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Hello Neighbors, Community Members and Friends,
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This week we celebrated literacy skills and the joy of reading by observing Read Across America Week!
The National Education Association creates an annual calendar of recommended books for different age groups and reading levels, and this year, the focus is on diversity and inclusion. There are some really great book choices to help your kids (or students!) grow into welcoming, curious, and active community members. Check out the calendar here.
Like last week, in this eblast you’ll find updates on budget hearings I recently attended, this time for the Department of Labor & Industry, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. There’s also an update on a policy hearing regarding the possibility of universal Pre-K in PA!
As always, please reach out if we can help you in any way.
In service,
Gina H. Curry
State Representative
164th Legislative District
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At a policy committee meeting on Tuesday, we heard from testifiers about the power of high-quality early childhood and universal Pre-K programs. When children have access to these programs, they have improved focus, self-control, and early literacy skills.
My colleague Rep. Tarik Khan of Philadelphia has introduced a bill that would make Pre-K available in all schools. You can read more about his bill here.
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Budget Hearing: Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
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In our hearing on the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, we discussed the impact America’s 250th birthday celebrations will have on our public parks and open spaces this July, and how critical outdoor recreation is to the health and economy of Pennsylvania.
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Budget Hearing: PA Emergency Management Agency
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PEMA’s mission is to help people and communities before, during and after disasters and other emergencies, like preparing for and responding to severe weather, training first responders, and operating Pennsylvania’s 911 system.
Part of our discussion was how federal funding cuts have impacted PEMA and its ability to maintain these critical programs, and what the state government can do about it.
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Budget Hearing: Department of Human Services
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At our hearing about the Department of Human Services, I asked important questions about the troubling rise in suicide rates in our communities, especially among Black youth. As the department that handles state programming and funding for mental health and substance abuse services, I wanted to know how DHS plans to take on this issue. Hear more about it in the video above.
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Budget Hearing: Department of Labor & Industry
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Like the PEMA hearing, at the Labor & Industry hearing we heard testimony about how the impacts of federal actions and budget cuts have impacted the work they do. L & I administers important programs like unemployment compensation, job search and career training, career support for people living with disabilities, workers’ compensation, labor law compliance, and more.
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Congratulations to Dr. Jean Kosha!
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This morning, we honored our local librarian, Dr. Jean Kosha, at the Delaware County Libraries’ 2026 Legislative Breakfast. Dr. Kosha received the Exceptional Library Worker award for her work as the Program Coordinator for Upper Darby Township and Sellers Memorial Free Public Library, Municipal Branch.
Congratulations to Dr. Kosha and to William J. DeFeo III, township manager of Aston Township, who was honored with the Outstanding Public Official award, and Marcia Abrams of the Marple Public Library Board of Trustees, honored posthumously with the Outstanding Citizen award.
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TODAY: SEPTA Service Change for M Train
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Today, Friday, March 6, from 9 AM until 9 PM, shuttle bus service replaces (M) train service from Radnor Station to Norristown Transit Center due to an emergency PECO outage. Shuttle buses run every 30 minutes or less in accordance with the current weekday schedule, but riders should prepare for additional travel time.
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Breast cancer focus group March 12 for women of color
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The Delaware County Health Department is hosting several focus groups this coming week to speak with women of color about barriers they’ve faced in getting screened for breast cancer. The goal is for the department to learn more about obstacles in breast cancer care so they can make an informed effort to remove them.
Focus groups will be held Thursday, March 12 from 4:30-6:00 p.m. at the Booker T. Washington Community Center, 611 Central Ave., Chester, PA 19013.
Call 484-276-2100 to register.
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Thank you, Kappa Alpha Psi!
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Last weekend I was honored with the Public Service Award of the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter, Senior Affairs Committee of Kappa Alpha Psi. I am so grateful for the recognition and for the beautiful event they hosted. Thank you!
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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
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Monday, April 13 and Tuesday, April 14
Black Maternal Health Week at the Capitol
501 N. Third Street, Harrisburg
REGISTER TODAY!
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Saturday, March 28 at 12:00 p.m.
Free Food Giveaway hosted by 5th District Councilman Myron McNeely
Michelle Park
Springton & Sanford Rd., Upper Darby
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
25-A East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-4907
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District Office
1500 Garrett Rd.
Upper Darby, PA 19082
(610) 259-7016
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If you need assistance with any state-related issue, you can reach out to my office.
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.
Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more updates and events happening in Harrisburg and the 164th!
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