Dear Neighbor,
The latest step in my ongoing quest to renew young people’s interest in civics and community participation brought me last week to a meeting with students from New Hope–Solebury High School’s TODAY Club, who led a thoughtful conversation about youth substance use and how certain products are marketed toward young people.
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TODAY is a group for local middle and high school youth who are interested in community-centered activities such as organizing events, gaining leadership experience/training, attending conferences, fundraising, mentoring, career development, or applying their special skills (photography, videography, design, etc.) to help the community become a safer and healthier place for youth.
Students raised concerns about vaping products that use youth-appealing flavors and marketing, as well as the growing availability of largely unregulated products often sold in convenience stores and gas stations — including kratom beverages and other consumables that may contain intoxicating or THC-related substances. Their preparation, research, and willingness to speak candidly made for a meaningful discussion, and I learned a great deal from hearing their perspectives.
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Thank you to the Free Library of New Hope & Solebury for providing a true community space
to hold our discussion!
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We also talked about how the legislature can better keep pace with these rapidly evolving products, strengthen protections for young people, and support stronger compliance and accountability among vendors. I’m grateful to these students for their advocacy and engagement on an issue that directly impacts them.
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Budget hearings for 2026-27 begin Feb. 23rd
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Gov. Shapiro delivered a great budget proposal for FY 2026-27 focused on important areas like education, economic growth, and public safety. It’s a good starting point; now it's time for the legislature to get to work fine tuning the plan.
As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I’ll be part of that process as we hold budget hearings with the leaders of each state agency, department, and commission.
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I hope you follow along with me on the process via social media, where I’ll update you each morning on the topics I’ll be discussing that day and with whom.
I’ll also share my thoughts and video clips of the highlights I think you’ll be interested in.
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Talking disability support with the Arc Alliance
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I joined The Arc Alliance this week for their Bucks County Legislative Breakfast. I appreciated the opportunity to hear directly about the challenges faced by our neighbors with disabilities and how we can continue collaborating to build a more inclusive community for everyone. As a legislator, I have made it a priority to ensure our laws, funding decisions, and public policies reflect and support the needs of individuals with disabilities and their families.
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The Arc is dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and helping ensure they are fully included in community life. Here in Bucks County, The Arc Alliance carries out that mission through important programs like early intervention, supports coordination, and resources for individuals, families, and caregivers. Thanks to the Bucks County Intermediate Unit for hosting such an informative event.
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PSEA Special Education Roundtable
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I participated in a roundtable on Wednesday hosted by PSEA leaders that brought together local elected officials and special education teachers from Bucks and Montgomery counties, giving the latter a chance to share their feedback and stories on the challenges they’re facing in classrooms:
- Class size and caseloads
- Student behavior
- Federal policy impacts
- Least Restrictive Environment (here’s an explainer)
- Educator safety
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I appreciated this opportunity to hear directly from educators who dedicate themselves to the students with the most complex needs; what I learned will be a tremendous asset moving forward as I help push for increased special education funding in the state budget for 2026-27. Gov. Shapiro’s proposed budget calls for a $50 million funding increase for special education programs.
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Touring the renovated New Hope Arts
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Kelly and I enjoyed a recent visit with New Hope Arts, meeting with Executive Director Christine Ramirez and Pamm Kerr, who is the volunteer chair of the organization’s Public Art Program that places unique and striking sculptures throughout New Hope. The cultural programming is wide-ranging and constantly evolving, from exhibitions, concerts, and poetry readings to dance performances and the New Hope Film Festival — there’s always something new to experience.
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We toured their beautifully renovated historic building in the heart of New Hope Borough - now fully accessible and climate-controlled. The upgrades were made possible in part through a grant from the Dept. of Community & Economic Development to the organization's “Elevate the Arts” campaign. The renovation has positioned New Hope Arts well for continued growth, and they shared an exciting vision for the future — a great example of state investment supporting local arts and community spaces.
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Honoring New Hope Mayor Larry Keller
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New Hope Arts is chaired by Mayor Larry Keller, who recently retired after 28 years of public service. It was an honor to help celebrate his retirement and recognize the thoughtful leadership he brought to stewarding New Hope — a true gem, known for its vibrant arts scene, creative spirit, and strong sense of community.
New Hope Arts plays an important role in keeping that tradition alive, supporting artists and events that make this town so special.
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I’ll always remember Mayor Keller as the emcee of the annual Pride Parade — especially the year he awarded me “Best Mummers Strut” in 2024. Beyond all the labels we give ourselves, public service is really about leadership, and Mayor Keller has shown plenty of it while championing the arts and the community he loves.
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America250PA awards grant for Washington Crossing event
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Every America250PA event I attend gets me more excited for the Semiquincentennial celebrations they're hosting this summer for our country's 250th anniversary. The theme of the upcoming public lecture this meeting was about, “The Writing of the Declaration and What It Meant in 1776," happens to be right up my alley. Faithful readers of these e-newsletters know I'm not afraid to write at length about the topics that matter to me -- a trait that has served me well as an attorney!
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Visiting senior living communities
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Mercer Hill at Doylestown
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From personalized care to welcoming spaces where residents can thrive and enjoy life on their own terms, it’s clear these communities go above and beyond — though the amenities were great to experience, what I most enjoyed was chatting with the residents themselves. The dedication of caregivers here is nothing short of inspiring.
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Seeing these communities and speaking with caregivers and residents firsthand highlights the challenges they face and the nuances behind these issues as legislation is developed. In Pennsylvania, inconsistent rules between Personal Care and Assisted Living, along with outdated reimbursement formulas, make it harder to support caregivers, deliver quality care, and help seniors stay independent. Updating these policies would help seniors thrive, caregivers earn fair wages, and families have peace of mind — because everyone deserves a place that feels like home.
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Great news: Our first Mobile Office session at Central Bucks Senior Activity Center was a big success; Kelly had a wonderful time meeting and greeting everyone who stopped by! We’ll be there the first Monday of every month from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Come say hello!
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Seniors: Do you have a SEPTA Senior Fare Card yet?
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If you’re 65 or older, you’re eligible to get a SEPTA Senior Fare Card that allows you to ride SEPTA transportation for free! If you don’t have your card yet, stop in my office -- Kelly or Michaela will be happy to assist!
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Applications for the Summer 2026 Pennsylvania House of Representatives Legislative Fellowship Program are now being accepted. The program is based in the Capitol Building in Harrisburg.
Fellows are assigned to work in House standing committees or House leadership offices, receive compensation (which may also include college credit), draft and present their own legislation, attend meet-and-greets with various public officials and staff, and tour Pennsylvania’s historic public spaces.
Applications are due by March 2, 2026. See the program website to apply.
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Qualified applicants will be: 1) College undergraduate juniors or seniors, graduate students, or law school students; 2) Enrolled in a Pennsylvania college/university, or a Pennsylvania resident enrolled in an out-of-state institution; and 3) Pursuing any major with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
If you’re interested in this program, you’re welcome to call or email my office to let us know and request a letter of recommendation: (267) 884-0395 / RepBrennan@pahouse.net.
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Summer activity sign-ups for young people
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DAA’s Youth Spring baseball and volleyball registrations close soon
Helping spread the word to parents & guardians that youth Spring baseball and volleyball registration through Doylestown Athletic Association is now open! Click here for details.
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Doylestown Twp.’s Overtime Athletics: Multi-Sports Traditional Day Camp
Day Camp gives kids the chance to play, learn, and compete across a variety of sports—building skills, confidence, teamwork, and friendships along the way in a positive, high-energy environment. Full-day and half-day options available. Click here for details & registration.
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Solebury Twp.’s Community Energy Series
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Did you know that Solebury Township committed to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2045? The Solebury Energy Transition Committee is charting a path to achieve this goal and is seeking community input. This community workshop will inform you on the Energy Transition Workplan and its next steps and allow attendees to share input on implementation.
??Thursday, Feb. 26 from 6-8 p.m.
??New Hope-Solebury High School Library (180 W. Bridge St., New Hope)
??Click here to register
Attendees will also be able to get involved in the project by signing up to become a Community Champion volunteer. Input is needed in the following key areas:
- Green job opportunities
- Active transportation
- Resiliency in the face of harsh weather conditions
- Township budget and financing
- Building efficiency
- Green spaces
- Green building practices
Join the group at the Library, New Hope-Solebury High School for refreshments, and share your needs as the Township charts its path toward a 100% renewable future!
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
27B East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 772-2361
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District Office
80 North Main St., Suite 1A
Doylestown, PA 18901
(267) 884-0395
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