevent the payment of their utility bill.
   
• Small Business Gas Grant Program – Beginning January 2025, small business customers are eligible to apply for a one-time grant of $200 to be used toward their outstanding PECO natural gas bill. This program is on a first-come, first-considered basis, and eligible applicants should apply now at peco.com/gasgrant.

REAL ID enforcement date nearing | REAL ID Event is April 22

Starting May 7, a REAL ID or another TSA-approved identification (such as a passport) will be required to board domestic flights and enter certain federal facilities. Not everyone needs a REAL ID; it depends on a person’s travel and identification needs.
 

You do not need a REAL ID if:

• You have a valid U.S. Passport.
• You have another federally accepted form of ID (such as a military ID).
• You do not plan to fly or enter federal facilities that require ID.

To find more information about the REAL ID process, including what documents you need to apply, visit here: www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv/driver-services/real-id.html.

The entire Delaware County State Legislative Delegation has partnered with PennDOT to host an informational webinar on April 22 at 6 p.m. to help residents better understand the REAL ID requirements.

Beginning May 7, 2025, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license/photo ID card, or another form of federally acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to board a domestic commercial flight or enter a federal building or military installation that requires ID.

Our webinar will highlight what documents are required to get a REAL ID and feature a Q&A portion where participants can have their own REAL ID questions answered.

Interested in attending? Register using the link here: https://us02web.zoom.us/.../register/6gSObdnzQ5mHcj-MHhhy0g

You can still file your taxes with Direct File in PA 

More than 2 million Pennsylvanians are now eligible to use Direct File, the IRS tool that allows you to file your federal and state tax returns online securely and for free. The IRS launched this tool last year, but 2025 will be the first year that PA residents can use it.

Check to see if you will be eligible to use Direct File to file this year’s federal and state tax returns at https://directfile.irs.gov/.

Pennsylvania State Capitol
106-A East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-8099

District Office

6 S. Springfield Rd.
Clifton Heights, PA 19018
(484) 200-8262