Hi Folks,

We hope this December edition of District Deliberations finds you well. Dickens captured the spirit of this season in A Christmas Carol through the character of Scrooge’s nephew, Fred:

"But I am sure I have always thought of Christmas time . . . as a good time . . . the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers to the grave . . ."

Such sentiments feel especially important as we reflect on a challenging year for many. While Chester County—and West Chester in particular—benefit from relative affluence, education, and health, there are still neighbors struggling with financial, medical, and mental health challenges, just as millions of Americans across the nation do. These difficulties are made even more acute by recent cuts to federal SNAP benefits, Medicaid, and Affordable Care Act premium subsidies.

Perhaps our neighbors suffering from want, feel the pain even more living in a place of plenty.

Yet, if you look closely—no farther than our own community—you can see the very spirit Fred describes shining brightly, emerging from every walk of life and every corner of our District.

I am committed, together with my colleagues, to alleviating some of the want and suffering in our community by passing meaningful legislation for struggling working families—such as a first-time Pennsylvania Earned Income Tax Credit, higher dependent care tax breaks, and more. Over the years, I have come to believe that a community is no stronger than its weakest link, and that it is incumbent upon all of us to reach across aisles and extend a helping hand to those in need—thereby not only lifting them up, but lifting all of us in fellowship and in recognition of our shared humanity.

As we reflect on the past year, I extend my heartfelt thanks to all our Hometown heroes, both those we have publicly recognized and the many we have not. To the caregivers, volunteers, do-gooders, and quiet heroes who move throughout our District seeking to improve the lives of our least fortunate neighbors—you defy the media hype, the divisiveness, and the stress of a world often perceived as spiraling out of control. In doing so, you remind us of a simple, enduring truth: there is no greater happiness or reward than helping those who are less fortunate.

This issue of District Deliberations highlights hometown heroes such as the Corrado family, who use their annual, spectacular Christmas display to draw visitors from miles around—encouraging donations and spreading cheer to those who need it most. We also recognize The Housing Partnership of Chester County, which has supported our neighbors through its Winter Fuel Assistance Program during LIHEAP funding delays, while continuing to help low- to moderate-income families acquire and maintain long-term, attainable housing in our community.

We also feature our year-end report on nearly $6.6 million in grants provided to improve and protect our District, important benefits deadlines, a rundown of my legislation—including major budget wins that put money back into working families’ pockets—our first Constituent Coffee Klatch with Chris and Rep. Chrissy Houlahan’s staff, reflections on the wonderful West Chester Christmas Parade, and, of course, words of wisdom from our official mascot, Penny the Pup.

Folks, as always, we are thankful for the opportunity to serve you and look forward to any questions or concerns you may have.  We wish you, your families, and friends a safe and delightful Holiday Season as we take time out to be grateful for all that we have, including each other. Until our next issue, Stay Well, Stay Safe, and Stay Strong. 

Chris Pielli
Pennsylvania State Representative House District 156

Budget Highlights – Putting Money Back into Your Pockets

Last month, I voted for a balanced state budget with no tax increases and no tapping into the Rainy Day Fund—a budget that reflects our commitment to working families. It increases funding for every student, saves hundreds of thousands of dollars for the West Chester Area School District, and puts money back into your pockets. This historic budget includes Pennsylvania’s very first Earned Income Tax Credit for working families (the Working Families Tax Credit), Cyber Charter School reform, increased funding for Child and Dependent Care Tax Credits, a major boost to food assistance programs to address the fallout from Washington’s cuts, and more. Simply put, it makes everyday needs more affordable for you and your families.

This budget was a long and arduous journey. A budget truly reflects our values, and throughout the process, my colleagues and I refused to compromise on our belief that the everyday needs of workers, patients, students, teachers, and public servants must be addressed in a way that honors the labor and contributions they make to Pennsylvania each day. We still have work to do—investing properly in public transportation, advancing clean energy, and protecting our environment—so the struggle continues. In the meantime, as we look to the future, I am honored to have the opportunity to serve you every day, and I will continue working hard for you both in Harrisburg and in my district.

Nearly $6.6 Million in State Grants Awarded to Our District in 2025 Legislative Session

One of my top priorities is ensuring that residents and organizations in our District receive the funding they both deserve and need. These grants support vital infrastructure projects, first responders, equipment upkeep, and assistance for those facing difficult times who need a helping hand to get back on their feet. I am proud to work alongside community partners, my staff, and my colleagues to continue bringing home these and other grants for the benefit of our entire community.

Hometown Heroes 

This December, our Hometown Heroes are Joan and Gerald Corrado; and the Housing Partnership of Chester County.

The Corrado Family Helps Children Celebrate with Toys for Christmas

In 2007, Joan and Gerald Corrado were inspired by a comment from their daughter Amanda—then a nursing student at Chester County Hospital—to start an annual Christmas Drive for young patients there. 

“In 2007, we delivered 254 new, unwrapped toys to the hospital. Each year, the word has spread, and the last time we counted while bagging everything was in 2020, during the COVID year, when we collected a little over 5,000 new, unwrapped toys, items for adult patients to enjoy while in the hospital, and gift card donations,” Joan added. 

Using their ever-growing collection of lights and inflatable holiday decorations, the Corrados have created a spectacular display of Christmas spirit that draws visitors from miles around, encouraging donations to support the wonderful cause of spreading cheer to those who need it most. 

Thank you, Joan and Gerald Corrado, for upholding the spirit of giving every holiday season! If you wish to visit or help the Corrados' cause, you can find them at 1102 Nobb Hill Drive West Chester, PA 19380! 

The Housing Partnership of Chester County Lifts up Our Neighbors in Need

December’s Organization Hometown Hero is the Housing Partnership of Chester County (HPCC). HPCC assists low- to moderate-income individuals and families in acquiring and maintaining long-term, attainable housing, helping to build safe and stable communities throughout Chester County. They achieve this through a diverse array of programs and services addressing housing and homeownership issues, including financial literacy and credit counseling—with the goal of empowering clients to help themselves, a mission they accomplish with remarkable success.

One of their most helpful programs this winter season is the Winter Fuel Assistance Program. With the cuts and delays to services such as LIHEAP due to the federal government shutdown, HPCC stepped up and stepped in to help provide crucial heating help to our seniors, people with disabilities, and working families struggling with the ever-increasing cost of living. We are thankful for their dedication and their care.

My Legislation Highlights

In 2025, as in previous years, my colleagues and I in the House have been working for you and all Pennsylvanians. Two of my bills were passed unanimously by both the House and Senate and were subsequently signed into law by Governor Shapiro.

Two of My Bills Signed into Law by Governor Shapiro in 2025:

• ?House Bill 355 – Allows a sentencing enhancement for courts to consider in sexual assault cases where the defendant holds a position of authority and is a mandated reporter. Mandated reporters are legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Examples include clergy, school employees, health care professionals, childcare providers, law enforcement, and social service workers.
• ?House Bill 491 – Establishes concurrent jurisdiction of Pennsylvania and the Federal government on military installations. This would ensure military children share access to our state juvenile-focused resources and dispositions, including for mental health issues, to help fairly address juvenile concerns and misconduct.

My Resolution that Passed the House in 2025:

• ?House Resolution 234 – “Urging Congress to Support the Major Richard Star Act,” which would enable all military service members who are medically retired to have full access to both military retirement pay and Department of Veterans Affairs disability benefits. Today, for every dollar of disability pay that they receive, veterans with less than 20 years of service and a disability rating of less than 50% have their retirement payments reduced by a dollar.

My Bills that Passed the House in 2025:

• ?House Bill 96 – Would help vulnerable older adults and incapacitated individuals remain in their homes by creating an option for them to designate a person to receive notice should their property taxes fall into arrears.
• ?House Bill 393 – Would allow all Second-Class Townships to Increase Funding for Fire and Emergency Services.
• ?House Bill 441 – Would protect endangered insects and pollinators that our vital to our environmental health and are responsible for nearly $300 million in our agricultural industry. 
• ?House Bill 968 – Would allow the PA Attorney General to enter into reciprocal agreements with other states to recognize the following lawfully issued license or permit types as resident licenses or permits in each state:                                                                        – Active Duty Military Fishing and Hunting Licenses                                                                    – Disabled Veteran Fishing and Hunting Licenses
• ?House Bill 1102 – Would expand recruitment efforts for the PA National Guard by expanding the partial tuition reimbursement program - unanimously passed the house 203-0.

To view all of my sponsored legislation, please click here. 

Constituent Coffee with Chris & Rep. Houlahan’s Staff

Thank you to U.S. Representative Houlahan’s staff for joining me and my team for our “Coffee with Constituents” event. It was wonderful to connect with residents, discuss federal and state government issues, and share information about the resources our offices provide to constituents.

As always, we welcome constituents of my district — residents of West Chester Borough; East Bradford Township; West Goshen Township; and almost all East Goshen Township — to call, email, or walk in for assistance with state government services. 

It’s That Time of Year Again – Celebrating Another Dazzling Downtown West Chester Christmas Parade

Folks, it doesn’t get any better than this! Christine and I enjoyed another wonderful West Chester Christmas Parade, complete with all the festive fixings—including some snow! Hats off to the West Chester Chamber of Commerce, all the sponsors, and volunteers for making this the best Christmas parade in the region. And, of course, a special thanks to Santa for stopping by! ??????

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is Now Open

The 2025-26 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Program is now open and accepting applications through April 10, 2026.

LIHEAP is a one-time cash grant paid directly to the energy provider and lasts until the funds are exhausted.

Our state's COMPASS system is the most efficient way to apply for LIHEAP and other state benefits: https://www.compass.dhs.pa.gov/home/#/

Learn more about LIHEAP at PECO's website HERE:
https://www.peco.com/my-account/customer-support/assistance-programs/liheap

Please feel free to contact my district office staff for assistance at (610) 696-4990 or RepPielli@pahouse.net or stop by 121 West Miner Street, Suite 1E, West Chester Borough.

PA Revenue’s Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program – January 31, 2025, Deadline Approaching

A reminder that applications for the Property Tax and Rent Rebates are due at the end of this month -- by December 31, 2025 -- for the 2024 program year. I want to make sure everyone who qualifies gets the money they deserve!

Please reach to my office staff ASAP for assistance at (610) 696-4990; or RepPielli@pahouse.net; or stop by 121 West Miner Street, Suite 1E, West Chester Borough.

Q: Do I qualify for the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit? How do I claim it?

A: The Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit is PA's own plan - open to anyone who
claims the federal EITC. Using the same eligibility for both keeps it simple. If you
qualify for the federal credit, you qualify for the state credit!

When you file your taxes, make sure all of your information is accurate and claim your dependents! 

The state tax credit will be worth 10% of what the taxpayer gets from the EITC for the same year. For example: A $2,000 federal tax credit would result in an additional $200 tax credit from the state! 

See the chart below for more examples! Further questions? Contact the PA Department of Revenue through the link here. 

District Office: 

121 West Miner Street
Suite 1E
West Chester, PA 19382-3236

M-F 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Office Email: RepPielli@pahouse.net 

Phone: (610) 696-4990

Fax #: (610) 738-2163

Staff Members:

Julie K. Mesaros, District Office Director

Ryan DeStefano, Constituent Services Advisor

Matthew DeWese, Constituent Services Advisor 

Alexander Friedberg, Constituent Services Advisor 

Pennsylvania State Capitol

115-B East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 705-2075

District Office

121 West Miner St., Suite 1E
West Chester, PA 19382
(610) 696-4990

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