Dear Neighbor,

This Fourth of July, I was grateful to spend time with so many neighbors at community celebrations across our district.

Our nation's story is marked by generations of Americans working to make our democracy strong and our promises of freedom and opportunity real for everyone. At a time when those values can feel fragile, gatherings like these remind me how important it is to both celebrate and defend them.

While the summer heat sent us indoors, it didn't dampen the celebration. It was a great event reflecting on our nation's founding and celebrating the history that continues to unite us.

Thank you to everyone who organized the wonderful festivities that brought us together over the weekend. Seeing so many people come out to line our streets reminds me that our communities are one of our greatest strengths.

It’s also a time to remember that these traditions endure in large part because of the essential work public works professionals do every day across our communities.*

From early setup to final cleanup—and everything in between—our Public Works teams work behind the scenes to keep our streets, parks, and public spaces safe, clean, and ready for community celebrations. Their work helps everything run smoothly so we can all enjoy the parades, fireworks, and gatherings that make these milestone celebrations so special.

Here's to continuing the work of building a country that lives up to its highest ideals—for every person and every family.

Sincerely,

*Speaking of public works employees, I gave them a shout-out on the House floor recently. You can watch the clip below:

State Budget Update

This past weekend, my House colleagues and I were called back to Harrisburg by Speaker McClinton to finish negotiating and vote on a budget, which was finally passed and signed by Gov. Shapiro on Sunday evening.

I'm satisfied that the funding priorities I've been fighting for to benefit our region are upheld in the agreement we reached with the Senate, including funding to grow our biotech industry and make sure all public school students receive a superb education.

You may recall from last year that an overdue state budget can affect crucial funding disbursement to school districts, municipalities, counties, and nonprofits that provide important services in communities like ours. I am relieved that we avoided burdening them with that stress this year.

As we awaited Senate action on the budget proposal we sent them back in April, the House continued advancing measures that would address pressing issues you and other Pennsylvanians are facing—including the set of legislation I wrote about in my last e-newsletter that would protect us from the negative impacts of data centers and save taxpayer money by implementing a digital ad tax on internet advertisers who collect our user data.

Here are some of the budget items I feel are notably beneficial:

• More funding for both basic and special education in public schools, made possible in large part because of cyber charter school accountability reform.
   
• Continuing the Student Teacher Stipend program.
   
• Gives a long overdue COLA to retired teachers & other school employees, municipal police officers, and firefighters. These public servants dedicated their careers to serving us, and they deserve the retirement security we promised them.
   
• Boost to investments in workforce training, including apprenticeship programs and high school Career & Technical Education programs.
   
• Implementing guardrails around data centers, including requirements for them to report their energy and data usage, and to make sure you and other consumers don't foot the bill for any projects undertaken to meet their energy demands.
   
• Establishing an Affordable Housing Database within the PA Housing Finance Agency.
   
• Investments into community violence prevention efforts, including increased funding for rape crisis centers, after-school programs, and additional resources for law enforcement.
   
• Increasing the maximum Historic Preservation Tax Credit available for a single project.
   
• Modernizing the regulation of food processing residuals.
   
• Increasing the maximum capital development loan available through the Small Business First program from $400,000 to $2 million.
   
• Allocates up to $125 million in tax credits to generate investments in biotechnology and life sciences, keeping us competitive with other states.

As always, I am working every day to represent our community's needs in Harrisburg. I believe this budget maintains the proper focus on building practical solutions that help individuals and families succeed today while strengthening our lookout for tomorrow. You can learn more details via this news release.

Progress on my bill for ATV use by first responders

First responders increasingly use All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) in the course of their duties, allowing law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS to take quick action for the benefit of our communities. The mobility provided by these emergency ATVs proves essential in landscapes with difficult terrain, inaccessible trails, or crowded spaces like festivals and sporting events. These vehicles aid in search-and-rescue efforts, storm response, and disaster relief situations, and in transporting firefighting equipment and firefighters alike to hard-to-reach fires and hazmat emergencies.

However, the current law providing exemption for emergency ATVs from vehicle registration requirements is overly restrictive and burdensome to the first responders doing this work.

That’s why I introduced H.B. 2233, which would allow emergency ATVs to travel up to ten miles on public highways, rather than the current restriction of two miles. First responders would also be permitted to operate emergency ATVs on streets closed or restricted for special events. It would also remove the requirement for emergency ATVs to be equipped with sirens, allowing them to use revolving or flashing lights instead.

The House Transportation Committee approved the bill in June, and its now with the House Rules Committee for further consideration. I will keep you updated!

In the District

Reopening the Lumberville Aqueduct with DCNR

The heat has made it a little tougher to get outside and enjoy nature over the past couple of weekends, but as temperatures cool down, I hope more people will get out and enjoy one of our greatest treasures: the Delaware Canal State Park.

I was pleased to join Sen. Santarsiero and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to celebrate the reopening of the Lumberville Aqueduct, reconnecting sections of the towpath that were torn apart by Hurricane Ida in 2021.

The restored aqueduct makes it safer and easier for walkers, cyclists, and everyone who enjoys the beauty, history, and recreation along the Delaware Canal and the Delaware River. If you're looking for a great way to spend time outdoors this summer, the towpath is once again ready to welcome you!

Congrats to new Eagle Scouts

I’m so proud of Troop 71's newest Eagle Scouts, Magnus Figueroa and Mitav Mehta!

For his Eagle Scout project, Magnus built a large information kiosk and replaced a drainage pipe at a Heritage Conservancy property, creating a lasting resource for visitors and improving the site.

Mitav's project added 85 feet of boardwalk around Jackson Pond Preserve, making this beautiful natural area more accessible while helping protect the surrounding environment.

These impressive projects reflect the leadership, dedication, and commitment to service that define the rank of Eagle Scout. Congratulations to Magnus and Mitav on this outstanding achievement and thank you for making a lasting difference in our community!

'Meet your Reps' in New Hope

Meeting with the Recorder of Deeds

I recently had a productive conversation with Bucks County Recorder of Deeds Robin Robinson about ways we can work together to make government function better for residents and improve the day-to-day operations of county offices.

We discussed bipartisan legislation that could simplify the process of transferring property after a loved one's passing, modernize outdated recording fees, and help ensure our county offices have the tools and resources they need to serve our communities efficiently.

I appreciate Recorder Robinson’s insights and partnership as we continue working on practical solutions that make life easier for Bucks County residents.

New grant program boosts highway industry careers for PA students

PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Department of Education have launched a competitive grant program to expand career pathways in the Heavy Highway Industry. From July 7 to Sept. 1, eligible educational institutions—including K-12 schools, career centers, and colleges—can apply for up to $500,000 to fund training, certifications, and on-the-job learning for skilled trades like welding, electrical work, and surveying.

With 92% of contractors struggling to fill positions and 41% of the workforce set to retire by 2031, the $12 million program addresses critical shortages. Applications must demonstrate collaboration with industry partners.

“These grants will help schools start or expand programs to expose students to the trades that will continue building Pennsylvania,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll.

The initiative builds on the Shapiro administration’s $65 million CTE investment and supports the Commonwealth Workforce Transformation Program. Learn more at PennDOT or PDE.

The new competitive grant program will accept applications from July 7 - Sept. 1.

Nominations open though July 31 for 2027 PA Trail of the Year

You can now nominate your favorite trail to be selected as Pennsylvania’s 2027 Trail of the Year. To be considered, a nomination form and supporting documentation must be submitted online by July 31. The trail management organization will be recognized as the award recipient.

Visit the Pennsylvania Trail of the Year webpage for more information about where to submit the form and supporting materials. The Trail of the Year will be announced in early 2027. ?

The winning trail will be recognized in a news release; through a commemorative poster for statewide distribution; with a trailhead marker along the trail; and a grant for educational programs to promote safety and environmental protection on the trail.

The Commonwealth is home to more than 14,000 miles of trails, which serve as the backbone for Pennsylvania’s $20.4 billion outdoor recreation economy. Each year, the Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee designates a Trail of the Year to help build enthusiasm and support for trails and raise public awareness about the value of Pennsylvania's trail network. Pine Creek Rail Trail is the 2026 Trail of the Year - and our own local Delaware Canal State Park Towpath was named Trail of the Year for 2022!

Grassroots Picnic Project

This weekly community picnic run by the Free Library of New Hope & Solebury occurs on Summer Reading program days on Tuesday evenings, from 5-7 p.m., through August 18th! Picnics are held on the NHS-SD practice field on Bridge Street, near the District Offices.

This summer, pack a picnic, grab your friends, and gather with the library!

They’ll have music, snacks, crafts, and a chance to talk about how to shape our community’s future. With different featured guests each week, you’ll hear from neighbors, organizers, elected officials and more about what they’re doing in our own backyard. And, importantly, they will hear from YOU! Part picnic, part workshop, all fun! Bring your ideas, your friends, and your enthusiasm – the aim is to build up our community toolkit to make real change at home.

PLUS: Lolly Hopwood's super popular Musical Evening Storytime will take place during the picnic at 5:30! This interactive story time is filled with imagination and movement that gets the families up and using their bodies and their minds. With props like parachutes, pom poms, scarves, bubbles, and puppets, these programs are a memorable time for the whole family. 

Registration is not required for this program.

It's another exciting summer of live music! The 2026 Thompson Performing Arts Series is once again bringing a diverse lineup of tribute acts, party bands, and crowd favorites to the stage. Concerts are held Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PM and are designed to be fun, family-friendly, and accessible for the entire community. Click here for the schedule!

National Night Out - Coming to 3 locations in our district in August!

• New Hope & Solebury: Monday August 3 at Logan Square 5 pm - 8 pm
• Doylestown: Tuesday August 4 at Central Park, 425 Wells Road, 4 pm - 8 pm
• Buckingham Twp: Wednesday August 5 at Peddler's Village, 5 pm - 8 pm

Pennsylvania State Capitol

27B East Wing

Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 772-2361

District Office

80 North Main St., Suite 1A
Doylestown, PA 18901

(267) 884-0395

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