Introducing our New Intern, and Environmental Leadership Day

Rep. Napoleon Nelson May 1, 2026 | 4:26 PM

PA Representative Napoleon Nelson banner image

I’m sick of voter disenfranchisement.

I’m sick of the US Supreme Court’s interpretation of legislative map making. Frankly, I’m sick of the court system ruling on the assumption that governing bodies operate in the best interests of the public with fairness and equality as the norm. This is not the case, and they know it.

Elections matter, and voting is CRITICALLY IMPORTANT!

However, when voting becomes predictable, it’s possible to pair three dissenting votes with four voters that agree with me to win an election. That makes sense. However, if I draw a map that takes three dissenting votes from my neighborhood and pair them with four votes in my favor from Pottstown, I’m not representing my community. I’m disenfranchising my local voters. I’m cheating.

The latest ruling, Callais v. The State of Louisiana, comes after Justice Roberts decided Citizens United in 2010, Shelby in 2013, and the 2019 political gerrymandering cases in North Carolina and Maryland. Roberts wrote the opinions in all of those cases, with the Conservative justices carrying the votes in each of them.

At this point, elections can include unlimited spending, and states legislators can break up large minority communities as much as they want to produce legislative maps that best favor their political interests. There are, effectively, no protections or guardrails. The courts don’t care if a legislature has a history of racial discrimination. They stopped caring about that in 2013.

The courts don’t care if a legislature wants to silence 30% of the state's population to benefit the party in power. They stopped caring about that in 2019. The courts don’t care if big corporations plow unlimited money into their selected friends to make them the party in power. They stopped caring about that in 2010.

As of Wednesday, the Federal Voting Rights Act from 1965 is effectively dead. The landmark and most tangible outcome from the Civil Rights Movement is gone.

America at 250 years old is backsliding. Racism remains alive and well. As the Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, I have spent countless hours and sleepless nights confronting this reality and planning our responses here in PA.

To be honest, I am thankful that this community, not a majority Black community by any stretch, continues to give me the space and encouragement to serve in this capacity.

High Note

I always say, when the mic cuts out, you find out who really knows the words.

During Game 5 between the Buffalo Sabres and the Boston Bruins, that’s exactly what happened. When the microphone failed during “O Canada,” fans stepped in without hesitation and finished the anthem together.

It was a great reminder that the relationship between the United States and Canada isn’t just about geography, it’s about shared moments, mutual respect, and yes, apparently knowing each other’s national anthems.

Meet Our New Intern!

Introducing James (Jimmy) Talbot our newest intern:

Good day, everyone. My name is Jimmy Talbot, and I’m excited to introduce myself as a new student intern at Representative Napoleon Nelson's district office. I'm from Wyndmoor, and I'm headed to Syracuse University in the fall.

Every year, my school, Springside Chestnut Hill, gives seniors a few weeks off before the end of school to work on an internship of their choosing before graduation. For my project, I chose to work at this office to gain meaningful experience in politics and learn more about how government works at the state and local levels. I'm committed to the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs for next year, which is another reason I'm interested in this internship experience.

I look forward to working with all of you for the next few weeks!

How I Voted

This week, my House colleagues and I passed important bills that will help our neighbors and improve communities:

I voted “Yes” for several bills that will help our students, which include making social media literacy information available in schools (HB 2176, 115-85), requiring schools to notify parents when their child is involved in or experiencing bullying (HB 830, 136-65), and ensuring that students have better access to school counselors (HB 2218, 106-95).

I also voted in favor of legislation that would ensure that all people have equal rights by banning discrimination because of who you are or who you love and banning organizations that restrict membership based on race, color, national origin or ancestry from denying equal access to housing, employment or public accommodations (HB 2103, 101-100).

Environmental Leadership Day

Last Friday I had the pleasure of hosting students from Cheltenham High School’s Environmental Science classes and Environmental Club at a leadership conference at Camp Shelly Ridge in Lafayette Hill.

We kicked off the day with guest speakers from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and Clean Water Action, who helped ground students in the local environmental challenges facing our communities.

Using the Future Problem Solvers process, students worked in teams to research a selected issue, identify its root causes, and develop sustainable solutions. They then presented their ideas to a panel from my office.

The day also included a guided hike led by an ecologist, giving students the chance to explore the camp’s ecosystems, and see firsthand the real-world impacts of the issues they were studying.

Expungement Clinic in June

I’m partnering with Congresswoman Madeleine Dean to host our Annual Expungement Clinic on June 27 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at her Glenside District Office.

This clinic is an opportunity for eligible residents to receive guidance on clearing their criminal records and taking a meaningful step forward. Legal support will be provided by Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania, who will be on site to help participants throughout the process.

To participate, individuals should bring their case information, including court records or minute orders, and must not be in violation, on parole, or on probation.

I strongly encourage anyone who may be eligible to call my office ahead of time to confirm eligibility and make sure you have the necessary documents. You can also sign up online at RepNelson.com.

Helping people move forward and access a second chance is an important part of building stronger, safer communities, and I’m proud to support this effort!

Asian American and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month

This May, I join our community in recognizing Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. It’s a time to celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of AAPI communities, and to reflect on the many ways they have shaped our nation and our neighborhoods.

AAPI history is American history, from generations of advocacy and public service to leadership in business, education, healthcare, and the arts. At the same time, this month is also a reminder of the work that remains to ensure every community is treated with dignity, respect, and equity.

I’m proud to stand with our AAPI neighbors this month and every month as we continue working toward a more inclusive and welcoming community for all.

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on Township Events & Updates

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Information on Active State Programs

Other Programs & Events

Financial Aid Webinar: Covering the Gap

If you or a student in your household are planning for college, understanding how to cover remaining costs is key. The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is hosting virtual webinars to help break it all down.

These sessions will walk through what to expect when your semester bill arrives, what may not be included in your financial aid offer, and how to plan for additional expenses. They’ll also cover options such as Federal Work-Study and loans, so you can make informed decisions about financing your education.

Upcoming Dates:

Tuesday, May 19 | 6:30–7:15 PM (ET)
Thursday, June 11 | 12:00–12:45 PM (ET)

To register, visit: pheaa.org/virtual

This is a great opportunity to get clear, reliable information and have your questions answered before payment deadlines approach.

Montgomery County Voter Services:
Satellite Offices

If you need help getting ready for the Primary, it’s easy to connect with Montgomery County Voter Services! ??

This year, they’re opening four satellite offices and extending hours at their main office in Norristown.

Satellite office hours: 11 AM – 4 PM

May 2: Pottstown & Willow Grove
May 3: Lansdale & Lower Merion
May 9: Lansdale & Lower Merion
May 10: Pottstown & Willow Grove

The Norristown office will also be open 11 AM – 4 PM on May 2, 3, 9, and 10, in addition to regular weekday hours.

A Mobile Voter Services office will also travel to locations across the county. ??

At any of these sites, you can:

Register to vote (by the May 4 deadline)
Apply for a mail-in ballot
Complete your mail-in ballot on the spot

Learn more here.

Montgomery County Junior Commissioner Program

Applications are now open for Montgomery County’s first-ever Junior Commissioner Program! ??

Starting in the 2026–2027 school year, this program gives high school students the chance to work with County Commissioners, attend meetings, learn how the County operates, and complete a real-world capstone project.

Click here to learn more about the program.

Participants will:
• Gain hands-on experience in county government
• Build leadership and communication skills
• Connect with civic leaders across Montgomery County
• See firsthand how decisions impacting the community are made

Open to rising juniors and seniors with a passion for public service.
??? Applications due May 10
?? $500 travel stipend
?? Apply now

Senator Haywood Paper Shredding & E-Waste Recycling Event

SAVE THE DATE:
Paper Shredding & E-Waste Recycling Event

Join State Senator Art Haywood for a FREE Paper Shredding and E-Waste Recycling Event on May 9, 2026, from 10 am – 1 pm, in the MLK High School *Parking Lot, 6100 Stenton Avenue, Philadelphia, 19144.

Protect yourself and your identity from theft by joining for this FREE event. For more information on what electronics can be recycled, contact Senator Haywood’s office at 215-242-8171.

Cheltenham Avenue Corridor Study

Save the Date! Montgomery County is partnering with Cheltenham Township, the city of Philadelphia, and Springfield Township to study the Cheltenham Avenue corridor (Paper Mill Road to Ogontz Avenue) and explore ways to improve safety and accessibility for everyone.

Residents are invited to attend public open houses to learn more, share feedback, and help shape the project:

?? Open House #2
Thursday, May 28 | 6 PM–8 PM
Springfield Township Building (1510 Paper Mill Road)

Review findings and give input on proposed improvements.

You can also share feedback by submitting comments on the interactive map and completing a public survey.

For more details or to register, visit the project website.

Did You Know? ??

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Did you know?

The Philadelphia Flyers will meet the Carolina Hurricanes in the playoffs this year for the first time ever. The Flyers also never played the franchise when it was the Whalers in the postseason before the team's 1997 move to Carolina.