While the summer of 2026 might be an “unofficial” wrap this weekend, I think there is still some more summertime to squeeze out of the next few weeks. Honestly, can we say summer isn't really over until baseball is over, and the way the Phillies have been playing in August, I’m looking forward to summer lasting well through Red October!
Officially, Labor Day is the day to honor workers. The first Labor Day parade took place in New York City on September 5, 1882, and was organized by the Central Labor Union and sponsored by the Knights of Labor and on June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed legislation making the first Monday in September a federal holiday. We have our labor unions to thank for the day off as we can also thank them for advocating for better working conditions, fair wages, and reasonable hours.
As we celebrate Labor Day, I’m proud to say that my House colleagues and I have been fighting for PA workers on issues that can really make a difference in the lives of working people across the commonwealth. A few of the bills we’ve advanced this year include:
- A higher minimum wage of $15 per hour by 2029.
- Paid family and medical leave for PA workers.
- OSHA standards for Pennsylvania’s public workers.
- Requirements aimed at preventing workplace violence in the healthcare sector.
I’ve also supported recent state budgets that help eligible working families keep more of what they earn and make significant investments in workforce training, apprenticeships, and career pathways.
Cheers to all of our workers who support our communities and economy. You deserve respect and recognition for your hard work, and no matter how you celebrate Labor Day I hope you’re able to relax and recharge.
Happy Labor Day and go Phillies, beat the Braves!
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Read My Fall Newsletter Online!
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- SEPTA Senior Card Events (9/28 and 10/7)
- Veterans Breakfast (10/13)
- Opportunities from Congresswoman Scanlon's Office: Congressional App Challenge; Service
Academy Nominations
- Middletown Twp Food Truck Festival (9/17)
- Radnor Fall Festival (9/20)
- Fall Book Sale - Friends of Newtown Public Library (10/9-11)
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Supporting pharmaceutical innovation
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Today I joined my colleague, Rep. Paul Friel, for a tour of Ocugen, Inc. in Malvern to see the work they are doing in the biotech sector. Ocugen specializes in gene therapies and biologics related to eye diseases. For example, earlier this week the company announced it has begun human trials of a new gene therapy to treat dry age-related macular degeneration, a blindness disease that commonly affects people over age 50.
I first connected with this company while Rep. Friel and I were developing House Bill 2162, which would allow pharmaceutical and biotech companies to acquire temporary state licensure while they await FDA approval. This simple change would allow manufacturers to bring new products to market in a more streamlined fashion.
In a huge bipartisan victory, the House passed our bill unanimously back in June – but like many other of our most popular, urgently-needed pieces of legislation awaiting Senate consideration, it has languished in one of its committee chambers without action.
Those of us in the southeast part of state especially know that pharmaceutical research is key to Pennsylvania’s leadership in the innovative scientific discoveries that make their way into our daily lives. PA is where the polio vaccine was developed, Philly was the national hub for penicillin production during WWII – we can boast stories like this in abundance.
With the support of House Democrats, Governor Shapiro has been able to grow Pennsylvania’s innovation ecosystem by attracting life science research & development companies like Johnson & Johnson, Eli Lilly, Eurofins and more, supporting job creation and local economies in addition to our nation’s public health.
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Discussing patient safety with HAP
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I was honored to be asked to participate as a speaker at the Patient Safety, Quality & Equity Symposium hosted by the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP). This panel discussion brought together healthcare leaders, clinicians, and quality improvement professionals to address timely challenges, share innovative strategies, and highlight lessons learned across the care continuum.
As a member of the panel discussing Pennsylvania's healthcare policy landscape, I was pleased to join Kate McCale, Vice President, Compliance & Regulatory Affairs, HAP; Meghna Patel, Deputy Secretary of HHS Policy and Planning, Office of the Governor, and Kristen Rodack, MSW, LSW, Executive Deputy Secretary of Health, Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH).
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We shared perspectives regarding the intersection of regulations, compliance, and the role of the legislature in helping to set standards for now and the future and ways to navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment while balancing operational demands, workforce challenges, and patient and staff safety priorities.
It was an informative session, and I had the chance to connect with Connie Lawrey, RN, MSN Director of Quality Improvement for Riddle Hospital at the program held in Hershey! Always grateful to see our dedicated professionals collaborating across the state to enhance healthcare delivery.
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Special House Session at Congress Hall
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On September 9th, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives will convene a historic Session at Congress Hall in Philadelphia. Held in partnership with America250PA, "The Next 250" Civic Learning Initiative bridges Pennsylvania's founding legacy with active modern governance.
As our nation continues to recognize 250 years of American history beyond July 4th, our focus is squarely on the future. I am proud to announce that Anika, a rising senior at Merion Mercy Academy, has been selected to represent our district in Philadelphia! Anika will join student delegates from across the Commonwealth in a program engaging directly with Executive, Judicial, and Legislative leaders to learn how the balance of powers protects our constitutional rights.
You can livestream this historic session next Wednesday starting at 5:45 at House Session - Congress Hall -- September 9, 2026.
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A few weeks ago, I joined residents at Lima Estates in Middletown to talk about the issues important to their community! We chatted about the wins in the state budget like the COLA for our retired teachers, the state of healthcare in Delco, and the proposed road construction and development in the area.
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It is always a treat to connect with neighbors right in their homes. Thank you for having us!
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Team 168 had a great time at the Unity in the Community block party hosted by Radnor Township Recreation Department! It was a day of gathering around the grill, dancing in the street, and getting neighborhood kiddos ready for school with some new backpacks!
Ward 6 Commissioner Howard Childs kicked off the festivities with well wishes for the new school year and a big thank you to all of the vendors that came out!
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It was great to see friends from the Radnor Historical Society, the Radnor League of Women Voters, Main Line Health, and of course Radnor Township Police Department on Highland Ave. Our spot next to Wayne Cares inspired the planning for this month’s food drive!
Thank you to everyone who made the event a huge success!
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Connecting with Delco's municipalities
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I went back to my local government roots when my colleagues and I joined the Delaware County Consortium of Governments for their second annual Municipal-Legislative Roundtable. We talked about the most pressing issues facing our municipalities including fire and EMS funding, data center regulations, and of course land use and zoning!
It is always a treat to connect with the folks managing our municipalities, a special thank you to Lacey Faber, former assistant township manager of Edgmont, and current Township Manager of Chadds Ford for organizing the event!
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Geriatric Inmate Forum at SCI Phoenix
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Last week, Marie and I had the opportunity to visit SCI Phoenix for a roundtable discussion on geriatric and compassionate release organized by Senator Amanda Cappelletti.
There are more than 11,000 incarcerated people in Pennsylvania who qualify as geriatric. As this number continues to grow, we know that aging and ill incarcerated people are the most financially burdensome for our state prison system to properly care for, and that these populations are statistically the least likely to reoffend.
Pennsylvania needs responsible, evidence-based pathways to geriatric and medical parole which is why I signed on as a cosponsor of HB1550. This does not mean automatic release for inmates of advanced age; it means a process for those who have been rehabilitated during their decades in prison to have a chance to not die in incarceration.
At the roundtable I heard from incarcerated individuals, fellow members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, leaders from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, and criminal justice experts from neighboring states in a discussion about legislative solutions to this long-term challenge facing our Commonwealth.
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Visit to Mirmont Treatment Center
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I was thrilled to get an inside look at one of Main Line Health’s incredible treatment centers with my friend Rep. Leanne Krueger. Mirmont Treatment Center offers a range of services to support individuals on their recovery journey from substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions.
The personalized care at Mirmont addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of drug and alcohol addiction, ensuring exceptional, compassionate treatment throughout the process. Their services include detox, inpatient and outpatient treatment, holistic therapies, and dual diagnosis care for those with co-occurring mental health issues. They also offer a range of family support services and aftercare planning to help folks maintain sobriety after treatment.
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Their team of clinicians and recovery specialists is proud to offer comprehensive care that includes a variety of specialty programs to ensure that every individual receives a personalized treatment plan that addresses the underlying factors contributing to their substance use. Including:
- Trauma-informed care including eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Gorski Relapse prevention program
- Chronic pain management
- VIPER and Frontline Resilience programs for emergency responders
- People Respecting Individuality and Sexuality at Mirmont (PRISM) program for the LGBTQIA+ community
Thank you to Jacyln for stopping into my district office to distribute info about the program and invite me to visit and to the entire staff at the Media location for opening your doors to us!
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IMPORTANT: Please register for the Senior Health Fair (details below)
by clicking here or on the image!
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IMPORTANT: Please register for the Veterans Breakfast (details below)
by clicking here or on the image!
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Recently, as a member of the Mental Health Caucus, I participated in a presentation about the Crisis Text Line, which provides free, 24/7 and confidential support via text message for those experiencing anything from anxiety and bullying to loneliness and thoughts of self-harm. Trained counselors are available day and night supporting texters in moments of crisis.
When someone needs support, they can text CONNECT to 741741 to connect with a live volunteer Crisis Counselor who helps them move from a hot moment to a place of calm through nonjudgmental support.
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These trained volunteers who—with the support of full-time Crisis Text Line staff—use empathy, active listening, collaborative problem solving, and safety planning to help texters in their moment of crisis.
In 2025 alone, Crisis Text Line engaged in more than 1.5 million conversations. Crisis Text Line is a National Text and Chat backup center for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and provides services in English and Spanish. Learn more and reach the Crisis Text Line here.
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Touring the Delaware County Veterans Memorial
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We are so proud to have the largest veterans’ memorial outside of Washington DC in the northeast located in the heart of the 168th. It is a beautiful and quieting place to visit, but did you know it is more than a place of remembrance—it is a year-round destination that brings history, education, civic engagement, and community connection to life for residents of all ages.
Located on the border of Newtown and Edgmont Townships on West Chester Pike, the Memorial and (coming soon) Veterans Hall offer immersive experiences that connect visitors with the stories, sacrifices, and service of the men and women who have shaped our nation's history. Through guided tours led by veterans, educators, and historians, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for citizenship, civic responsibility, and the freedoms we enjoy today.
Groups visiting the Memorial receive:
• Free guided tours and educational experiences tailored to the interests of the group
• Opportunities to engage directly with veterans, educators, and historians
• Access to Veterans Hall and exhibits that bring history to life
• Educational materials and resources that encourage continued learning and reflection
• A meaningful local experience that fosters civic engagement and community connection
All tours and programs are provided free of charge to groups year-round, making the Memorial an accessible resource for schools, senior groups, veterans organizations, community associations, civic groups, and constituents across Delaware County.
The Delaware County Veterans Memorial offers residents an opportunity to explore the history of their own community, reflect on the sacrifices of those who served, and gain a deeper understanding of the values that unite us—all in a meaningful destination located right in their own backyard.
For additional information or to begin planning a visit, contact the education team or visit the educational program homepage.
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Opportunities from Congresswoman Scanlon's Office
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Congressional App Challenge
Each year, the U.S. House of Representatives hosts the Congressional App Challenge — a coding competition designed to encourage student participation in computer science and coding, regardless of experience. Learn more about the program here. All submissions are due by Oct. 26.
Service Academy Nominations
Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The fifth service academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment. Each congressional office has a separate nomination process independent of the academy application process to select its nominees.
The PA-05 service academy nomination process is now open. All applications are due by Friday, November 13. Interested students can learn more and review our application requirements here.
You can learn more about all of our PA-05 Youth Programs on her website.
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Pennsylvania's health insurance marketplace, Pennie, had planned for a shortened Open Enrollment period this year due to recent federal regulation changes; however, those changes were invalidated recently by a lawsuit. That means Pennie gets to revert its open enrollment dates back to the dates it's had every year prior.
Open Enrollment 2027 will start on November 1, 2026, and will end on January 15, 2027. Plan selections from 11/1 – 12/15 will have coverage starting 1/1. Plan selections between 12/16 and 1/15 will be effective 2/1.
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Community Events & Announcements
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DCVMA Remembrance Ceremony
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On September 11, 2026, at 8 a.m., the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association invites veterans, active-duty military personnel, first responders, Gold Star families, elected officials, students, and members of our community to gather in solemn remembrance as we commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks.
DELCO VFW Post 7390 will be presenting the program hosted by the DCVMA.
The commemorative ceremony will include patriotic music, the Presentation of Colors, distinguished guest speakers, a ceremonial wreath-laying, and moments of silence observed at the precise times the tragic events of September 11, 2001, unfolded.
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
28-B East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 772-2005
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District Office
24 S. Newtown Street Rd., Suite 100
Newtown Square, PA 19073
(484) 427-2884
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