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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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Appointment to National Military and Veterans Affairs Task Force
I am appointed to serve on the Military and Veterans Affairs Task Force, a group within the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). The Veterans Affairs Task Force consists of leaders from all states working together on bipartisan policy issues helping veterans, service members and their families across the country. I was asked to join by my veteran colleagues on the Energy Supply Task Force who also serve on that multi-state policy collaborative.
The task force focuses on issues that matter directly to military families. These include the transition to civilian life, access to health care, behavioral health needs, workforce opportunities, housing, education, and navigation of state and federal benefits. This work aligns with NCSL’s mission to strengthen military communities and improve outcomes for veterans and their families.
As a retired veteran, this responsibility is deeply personal to me. Serving on this task force allows me to bring my experience to a national forum and also to learn from other legislators working on veteran issues. Serving veterans is a mission that continues every day.
In Pennsylvania, I have worked across party lines to advance meaningful veterans' legislation. Most recently, my legislation protecting deployed military parents became law. The Uniform Deployed Parents Custody and Visitation Act established clear rules that prevent service members from losing custody or visitation rights because of military deployment. I also passed legislation that clarified education benefit eligibility for members of the Pennsylvania National Guard after reenlistment, including their families.
I am grateful to the Speaker of the House for my appointment as Pennsylvania’s representative on this important task force on behalf of our veterans.
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Menorah Lighting to Begin Hanukkah
I was honored to join Rabbi Gerber and members of our local Jewish community for the lighting of the menorah to mark the beginning of Hanukkah. This gathering carried added significance in light of events in Australia over the weekend. As I said to the group on Sunday, only light can cast out darkness; only our goodness will prevail over evil. I stand tall with our Jewish community. I hope you have a blessed remainder of Hanukkah.
Photo Credit: chaddsfordlive.com
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Workforce in Action Forum Highlights Urgent Need to Strengthen Pennsylvania’s Trades Pipeline
I joined the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce for its Workforce in Action Forum, where business leaders, educators, and community partners discussed the significant challenges facing Pennsylvania’s workforce. Participants spoke plainly about what employers need and what our economy demands. One theme dominated the conversation: the Commonwealth must intensify its focus on developing and promoting skilled trades.
I have said many times that Pennsylvania stands ready to lead an unprecedented moment in the energy and technology sectors. Over the next 5 to 15 years, we will see a tremendous growth in energy production in our state. These facilities will require a large, sustained supply of trained tradespeople to build and maintain the infrastructure that keeps them operational.
Pennsylvania employers have an opportunity to prepare citizens for these high-demand, high-skill jobs. By investing in workforce development and strengthening technical education, we can ensure that students and adults have access to the credentials and training required to enter these fields. Continued cooperation among schools, unions, employers and government can expand apprenticeships and create predictable pathways from training to employment.
I will continue to support policies that build a strong trades workforce. If we take the necessary steps now, the Commonwealth will meet the needs of this moment and position itself to lead the nation in the next generation of infrastructure and innovation.
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Update on Ridge Road Development and Traffic Concerns
First, thank you to the community members who attended the Concord Zoning meeting. I was on the floor of the House in hours of debate into the evening and could not leave in time to attend. As I understand, the decision on retail gas sales at the Ridge Road property has been extended until the late-January meeting of the Zoning Board.
As I reported last week, I hosted a meeting with Senator Kane, PennDOT officials, and the developer to voice our concerns about the proposal. I made very clear that our interest from a state point of view is the impact to our roads. I reiterated what I have conveyed to you previously: we cannot abide elimination of the turn lane for residents living behind Glen Eagle Shopping Center; we cannot give up Route 202 driving space so the new shopping center may have two left turn lanes onto Ridge Road; and we cannot pile up traffic at the Smithbridge Road intersection (or others) of Route 202 to create traffic space for the developer to have more signal time at Ridge Road. There are also issues for the residents along Ridge Road which flow from those fundamental objections, namely road redesign of Ridge Road at the proposed entrance to the shopping center. As currently proposed, it is a traffic congestion nightmare for those neighbors trying to get to Route 202 or to church traveling the other direction.
Please let me reiterate, we discussed traffic impact. Issues involving zoning and land-use variances are considered by the two townships through their public-input processes. I will continue to voice my objections about the project, and you should too.
As for the traffic issues which I raised (joined by Senator Kane), I can report that the developer and PennDOT took them quite seriously. In fact, they are in the midst of completely overhauling the traffic portions of the project. We saw a preview of those early plans, which resolved many of our concerns. I remain unconvinced, however, that even this new plan will not add substantially to our driving misery. I made that point clear. The developer committed to an updated traffic study to evaluate my voiced issues (which I believe they said would be provided in the summer of 2026).
Senator Kane and I remain united in our concerns and approach to the project plans. We have voiced your objections, and they were heard. We will continue to fight for you and report back what we are learning.
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Grants Support Local Community Projects
I am pleased to share that Chester and Delaware counties have received state grants to support important local projects in and near our district. These are all grants which I supported.
The Delaware County Economic Development Corporation received a $198,147 grant to install three digital kiosks and 64 interpretive wayfinding kiosks at 14 historically significant sites in the Chadds Ford, Concord and Thornbury areas of the Brandywine Battlefield Heritage Interpretation Area. As you know, the Battle of the Brandywine was the first significant engagement of the Revolutionary War and occurred right here in our district. Telling that story is very important to me. These kiosks will connect with the existing Chester County heritage network and help visitors explore historic sites as we head into the 250th celebration of our nation.
West Chester Borough received an $818,576 grant to replace a 21-year-old fire apparatus. The West Chester Fire Department includes the First West Chester, Good Will and Fame fire companies. Together, they serve six municipalities, cover 27 square miles, and protect approximately 48,000 residents with the support of more than 200 volunteers. The department responds to about 1,800 incidents each year and this new equipment will strengthen emergency response across the region.
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PA 529: Give the Gift of Education
The Pennsylvania Treasury Department recently announced a new way to give the gift of education this holiday season through a partnership with Gift of College.
Friends and families may now buy Gift of College gift cards and direct those funds into a PA 529 College and Career Savings Program account. Treasury created a dedicated site at pa529.com/gift for digital gift cards. This option allows people to give a meaningful gift without knowing whether the recipient already opened a PA 529 account.
People may also contribute to an existing PA 529 account through Ugift. Every PA 529 account includes a unique gift code that account holders share with anyone who wants to help save for future education costs. Contributors receive a Pennsylvania state tax deduction for the amount they give.
Parents, grandparents, relatives and family friends may all contribute to a PA 529 account. Families use these savings for qualified education expenses for K–12, higher education, apprenticeship programs and credential programs.
For more information, visit pa529.com or call 800-440-4000.
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Around the District
Santa Is Coming to Concord and Chadds Ford (Concordville Fire and Protective Association)
The Concordville Fire Company will bring Santa to Concord and Chadds Ford on Saturday, December 20 from 1 – 4 p.m. Please keep an eye on the Concordville Fire Company’s Facebook page for updates. The Fire Company will post a link to their Santa Tracker on the day of the tour.
Photo Credit: Facebook
Santa Is Coming to Thornbury Township (Edgmont Fire Department)
The Edgmont Fire Department will be escorting Santa around parts of town on Saturday, December 20, starting at 10 a.m. Santa’s route is available here.
Photo Credit: Facebook
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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 Student Receives Athena Scholarship
Garnet Valley freshman Roy Hur earned the 2024-2025 Athena Scholarship. Hur has demonstrated exceptional talent as a pianist, and the scholarship will support the continued development of his music studies.
Photo Credit: Instagram
Garnet Valley Football Earns Sportsmanship Award
Garnet Valley Football earned the Sportsmanship Award from the Suburban Philadelphia Football Officials Association and the Central League coaches. The award recognizes the team’s conduct, discipline and respect for opponents and officials throughout the season. Well deserved!
Photo Credit: Facebook
Garnet Valley New 60-Meter Record
I want to give congratulations to Jonathan Wert, who set a school record in the 60-meter sprint with a time of 6.96 seconds.
Photo Credit: Instagram
Garnet Valley Men’s Basketball
The Jags defeated Haverford in a high-scoring Tuesday night matchup in Havertown. The final score was 67-66, and the win keeps Garnet Valley undefeated on the road this season.
Garnet Valley Women’s Basketball
Garnet Valley Women’s Basketball continued their winning streak against the Haverford Fords in a close 47-43 victory on Tuesday night. They are now 5-0 on the season and poised to continue their success.
Rustin Men’s Basketball Gets Conference Win
Rustin took a conference win against Oxford, winning 69-45. Tim Batchelor led the way with 16 points and 7 rebounds.
Photo credit: Instagram
Unionville Men’s Basketball Rolling
Unionville Men’s Basketball is on a 4-game winning streak, with their most recent win coming against Oxford (50-38). Unionville is now 5-3 on the season!
Unionville Wrestling Commit
I want to give a huge congratulations to Tommy Robinson on his commitment to Washington and Lee University to continue his academic and athletic career.
Photo Credit: Instagram
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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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