Happy PGA Championship Week!

I am a golf fan by necessity. As the wife and mother of golf fanatics, my motto has always been, “If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em!” But this week, with all the hoopla happening around the arrival of one of the world’s most prestigious golf tournaments to our area, one can’t help but get caught up in all the excitement of the region’s first 250th celebration sporting event!

Aronimink Golf Club and Newtown Township have worked so hard to prepare for this event and show our best face to the world. Thank you to Newtown’s dedicated township staff and police department who have been collaborating with the PGA for months to help them dot every “i” and cross every “t” to ensure everything runs smoothly. We also owe a huge debt of thanks to the officers from our surrounding townships who will all be pitching in to help out over the next week.

If you are heading to the tournament (I bought tickets for Saturday), be sure to check out the options for getting to the course (parking, public transit, rideshare and road closure info is available at the Spectator Guide.) If parking, you must purchase a pass through SeatGeek. Know before you go so you can enjoy!

Members of the Newtown Square Fire Company are on location at Aronimink this week, assisting the PGA and the Joint Operations Command.  Engine 41 is on location with their new UTV fire suppression vehicle donated by the PGA, as well as an additional golf cart to provide immediate service services as needed.

Speaking of the 250th, we have an exciting opportunity for rising seniors and juniors from the 168th to be part of history!

On September 9th, the PA House of Representatives will convene a ceremonial session at Independence Hall.  In addition, each House district will be represented by a resident high school student as part of a civic learning initiative developed by the House in partnership with America250PA. Students will have a full-day experience focused on Pennsylvania government and history, engaging with public officials and civic leaders along the way. Lunch, dinner, and a dessert reception will be provided.

So, interested rising senior and juniors: If you live in the 168th and are interested in joining 202 of your peers from across the commonwealth for this first-ever civic program to celebrate America’s 250th, we want to hear from you! Use this form to tell us, in 100 words or less, what being an American means to you.

The winning student representative will be selected via random drawing at our Tuesday, May 26 Town Hall with Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon and state Rep. Jennifer O’Mara.

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend – don't forget about our shred event on Saturday morning at Archbishop Carroll – and as always...Go Phillies!

In service,

In this edition:

Harrisburg Update 

• Remembrance of fallen officers

• Voting Rights Act legislation

• Legislation to protect animals in PA

• Solar for Schools is working!

• Protecting energy consumers

• Restoring access to mifepristone by mail

In the District 

• Childcare Provider Roundtable

• Learning about AI's impact on children

• Middletown Community Day

• Garrett Williamson Garden Party

• PTRR events with Sen. Kearney

• John Middleton and Main Line School Night

• Financial support for the Marple Newtown Parade

• Celebrating Police Week

Events

• Shred Event (5/16)

• Scam Jam (6/5)

FYI 

• Road closure alert for this weekend

• REMINDER: Distracted driving is soon a fineable offense

• Stream Smart House Calls for stormwater management

• Contest: Spend the day in the boots of a PA State Park Ranger

• Shapiro Admin announces grant opportunities for older adults & people with dementia

Community Events & Announcements

• Newtown Square 4th of July Parade (7/4)

• NAMI Support Group for Teens (5/14, 5/28)

• Newtown Square Farmers Market (5/29 thru Sept.)

• Marple Newtown Historic Day (6/6)

Remembrance of fallen officers

I was honored to join Governor Josh Shapiro and Attorney General Dave Sunday last week for the 31st annual PA Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Service honoring fallen officers from 2025.

This is my fourth time attending this tremendously moving program. We can’t do enough to honor these officers, who have given all to protect and serve. May their memory always be a blessing and may their families find comfort and peace.

Ptlm. Andrew Duarte

Det. Mark Baker

Det. Sgt. Cody Becker

Det. Isaiah Emenheiser

Police Officer Andy Chan

Voting Rights Act legislation

I have signed on to important legislation proposed by my colleague Rep. Napoleon Nelson that would protect voting rights for Pennsylvanians.

The federal Voting Rights Act (VRA) of 1965 recognized that formal access to the ballot was not protection enough if states and local governments could manipulate district lines or election rules to dilute minority voting strength and silence entire communities. For decades, the VRA served as one of the nation’s most important civil rights safeguards, ensuring that minority voters had a meaningful opportunity to participate equally in our democracy.
 
The U.S. Supreme Court, however – in its recent decision in Louisiana v. Callais – gutted a key provision of this law by ruling that plaintiffs must demonstrate that a legislative map was made with an intent to dilute a minority group’s voting power for that map to be considered a racial gerrymander – a profound increase in the burden required to prove such discrimination.
 
That decision put minority voters at higher risk of having their voting power diluted, and without proper recourse to solve such injustice. 

Rep. Nelson’s proposed measure would codify strong voting protections into law and serve as a critical safeguard against the Supreme Court’s decisions to weaken the Voting Rights Act, helping to protect voting rights in PA for years to come.
 
Decisions like Louisiana v. Callais demonstrate the importance of establishing voter protections at all levels of government, and it is critical that Pennsylvania not delay action on this matter. At a time when federal protections are being steadily weakened, states must step forward to ensure that every voter, regardless of race, ethnicity, or language background, retains equal access to political representation and an equal voice in our democracy.

Members of Humane World for Animals (formerly the Humane Society) were up in Harrisburg last week to support some of the bills we're advocating for in the Animal Protection Caucus, of which I'm a proud member. One of those bills is Victoria's Law, sponsored by Rep. Jeanne McNeil, which would stop the sale of puppy mill dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet stores; and protect consumers from misleading sales tactics, including sick puppy sales.

Another piece of legislation we're advocating, sponsored by fellow Delco Delegation member Rep. Leanne Krueger, would prevent wildlife trafficking. In recent years, other states have passed laws that aim to combat wildlife trafficking since the markets for these wildlife parts are often trafficked into the United States with weaker laws and regulations. It's time for PA to join them!

School officials from across the Commonwealth joined us last week to celebrate the first round of Solar for Schools project installations.

When schools invest in solar energy, they save money, in part by producing their own energy (sometimes even contributing back to the electric grid!). 

Schools also benefit from the reduced carbon emissions, and being able to give students opportunities for hands-on STEM learning, showing young people what a job in the renewable energy sector could look like. The state supporting solar projects in schools produces real benefits: real savings in school budgets, real jobs created, and real gigawatts of electricity entering the power grid! Learn more about the program.

Protecting energy consumers

Legislation to help fight high utility bills passed through the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee last week. House Bill 2131 from Rep. Heather Boyd would protect Pennsylvanians from predatory price spikes when shopping for electricity.

Data shows that Pennsylvanians typically end up paying more when they shop in the competitive retail market than if they had remained with their utility provider. One way that this happens is because customers are automatically re-enrolled in new, more expensive, variable-rate plans and they don’t opt out before their contract ends.

House Bill 2131 would return customers to their default service provider at the end of their contract term if they don’t take action to renew their contract or choose another energy supplier.

This is such a helpful tool in our fight to end predatory practices from our utilities!

Restoring access to mifepristone by mail

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday temporarily restored access to mifepristone, the widely used (due to its proven safety and efficacy) abortion medication in an order that will, for now, allow women to once again obtain the medication by mail.

The brief order paused a lower-court ruling from Friday that had prevented abortion providers from prescribing mifepristone by telemedicine, and patients from obtaining it by mail or in person at a pharmacy without an in-person visit to the doctor.

The Supreme Court says it will consider during the pause whether to allow the lower court’s restrictions to take effect and asked the involved parties to file new briefs this week.

The case stems from the state of Louisiana suing the FDA to restrict access to mifepristone, saying the availability of the medication by mail has allowed abortions to continue in the state despite its near-total ban.

On May 4, Governor Josh Shapiro announced that Pennsylvania has joined a multistate amicus brief urging reversal of the lower court’s decision in that case. 

The amicus brief highlights the overwhelming medical consensus that medication abortion — including the use of mifepristone — is safe, effective, and a critical component of reproductive health care. Decades of peer-reviewed research and findings from leading medical organizations and federal regulators confirm mifepristone’s strong safety record and its essential role in both abortion care and the management of early pregnancy loss.

It also makes the following crucial points:

• This situation is largely defined by the Fifth Circuit undermining the Supreme Court's ruling in the Dobbs case, which made the fundamental presumption/explicit statement that abortion rights should be returned to the states.

• Telemedicine is critical to healthcare access; it has dramatically expanded many Americans' ability to get care, particularly for reproductive care in the current healthcare landscape.

• Mifepristone is also used to treat the loss of wanted pregnancy, as well as high blood sugar.

• There is no research, data, or any other type of evidence to support requiring patients to be prescribed mifepristone in person.

• Louisiana is asking for mifepristone to be treated differently than any other drug. 

Medication abortion now accounts for a majority of abortions nationwide, and telehealth — including prescribing by mail — has been proven to safely expand access to care, particularly for patients in rural, underserved, or restrictive states, making the appeals court’s decision especially harmful to those who rely on these options.

The Shapiro Administration will continue to provide updates and resources to help you access safe and legal care. You can find up-to-date information about their rights, available services, and how to access care through the Commonwealth’s Freedom to Choose website, which includes guidance on medication abortion, in-clinic care, and how to connect with providers. 

Childcare Provider Roundtable

On May 1st I had the opportunity to host several of the 168th District’s fabulous early childhood education providers, along with dedicated advocates from Children First and First Up, for a roundtable discussion on the state of childcare in Pennsylvania.

We discussed the challenges providers and families face every day, from navigating complicated regulations and improving existing support programs to balancing rising operational costs while keeping childcare affordable for families. The discussion was insightful and productive. It gave me a lot to consider legislatively.

Pennsylvania’s childcare providers are truly superheroes, and our communities are stronger because of them. Special thank you to CHVRCH for graciously providing the space for this important conversation.

Learning about AI's impact on children

Last week, I attended a very thoughtful and informative program about AI and how this technology is causing harm to some of the most vulnerable, our children. Like so many things these days, AI is moving so fast it is hard to keep up. In this program we heard from child advocates, law enforcement professionals, tech experts, and legislators, including Madam Speaker Rep. Joanna McClinton and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Dave Sunday, and Senator Tracy Pennycuick, about the challenges of AI and work being done to put up guardrails and close the doors opened by AI which have caused harm.

I am grateful to the Radnor and Lancaster parents and students who have bravely shared their stories. We have a lot of work to do in this space, and at the event I had some really productive conversations with experts ready to sit down with me, educate me, and work with me to build on the work being of many of my legislative colleagues and local elected officials to make sure we are doing all we can to protect our children.

Middletown Community Day

Middletown Township's Community Day on May 2nd was bigger and better than ever!

It was great to see so many neighbors, community leaders, services groups, first responders, and local vendors come together for a fun and successful event. I also had the chance to spend time with my colleague Rep. Leanne Krueger, and together we are proud to each represent parts of Middletown Township. 

It was a wonderful day of community connection, and we are already looking forward to next year!

Garrett Williamson Garden Party

Last Wednesday, we ended session just in time for me to hightail it from Harrisburg back home for the annual Garrett Williamson Garden Party! It was standing room only as we celebrated and raised funds to support their mission and kicked off The Foundation for Delaware County’s #DelcoGivesDay!

Garrett Williamson is a jewel located in Newtown Township, offering unique farm programs (I met a few future veterinarians) where individuals and families immerse themselves in aspects of farming from agriculture to animal care. It also operates the outstanding childcare program, Garrett’s Way.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate event with Sen. Kearney

Kate was out at the Newtown Public Library on Monday with Josh from Sen. Kearney’s office to help seniors apply for their Property Tax / Rent Rebate. You have until June 30th to apply! Stop by the district office with last year’s tax bills and proof of income, and we will get your rebate started!

John Middleton and Main Line School Night

It was a great night to support the wonderful programming that MLSN provides for adult learners across the region!

Financial support for the Marple Newtown Parade

Several months ago, Parade Vice Chair and Newtown resident Leigh Ann Coary visited my office to share all their great plans to celebrate and recognize America’s 250th, and we talked about ways the state could provide support. Fast-forward and the outstanding work of the committee was recognized when selected as a grant recipient! I was thrilled to partner with my colleagues to bring these dollars home to our communities.

We’re getting our candy and our marching shoes ready! Congratulations to Leigh Ann and the entire parade committee! Learn more about the best 4th of July parade.

Celebrating Police Week

Ahead of National Police Week, which began on Monday, Marie and I had the opportunity to deliver local hoagie trays to the dedicated officers serving the 168th District.

This week, these officers, along with many other officers across the area, will be working long hours to support both their regular duties and the estimated 200,000 visitors attending the PGA championship in Newtown Square.

We are grateful to the officers in Newtown Twp. PD, Radnor Twp. PD, Villanova University Public Safety, and all law enforcement personnel for their service to our communities every day.

We also showed gratitude to PA State Police Troop K for Pennsylvania State Police Day for all they do to support Middletown and Edgmont. (Photo on the right.)

My Events

FYI

Road closure alert for this weekend

Starting tomorrow Friday, May 15, and Saturday, May 16, from 10:00 PM to 9:00 AM the following morning, the ramp from westbound I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway) to southbound I-476 will be closed and detoured in West Conshohocken Borough and Lower Merion Township, Montgomery County for milling and paving.

REMINDER: Distracted driving is soon a fineable offense

Beginning June 6, you can be cited for driving while using a hand-held device in Pennsylvania, even while stopped at a red light or traffic jam. “Paul Miller’s Law” went into effect last year, but in the first year police could only issue warnings. June 6 marks the date when drivers convicted of distracted driving will be subject to a $50 fine. There are exceptions for contacting emergency officials and hands-free technology.

Signed by Gov. Shapiro in 2024, “Paul Miller’s Law” was named for a 21-year-old Scranton man who was killed in a 2010 crash involving a truck driver who was using a cell phone.

Contest: Win the chance to be a PA Ranger for a Day!

Ever wonder what Pennsylvania looks like through a park ranger's eyes? This summer, visitPA and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources are teaming up to give one lucky winner and their guest a one-of-a-kind, behind-the-scenes experience at one of the state's most stunning parks.

You'll spend a full day with people who know every trail, every hidden waterfall, every special spot you don't want to miss. You'll explore the way state park employees do, off the beaten path and into the wild spaces that make PA parks worth protecting. This won’t be your average park visit!

All the details on how to enter the contest and what the day will entail are here: https://www.visitpa.com/ranger/

Stream Smart House Calls – Improved Stormwater Management

Residents of the upstream areas of the Chester, Ridley, and Crum Creek Watersheds are invited to register for a free Stream Smart House Call to identify ways to reduce runoff and protect local streams. 

Shapiro Admin announces grant opportunities for older adults & people with dementia

A new funding opportunity is available through the PA Department of Aging and its philanthropic partners. The Resilient Environments in Aging and Dementia in Your Communities (READY Communities) Funding Collaborative is a first-of-its-kind public-philanthropic pilot program to support the implementation of Aging Our Way, PA, the Commonwealth’s 10-year strategic plan for aging.

The 2026 READY Communities grant application will be open through June 12. Projects should align with at least one priority from Aging Our Way, PA, and support older adults and/or people living with dementia. More information on the program is available here.

Community Events & Announcements

A new online mental health group is available for students grades 8-12! The first half of these 90-minute sessions will consist of an open support group. The second half will feature a presentation/discussion with a mental health professional or peer about a specific mental health skill. This group will meet on Zoom every other week on Thursday nights through May 28.

The next session will be tonight, Thursday, May 14th at 7pm, and the skills topic will be Chill Skills: Learning to Breathe for Balance. The last group of the academic year will be May 28, but the program will begin again in September and will offer 6 additional sessions. Click here to register.

Newtown Square Farmers Market kicks off with a Strawberry U-Pick at Urban Roots Farm! Come check out the new market space on Friday, May 29th from 4 to 7pm. We’ll have several of our market vendors and live music and the BEST strawberries around! Pick them yourself or buy them by the pint!

Pennsylvania State Capitol

28-B East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 772-2005

District Office

24 S. Newtown Street Rd., Suite 100
Newtown Square, PA 19073
(484) 427-2884

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