It’s hard to believe we’re at the start of a new budget season after last year’s impasse pushed the process well into the fall, but it’s true!

This week we heard Governor Shapiro present his priorities for the 2026-2027 fiscal year at his annual Budget Address. Here are some of the highlights:

Investing in stronger schools

The governor’s proposal includes over $650 million to address adequacy, invest in basic education, bolster special education programs, and fund menstrual hygiene products in schools, school safety, and facility improvements.

Raising wages and reducing financial strain

This budget proposal calls for raising the minimum wage and tax relief through the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit. It also works to address rising energy costs, offer better consumer protections, and support housing reforms to make it easier to find safe, stable homes.

Making communities safer and healthier

By investing in community violence prevention programs, strengthening law enforcement, better supporting first responders, and focusing on the state’s Child Line and mental health centers, neighborhoods will grow safer and healthier.

Growing jobs and the economy

This year the focus is on supporting career and technical education, apprenticeship programs, and STEM learning, as well as developing agriculture, tourism, and small business throughout the state.

There’s still plenty to do before these ideas become a formal budget proposal, but it’s a strong starting point. I’ll be sure to keep you updated as the process goes on.

In service,

Gina H. Curry

State Representative

164th Legislative District

On Tuesday, the House voted to adopt my resolution designating January 23, 2026 “Maternal Health Awareness Day” in Pennsylvania. As you know, I’m dedicated to improving the outcomes for pregnant, birthing, and postpartum moms throughout the Commonwealth, and awareness days help us shed light on difficult topics. I’m proud to see the resolution pass!

This week the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus met with Governor Shapiro to talk about what it's going to take to get things done for our communities. We discussed priorities, legislation, and how to move beyond conversation and into action.

The PLBC works to protect, uplift, and deliver results for our Black and Brown communities here in Pennsylvania. I'm proud to be part of this dynamic and dedicated group. 

The PA Legislative Black Caucus’s James R. Roebuck Scholarship offers Pennsylvania students of color who are graduating high school seniors or current undergraduate college students a $1,500 scholarship to help with the cost of tuition, fees, books, or school-related supplies and equipment.

The deadline to apply for the 2026 awards is February 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. You can learn more about the scholarship and apply here.

This month, the Upper Darby Senior Center will host their first-ever Black History Month Panel, and I’m excited to be there as a panelist together with Mayor Ed Brown and UD Police Lieutenant Laina Stevens!

I would love to see you there. The event is on Wednesday, February 11 at 10:00 a.m. at the Senior Center, 326 Watkins Ave., Upper Darby.

I was honored to participate in The Institute for Women’s Empowerment’s leadership workshop, “The Balancing Act” last Saturday! Held virtually, I was able to share with a dynamic group of women how to lead with clarity and confidence while balancing competing demands. It was so great to share my experiences with such an engaged group!

Yesterday I stood in solidarity with the family of Parady La, the ACLU, advocates and community organizers to demand accountability, transparency, and systemic change in immigration and law enforcement tactics and detention.

Mr. La, a resident of West Philadelphia and an Upper Darby High School alumni, died in January after being detained by ICE at the Federal Detention Center in Philadelphia. His family has raised many questions about how he was treated and how necessary medical care was administered while he was at FDC Philadelphia.

The ACLU has filed a Freedom of Information Act request with ICE and the Bureau of Prisons seeking records that may give us a better idea of what circumstances led to Mr. La’s death.

Yesterday’s news conference was as hopeful as it was somber, because I could see how dedicated this group of family, neighbors, and advocates is to getting answers and enacting change. When times are tough, we come together – and we are all better for it.

Congratulations to Delaware County Sheriff Jerry Sanders Jr. on his retirement!

Originally from Philadelphia, Sheriff Sanders dedicated his career to public service, holding positions as the city’s Sheriff’s Deputy and Chief Inspector, and is also an Associate Minister at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in southwest Philadelphia. When he was sworn in as Delaware County’s 63rd Sherriff in 2018, he became the first Black man and first Democrat to hold the position since 1934.

Thank you for your service and dedication to our community! Enjoy your retirement!

Friday, February 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

5th Annual Black & Diverse Business Forum with Sen. Kearney

Delaware County Community College

901 S. Media Line Rd., Media

Saturday, March 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Shred Event with Rep. Heather Boyd

DCCC Southeast Center, 409 N. Lansdowne Ave., Drexel Hill, PA

Wednesdays, February 11 & 18 from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Free Lactation Café through Family Village, breastfeeding support with lactation counselors and a chance to meet other nursing moms

Register here

Fridays, February 13 & 20 from 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Free Childbirth Education Classes through DCHD

Register by calling the Delaware County Health Department Wellness Line: 484-276-2100

Future two-day classes include March 6 & 20; April 3 & 17

Thursdays, March 5 & 19

Free Self-Care Wellness series by Family Village

Register here

Pennsylvania State Capitol

25-A East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-4907

District Office

1500 Garrett Rd.
Upper Darby, PA 19082
(610) 259-7016

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Thank you for letting our team proudly serve you, your families, and the stakeholders in the 164th in East Lansdowne, Lansdowne, Milbourne, and Upper Darby. 

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