Friel, Muth Joined by PennDOT Secretary Carroll to announce St. Peters Road Project

(Oct 27, 2023)

The press conference, held at Saint Peter’s Bakery in Elverson, highlighted the problems with St. Peters Road that have been caused by years of erosion of the steep slope between the roadway and French Creek in Warwick Township (Chester County). Read more

 

Anti-trans policies in Pa. schools don’t just impact LGBTQ kids

(Oct 24, 2023)

On the rare occasions when LGBTQ issues do come up at school, they serve to educate, not influence. Read more

 

Censorship Crisis: PA Democrats Tackle Rising Book Bans in Public Libraries

(Oct 08, 2023)

Friel has introduced House Bill 1506, the Freedom to Read Act, which aims to streamline the process for appeals against book bans. The bill, now in the House Education Committee, proposes that the responsibility for reviews be placed with a regional committee of instructional experts. Read more

 

Hearing Explores Troubling Increase in Book Bans

(Oct 06, 2023)

HARRISBURG, PA − October 6, 2023 – State Senator Katie Muth (D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks), chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee, and state Rep. Ryan Bizarro (D-Erie), chair of the House Majority Policy Committee, joined Senator Amanda Cappelletti (D-Montgomery/Delaware) and Rep. Paul Friel (D-Chester) to co-host a public hearing in Harrisburg yesterday on the impact of censorship and book bans in public and school libraries. The hearing, held at the State Capitol, featured three panels of testimony that included perspectives from educators, parents, and policy experts who discussed the rise in book bans across the Commonwealth and the country. “Book bans are part of a fear mongering, hate-filled, discriminatory, national political agenda that is taking aim at our public schools and libraries across the nation and here in our Commonwealth. All students – no matter what they look like, how they identify, where they are from, or who they love – deserve to see themselves or discover themselves in stories told in books – and book bans strip that freedom away,” Muth said. “Book bans and censorship are part of a greater movement to whitewash history and silence already marginalized and minority communities – and we need our all elected officials to stand up for free speech and protect all of our children from any attack that threatens their ability to thrive and be who they are.” The American Read more

 

CCCBI Holds 2023 State Legislative Forum with Six Bipartisan Elected Officials

(Oct 05, 2023)

Each panelist was given the opportunity to address what is happening in their perspective districts across Chester County. Read more

 

A ban on book bans? Teachers, students call on PA lawmakers to make it happen

(Sep 26, 2023)

Groups tracking book challenges, like the American Library Association (ALA), have reported that many challenged books are often related to books about racism and the LGBTQ community. Read more

 

Pennsylvanians Fight for the Right to Read

(Sep 19, 2023)

I joined Sen. Amanda Cappelletti and students, teachers, and librarians from around the commonwealth to discuss the concerning rise in censorship & book bans, as well as our proposed legislative solutions. Read more

 

Opinion: Rep. Friel commends law enforcement for capture of escaped fugitive

(Sep 19, 2023)

On behalf of the communities represented by the 26th District, I want to thank and acknowledge our dedicated law enforcement professionals. Read more

 

Support for libraries: A Pa. priority

(Sep 18, 2023)

The Freedom to Read Act would reaffirm First Amendment rights of students to access all educational resources, even books that some in the community may disapprove of. Read more

 

An Open Letter to the 26th District

(Sep 18, 2023)

On behalf of the communities represented by the 26th District, I want to thank and acknowledge our dedicated law enforcement professionals. Read more

 

$727K Community Revitalization Grant Awarded To Phoenixville

(Aug 30, 2023)

State Rep. Paul Friel said he is confident that improving this busy intersection will serve to make Phoenixville an even more walkable, safe, and accessible town for all who live, visit, and do business. Read more

 

Pottstown Schools superintendent Rodriguez still fighting for more level-up school funding

(Aug 17, 2023)

Noting that the oldest building in OJR is about 25 years old, while Pottstown’s are much older, [Rep. Friel] posited that it is unfair of the state to underfund districts with higher maintenance and capital costs and less money to pay those bills. Read more

 

Amid book banning efforts, House bill takes aim at stopping PA school library censorship

(Jul 28, 2023)

Rep. Paul Friel, of the 26th District, says his state House Bill 1506 could go a long way in meeting the concerns of parents rights groups while also preserving the First Amendment rights of students. Read more

 

Chesco Lawmaker Proposes Law To Protect Students' Rights To Read

(Jun 23, 2023)

Rep. Paul Friel said many school districts in Pennsylvania are struggling under a heightened sense of cultural polarization, often centered around the nature of books and other educational resources in schools. Read more

 

Friel bill looks to ‘de-politicize’ school book challenges

(Jun 23, 2023)

As the number of challenges to books in school libraries continues to rise, state Rep. Paul Friel, D-26th Dist., has introduced a bill he hopes will “take the political temperature down one notch.” Read more

 

Freedom to Read Act: Protecting First Amendment Rights of Students Amidst Book Challenges in Schools

(Jun 22, 2023)

Friel noted that many school districts in Pennsylvania are struggling under a heightened sense of cultural polarization, often centered around the nature of books and other educational resources in schools. Read more

 

Friel to introduce bill to protect public school districts & students from unconstitutional book bans

(Jun 21, 2023)

The legislation would protect the first amendment rights of students and provide direction for schools as they navigate the increase in book challenges. Read more

 

Updated Office Hours and a Recap of Recent Events!

(Jun 02, 2023)

Our office hours in Elverson kick off next week! We will be located in the historic Elverson Train Station every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stop by to see how my team and I can assist you. Read more

 

Lawmakers focus on growing local businesses and Main Streets across PA

(May 04, 2023)

The House Majority Policy Committee hosted a round table discussion with local businesses owners in Chester County Thursday afternoon before touring Main Street in Phoenixville to hear what members can do to grow downtown areas in Pennsylvania. Read more

 

This Month! Shredding Event and District Office Open House.

(May 02, 2023)

My office will be hosting two events next month! On Sunday, May 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Owen J. Roberts High School, I’ll be hosting a free shredding event where you can safely dispose of personal documents. On Thursday, May 25, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 68 Glocker Way, Pottstown, PA, I’m hosting a District Office Grand Opening event. Stop by for light refreshments and information on how I can help you! I look forward to seeing you there! Read more

 

Friel, Muth Joined by PennDOT Secretary Carroll to announce St. Peters Road Project
Oct 27, 2023

Anti-trans policies in Pa. schools don’t just impact LGBTQ kids
Oct 24, 2023

Censorship Crisis: PA Democrats Tackle Rising Book Bans in Public Libraries
Oct 08, 2023

Hearing Explores Troubling Increase in Book Bans
Oct 06, 2023

CCCBI Holds 2023 State Legislative Forum with Six Bipartisan Elected Officials
Oct 05, 2023

A ban on book bans? Teachers, students call on PA lawmakers to make it happen
Sep 26, 2023

Pennsylvanians Fight for the Right to Read
Sep 19, 2023

Opinion: Rep. Friel commends law enforcement for capture of escaped fugitive
Sep 19, 2023

Support for libraries: A Pa. priority
Sep 18, 2023

An Open Letter to the 26th District
Sep 18, 2023

$727K Community Revitalization Grant Awarded To Phoenixville
Aug 30, 2023

Pottstown Schools superintendent Rodriguez still fighting for more level-up school funding
Aug 17, 2023

Amid book banning efforts, House bill takes aim at stopping PA school library censorship
Jul 28, 2023

Chesco Lawmaker Proposes Law To Protect Students' Rights To Read
Jun 23, 2023

Friel bill looks to ‘de-politicize’ school book challenges
Jun 23, 2023

Freedom to Read Act: Protecting First Amendment Rights of Students Amidst Book Challenges in Schools
Jun 22, 2023

Friel to introduce bill to protect public school districts & students from unconstitutional book bans
Jun 21, 2023

Updated Office Hours and a Recap of Recent Events!
Jun 02, 2023

Lawmakers focus on growing local businesses and Main Streets across PA
May 04, 2023

This Month! Shredding Event and District Office Open House.
May 02, 2023