New grants benefitting our district, Harrisburg updates, and more!

Rep. Leanne Krueger December 16, 2025 | 3:15 PM

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Dear Neighbor,

December is flying by as we all work to wrap things up before the end of the year. This week marks our final 2025 session week in Harrisburg before we reconvene in the new year, and I want to take a moment to share some important government updates and community services happening across our area.

I work hard to bring state grant investments back to Delaware County. Last week, local organizations were awarded more than $3.4 million in state grants approved by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. These funds will support crime victims, children, and justice-involved individuals with substance use disorders, while also strengthening our local justice system services. These investments will help build a stronger, healthier community and provide critical support for residents in times of crisis.

You can read more about it here.

Two Delaware County Police Officers Honored in the House Chamber

Today, Speaker Joanna McClinton honored two Delaware County police officers whose quick action saved the life of a choking baby with her Meritorious Service Medal. Yeadon Police Patrolman Matthew O’Donnell and his brother Corporal Joseph O’Donnell from Darby Borough joined her in the House chamber to receive their recognitions.

In early 2024 the two brothers responded to the scene and were able to save the 1-year old with back blows and chest thrusts. You can read more about their story here.

Speaker McClinton announced the creation of the Speaker’s Meritorious Service Medal last November to honor people who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of Pennsylvania, or other significant societal, public, or private endeavors.

Crozer Bankruptcy Hearing Update on W.A.R.N. Act Claims
and CWA’s Claim for Unpaid Water Bills

On Friday, the judge in Texas overseeing the bankruptcy case filed by Prospect Medical Holdings—after they closed Crozer-Chester Medical Center and other hospitals in Delaware County—held a hearing that lasted over seven hours. While the hearing covered many issues not directly related to Pennsylvania, the judge made three separate rulings specifically concerning Crozer Health.

First, Prospect asked the court to estimate their W.A.R.N. Act claim liability for the purposes of their bankruptcy confirmation plan, which would be decided later in the hearing. The federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (W.A.R.N.) Act requires employers to give at least 60 days’ written notice before closing a facility with 100 or more employees. Prospect violated this law by giving only one week’s notice before closing Crozer-Chester Medical Center and Taylor Hospital.

Former employees filed a lawsuit seeking over $21 million in damages to cover unpaid wages, salary, commissions, bonuses, accrued holiday and vacation pay, and health and life insurance benefits for the required 60-day period. On Friday, the judge sided with Prospect, estimating W.A.R.N. Act claims at $1.6 million for feasibility purposes—far less than what the former employees were seeking.

Second, an attorney from the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office reported that the Pennsylvania Quality of Care Accountability Lawsuit against Prospect had been settled through an agreement with the Attorney General’s office. While we are still waiting for the full details in the judge’s signed order, the oral report indicates the following: The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will amend its proofs of claim with updated priority amounts, which will be satisfied exclusively through certain payments already owed to the debtors by the Commonwealth. No distribution from the debtor’s estate will be required to satisfy the Commonwealth’s amended priority claims.

Third, the judge ruled on Chester Water Authority’s (CWA) request for unpaid water bills at Crozer-Chester. CWA sought $540,000 for unpaid bills and argued during the hearing that they were being subjected to a settlement and waterfall agreement to which they were not originally a party. The judge ruled that the previously approved settlement order is binding on CWA and other secured creditors, and that the time to object had passed since CWA had received notice. Because CWA did not file an appeal, the judge denied their objection.

There were no updates on the sales of Crozer-Chester or Springfield Hospitals. While both hospitals have prospective buyers who won bids during Prospect’s bankruptcy auction in October, the sales have not yet closed.

If you want to read more about Friday’s hearing, Kathleen Carey covered it for the Delco Times. You can read her story here: Judge estimates that $1.5 million be held in reserve for Crozer WARN Act violations.

PUC Seeks Public Input on Large Energy Users

Last week, I shared information about energy supply price adjustments that took effect on December 1, which may lead to higher electric bills for some households. Rising energy costs are always a concern, especially at a time when it feels like everything is becoming more expensive.

Through December 22, 2025, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is accepting public comments on a tentative order that would propose a model tariff for large load customers. This process gives the public an opportunity to weigh-in on how high-demand energy users, such as data centers and other large-scale customers, should be handled.

The demand that data centers place on our electric grid continues to grow, making it critical to protect residential ratepayers and ensure the stability of our energy system. Recent price spikes are partly due to the increasing demand and projected needs of large-scale data centers within the PJM grid region. The PJM region covers 13 states and D.C., including Pennsylvania, meaning decisions made at this level can directly impact energy costs here at home.

To submit a comment to the PUC visit: https://efiling.puc.pa.gov/.

Read PUC press release.

Happy Hanukkah

This year, I’m especially mindful of supporting our Jewish neighbors. Wishing a happy Hanukkah to everyone in our community who is celebrating. May the Festival of Lights bring peace, warmth, and joy to you and your family.

In the District

Thank you, American Legion Post 926

Thank you to The American Legion Post 926 in Aston for filling up our Toys for Tots collection box! Commander Sam Keeth dropped off the very generous donation to help brighten the holidays for local families.

Important Programs and Services

LIHEAP is open

Do you need help paying for your heat this winter?

LIHEAP helps families pay their heating bills through a one-time cash grant, which is sent directly to your utility or fuel provider and credited to your account.

Eligible households can receive between $200 and $1,000, depending on household size, income, and fuel type. Families facing an immediate loss of heat may also qualify for additional crisis grants.

My office is here to help you apply, answer questions, or walk you through the process. You can also find more information about the LIHEAP program HERE.

Last chance to file your 2024 Property Tax/Rent Rebate

Don’t miss out on filing your Property Tax/ Rent Rebate. The deadline for applying is December 31, 2025.

You may be eligible for a Property Tax/Rent Rebate for claim year 2024 if your annual household income was $46,520 or less and you were:

65 or older as of December 31, 2024.
50 or older and a widow or widower during all or part of 2024.
Permanently disabled and 18 or older during all or part of 2024.

*Note: when calculating total income, exclude one-half of your Social Security benefits.

Call my office at 610-534-6880 to find out if you qualify and to get help applying.

Did you already apply for your Property Tax or Rent Rebate? You can track the status of your rebate online.

Scam Alert

A new overpayment scam is targeting veterans, surviving spouses, and family members who receive VA benefits! Scammers are posing as VA representatives and demanding repayment for supposed overpaid benefits.

If you receive a letter or any communication about a VA benefits overpayment, log into your official VA.gov account immediately to verify if you owe money.

Find more info: https://news.va.gov/142958/new-va-benefits-overpayment-scam/