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Check here for periodic updates on how I vote important bills in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Read more
Update: 6/17 NO: HB 1184: Financial Support for Mayors Status: Passed 110-91 As the prior Mayor of West Chester, I would have voted an enthusiastic “yes” on this bill, which requires municipalities to pay up to $100/year for mayors to join a professional association and reimburse for educational/training functions. However, the bill was amended to include permission for sections of municipalities with 500+ residents to secede from their own local government. With 2,560 local governments, PA already ranks third in the nation in terms of number of municipalities. If anything, we need to promote sharing of resources and collaborative regional planning so we can solve problems that go beyond our municipal borders, such as flooding. More division will only lead to inefficiencies, duplication of services, and a greater taxpayer burden. NO: HB 406: Reinstatement of Work Search and Career Link Requirements for Those Receiving Unemployment Compensation Status: Passed 130-71 This bill proposed to reinstate Work Search and Career Link requirements for those receiving unemployment compensation (UC) on the same day the state switched over to a new UC system. An amendment to delay this start date to July so the new system could be set up to accommodate the requirements was denied by the majority Republicans. Since December, my office has served many constituents who need their Read more
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PennDOT Priorities for 156th Legislative District Read more
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Send Questions to RepHerrin@pahouse.net. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 15 – State Rep. Dianne Herrin announced today the approval of Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement funding for several projects in Chester County after a very competitive new round of funding applications for these housing programs. “The hardships of the last 15 months have shed a new light on the importance of decent, attainable housing and of assisting our most vulnerable neighbors,” Herrin said. “This nearly $1.1 million in new funding will provide a lifeline to individuals during a time of crisis while simultaneously empowering them to find permanent, stable housing.” The PHARE funding for Chester County will be divided among five organizations: $500,000 for the Chester County Department of Community Development, which will allow Chester County to offer a continuum of services to its most vulnerable individuals with the mission of making homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring. $100,000 for the Friends Association for Care & Protection of Children to support individuals and families facing eviction with legal representation, financial support and social services. $240,000 for the Housing Authority of Chester County to assist in finding and retaining housing, as well as expanding landlord incentive programs. $115,000 for the Targeted Homelessness Resource Coordination program, which will assist people experiencing chronic Read more
WEST CHESTER, June 8 – State Rep. Dianne Herrin announced today Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program awards for first-response units based in the 156 th Legislative District. The awards were made available this week by the state Office of the State Fire Commissioner. “Thank you to all of the first responders who keep West Chester a safe place to live, work and visit,” said Herrin, D-West Chester. “Your professionalism and selfless service reflect proudly on our community. These grants which will help improve facilities, equipment, and training procedures will go a long way for these providers to continue to serve our community with top level fire and emergency response.” Awards were made to the following units in the 156 th Legislative District: Fame Fire Company of West Chester $14,550.440 First West Chester $15,000 Good Fellowship Ambulance $8,993.20 Goshen Fire (EMS Funding) $8,992.20 Goshen Fire Company $15,000 A complete list of awards made available across the state is available here . Read more
The idea of congressional term limits is appealing to many Americans, and it’s not hard to see why. Members of Congress have about a 95% re-election rate despite the American public broadly disapproving of Congress in the aggregate. Incumbents have little incentive to engage constructively with their constituents under these circumstances, since their seats are already largely safe. However, I do not think congressional term limits are the solution. By themselves, they solve few of these problems, since incumbents who have not reached their term limit will still be just as likely to be re-elected, and the nature of partisan gerrymandering means that most districts will remain uncompetitive even if we instituted term limits tomorrow. On top of this, it will also create the new problem of eliminating much of the institutional knowledge and experience that is acquired with years of service, while limiting good politicians who have the bona fide support of their constituents to only a few terms. In my view, we need a renewed focus on eliminating the structural factors that give incumbents an undue advantage and make them less accountable to the people. Chief among these are partisan gerrymandering and access to campaign finance. Gerrymandering is the practice of drawing districts so as to maximize your party’s dominance, and it has markedly reduced the competitiveness of congressional districts. Before 1978, according to a study by the Political Studies Read more
WEST CHESTER, June 2 – State Rep. Dianne Herrin will hold a virtual expo for residents of the 156 th Legislative District who are 60 years of age and older at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 17 to introduce beneficial resources and engaging activities available to older community members. Attendees can participate over Microsoft Teams or watch from an internet connected device and call in live. The 156 th Legislative District includes East Goshen, Westtown, Birmingham, Thornbury, and parts of West Goshen townships, as well as the Borough of West Chester. “The Greater West Chester Area is a fantastic place to live for older Pennsylvanians,” Herrin, D-Chester, said. “My expo will highlight some great leaders and representatives of local agencies who work every day to keep our senior community active, healthy and thriving.” Scheduled to join Herrin are Victoria Long, legal advocate with the SeniorLAW Center; SEPTA Manager of Legislative Affairs Rochelle Culbreath; and Sheryl Bruck, manager with the Chester County Department of Aging Services. Those interested in attending should send their name and email address to Herrin’s office by emailing RepHerrin@pahouse.net or by calling 610-696-4990. Those interested also can watch a live stream of the meeting at RepDianneHerrin.com. For residents without internet access, a call-in number will be provided upon request. More Read more
Please RSVP by emailing RepHerrin@pahouse.net. Read more
This week, Governor Wolf announced that all restrictions, except masking, related to gatherings, restaurants, and businesses will be lifted on Memorial Day, May 31st. Read more
Rep. Herring invites you to watch the discussion from her May 6 Virtual Town Hall with constituents. Read more
WEST CHESTER, April 29 – State Rep. Dianne Herrin, D-Chester, will hold a virtual town hall for residents of the 156th Legislative District at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 6 to introduce her office and hear from residents on the issues that matter most to them. “My district office is open and ready to serve you,” Herrin said. “I want to introduce you to the services my office can provide and understand your priorities so I can advocate on your behalf in Harrisburg. I also want to talk about my experience in Harrisburg so far and how what goes on behind the scenes affects us here at home.” Those interested in attending should send their name and email address to Herrin’s office by emailing RepHerrin@pahouse.net or by calling 610-696-4990. Those interested also can watch a live stream of the meeting at RepDianneHerrin.com. For residents without internet access, a call-in number will be provided upon request. For more information, those interested can contact Herrin’s office at (610) 696-4990. Read more
State Rep. Dianne Herrin and state Sen. Carolyn Comitta, both D-Chester, today announced that West Chester Borough will receive of a total of $175,000 in Commonwealth Financial Authority Act 13 funds. The funds will be used to upgrade Everhart Park’s playground. Hillsdale Elementary School students designed this new playground for their peers during a workshop conceived by Friends of Everhart Park and facilitated by Play by Design, a playground design firm. “These young designers have ensured every child will feel welcome,” Herrin said. “A public park should be a place for inclusion, community and togetherness, and this project really hits the mark. It promises to be a magical place where all children can unleash their imaginations and families can come together to simply celebrate life. We are grateful for this generous award.” “Everhart Park’s new playground is a project that is truly by, of and for all children. I am grateful to all of those who are working together to make it a reality, including the Friends of Everhart Park, West Chester Borough Parks and Recreation, and the many professionals who have volunteered their time, support and expertise,” Comitta said. “This park holds a special place in my heart. With these improvements, I have no doubt it will do the same for many children and families for years to come.” This project includes the purchase and installation of new Read more
I am very excited to report that, through the Chester County Health Department, all people aged 16 or older living and working in Chester County are eligible to set up an appointment to receive the vaccine! You can schedule your appointment online through this link!This is extremely encouraging in our nationwide effort to control this pandemic. After a slow start, Pennsylvania is making significant progress, and we are becoming vaccination leaders! As of April 14, Pennsylvania is 10th in first-dose vaccinations in the country and over 40% of Pennsylvanians have received at least one dose of vaccine so far! Read more
HARRISBURG, April 14 – State Rep. Dianne Herrin, D-Chester, today announced West Chester University will be the recipient of $499,860 in PAsmart Advancing Grants that expand access to computer science and STEM education for Pennsylvania learners. “This is a great investment in our youth, our economy and our future,” said Herrin. “This funding will help educate future leaders in ‘green’ STEM careers so they have the tools and skills to create a more sustainable world for us all – and an economy boosted by green technologies and meaningful new jobs.” West Chester University of Pennsylvania will be the recipient of $499,860 to build on the National Science Foundation-funded Education for Sustainability Philly Teacher Leadership program. The program will expand student access and engagement in sustainable or “green” STEM education through teacher development and engage students in creating a sustainable Philadelphia. The program links classroom learning to civic action and green STEM careers. Projects funded by the PAsmart Advancing Grants include Computer Science and STEM after-school programs in robotics and artificial intelligence; the establishment of innovative STEM partnerships between school districts and higher education partners to provide college credits and industry credentials in STEM and Computer Science; support for diversity and inclusion on esports teams in high-need Read more
State Representative Dianne Herrin, D-Chester, today announced that the Chester County Library System will receive an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Professional Development Training Grant from the Office of Commonwealth Libraries totaling $4,947.85. “The Chester County Library System has been a vital part of this community for over 50 years,” Herrin said. “We are fortunate enough to be part of a library system of committed people recognized for their knowledge, inspiration, and for ensuring opportunity for all. This money will directly help the system – which includes the historic West Chester Public Library – carry out its mission of ensuring every resident has equal access to exceptional opportunities to learn, read, create, and connect with big ideas that help us all create a better life and improve our community.” This grant will help library employees attend virtual professional development programs in principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion – principles that the library system integrates into all of its practices and work functions. For more information, contact Herrin’s office at (610) 696-4990. ### Read more
Chester County's vaccine supply remains scant and State Rep. Dianne Herrin explained why suburban Philly got 'shorted' and what to expect. Read more
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