Stephen Covey wanted us all to be our best selves. The author who penned such books like "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and Principle Centered Leadership" has articulated practices that can help us all live balanced and rewarding lives.
One of the concepts that best defines my life today are his, "Circles of Control, Influence and Concern." The concept is that we all have a large number of things that we might be concerned about, but we have the capacity to influence only a small subset of those topics and can actually control an even narrower set of outcomes.
The takeaway from this intuitive argument is that we should focus on what we can control to maintain productivity, actually checking items off our to-do lists, and reduce the stress that comes from worrying about things we can’t change.
I’m not always good at this myself. As your State Representative, I see every day that many of our communities’ biggest challenges—economic opportunity, public safety, health, climate change, fairness, are far bigger than any one person. But the limits of what an elected official can influence aren’t clearly defined. With enough effort and persistence, those boundaries can grow.
For example, I can talk with our neighbors about the benefits of energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances to help lower electricity costs. That’s something directly within my control.
At the same time, we can press the PUC to rein in rate increases, urge PJM to expand solar generation, and work toward a multistate compact to curb the growing power demands of data centers. None of these efforts is guaranteed to succeed, but as the saying goes, “Nothing beats a trial but a failure.” So, I do both.
What keeps me from going crazy is you.
When we choose to be good neighbors—when we step up for one another in small, steady ways, we do more than ease a burden. We remind ourselves that progress doesn’t always begin with sweeping reforms; sometimes it begins with kindness.
When we care for the residents of Lola’s Place, bring a warm meal to our public works staff, help a neighbor shovel snow, or lift up a teacher with gratitude, we strengthen the very foundation of our community.
Each act of generosity moves us a little farther from crisis and a little closer to possibility. And in that space, we create—through compassion and shared effort, we empower our governing partners to think bigger, act bolder, and solve problems not just for today, but for the future we all deserve.
How are your neighbors? Is everyone doing okay?
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Rep. Nelson on CBS21's Face the State
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It was a pleasure speaking with Joel D. Smith on CBS 21’s Face the State on Tuesday, February 24th. We had a thoughtful discussion on several timely and important topics, including the significance of Black History Month, reflections on the life and enduring legacy of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, and the growing influence of emerging AI technologies in our communities and institutions.
I appreciated the opportunity to engage in such a meaningful conversation and to share insights on issues that continue to shape both our local and national dialogue.
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Mark your calendars! I'm hosting an Environmental Conference on Friday, August 24 at Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania’s Camp Shelly Ridge in Lafayette Hill.
This event will bring together community members, advocates, and local partners to discuss environmental priorities, sustainability, and ways we can work together to protect our shared spaces. All ages are encouraged to attend.
Event timing and additional details will be announced soon. Stay tuned for updates from our office.
We hope to see you there! ??
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Closing Out the 100th Black History Month on PCN
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I was recently featured on "On the Issues" on PCN to discuss the the 100th Anniversary of Black History Month. As the month comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to recognize the enduring impact of Black Americans on our nation’s history, culture, and progress.
Black history is American history. It reflects stories of leadership, innovation, resilience, and community that continue to shape our Commonwealth and our country today. It is also a reminder that the work of expanding opportunity and ensuring fairness for all people is ongoing.
I encourage everyone to take time, not just this month but year-round, to learn from these stories and reflect on how we can each contribute to building stronger, more inclusive communities.
Thank you for being part of that work.
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Autonomous Vehicles and Pennsylvania’s Transportation Future
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I was recently featured in a regional article discussing the potential expansion of autonomous vehicle technology in the Philadelphia area and what it could mean for our region and the Commonwealth.
While there are important questions to address about safety, workforce impacts, and infrastructure, I believe Pennsylvania has an opportunity to help shape how this technology develops rather than simply reacting to it. Autonomous vehicles could expand mobility for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and others who face barriers to transportation today. At the same time, we must ensure innovation moves forward in a way that protects workers and benefits our communities.
That is why I have supported efforts in Harrisburg to clarify and modernize Pennsylvania’s framework for regulating self-driving passenger vehicles. Our state is uniquely positioned to lead in this space, with world-class research institutions, a strong labor force, and a long history of innovation.
As these conversations continue, I remain focused on making sure new technology strengthens public safety, expands access, and supports working families across Pennsylvania.
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on Township Events & Updates
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Click on the Images Below for
Information on Active State Programs
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Are You Paying Too Much For Your Energy?
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Choosing an independent energy supplier is a popular option for many households, but at a joint informational meeting of the House Consumer Protection Committee and the House Energy Committee, the PA Utility Law Project shared recent data showing that "shopping" for electricity and natural gas may be costing you more than you think.
According to a review of utility data from 2024 and 2025, residential customers who switched away from their utility’s default service paid significantly more for their energy than those who stayed. In 2025 alone, customers spent an estimated $345 million more than the standard "Price to Compare."
What can you do? Check your monthly utility bill for the "Price to Compare." If your current supplier’s rate is higher than that number, you may be paying more than necessary for your home energy.
Reach out to my office if you have questions about your utility options or need help navigating your bill. I’m committed to ensuring utility transparency and protecting your household budget.
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Grow PA Grants Available!
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The Grow PA Grant Program is now accepting applications for the 2026–27
school year.
Grow PA helps expand opportunities for Pennsylvania’s workforce by supporting students pursuing training and education in high-demand occupations.
Qualified students may receive up to $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years.
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Minimum Wage Act Regulation Listening Sessions
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Calling all workers, employers, and partners across PA—The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry wants to hear from you.
L&I is hosting a series of in-person and virtual listening sessions as it reviews the regulations for the PA Minimum Wage Act, which provides minimum wage and overtime protections for nearly 6.2 million employees across the Commonwealth.
Many of these rules haven’t been updated in decades. L&I wants to make sure they’re clear, up to date, and reflective of today’s workplaces.
Sessions are free, but you must pre-register. Register today to join the conversation.
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Community Movie Screening & Discussion:
“The Six Triple Eight”
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You are invited to join me for a special public screening of The Six Triple Eight at the Wyncote Towers Community Room, followed by a panel discussion, on Monday, March 9th, from 11am-2pm.
The film tells the story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-Black, all-female battalion deployed overseas during World War II.
These women processed and delivered millions of pieces of mail to service members across the European Theater, helping sustain morale during the war. Eighty-one members of the battalion were Pennsylvania residents at the time of enlistment.
In recognition of their service and the long-overdue acknowledgment of their contributions, I have introduced legislation to designate March 9th as 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion Day in Pennsylvania. This screening and discussion are an opportunity to learn about their legacy and reflect on why honoring their story matters.
The event is open to the public, and RSVPs are requested through my office (215-572-5210, RepNelson@PAHouse.net). I hope you will join me for this meaningful afternoon of history, reflection, and community conversation.
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What to Know About 1099-G Forms
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Pennsylvanians who received Unemployment Compensation (UC) benefits in 2025 will get a form called a 1099-G.
This form shows how much UC income you received, and you need it to file your federal and state tax returns.
The forms are now (or should now be) available in your online UC dashboard. Paper copies are also being mailed and should arrive over the next few weeks.
A detailed FAQ is available on the L&I website to help you review your form and request corrections if something is wrong.
Since 1099-G forms are created automatically, getting one if/when you did not apply for UC benefits could be a sign of identity theft. If you believe someone used your identity to file for benefits, report it to L&I right away. You can file a report online or call the PA Fraud Hotline at 1-800-692-7469.
If you are a victim of identity theft, you should still file your tax return on time. Only report the income you actually earned, not any false income listed on the 1099-G.
You can find more information about identity theft and 1099-G forms on the IRS website.
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Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit
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As part of last year’s state budget, I voted to give a tax break to nearly a million Pennsylvania families, including almost 200,000 in Philadelphia.
It's called the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit – because working people deserve a break! If you qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, you automatically qualify to save an additional 10% break on your state taxes. That's money you can spend on groceries, childcare, or any other expense.
You could earn up to $805 in a tax credit. Click the graphic above to learn more and estimate your credit!
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Congratulations! You've reached the end of the weekly email.
Did you know? La Mott, a neighborhood in Cheltenham Township, is named for Lucretia Mott, a Quaker minister, abolitionist, and women’s rights advocate who lived in La Mott for the last 23 years of her life.
Mott was a key organizer of the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention, widely considered the first women’s rights convention in the United States. Her activism helped lay the groundwork for both the abolitionist movement and the fight for women’s suffrage, making her one of the most influential reformers of the 19th century.
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Harrisburg Office
325 Irvis Office Building
PO Box 202154
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-1079
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Glenside Office
115 East Glenside Avenue
Suite 8
Glenside, PA 19038
(215) 572-5210
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