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| Capitol Report |
#Listrak\DateStampLong#
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The latest news from the State Capitol
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Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unattended account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link.
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My Legislation Will Protect Pennsylvania Ratepayers from Rising Electricity Costs
I am introducing legislation to protect Pennsylvania seniors and families who are facing exorbitantly high electricity bills which have climbed far beyond what many households can bear. The main reason is simple: Big Tech companies are securing enormous amounts of existing electricity through long-term contracts, leaving families and small businesses to compete for what remains. The confluence of huge, expected demand and years of not building new supply means that everyone – including us ratepayers – are competing for a dwindling supply of available electricity. That competition for limited supply shoved prices higher almost overnight.
To address this problem, I am introducing the Pennsylvania Ratepayer Protection Act. The legislation places Pennsylvania ratepayers on equal footing in the electricity market while protecting them from the costs associated with building massive data centers.
This effort also aligns with a broader national discussion about electricity supply. Earlier this year, the President met with the governors of the PJM electricity region, including Governor Josh Shapiro, to address rising electricity costs and the rapidly growing demand driven by artificial intelligence and data center development. That meeting produced a shared set of principles recognizing that new electricity demand must be matched with new generation and infrastructure.
The administration later reinforced that message through a Ratepayer Protection Pledge with several large technology companies. The pledge calls for hyper-scale data centers to Bring Their Own Generation and Pay Their Own Way for the infrastructure needed to connect to the grid. In simple terms, if a company builds a facility that consumes enormous amounts of electricity, it must also help build the power and infrastructure required to support it.
However, much of this framework depends on state law. The Pennsylvania Ratepayer Protection Act would place these principles directly into our Commonwealth’s utility laws, so they can be implemented by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
My bill takes three important steps:
• It codifies the Ratepayer Protection Pledge, so the cost of new grid connections and infrastructure required by large data centers does not fall on Pennsylvania ratepayers.
• It requires hyper-scale data centers to Bring Their Own Generation by constructing or supporting new electricity generation instead of drawing power from the existing supply that serves homes and small businesses.
• It establishes Power Pricing Parity for Pennsylvania ratepayers. Large technology companies have already begun signing long-term power purchase agreements with generators, allowing them to lock up electricity for years into the future. My legislation requires utilities to enter into similar long-term agreements on behalf of their customers so that residents and small businesses can compete for Pennsylvania electricity before it is claimed by Big Tech buyers.
Pennsylvania produces enormous amounts of electricity. Our residents should benefit from that production first. By requiring companies to pay their own costs, build their own generation and allowing ratepayers to compete for long-term power supply, this legislation stabilizes the market and reduces electricity prices for families and businesses across our region.
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Route 202 and Smithbridge Road Light Issues
This week, I met with the Concord Township engineer on location to observe for ourselves the functioning of the light at Route 202 North and Smithbridge Road. We received complaints that the light was sequenced in such a way that it permitted 202 Northbound traffic to go speeding through the intersection while Smithbridge Road had a Green light. Prior to our meeting, the engineer worked with the out-of-state contractor which designed and sold the “adaptive lighting” to the state (which was in turn forced upon the municipalities) to resolve these issues.
In the significant time in which we watched the intersection, we noted that (1) the lights had the proper delays before any light went Green; (2) the queue of traffic on Smithbridge Road was completely cleared out with each cycle; and (3) the queue of traffic in between Route 202 North and South was also completely cleared out with each light cycle.
But as we know with this “adaptive” technology, it is now old and not good. Keeping it functioning properly is like constantly plugging holes in the dam. Please keep reporting signal issues to my office. As I have said many, many times, I love my community, but it is the driving experience that makes it miserable at times. Please know that I will constantly work on our road infrastructure.
I also plan to raise with leadership in the General Assembly and administration that it is perhaps time to be done with this nonfunctioning “technology.”
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Construction Continues at U.S. 202 and Route 926 Intersection Delayed
PennDOT will continue roadway construction at the intersection of U.S. 202 (Wilmington Pike) and Route 926 (Street Road) in Thornbury and Westtown townships under a $2.9 million safety improvement project.
From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday, March 9, through Friday, March 27, a weekday lane closure with flagging will be in place at the intersection. The road work was delayed a week due to weather.
PennDOT’s contractor will install a new southbound right-turn deceleration lane on U.S. 202 at Route 926. Crews will also add an additional eastbound left-turn lane on Route 926, creating a double left-turn configuration approaching U.S. 202.
The project includes signal upgrades, ADA curb ramp improvements and milling and paving operations.
PennDOT will monitor the impact of construction on The Westtown Inn, which sits in the northwest quadrant of the intersection and is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
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Beware of Tax Season Scams
Tax season has arrived, and scammers often try to take advantage of taxpayers during this time of year. The Internal Revenue Service encourages residents to remain alert and recognize common warning signs of tax-related scams.
Watch for these red flags:
• Promises of large refunds or “guaranteed” payouts. Advice circulating on social media may encourage taxpayers to claim credits improperly or provide false information on tax forms.
• Threats or urgent payment demands. Scammers may claim immediate payment is required and threaten arrest or other penalties.
• Suspicious website links. Misspelled or unusual web addresses may lead to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal information.
Residents should also remember that the Internal Revenue Service does not initiate contact through social media or text messages. The agency typically begins communication through official mail.
Additional information about tax scams and steps to protect your personal information is available here.
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PA ABLE Savings Program Surpasses $200 Million
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity recently announced that the PA ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Savings Program has surpassed $200 million in assets. The program allows Pennsylvanians with disabilities and their families to save money without affecting eligibility for certain benefits.
Funds saved through PA ABLE may be used for a wide range of disability-related expenses. These expenses may include everyday costs such as housing and groceries, along with larger purchases such as assistive technology or vehicle modifications. The accounts also provide certain tax advantages for participants.
Earlier this year, eligibility expanded to include individuals whose disabilities began before age 46. Previously, eligibility applied only to individuals whose disabilities began before age 26.
More information about eligibility and how to open an account is available at paable.gov or by calling 855-529-2253.
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Around the District
Concord Township Scholarship Opportunity
Concord Township Council will award four $1,000 scholarships in 2026 to graduating high school seniors who live in Concord Township.
Applications must be submitted by March 20, 2026. Please follow this link for more information.
Photo Credit: Facebook
Delaware County Intermediate Unit Parent Training Workshop
The Delaware County Intermediate Unit invites parents to attend a training workshop on Online Safety for Students on March 26, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The workshop will be held virtually through Zoom.
Please follow this link for additional information and registration details.
Photo Credit: Facebook
Music with Miss Brooke in Concord Township
Concord Township will host “Music with Miss Brooke,” a children’s music class at the Concord Township Community Center.
The program includes singing, shakers, drums, puppets, parachute activities, bubbles and other interactive elements designed for young children.
The class will take place at the Concord Township Community Center, 45 Thornton Road in Glen Mills.
Photo Credit: Instagram
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Bravo Zulu
*The BZ pennants are hoisted as a part of Navy/Marine Corps custom to communicate “GOOD JOB!”
Garnet Valley Swimmers Place at District 1 Championships
Congratulations to Garnet Valley swimmers Aaron Neville and Kayla Reasons for strong finishes at the District 1 Swimming Championships.
Aaron Neville placed second in the 100-yard backstroke, and Kayla Reasons placed third in the 50-yard freestyle.
Well done to both athletes on representing Garnet Valley with excellence.
Photo Credit: Instagram
Garnet Valley Runner Earns Second Place at State Championships
Congratulations to Garnet Valley runner Jon Wert on earning second place at the Pennsylvania Indoor Track and Field State Championships.
Jon Wert recorded a time of 21.44 seconds in the 200-meter race, the 26th fastest time in the United States this season.
Outstanding performance Jon.
Photo Credit: Instagram
Rustin Alum Harold Wood Named NCCAA Scholar Team Member
Congratulations to Rustin alum Harold Wood on being named a National Christian College Athletic Association Scholar Team member.
Harold Wood earned this recognition through his academic achievement and athletic performance.
Excellent work representing Rustin.
Photo Credit: BJU Bruins Website
Rustin Wrestler AJ Corp Wins Bronze, Advances to State Championship
Congratulations to Rustin wrestler AJ Corp on earning third place at the regional wrestling tournament.
Competing in the 172-pound weight class, AJ Corp won back-to-back matches to secure the bronze finish. He will now compete in Hershey at the Pennsylvania State Championship.
Best wishes as he continues his season at states.
Photo Credit: Instagram
Tufts University Dean’s List
Angie Chen, Biochemistry
Melissa Griswold, Community Health
Maille Mojica, Biology
University of Mississippi Graduate
Ryan Lynch, Accountancy
Holy Cross University Dean’s List
Jake Jaszcz
Ryan Nealon
Charlotte Powers
John Young
Morgan Hendler
Siena University President’s List
Ashrith Settivari, Biology
Honors List at Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Florham Campus
Brandon Lipson
Leila Duffie
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| Office Locations |
| District Office: |
| One Beaver Valley Road | (intersection of Route 202 & Naamans Creek Road) Chadds Ford, PA 19317-9012 | Phone (610) 358-5925 | FAX: 610-358-5933 |
| Capitol Office: |
| 3 East Wing, P.O. Box 202160, Harrisburg, PA 17120-2160 | Phone: 717-783-3038 | FAX: 717-787-7604 |
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