100 Days of 100% Dedication to Serving PA29
Today marks my 100th day in office
Rep. Tim Brennan April 14, 2023 | 11:47 AM
One hundred days have flown by since I was sworn in as your State Representative for the 29th Legislative District on January 3. As a believer in democracy and serving others, I’m honored to represent you in my work to shape policy that improves the lives of Pennsylvanians, particularly in Bucks County.
I was happy to meet some of you in March at the Open House for my district office, located at 80 N. Main Street in Doylestown. Visitors filled two huge boxes with food donations for distribution by the Bucks County Opportunity Council and enjoyed artwork loaned to us by several local artists. Their beautiful paintings are still hanging throughout the office – we’re in no hurry for them to be reclaimed! It was wonderful to celebrate with more than 100 friends, neighbors, and constituents.
This local office exists for the benefit of all constituents in the 29th District, which extends from Chalfont to Solebury in Bucks County. We offer a wide range of services, such as assistance with property tax/rent rebates, PennDOT issues, unemployment compensation, SEPTA Senior Key Cards, notary services, and much more. So far we have provided more than 721 services to constituents! SEPTA cards are by far the most popular—we’ve helped 111 of you with your applications to obtain or renew them. In addition, we work hard to get the word out about legislative news, services, and bills that may affect you.
My staff and I are also here to intervene on your behalf regarding state-related issues that may have become entangled in bureaucracy. We have direct contacts at many state agencies who can, for example, help move along unemployment claims and birth certificate applications. I also work with these agencies to prioritize projects that impact our district.
Much of my time is now spent in Harrisburg. I was honored to be appointed as the Secretary of the House Ethics Committee; I also serve the House Appropriations, Insurance, State Government, and Tourism & Economic & Recreational Development committees. The Appropriations Committee oversees the state budget, and I can’t think of a better place from which to advocate for Bucks County. The work of crafting a $45 billion budget that can help 13 million Pennsylvanians has begun in earnest, with meetings throughout March and April. The budget discussions are expected to conclude in June.
As the new majority in the legislature, the House Democratic Caucus is moving an increasing number of important bills. I’m sponsoring, cosponsoring, or proposing bills that would:
- Expand Workers’ Compensation for permanent disfigurement,
- Obtain a clean slate for veterans convicted of certain crimes while suffering from brain injuries or mental health disorders,
- Protect companion animal owners,
- Require automatic external defibrillators in every state building,
- Provide tools to fight back against lawsuits designed to stifle free speech (SLAPPs),
- Restrict “cop killer” bullets, and
- Designate Diwali as a state holiday.
I’m also cosponsoring a wide range of bills concerning law enforcement, veterans, animals, land and historic preservation, communities, individual and workers’ rights, and the environment. I continue to prioritize support of measures that protect patients, people with disabilities and/or mental health issues, and the LGBTQ+ community.
My favorite part of being your representative is getting out into the district to meet constituents, participate in community discussions, celebrate milestones and accomplishments (such as centenarians and new Eagle Scouts), and learn as much as possible about your needs. Since taking office, I have visited:
- Mt. Gilead Church in Buckingham, where I discussed efforts to restore this historic treasure that was part of the Underground Railroad,
- First Friends Child Care Center in New Britain to celebrate their 35th anniversary year,
- NOVA, the victim services agency that aids survivors in Bucks County, to learn more about their community education and advocacy efforts, and
- The ARC Alliance, which advocates for support and inclusion of individuals with disabilities.
I have also met with supervisors, council members, township and borough managers, school administrators, and parents throughout the district to hear about their issues and needs.
I hope to see you soon in my travels throughout the district!
Sincerely,
Tim