Dear Neighbor,
We’re all feeling the effects of potholes after this brutal winter. The repeated freeze–thaw cycles have been especially tough on our roads, and PennDOT crews have been working hard to keep up with the damage across the region.
Right now, because temperatures are still fluctuating, crews are using cold patching to repair potholes. This method provides a quick, temporary fix that helps reduce the risk of vehicle damage and improves safety for drivers. Because it’s intended as a short-term repair, cold patch can sometimes appear to deteriorate quickly, especially with heavy traffic and continued temperature swings, but it helps address hazards until more permanent repairs can be made.
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Crews have recently been out addressing potholes on Cold Spring Creamery Road, Edison Furlong Road, Stoney Hill Road, Bristol Road, Butler Avenue, and State Street. Next week, they’re scheduled to repair additional areas on Bristol Road, as well as Route 611 (Easton Road/Doylestown Bypass) and Durham Road.
Once the weather consistently warms up, PennDOT will return to many of these locations to make more durable repairs using hot asphalt, which provides a longer-lasting fix.
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In the meantime, thank you for your patience as crews work through a high volume of repairs. Please remember to slow down in work zones and refrain from distracted driving to keep our workers (and yourself!) safe.
If you encounter a particularly severe pothole, please report it to our office so we can make sure it is flagged for repair.
Our fellow road warriors can learn more about pothole different patching methods and other maintenance operations at the PennDOT Maintenance Activities webpage.
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Onto the next leg of Budget Season
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Over the past several weeks, I’ve been in Harrisburg with fellow members of the House Appropriations Committee, conducting 2026–27 budget hearings with leaders from state agencies across Pennsylvania. These hearings are an important part of the process, as we ask detailed questions about how taxpayer dollars are being spent and where improvements can be made.
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These informative conversations will help guide us in crafting a responsible and effective 2026–27 state budget.
Transparency matters, which is why I’m sharing highlights from my exchanges with agency leaders during the hearings. If you’re interested in seeing the questions I asked and the issues I’m focused on, you can visit this page on my website to watch the video clips and learn more about the topics that will shape our work on the budget in the months ahead.
Here’s an example from our hearing with PEMA, where I asked about the status of possible revisions to Title 35, the code that stipulates emergency management standards for every county, city, borough, town, and township in the Commonwealth, and about the success of the Disaster Recovery Assistance Program, first authorized by the General Assembly in 2023:
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Central Bucks students visit the Capitol
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I was delighted to welcome a group of 5th grade students from across Central Bucks School District to the Pennsylvania State Capitol this week. Fellow CBSD Rep. Brian Munroe and Rep. Shelby Labs joined me to welcome them!
I always enjoy bringing young people (and the young at heart) to our State Capitol to experience this beautiful building and learn more about its history and the role it plays in our civic life.
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The students had a full day that began at the National Civil War Museum before coming to the Capitol to present their historical marker projects. Each student created their own Pennsylvania-style historical marker highlighting an important location in our area, and it was wonderful to see the thought and research they put into their work.
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In addition to the official Capitol tour, the day was made even more memorable as we were able to arrange a special visit to the House Floor, where we were joined by Rep. Kristin Marcell – making it a Central Bucks School District full House!
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Have you shopped electricity suppliers recently?
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As a Pennsylvanian, you’ve been tasked with choosing your own electricity supplier since 1996, when the legislature passed a law deregulating the industry. At a recent joint informational meeting of the House Consumer Protection Committee and the House Energy Committee (read the details here), the PA Utility Law Project (PULP) shared recent data from the Energy Association showing that "shopping" for electricity and natural gas may be costing you more than you think.
According to a review of utility data from 2024 and 2025, residential customers who switched away from their utility’s default service paid significantly more for their energy than those who stayed put. In 2024 alone, customers spent an estimated $350 million more than the standard “Price to Compare.” This trend continued into 2025, with an additional $345 million in excess costs.
While some residents choose to pay a premium for “green” or renewable electricity plans, those customers represent only a small minority. There are currently no “green” options available for natural gas; any extra costs are simply higher prices for the same fuel.
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What can you do? Check your monthly utility bill and look for the "Price to Compare." If your current supplier’s rate is higher than that number, you may be paying more than necessary for your home's energy. You may shop available plans on this PUC website.
Following the informational hearing, the Energy Committee voted on two related bills, which are now eligible for consideration in the House chamber. House Bill 2150 would boost transparency by establishing annual energy and water reporting requirements for data center facilities. House Bill 2151 would help local communities establish regulations for data centers by directing the Dept. of Community & Economic Development to create an optional model ordinance municipalities could use as the basis for their own regulations.
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Judiciary Committee approves legislation to protect LGBTQ+ community
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While my fellow House Appropriations Committee members and I conduct budget hearings, the rest of the House committees hold meetings as normal. We have good news to celebrate from the Judiciary Committee: they voted this week to advance a number of bills to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ people. One of the measures, H.B. 1800, which would enshrine marriage equality into PA law, even earned a few yes votes from members on the other side of the aisle, making it a bipartisan win.
The committee also advanced a bill on which I’m a prime-cosponsor, H.B. 300, the Fairness Act, which would update our anti-discrimination law to prohibit discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression.
Click here to see the full list and short descriptions of bills the committee approved. Each of them are now eligible for consideration in the House chamber.
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Farmer’s Forum with Bucks County Foodshed Alliance
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Thank you to the Bucks County Foodshed Alliance for inviting our office to participate in their annual Farmers’ Forum! Linda from our office presented on this year’s theme of Local & State Grant Opportunities, offering an overview of the grant application process and how our office can help support local farmers, from raising awareness of available funding to facilitating applications.
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It was wonderful connecting with so many hardworking farmers from across the district and all of Bucks County at Doylestown’s beautiful Aldie Mansion.
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Discussion on housing and behavioral health with Bucks-Mont Collaborative
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I recently discussed the state of housing and behavioral health in our region at the Bucks-Mont Collaborative’s Winter Legislative Breakfast, which brought together dozens of elected officials and nonprofit & community leaders for thoughtful conversation about these topics that go hand-in-hand.
While we focused on efforts to make progress, we also had local successes to celebrate – for example, The Bright Path Center, set to open in Doylestown this year (thank you, Lenape Valley Foundation!), will be open 24/7 to help people experiencing a mental health crisis.
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Governor Shapiro has laid out a 10-year Housing Action Plan, PA’s first, and I’m advocating for key parts of the corresponding legislation, including H.B. 1250, which would protect residents of manufactured home communities like Buckingham Springs from predatory lot rental hikes while still allowing for growth in the market.
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Visit to Special Equestrians
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Last week, I had a great visit to Special Equestrians with Bucks County Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia. We observed a lesson and learned more about how their equine-assisted programs support children and adults with physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges, helping riders build confidence, strength, and independence.
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We also had a productive conversation about the growing need for these services and the potential for program expansion so more individuals and families can benefit from this work. Special Equestrians is making a real difference in our community through their programs led by dedicated staff, volunteers, and of course, horses!
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Rehabilitating General Greene Inn
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The new owner of Buckingham’s historic General Greene Inn recently led me, Sen. Santarsiero, and members of the Heritage Conservancy on a tour of the building as it undergoes renovation. We discussed the vision and hard work that lays ahead to restore and revitalize this important landmark.
The General Greene Inn has long been a part of Bucks County’s story. After years of uncertainty, it’s encouraging to see the energy and commitment to bring this historic site back to life.
I’m grateful for the thoughtful conversation about preserving the property’s history while creating a vibrant new chapter for Buckingham.
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Bringing awareness to underage gambling
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With the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship upon us—one of the most significant wagering events in the United States—the PA Gaming Control Board is encouraging younger Pennsylvanians to keep the madness of March on the court, not in their wallets.
The PGCB’s “What’s Really at Stake” campaign aims to raise awareness about young people who can be negatively affected by gambling. According to an NCAA study, 58% of 18- to 22-year-olds engage in sports betting, with 6% reporting losses of over $500 in a single day. The greater availability of online gambling has resulted in an increase in youth gambling across the board, so we need to have open discussions about the risks and potential harms.
The What’s Really at Stake website includes a risk check quiz for youth, and resources for parents, siblings and friends. More information can be found on the campaign on the website, or at ResponsiblePlay.pa.gov. As always, if you are of legal gambling age, do it responsibly.
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Doylestown Twp. Parks & Rec: April events schedule
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Doylestown Borough Parks & Rec: Scenic Strolls schedule
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Bucks County BookFest – Books ‘n Brew
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The Bucks County BookFest will return to Broad Commons Park this May! In the meantime, check out their “Books ’n Brew” fundraiser on March 21, from 1-4 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon of book chats, author meet-and-greets, and delicious food and drinks in the heart of the Borough, at Hops/Scotch • Chambers 19 • Paganini
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Local Easter Egg Hunts in Buckingham & Chalfont
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Chalfont Lion's Club is hosting their annual Easter Egg Hunt at Krupp Park, 40 N. Main St. in Chalfont, on Saturday, March 28th (rain date: April 4th). It starts with the youngest age group at 10 a.m. The age groups are: 4 & under / 5 & 6 / 7 & 8 / and 9 & up.
Every child will leave with candy, and there will be special prizes for each age group. Beeping eggs are provided for children with visual impairments so that everyone can participate.
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New Hope Borough Shade Tree Commission – Arbor Day Celebration
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Solebury Twp. Housing Forum #1
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The evening includes conversations with residents, community members who would be served by attainable housing, and a panel of housing industry experts. Your ideas, insights, and comments will help shape future forum topics. Light refreshments will be provided.
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An engaging community conversation about the future of attainable housing in Solebury Twp. April 9, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Solebury Township Municipal Building at 3092 Sugan Road, Solebury, PA
At this first forum in the 2026 series, topics will include:
- What is attainable housing?
- Who would benefit? (essential workers, young families, farm workers, recent graduates, seniors, & more)
- What might attainable housing look like in our community?
- What outcomes should we aim for by 2030 and 2040?
- Where could attainable housing be located?
For questions, contact Township Manager Christopher Garges, ICMA-CM: cgarges@soleburytwp.org
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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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