2022 Summer Newsletter

(Sep 12, 2022)

Check out my 2022 Summer Newsletter! Read more

 

Student Loan Forgiveness Program update; An Important Pardon Project; Act Now to Continue Receiving my Emails

(Sep 06, 2022)

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a three-part plan for federal student loan borrowers to transition back to regular payments. Read more

 

FAQs on PA's Marijuana Pardon Project

(Sep 01, 2022)

All you need to know and more about Pennsylvania's Marijuana Pardon Project. Read more

 

Williams hosts press conference, announces new legislation to counter recent hospital closures

(Aug 05, 2022)

HARRISBURG, Aug. 5 – State Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, held a news conference today to discuss the closing of Brandywine Hospital and his recently drafted legislation that would prevent sudden hospital closures in the future. “Residents in and around the 74 th Legislative District have had been heavily affected by this closure and the looming loss of EMT services slated to occur in September,” Williams said. “Now is a better time than ever to act and announce legislation geared toward providing safeguards and a series of checks and balances that would protect residents from future losses and closures.” Williams discussed his legislation (H.B. 2704) at today’s news conference, which occurred outside the Brandywine Hospital. According to Williams, H.B. 2704 would require the state Department of Health’s approval for future hospital closures, as well as introduce price transparency requirements. “This is commonsense legislation,” Williams said. “At the very least, we have the opportunity to ensure residents have stability in their health care infrastructure coverage.” Read more

 

Williams, Comitta announce upwards of $400,000 in state funding to local program that provides free repair assistance to homeowners

(Jun 21, 2022)

HARRISBURG, June 21 – State Rep. Dan Williams and state Sen. Carolyn Comitta, both D-Chester, recently announced $400,000 in funding for the Movement Community Development Corp. in Coatesville. The grant money, awarded through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund, will support MCDC’s Coatesville Housing Rehabilitation Program. This program, Williams said, helps residents and property owners who are at risk of losing their homes pay for costly repairs. “MCDC’s Housing Rehabilitation Program is a community-first, results-driven local initiative that has helped many in our district,” Williams said. “It’s critical that we continue to advocate for funding like this in order to ensure residents have some sort of safety net when it comes to unexpected home repairs. I look forward to all the great work that will come as a result of this funding.” “Safe, affordable housing is a basic necessity,” Comitta said. “MCDC’s Housing Rehabilitation Program is a community-driven effort to help ensure that community members in need have access to vital home repairs at no cost. As we look to the end of this pandemic, it’s important that we continue to work to ensure that every resident, every senior citizen, and every family has a safe, healthy living environment to call home.” The funding for MCDC is part of $2 million in Read more

 

Williams to host Town Hall Tuesday centered around loss of EMS services

(Jun 16, 2022)

HARRISBURG, June 16 – State Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, is encouraging residents to attend his virtual town hall Tuesday, where he’ll discuss Tower Health’s recent decision to cut emergency medical services – via Medic 93 – to Parkesburg and Coatesville starting in September. The virtual event begins at 6:30 p.m. Interested attendees can watch and participate in this event by visiting www.pahouse.com/Williams . Tower Health’s announcement comes on the heels of the closing of two hospitals in recent months that serviced western Chester County. “This obviously is alarming to many in our community,” Williams said. “Things like hospitals and EMS services – those are necessities. Residents rely on these critical services. So, yes, this is cause for concern. Tuesday’s town hall is meant to bring the community together in order to discuss and work through this issue – together. Please feel free to contact my office with any and all questions related to this event.” Tower Health said in its statement that it is consolidating Medic 93 from four locations to two, which means the medical group will no longer work out of three units in western Chester County that provide Advanced Life Support to nearly 10 municipalities. The new locations will focus on a service area around Reading, northern Chester and Montgomery counties, and the Route 422 corridor. The Read more

 

Williams, others champion passage of House bill honoring Tuskegee Airmen

(Jun 14, 2022)

HARRISBURG, June 14 – State Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, is championing the passage on Monday of H.B. 2586 , a measure that would designate March 29 as Tuskegee Airman Commemoration Day in Pennsylvania. “As we march toward Juneteenth, it’s encouraging to see my colleagues on both sides of the aisle agree on this commonsense legislation,” said Williams, a prime sponsor of H.B 2586. “The Tuskegee Airmen were brave, brave men, many of whom hail from western Pennsylvania. Their contribution to the war effort has not and will not be forgotten, especially in our commonwealth. It’s been an honor to help get this bill across the finish line.” The Tuskegee Airmen were the first group of Black military fighter pilots and were among the most accomplished aviators in World War II. Williams said upwards of 900 pilots who graduated from Tuskegee Airfield flew 1,578 missions throughout the war and earned more than 850 medals. The airmen of the 332 nd Fighter Group and 477 th Bombardment Group fought in the North Africa, Italy and Germany. The 332 nd ’s distinguished combat record and red markings painted on the tails of their P-47 Mustangs earned them the well-known title of “Red-Tail Angels.” Nearly 100 Tuskegee Airmen came from western Pennsylvania, more than any other region in the nation. Read more

 

Williams: $538,740 in state grants awarded to local justice programs

(Jun 08, 2022)

HARRISBURG, June 8 – State Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, today announced the disbursement of $538,740 in state funding to support local justice programs in Chester County. “These programs provide the needed support to foster a positive learning environment for local youth and their families,” Williams said. “It’s important we highlight this funding, but it’s even more important to highlight the significant impact these organizations can have on families when funding like this is advocated for and awarded in our district.” The grants awarded statewide by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency included: Communities That Care of Greater Downingtown, $148,336 to support establishing the Parent to Parent Peer Support Groups for parents of youth in grades K-12 in the Downingtown Area School District. The Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County Inc., $390,404 to support a new pilot prevention program that will serve upwards of 8,000 second graders. The program teaches children about the importance of having healthy boundaries, like when to say “no,” and how to get help from adults. Read more

 

Williams: Taking Action on Gun Violence

(May 26, 2022)

Pa. state Rep. Dan Williams is trying to get something done that 90% of Americans agree on: commonsense gun laws without loopholes. He says that bills are already sitting in committees, and have been for years. Read more

 

Williams to hold free spring shred event Saturday, May 7

(Apr 28, 2022)

HARRISBURG, April 28 – State Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, will host his free spring shred event on Saturday, May 7. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at his district office at 3496 Lincoln Highway, Thorndale, 19372. “I’m very glad to be able to offer to my constituents this free and safe way to dispose of personal documents to help protect them from identity theft,” Williams said. “I’ll be at the event with my all-star staff to also provide constituents with information on state government-related programs and services available.” It will be a drive-through event, with a limit of 4 banker boxes or grocery bags allowed per household. Common types of unwanted items for shredding include credit card statements or applications, bank and investment statements, canceled checks, income tax information, insurance and health records, and retirement or pension fund information. Any questions regarding the drive-through shred event can be addressed to Williams’ office by calling 484 200-8256 . Read more

 

Williams announces $1M grant for Coatesville train station parking facility

(Apr 22, 2022)

“This funding will help transform what was once a brownfield into a parking structure that will support current and expanded commuter service,” said Williams, D-Chester. “I’m pleased to see these state dollars dedicated to an important project that will serve our community.” Read more

 

Winter 2022 Newsletter

(Mar 01, 2022)

Winter 2022 NL Read more

 

RELEASE: Reps. Shusterman, Williams, Howard joint statement on health care access following recent violence

(Feb 17, 2022)

CHESTER COUNTY, Feb. 17 – State Reps. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, Dan K. Williams, D-Chester, and Kristine Howard, D-Chester, have released a joint statement following the violent attack that occurred at Lincoln University on Wednesday night. “We were appalled to learn this morning of the three students stabbed in a Lincoln University dorm room last night. While many details are still unknown, we do know that one of the victims was pronounced dead at the scene and that the other two victims were taken to Christiana Hospital – some 26 miles away – for treatment. “Twenty-six miles is no short ride under the best of circumstances, but when the circumstances are literally life and death, 26 miles is endless. “Until December, hospital care for Lincoln University students was just four miles away at Jennersville Hospital. Unfortunately, Jennersville closed at the end of 2021. This was followed by the closure of Brandywine Hospital in Caln Township last month. These closures were the result of a sale that fell through. “While the victim who was killed died before help could arrive, it is hard to believe a closer treatment option would not have made a difference in only slightly different circumstances, or that a timelier arrival may have changed this outcome. Whether you have a broken arm or COVID-19 symptoms or you are giving birth, time is a serious factor. “Last Read more

 

Williams announces $119K in fire, EMS company grants

(Feb 11, 2022)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 11 – State Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, announced today that the fire and emergency medical services companies in the 74 th District have been awarded $ 119,400 through the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program. “So many of us take for granted the fact that if a fire breaks out or if we have a medical emergency, help is there,” Williams said. “Our fire and EMS companies throughout the pandemic have been there for us, despite increased personal risk due to the virus and tough financial circumstances. I am grateful to help these heroes receive the funding they need so they can continue providing these critical services to our communities.” The fire and EMS companies in the 74 th District that have been awarded grants in the following amounts are: City of Coatesville Bureau of Fire $11,100 Minquas Fire Co. No. 2 Inc. $23,325 Modena Fire Co. No. 1 $23,325 Sadsburyville Fire Co. $15,000 Thorndale Fire Co. $15,000 Washington Hose Co. No. 1 $8,325 Westwood Fire Co. $23,325 “Fire companies and emergency medical services companies throughout the commonwealth continue to deal the negative impacts the COVID-19 pandemic,” Acting State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook said. “Increased call volume, rising costs, and revenue loss have each made Read more

 

Williams named to powerful Professional Licensure Committee

(Feb 09, 2022)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 9 – In recognition of his success fostering economic development projects in the 74 th district , State Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, has been named to the House Professional Licensure Committee. “Since I was elected to the house in 2018, I have made economic development a priority as it is the primary way to uplift our communities,” Williams said. “As a member of the powerful House Professional Licensure Committee, I will be able to advocate for bills that will foster job development and business growth in our district and throughout Pennsylvania. As a bridge builder, I will work across the aisle to ensure that bills that would help our businesses and workers thrive will come up for a vote on the House floor.” In the House, the Professional Licensure Committee reviews bills related to the state’s diverse professional and occupational licensing boards located administratively in the Department of State. The scope includes businesses as diverse as funeral homes, doctors, vehicle sales and crane operators to auctioneers, pharmacists and beauticians. Williams also serves on Aging & Older Adult Services , Human Services, Urban Affairs, Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness committees, as well as in the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus. Williams’ office can be reached by calling (484) 200-8256 . Read more

 

Rep. Dan Williams' Statement on Act. 77 Being Ruled Unconstitutional

(Jan 31, 2022)

Last week, the Commonwealth Court ruled that Act 77, the two-year-old legislation that permits mail-in voting in Pennsylvania, was unconstitutional. Although the Republicans in the legislature originally supported mail-in voting, they turned on the law after former President Trump’s defeat in 2020. Are Pennsylvania Republican lawmakers falling for Trump’s repeatedly disproven claims that the election was rife with fraud? Or are they just looking at the numbers---that the majority of the 2.5 million people who cast their votes by mail were Democrats—and have decided to cut off that avenue to voting? Republican politicians know they can’t win a statewide election fair and square, so they are trying to find ways to make it harder for people to exercise their constitutionally given right to vote. This bill will likely go to the Supreme Court for further review. But here’s the reality: Republican officials do NOT want you to vote, and they'll do whatever they can to stop you from doing so. I believe every citizen should have easy and equitable access to vote. Period. Read more

 

Williams to hold virtual meeting on Brandywine Hospital Jan. 25

(Jan 21, 2022)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 21 – State Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, will hold a virtual meeting on the closure of Brandywine Hospital and healthcare concerns in the community at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 25, on Facebook. “I’m holding this virtual meeting to offer concerned residents the opportunity to hear and ask the questions about Brandywine Hospital’s closure on January 31,” Williams said. “Although the hospital closing is biggest and most recent blow to a community suffering with poor healthcare services, I believe that residents will come away from the meeting hopeful after having heard the larger picture of the healthcare solutions being considered in the district.” Williams will be joined by Vanessa Briggs, president & CEO , The Alliance for Health Equity . “At The Alliance for Health Equity, ‘Community Voice’ is a major strategy that we uphold as we partner with others to be inclusive and listen to the community,” Briggs said. “Keeping the community informed regarding the Brandywine Hospital closure is critically important, and I applaud Rep. Dan Williams for hosting a virtual townhall to not only communicate the tireless efforts of local leaders and government officials to address the disruption of health services, but also creating space to hear the concerns from the community.” The virtual meeting will be streamed here: Read more

 

Fighting for the Soul of Our Nation

(Jan 07, 2022)

Our democracy is at risk. A year after that act of domestic terrorism on the U.S. Capitol, our country continues to be a battlefield over the legitimacy of our elections and the right to vote. Believing the lies spread by the former president, elected Republicans and the right-wing media, thousands lay violent siege to our seat of American government, determined to stop the certification of the rightfully elected winner, Joe Biden. At least seven people lost their lives in connection to that day. The forces of authoritarianism and minority rule didn’t win that day, but Jan. 6 spelled the beginning of an attempted coup to overturn American democracy that has taken place in our state houses every day since. Hundreds of voter suppression bills have been introduced and nearly three dozen laws passed which will enable state legislatures to undermine their elections and subvert the will of the people. These laws in particular have sought to disenfranchise Black and Brown people’s right to vote We have to protect American democracy and every citizen’s constitutionally guaranteed right to vote here in Pennsylvania. That is why I am supporting the K. Leroy Irvis Voting Rights Protection Act (House Bill 2090), which aims to make casting a ballot easier by continuing to allow early voting; providing for more ballot drop boxes; and permitting same day registration, which have all been adopted in other states. Named Read more

 

Williams announces nearly $474,000 in funding for redevelopment projects in the 74th District

(Dec 30, 2021)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 30 – State Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, today announced that $473,991 in Community Conservation Partnership Program funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has been awarded for various conservation projects in Chester County. “These state grants will help protect our land and water supply in Chester County by enabling us to update our river conservation plan and construct riparian buffers along our rivers,” Williams said. “Our communities’ health and well-being are dependent on the safeguarding of our water, and this money will help ensure the integrity of our watersheds and rivers.” The awards include: $60,000 to Chester County to prepare a countywide trail plan. $80,000 to the Community Chester County Commissioners Water Resource Authority to prepare an update to the 2002 River Conservation Plan for multiple watersheds in Chester County. $333,991 to the Stroud Water Research Center Inc. for the construction of approximately 60 acres of riparian forest buffers along waterways in the Lower Susquehanna River and Lower Delaware River watersheds in Chester, Berks, Lancaster, Montgomery and Lehigh counties. The work includes landowner outreach and engagement; buffer plantings and post-planting establishment; project sign and other related site improvements. The Community Conservation Partnership Program grants provide local Read more

 

Williams, Otten, Sappey and Hennessey congratulate Downingtown Marching Band

(Dec 28, 2021)

Downingtown, Dec. 28 – State Reps. Dan Williams, Danielle Friel Otten, Christina Sappey and Tim Hennessey, all of Chester County, are happy to present a citation to the Downingtown Marching Band for their invitation to the Rose Parade. Read more

 

2022 Summer Newsletter
Sep 12, 2022

Student Loan Forgiveness Program update; An Important Pardon Project; Act Now to Continue Receiving my Emails
Sep 06, 2022

FAQs on PA's Marijuana Pardon Project
Sep 01, 2022

Williams hosts press conference, announces new legislation to counter recent hospital closures
Aug 05, 2022

Williams, Comitta announce upwards of $400,000 in state funding to local program that provides free repair assistance to homeowners
Jun 21, 2022

Williams to host Town Hall Tuesday centered around loss of EMS services
Jun 16, 2022

Williams, others champion passage of House bill honoring Tuskegee Airmen
Jun 14, 2022

Williams: $538,740 in state grants awarded to local justice programs
Jun 08, 2022

Williams: Taking Action on Gun Violence
May 26, 2022

Williams to hold free spring shred event Saturday, May 7
Apr 28, 2022

Williams announces $1M grant for Coatesville train station parking facility
Apr 22, 2022

Winter 2022 Newsletter
Mar 01, 2022

RELEASE: Reps. Shusterman, Williams, Howard joint statement on health care access following recent violence
Feb 17, 2022

Williams announces $119K in fire, EMS company grants
Feb 11, 2022

Williams named to powerful Professional Licensure Committee
Feb 09, 2022

Rep. Dan Williams' Statement on Act. 77 Being Ruled Unconstitutional
Jan 31, 2022

Williams to hold virtual meeting on Brandywine Hospital Jan. 25
Jan 21, 2022

Fighting for the Soul of Our Nation
Jan 07, 2022

Williams announces nearly $474,000 in funding for redevelopment projects in the 74th District
Dec 30, 2021

Williams, Otten, Sappey and Hennessey congratulate Downingtown Marching Band
Dec 28, 2021