Over the past few weeks, my staff and I have fielded many calls, emails, and visits from Cheltenham Township residents with well-reasoned concerns about the proposed Aqua PA wastewater rate hike. We heard from even more of you this summer at the public hearing at Curtis Hall I requested take place in our district.

The company has petitioned the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission for another 65% increase in wastewater rates, the second in just five years if the proposal goes through. This is simply too much for the residents of Cheltenham, and I recognize the need to do more to protect your financial well-being. 

The township initially sold the sewer system to Aqua to address pressing infrastructure needs. We endured a 65% sewer rate hike in 2022 with the promise of investments and improvements. But Aqua has not realized these advancements, and residents should not have to bear the financial burden of these increases without seeing tangible improvements in the system.  

Senator Art Haywood and I co-authored a letter to the PUC urging the Commissioners to modify Aqua’s proposal and adopt a more reasonable rate structure to reduce the immediate financial burden on local residents. This would provide Aqua with the resources it needs to make necessary improvements while also respecting the principle of rate gradualism and making the increase more manageable for our residents. 

We must take a more measured approach to any future hikes and ensure that these increases happen gradually to prevent undue hardship. Furthermore, Aqua must meet its obligations while still respecting the financial strain on our community. This is a matter of fairness, and I will continue to advocate on behalf of neighbors for just that.

Earlier this week, I announced upcoming legislation aimed at limiting the use of artificial intelligence in schools and state government agencies. As a member of both the House Education Committee and the House Communications & Technology Committee, I believe it’s crucial that technology is used responsibly, especially when it impacts the people we serve. AI tools may be efficient, but they can also produce unreliable information. The last thing we want is for a student or a resident to encounter an AI that seems authoritative but isn’t factual.

The proposed legislation would require that any AI used in communication with Pennsylvania residents or students meets a strict standard of factual accuracy. It also would establish an audit process to identify and correct any misleading AI-generated content. This move comes in response to growing concerns about AI misstatements, commonly called “hallucinations,” which can undermine trust in our public services.

This bill is an important step toward ensuring Pennsylvania stays at the forefront of responsible technology use. It will protect the integrity of our public services while still embracing innovation. As we navigate these advancements, our commitment remains to safeguarding the truth and reliability that Pennsylvanians expect from their government and educators.

For more information, please click here.

Thank you to those who came by and visited Shannon at this week’s Springfield Library outreach hours. 

We will be at the Jenkintown Library next Wednesday, Feb. 5 from 2 – 4 p.m. to address any of your state-related questions or concerns.  

A Code Blue cold weather emergency is in effect until Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 9 a.m. Residents who need shelter during a Code Blue can call Your Way Home Montgomery County’s Call Center at (610) 278-3522. Click here for more information. 

Jenkintown Food Cupboard goes through hundreds of paper bags each week during their food distributions. They are requesting donations of gently used paper bags in the sizes pictured. Thanks to the generosity of the community, they have not had to purchase bags for two years, meaning more money to purchase food. 

Please separate bags by size if possible and drop them off in the labeled bin in the lobby through the red double doors off of Summit Ave.  

If you are in need of free tax assistance through AARP, go here to find the nearest Tax-Aide sites near you.  

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services is planning to text message SNAP recipients in order to warn individuals of skimming devices. If you get the message shown above from 1-833-648-1964, it’s legitimate. 

Scammers are skimming EBT cards to steal benefits. Stay vigilant when using your card at point-of-sale machines: 

• Avoid simple PINs and change your PIN often 

• Keep your PIN and card number secret, beware of phishing attempts (state agencies will never call or text to ask for a PIN or card number) 

• Check your EBT account regularly for unauthorized charges 

While Eagles fans are excited and gearing up for the game, scammers are hoping to take advantage of eager customers, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General is warning consumers to be aware of scams regarding tickets and merchandise for Super Bowl LIX.  

Read the full press release here for tips and best practices to stay vigilant against potential scams.  

The Tookany/Tacony-Frankford’s MLK Day of Service was postponed to Saturday, Feb. 1 due to winter weather. Come serve your community and help clean up Tacony Creek Park with your neighbors, followed by lunch and a Watershed Jeopardy activity. All cleanup materials and lunch provided. Please register in advance here.  

When: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 1 

Where: Bingham St & Ashdale St, Philadelphia, PA 19120 

Celebrate Black History Month with Montgomery County this February. The County is offering a series of insightful virtual programs focused on the theme “African Americans and Labor” and culminating with an in-person celebration. 

The first program will discuss challenges in the Black American labor force and will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 5 from 12 – 1:30 p.m. online. Registration is required here.  

Students in grades 8 to 11 can apply to join the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Youth Preparedness Council. Make a difference and help prepare for disasters nationally and locally.  

Apply by March 3. For more information, go here.  

The 2025 Lyme Disease Student Art Contest, which invites first through sixth-grade students across Pennsylvania to create a poster or video focusing on the theme “Protect. Check. Remove.” This contest aims to raise awareness about Lyme disease and prevention, particularly regarding tick bites. Entries are due by March 14. Finalists will be invited to an award ceremony at the State Capitol in May, and the top winners will have their artwork featured in a 2025 calendar. The contest is supported by multiple state departments, including Health, Education, Environmental Protection, and Conservation and Natural Resources. More information on the contest can be found here.

Pennsylvania State Capitol

325 Irvis Office Building

Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-1079

District Office

115 E Glenside Ave., Suite 8
Glenside, PA 19038
(215) 572-5210