Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility E-News: Black History Poetry Contest announced for 9-12 grades; House moves first bills

E-News: Black History Poetry Contest announced for 9-12 grades; House moves first bills

PA Representative Heather Boyd banner image

Dear Neighbor,

 

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives kicked off legislative action during session this week. Several good measures are already moving forward, and this session we hope to work together with the state Senate to make real progress in passing those plans.

 

We moved a measure to grant naturalized Korean American veterans of the Vietnam War the same rights, recognition, benefits and privileges under Pennsylvania law as other veterans. We also advanced a bill that would require menus in restaurants and food establishments contain a disclaimer regarding food allergies and posters to make servers aware of food allergies.

 

House committees also moved measures to create protected bike lanes and to allow people who have been prescribed naloxone still to receive the health care benefits they deserve.

 

It’s going to be an eventful legislative session these next two years, and I thank you for following the journey. Remember, you can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky and X for more updates.

 

Martin Luther King Day honored

 

It was a pleasure serving a Day On for Martin Luther King Day this month!

 

Thanks to the Lansdowne YMCA and many wonderful volunteers, including Springfield High School Community Service Club, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon and Judge Tammi Forbes, we helped move food to the community at a time when donations are needed most. Thank you to everyone for their service!

I’d also like to shout out to Philabundance and Sharing Excess for keeping the food coming. Your work makes a world of difference to so many people out there! If you need food, the Lansdowne YMCA operates from 4 to 6 p.m. every other Wednesday. They will be open again Feb. 5.

 

I also had the privilege to share a unity breakfast with Upper Darby Mayor Ed Brown, state Sen. Tim Kearney, Upper Darby Council President Hafiz Tunis, and Councilwoman Danyelle Blackwell at the YMCA's unity breakfast.

As an elected representative, I think of Dr. King often. His efforts were instrumental in the passage of landmark legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Recalling and learning from Dr. King’s legacy helps us still realize his dream for us.

 

Celebrate Black History Month: Poetry Contest for 9th-12th Graders!

 

Calling all high school students (Grades 9-12)! In honor of Black History Month, we invite you to create and share a poem that highlights a significant figure or moment in Black history. This is your chance to showcase your creativity and celebrate the impact of Black history.

 

Prizes:

  • 1st Place Winner: Your poem will be shared, plus a citation for your outstanding work and a beautiful notebook/pen set!
  • 2nd Place Winner: Your poem will be featured on our social media and e-blast!

 

How to Enter:

 

Let’s come together to honor the past, inspire the future, and celebrate Black history!

 

For more information, contact Kathy at 484-200-1563

 

Come get a coffee with me Feb. 13

 

In case you haven’t made it to one or would like to visit again, I host a Coffee with the Rep event the second Thursday of each month. My next one is Feb. 13. We'll discuss whatever state-related issue you'd like, with special focus on state programs available to you.

 

Did you catch Delco: The Movie?

 

Earlier this month, “Delco: The Movie” opened to fanfare everywhere in Delaware County!

 

“Delco: The Movie” is about rethinking a life lived in Delco when Wayne, a high school senior raised as a Christian, is desperate to discover a life beyond what is in front of him before he’s too late, and Jess just wants him to have one crazy night in Delco.

 

In case you didn’t know, the movie qualified for a Pennsylvania film tax credit, and I’m happy to share how that works in case you have a budding film career in PA.

 

Film incentives in Pennsylvania are overseen by state Film Commissioner Gino Pesi. These initiatives are designed to attract and support film productions in Pennsylvania and have proven vital in showcasing the state as a hub for storytelling and fostering local economies.

 

For more information on the Pennsylvania state film tax credit program, visit: https://dced.pa.gov/programs/film-tax-credit-program/.

Video
 

CareerLink keeps Delco working

 

I had a great visit to Delaware County CareerLink, learning about the amazing services they provide for job seekers and businesses in need of workers. Thank you, Kate McKeever and Darrell Thomson, for the tour and the partnership. Learn more at www.pacareerlinkdelco.org.

 

You can file your taxes with Direct File in PA 

 

More than 2 million Pennsylvanians are now eligible to use Direct File, the IRS tool that allows you to file your federal and state tax returns online securely and for free. The IRS launched this tool last year, but 2025 will be the first year that PA residents can use it.

 

Check to see if you will be eligible to use Direct File to file this year’s federal and state tax returns at https://directfile.irs.gov/.

 

Open Records internship available

 

Interested in law, government, and freedom of speech? Consider interning at the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records. The OOR provides an exciting opportunity for college students with an interest in law to learn about and assist with its mission to provide citizen access to government records.

 

The OOR was established in 2009 to create a free, simple method for citizens to appeal a public records’ denial by a local or state government agency.  The OOR’s decision to grant or deny access to records is legally binding. Attorneys at the OOR review an agency’s legal reasonings for denying access to records and issue a legally binding decisions that either upholds the denial or grants access.

 

Learn more here.

 

Legislative Fellowship Program open

 

Do you know a college student interested in gaining firsthand experience with the legislative process? Let them know applications are now available for the PA House Legislative Fellowship Program’s Summer 2025 semester.

 

The fellowship is based in our state Capitol, where fellows are assigned to work in House committees or PA House leadership offices and are compensated for their work. Fellows will have opportunities to draft and present their own legislation, attend meet-and-greets with various public officials and staff, and tour some of the Commonwealth’s historic public spaces.

 

Use this link to apply online.

 

House Scholarship available

 

I also encourage high school seniors heading to college to apply to the PA House Scholarship Program. This scholarship is administered through The Foundation for Enhancing Communities and is for graduating high school seniors who reside in PA.

 

The deadline to apply is April 15. Find more info and apply on the program website.

 

Higher education financial aid webinars available

 

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) will be hosting multiple online webinars during January, February and March to provide important information on financial aid and student loans. Click here to see the dates for these webinars and to register.

 

Help with heating costs is available

 

We are in the thick of winter, so it’s important that you’re able to stay warm in your home! Applications are now open for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This program can help you keep warm and safe during this time of year by helping with your heating bill. For more information on this program, to see if you qualify, and to apply, visit here or contact my office.

 

Pennsylvania State Capitol
106-A East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-8099

District Office

6 S. Springfield Rd.
Clifton Heights, PA 19018
(484) 200-8262