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 applauds PennDOT awarding contract to local company

(Mar 21, 2023)

Rep. Paul Friel, D-Chester, announced today that PennDOT has awarded a $941,319 contract to Marino Corporation, a construction company based in Montgomery County. Read more

 

Friel announces $1,850,046 in state grants

(Mar 16, 2023)

State Rep. Paul Friel, D-Chester, announced today that Chester County will receive more than $1.8 million in state grants that will benefit local projects and organizations. Read more

 

Grant writing workshop registering, my committees are assigned, and more

(Mar 10, 2023)

My office will be presenting a Grants Workshop for nonprofits from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 30. Registration is now open. If you are a grant writer or represent a local organization, my staff and I would love to meet you and share how my office can help you access and apply for state grants. Read more

 

Office Hours Update, Grants Workshop, and More!

(Feb 24, 2023)

Our new location for Tuesday and Thursday Mobile Office Hours will be the Phoenixville Borough Hall Building, located at 351 Bridge St., 3rd Floor. Beginning March 2, we will be there every Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to serve constituents. Parking is FREE in the Borough Hall lot. Read more

 

Office Closure, Event Recaps, and Info on State-Related Programs!

(Feb 14, 2023)

My office will be closed on Monday, Feb. 20, in observance of Presidents Day. In addition, many state-related agencies like PennDOT will be closed, too. Check before you go! Read more

 

Learning Center Ribbon Cutting, Report a Pothole, and More!

(Feb 02, 2023)

Last week I had the privilege of joining Phoenixville Mayor Peter Urscheler and members of the Phoenixville Regional Chamber of Commerce for the official ribbon cutting of Phoenixville Area Children’s Learning Center’s Main Street location. The newly renovated space will provide children of the community an exceptional learning environment and teachers with access to better resources. Read more

 

Conservation, Substance Abuse Education, and Act 13 Funding Opportunities

(Feb 01, 2023)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Regional Recovery Hubs Grant Program (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Nonprofit organization or governmental entity. Use : To support a Recovery-Oriented-System of Care (ROSC) by establishing a Recovery Hub and Spoke model. Funds : Nine grants up to $500,000 each will be awarded.. Application Deadline : February 24, 2023 More Information : https://www.ddap.pa.gov/Documents/Funding%20documents/GIFA%2023-01%20Regional%20Recovery%20Hubs_2023.01.11_FINAL.pdf . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency: Substance Abuse Education and Demand Reduction Category 1 Funds (Funding Source: SAEDR Fund) Who May Apply : Nonprofit organizations may partner with governmental entities, including school districts, provided the nonprofit organization is the applicant. Use : To provide research-based or evidence-based approaches to prevention, intervention, treatment, training, and education services to reduce substance use or to provide resources to assist families in accessing the services needed to reduce substance use behavior, as well as strategies aimed at combating opioid/heroin overdoses. Funds : Grants up to $150,000 over a two-year project period. Application Deadline : February 24, 2023 More Read more

 

The 2023 Capitol Scenes calendar is available for download!

(Jan 31, 2023)

The 2023 Capitol Scenes calendar is available for download! Each month contains a scene from our Pennsylvania Capitol, proclaimed as one of the most beautiful Capitol buildings in the nation. Read more

 

Farm Show Recap, Opening at my District Office, and More!

(Jan 23, 2023)

Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of visiting the 107th PA Farm Show, the country’s largest indoor agricultural exposition. The event is a testament to the powerful and essential agricultural industry we have here in PA and yet another reminder of the importance of safeguarding Pennsylvania’s rich farmland. Read more

 

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS

(Jan 23, 2023)

Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2022-23 School Safety and Security Training and Technical Assistance Program (Funding Source: FY 2022 School Safety and Security Grant Program Fund) Who May Apply : Non-profit organizations, institutions of higher education (not-for profit), and for-profit organizations. Use : To support school safety and security training and technical assistance for school employees and School Safety and Security Coordinators. Funds : PCCD expects to issue one award with a budget not to exceed $4.8 million over the four-year project period. Application Deadline : January 31, 2023 More Information : Click on https://egrants.pccd.pa.gov/Public/OpenAnnouncements.aspx . Commonwealth Financing Authority: Philadelphia Local Share Account (LSA) Program (Funding Source: Local Share Account – Philadelphia) Who May Apply : Eligible applicants include any of the following entities located within the City of Philadelphia: Community Development Corporations, Economic development organizations and redevelopment authorities, business improvement districts/neighborhood improvement districts, not-for-profit organizations with a 501(c) designation, the City of Philadelphia, and the School District of Philadelphia. Use : To support economic development, neighborhood revitalization, community improvement, and public interest projects in the City of Philadelphia. Funds : Grant amounts will vary based on the specific project Read more

 

Swearing-In, Mobile Office Hours and More!

(Jan 09, 2023)

Last Monday, I was officially sworn in as the representative of Pennsylvania’s 26th District. It was a celebratory day, but one that also reminded me of the immense responsibility I have to my constituents—and all Pennsylvanians—to fight for legislation that will make a positive and demonstrable impact. Read more

 

Friel sworn in, begins first term as state representative

(Jan 03, 2023)

State Rep. Paul Friel, D-Chester, took the oath of office at the state Capitol today to begin his first term representing the 26th District. Read more

 

McClinton applauds, welcomes newest members to House Democratic Caucus

(Dec 08, 2022)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 7 – To kick off the new legislative session, Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus Majority Leader Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, is welcoming the largest class of incoming legislators to the House Democratic Caucus in more than 15 years. “In January, the House Democratic Caucus will proudly swear in the largest and most diverse class of freshmen legislators in over a decade,” said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. “These public servants are already on the ground in their communities, talking to neighbors, and prepared to be their voices in Harrisburg next month. Without a doubt, they will strengthen our legislature with their diverse experience and perspectives.” House Democrats will welcome 26 new members from communities across the state; some from districts that have never before been represented by a Democrat. New members include: Anthony Bellmon (D-Phila.) : Bellmon served in Philadelphia Congressman Brendan F. Boyle’s office for eight years, solving housing, student loan and immigration issues. As senior adviser to the congressman, Anthony worked on Capitol Hill advancing policy issues to better the lives of children and working families. Lisa A. Borowski (D-Delaware) : Borowski formerly served as vice president of the Radnor Township School District’s school board, leading the way on crafting one of the Read more

 

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

Friel applauds PennDOT awarding contract to local company
Mar 21, 2023

Friel announces $1,850,046 in state grants
Mar 16, 2023

Grant writing workshop registering, my committees are assigned, and more
Mar 10, 2023

Office Hours Update, Grants Workshop, and More!
Feb 24, 2023

Office Closure, Event Recaps, and Info on State-Related Programs!
Feb 14, 2023

Learning Center Ribbon Cutting, Report a Pothole, and More!
Feb 02, 2023

Conservation, Substance Abuse Education, and Act 13 Funding Opportunities
Feb 01, 2023

The 2023 Capitol Scenes calendar is available for download!
Jan 31, 2023

Farm Show Recap, Opening at my District Office, and More!
Jan 23, 2023

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS
Jan 23, 2023

Swearing-In, Mobile Office Hours and More!
Jan 09, 2023

Friel sworn in, begins first term as state representative
Jan 03, 2023

McClinton applauds, welcomes newest members to House Democratic Caucus
Dec 08, 2022