Catching up before the snowstorm

Rep. Lisa Borowski January 22, 2026

PA Representative Lisa Borowski banner image

Happy pre-snowstorm, 168th!

Those who read my newsletter with any regularity know I am no fan of winter and even less so of snow. It is the cancellations which are tremendously frustrating. I was looking forward to heading back to Harrisburg for session next week and already our Monday and Tuesday sessions have been cancelled. Ugh. We are also anticipating a closure of the district office. Best to keep everyone off the roads and parking lots so the clean-up can proceed.

The past few weeks have been busy. I was up in Harrisburg on Tuesday to attend a joint meeting of the house Energy Committee and Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee for an informational hearing on an issue we are all confronting – the high cost of electricity. As a member of the CPTU Committee since joining the legislature I have heard from many experts about the growing demand for electric service coming from both residential and business customers. We have been hearing about the challenges of supply keeping up with demand and how that is driving the high costs. Our hearing focused on the supply-demand issue stemming from new data centers coming online across the state. Right now, we are all footing the bill for the increased demand and the purpose of the hearing was to better understand how, while data centers are a big driver, there many other contributing issues.

I believe there is some “low-hanging fruit” we could address in the immediate to try and minimize costs being passed on to the consumers. The issues surrounding data centers are definitely more involved and there are several pieces of legislation in the queue designed to address some of these complicated issues. But what is very clear is we need more power generation, and the legislature needs to come together with all stakeholders to develop an immediate path forward to ensure consumers have what they need and to help drive innovation and investment in our state. Lots more to come on this issue.

Today, marks the 53rd anniversary of the Roe v. Wade U.S. Supreme Court decision expanding abortion rights in America. I am a firm believer in women making their own decisions about their own health care. Abortion is health care and just like we wouldn’t deny someone lifesaving cancer treatment, we should not deny women access to reproductive health care. While the overturning of Roe has made things more complicated across the country, I feel fortunate to be part of a state legislature working with a governor who both firmly support a woman’s right to choose. Abortion remains safe and legal in PA, and you can voice your support for House Bill 1957 – an amendment to the state constitution which would codify a woman’s right to an abortion in PA by asking the senate to allow the voters of PA decide Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus | Take Action

I hope everyone has a great weekend. Stay warm, stay in, and remember...only 18 more days until pitchers and catchers report to spring training!

Gratefully,

Potential Office Closure and Upcoming Mobile Office Hours

In this edition:

Harrisburg Update

Grant Funding for the Community

In the District

Supporting Riddle Hospital

Delco Police Chief’s Dinner

Kicking off America250 in Delco!

Meeting with Radnor Boy Scouts

Cutting the Ribbon on Renamed Main Line Health EMS

Newtown’s State of the Township Breakfast

Commemorating MLK Day

State Game Land Swap

Events

Student Financial Responsibility Seminar

FYI

PA ABLE expands eligibility

New PA State Police program allows college students to finish earning degree via State Trooper Training

PA House of Representatives Scholarship

The Governor's Advisory Commission on LGBTQ Affairs Upcoming Events

Community Events

Once Upon a Run 5K

Delco Sustainability Conference

Expressions of Radnor 2026

Harrisburg Update

Grant Funding for the Community

It has been a fruitful two weeks for community groups and our municipalities as funding was awarded by several state grant programs. Investments like this reflect the many ways we show up for our community. $460,000 was awarded to projects that will strengthen public safety, expand access to education, create real opportunities for second chances, and help women and girls lead with confidence. Taken together, these grants help local organizations do what they do best: serve people, open doors and make our community a great place to live.

$100,000 to the Women’s Resource Center for the Girls Lead program, which helps middle and high school girls nominated by their school guidance counselors develop leadership capacity and essential life skills—including communication, conflict resolution, problem solving, and decision making.

$35,000 to the Newtown Township Police Department for community CPR training, and to purchase AEDs to treat cardiac arrest, as well as equipment for emergency trauma treatment.

$125,000 to the Grayson School for operational support.

$100,000 to Eastern University for the Prison Education Program that provides transformative education for community members who are incarcerated or returning from incarceration.

Additionally, more than $2.3 million in new funding from the Commonwealth Financing Authority will support transportation and infrastructure projects in Newtown, Radnor, and Middletown townships.

$1.7 million from the Multimodal Transportation Fund to help Radnor Township build an extension of the multi-use Radnor Trail.

The Radnor Trail has been a true labor of love for me personally, and for so many others, and I am thrilled that state funding will help get this trail project over the finish line.

$134,296 from the Multimodal Transportation Fund will be used to install an ADA-compliant crosswalk and make pedestrian safety improvements at the Ellis Preserve campus in Newtown Township.

$500,000 from the Small Water and Sewer Program to the Middletown Township Sewer Authority for upgrades to the S. Heilbron Drive Pump Station.

I am honored to advocate for the people and communities of the 168th Legislative District and Delaware County, especially when state support is critical to addressing infrastructure and safety needs. Funding projects that improve walkability, safety, and residents’ quality of life is essential, and I am proud to help bring these funds to our communities for projects that might not be possible otherwise.

In the District

Supporting Riddle Hospital

I spent yesterday morning with my Delco Delegation colleagues presenting $4 million in state funding to support care delivery at Riddle Hospital following the closure of Crozer Health.

This funding will support recruitment and retention efforts at Riddle Hospital, with a focus on nurses and technicians, helping the facility respond to increased patient volumes and capacity demands.

After the check presentation, we had a roundtable discussion with leaders from Main Line Health, including President and CEO Ed Jimenez and Riddle Hospital President Jim Paradis about the challenges Riddle is overcoming as one of two remaining hospitals in Delco. My fellow elected officials shared feedback from constituents about their experiences accessing healthcare and the gaps that need to be filled. It was wonderful to have a meeting of the minds for a productive conversation!

Delco Police Chief's Dinner

I joined in celebrating Delco’s law enforcement professionals at the Delaware County Police Chief’s Association 96th annual banquet and officer installation. It was great to see some of my favorite officers from Radnor Township Police Department and my elected colleagues from around the county.

Congratulations to the new leadership of DCPCA! We are so fortunate to have highly trained sworn officers in our communities dedicated to serving and protecting.

Kicking off America250 in Delco!

We kicked off America250PA celebrations here in Delco with a ‘We the People’ Semiquin gala right here in the 168th at Valley Forge Military College!

Friends from across Delco gathered to preview the celebrations happening this year and the places of local history highlighting the events with special programming (nine of the 31 locations are in the 168th). We will also be welcoming the PGA Championship to the 168th at Aronimink Golf Club.

There is so much happening across the county, and I am thrilled to see the communities of Edgmont, Middletown, Newtown & Radnor front and center as we celebrate 250 years of our democracy!

Learn more about the year-long celebration https://www.america250padelco.org

Meeting with Radnor Boy Scouts

I love spending time with the future leaders of our community. I had the chance to talk with the young men of Radnor Troop 284 and the young ladies of Radnor284 Trailblazers about the issues important to them.

We discussed how the state legislation is moving on environmental issues, the future of AI, SEPTA funding (this was a big topic), protecting healthcare access, clean energy, and road maintenance. These are engaged young adults, and I am always so impressed with the caliber of their questions and the depth of their knowledge.

Thank you for inviting me to speak. I look forward to coming back to continue the conversation!

Cutting the Ribbon on Renamed Main Line Health EMS

Last week I was thrilled to join the amazing EMS professionals from Riddle EMS as they celebrated their re-branding to Main Line EMS.

Riddle emergency services - from the skilled paramedics to the outstanding healthcare professionals and staff of the emergency department - have stepped up in the face of significant challenges since the closing of Crozer Health. I and the Delco delegation are proud to stand with them!

It was great to join Senator John Kane to celebrate with our friends at Riddle and MLH! Thank you for all you do for the community!

Newtown’s State of the Township Breakfast

The new year means it’s time for the Newtown Square Business Association’s annual “State of the Township” breakfast. My office is a member of this thriving and growing organization and I’m always honored to be asked to join Newtown’s leaders to share how the state assembly is working hard on their behalf. I spoke about grant funding for township projects, legislation we passed to help second-class townships, and the exciting events the district office is hosting this year.

Newtown Township has a thriving business community and the NSBA has done a tremendous job bringing it together and investing in “extras” which enhance the community. I thank NSBA President Sheila Turner-Hilliard and Vice President Paul Seligson for inviting me to be part of this annual event along with Leonard Altieri, Chair of the Board of Supervisors, Newtown PD Chief Chris Lunn, and Newtown Square Fire Company’s Chief Chris Young.

There are so many things to be proud of here in Newtown Township!

Commemorating MLK Day

I spent Sunday remembering and honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the Media Fellowship House and Media Area Branch NAACP.

It is always uplifting to proceed the recognition of Dr. King’s birthday and day of service by joining the community and many local elected officials to present the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Spirit Hall of Fame Awards recognizing those who a guided by the “spirit” of Dr. King.

I was honored to be asked to present to three of this year’s recipients honored for their work to pass New Jersey’s Freedom to Read Act. Librarian Martha Hickson along with students Mitchell daCosta and Miranda De Olsen resisted attempts by administrators and community members to ban books and worked together to develop legislation to protect readers and libraries. The NJ Freedom to Read Act was signed into law in December 2024 and went into effect this year. They have had much more success than the PA House where HB860 still awaits action.

It an honor to also meet the other Hall of Fame inductee Marisabel Isel, founder of Centro de Apoyo Comunitario in Upper Darby. Advocating for immigrant rights, Marisabel has created a safe space for community members to seek help. She was presented by my colleague Rep. Heather Boyd.

We also heard from Vince Stango interim president & CEO National Constitution Center, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (who just returned from Minneapolis), Councilwoman Monica Taylor, my colleague Rep. Gina H. Curry and Media’s new Mayor Joi Washington.

A great spirit of unity and justice in a time where our freedoms are being challenged. The words of Dr. King have never been more important.

*Potential* State Game Land Swap

Pennsylvania has 308 state games lands, which span more than 1.5 million acres across the commonwealth. Currently, Delaware County has a portion of state game land at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge which is also part of Philadelphia County. That might change as the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners is poised to act on a proposed “land swap” in Edgmont Township for state game land in Limerick Township, Montgomery County, which would bring state game land to Edgmont.

This is a fast-moving issue and one that I am working hard with our local elected representatives in Edgmont to better understand. This is not an issue I have dealt with before and it would be an entirely new program coming to our community.

For those novices (like me) the PA Game Commission manages and protects wildlife and their habitats while promoting hunting and trapping. The PA Game Commission is 100% independently funded by a federal tax on firearms and ammunition and on the revenue generated by the sale of hunting licenses in PA. They receive no general fund appropriation and much of the state game lands they currently managed have been donated or purchased by the Game Commission.

On the agenda for the meeting of the commissioners this Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. is the swap of land by the equity owner of the Sleighton property in Edgmont Township (not the Middletown portion) for the land in Limerick. In talking with my colleagues who represent Limerick, this is not a welcome swap, they do not want to lose their state game lands and are opposed. I will monitor the situation and update you when there is more information to share. This vote is only to approve starting the process of the swap and it might not come to fruition based on many factors. There is still a long way to go in the process if the swap is approved and I am committed to working with Edgmont and Middletown to ensure the community is actively engaged moving forward.

My Events

FYI

PA ABLE expands eligibility

The PA ABLE Savings Program has expanded eligibility to allow more Pennsylvanians with disabilities to benefit from a tax-free way to save for their future. Individuals are now eligible to open a PA ABLE account if their disability began before age 46 -- an increase from the previous age limit of 26 -- making this a significant and impactful change.

Since its launch in 2017, PA ABLE has helped people with disabilities build financial security without jeopardizing essential benefits such as Medical Assistance (Medicaid) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Participants can contribute up to $20,000 annually, use funds for a wide range of disability-related expenses, and deduct contributions from Pennsylvania state income taxes.

Currently, more than 11,500 Pennsylvanians have saved nearly $185 million through PA ABLE, with many more now eligible due to the expanded age limit. To learn more, visit paable.gov or call 855-529-ABLE (2253).

New PA State Police program allows college students to finish earning degree via State Trooper Training

The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) now allows students in their senior year at participating colleges and universities to earn their remaining credits toward an associate or bachelor’s degree by successfully completing cadet basic training at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy.

Participating college students can graduate with both their degree and a job offer with the PSP at the same time. So far, eligible colleges are: DeSales University, Keystone College, Saint Vincent College, Mercyhurst University, Luzerne County Community College, and Pennsylvania Highlands Community College.

The program is not limited to criminal justice majors; participating colleges may apply the credits toward any degree program they choose. It awards academic credits much like a traditional internship completed during a student’s final semester: instead of classroom time to earn their remaining credits, students will finish their training at the Academy and earn the remaining credits needed to graduate, allowing them to receive their degree and become a trooper at the same time.

The 2025-26 budget signed by Gov. Shapiro supports the hiring of four additional PSP cadet classes. Learn more here.

Community Events & Announcements

Wayne Art Center is inviting Radnor Township residents to participate in Expressions of Radnor 2026. Now in its 25th year, this exhibition is open to artists, 18 and older, who are legal residents of Radnor Township.

This is an open call exhibition, all entries will be accepted and juried for awards. Eligible artists are invited to submit up to two pieces of original artwork created in the last two years in the following mediums: painting, drawing, jewelry, ceramics, fiber, sculpture, glass, mixed media, printmaking and photography. The Call for Entry deadline is February 5, 2026. Artwork must be delivered on Monday, February 9 between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm. Visit www.wayneart.org to submit your entry for this exhibition.