Budget hearings underway in Harrisburg; East Coventry Township, Spring City Borough receive grants

Rep. Paul Friel February 28, 2025 | 3:35 PM

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Dear Neighbor,

As part of my work on the state House Appropriations Committee, I am in Harrisburg this month and next to hear testimony from the various state departments on the proposed 2025-26 state budget.

So far, we’ve heard in-depth analysis of the Governor’s proposed budget, which includes new money for education, childcare, business attraction and retention, mental health care, homebuyer incentives, law enforcement, and our farms, among many other investments.

I have asked questions all month, and I’d like to share a few of the items we discussed in the following videos.

Mental health courts

We can’t solve the mental health crisis by locking people in prison. If we invest in treatment courts, we can make sure people living with mental health issues can get the help they need.

Food processing residuals

Agriculture is a leader in Pa.’s economy. I asked Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture about Food Processing Residuals and the importance of managing these waste streams in order to preserve Pa. farms and protect our communities.

Speaking with the Attorney General

I spoke with the Pennsylvania Attorney General about how providing mental health support can reduce the risk of crime, recidivism, and incarceration. I also noted the role the attorney general in standing up for the consumer as it relates to – for example – the privatization of water and sewer systems and hospitals.

Cyber Charter Funding Reform

I asked the Pennsylvania Department of Education about fund balances in Pennsylvania’s public and charter schools. I noted the disparities between charter and public schools’ fund balances and the need to ensure that these taxpayer dollars are used for student needs.

Increasing the minimum wage

During a hearing with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, I discussed the benefits of increasing the minimum wage - a move that could inject half a billion dollars into local economies and reduce the demand for social services from the state.

To follow along with budget hearings in the Capitol, you can visit www.PaHouse.com/Live and www.houseappropriations.com/Topic/BudgetYears/822 for coverage.

Sincerely,

$450,000 secured for East Coventry Township, Spring City Borough

New grant funding of $450,000 is coming to East Coventry Township and Spring City Borough for bridge and crosswalk improvements.

The grants – approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority under the Multimodal Transportation Fund – include $350,000 to rehabilitate Ellis Woods Road Bridge in East Coventry Township and $100,000 to improve two crosswalk locations along Main Street in Spring City Borough.

The funding is outstanding news for East Coventry and Spring City, which will now save local funds thanks to state-level financing. Funding for Ellis Woods Bridge has been highly anticipated, and the added protections at crosswalks in Spring City will ensure that people are safe walking downtown.

My office is happy to help organizations and entities apply for state funding. There are many programs offered by the state to help drive tax dollars to the communities they serve.

This funding supports growth and success across the state. Those interested can visit here to find available grants.

Watching our federal government

We've been receiving so many calls and emails from folks who are deeply concerned about what is going on with the federal government. To examine the issues, you're invited to a telephone town hall at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, with members of Pennsylvania’s Congressional delegation.

This telephone town hall will be focused on litigation and the Trump Administration. RSVP for this important conversation here: https://houlahan.house.gov/forms/form/?ID=160.

Congress members Chrissy Houlahan, Mary Gay Scanlon, Madeleine Dean, and Joe Neguse (Colorado), as well as Georgetown Law Professor David Vladeck will be on hand to answer questions.

King of Prussia Driver License Center to hold REAL ID Day on Monday

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will host a REAL ID Day at the King of Prussia Driver License Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, March 3.

The King of Prussia Driver License Center is located at 143 South Gulph Road in King of Prussia.

Not everyone needs a REAL ID; It depends on a person’s travel and identification needs. 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.

You do not need a REAL ID if: