Just a few weeks ago, ahead of MLK Day and the Presidential Inauguration, I wrote about the cosmic, convoluted twist of fate that brought King and Trump together to be celebrated in unison. I spoke of President Trump’s tendency to lead through disruptive action in an effort to bring about the changes that the world seeks and noted my own willingness to do the same.

I wish that I could say that nobody could have predicted the last few weeks of action. I wish that I could state that the disruption clearly reflects innovative and unifying thought that marries the best practices from successful private sector change agents with the values and moral clarity of this shining city on the hill. I wish I could say with certainty that our communities will all be okay, but if I’m being honest, I cannot say that.

It is okay to not be okay. It is encouraged, in fact, to be honest and clear-minded enough to say “I am broken” when nothing else rings true. That is often the first step in putting the pieces back together.

In a way, this describes my last two weeks in Harrisburg. I will admit to having been knocked back a bit by the shock and awe from Washington, but I’ve regained my focus on those things that I can control in Pennsylvania and how to best use the time that you all have offered me to improve lives. I clearly see the path to achieving an increase in the minimum wage. I am locked in on building an education system that leaves no one behind. We have strategies for achievable housing access and building a future-ready economy.

This week Governor Shapiro offered his budget address to the General Assembly. Many of the priorities that I am focused on were proposed by the Governor. Shapiro’s address is simply a step in the process of defining our budget; a step in the process of marrying our own expression of values with disruptive and purposeful action. You can read more about what he outlined and how it was received from some of the links below.

I am not okay, but I am not broken. You have blessed me with meaningful work to do and I intend to do it.

Watch the full budget address here: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro 2025-26 budget address: Watch video

Governor Josh Shapiro proposes $51.5 billion budget in annual address | ABC27

Local leaders react after Shapiro delivers budget address | State & Region | phillytrib.com

Shapiro budget: Energy tax breaks, state-level carbon cap - WHYY

Happy Black History Month 2025!

As we look forward to rooting on our Eagles in the Super Bowl this weekend, it also provides the perfect kick-off to Black History Month! This Mahomes v Hurts rematch is a reminder that sometimes history unfolds in front of us in real time! Did you know that their 2023 Super Bowl matchup was the first time that two black quarterbacks faced each other in the Super Bowl? Many can recall the moments when professional and college athletics became integrated and remember how hard it was for the sport to truly embrace black quarterbacks. Our Birds have an exceptional history with the likes of Cunningham, McNabb, and Vick. Perhaps on Sunday, our squad can shove Jalen Hurts into the record books.

On the road to VICTORY!!!

HB 257 – This bill, sponsored by Rep. Ed Neilson from Northeast Philly, codifies the inclusion of “safe driving in work zones” materials in drivers’ manuals and in the licensing examination. It’s important that drivers, new and old, know how to be safe when driving in work zones and, while this material is already in the learner’s manual and is, perhaps, redundant, this bill would lock it in. To be honest, the reason that I included HB 257 in this newsletter is because it reminds me of the single greatest class to grace the halls of one of the nation’s preeminent public schools, Central High School! 2-5-7!!!

HB 324 – This legislation is exactly the sort of work that we can and should be doing in Harrisburg at this time. This bill, sponsored by Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz from Reading, helps Pennsylvania address the spread of the dangerous and costly avian flu. This virus is impacting the nation’s poultry industry and is the primary driver of the increasing price of eggs.

The legislation offers the state Secretary of Agriculture the ability to increase testing capacity by replacing citizenship requirements with Federal worker requirements, permitting immigrant workers to assist us in this time of need and bring down the price of eggs. Not only was this bill able to receive bipartisan support in the House (it passed the House on Monday with a vote of 161-41), it was fast tracked out of the Republican-controlled Senate, passing that chamber with a vote of 45-4 on Wednesday. It was signed into law by Governor Shapiro on Thursday. The first law of this new session, Act 1 of 2025, was bipartisan legislation that seeks to leverage immigrant workers to keep our food and families safe and bring down the cost of groceries. Ain’t that America!

PennDOT is providing a special opportunity to help Pennsylvanians prepare for the upcoming federal REAL ID enforcement deadline of May 7. From 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, PennDOT will hold extended service hours at the Huntingdon Valley Driver License Center, located at 2022 County Line Road, Huntingdon Valley.

Beginning on May 7, you will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card (or another form of federally accepted ID) for the following:

• Boarding domestic commercial flights.
• Entering a federal facility that requires ID at the door.
• Accessing military bases.

Any PennDOT Driver Licensing Center can process your REAL ID, but for over-the-counter service, you’ll need to visit a REAL ID Center. At a regular Driver License Center, your documents will be verified and imaged, and your REAL ID will be mailed to you within 15 business days. In contrast, at a REAL ID Center, you’ll receive your REAL ID immediately at the time of service.

For a list of documents needed and other instructions on obtaining a REAL ID, a list of locations to apply for REAL ID, or for alternatives to REAL ID, please see PennDOT’s webpage on the subject or contact my office.

A Code Blue cold weather emergency is in effect until Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 9 a.m. Residents who need shelter during a Code Blue can call Your Way Home Montgomery County’s Call Center at (610) 278-3522. Click here for more information. 

We will be holding our annual Environmental Conference on Friday, April 25, so save the date if you are interested in joining us to learn about efforts to protect our environment and ways you can get involved. 

The Pennylvania Turnpike Commission is alerting drivers that a smishing scam is back on the rise. People who receive an unsolicited text, email, or similar message suggesting it is from the PA Turnpike or another toll agency should not click on the link.  

Mark your calendars with these important dates for the Municipal Primary on May 20. Click here to learn more.  

Celebrate Black History Month with Montgomery County this February. The County is offering a series of insightful virtual programs focused on the theme “African Americans and Labor” and culminating with an in-person celebration. 

The next program will discuss Black wealth and financial literary with a focus on building a strong future on Wednesday, Feb. 12 from 12 – 1:30 p.m. online. Registration is required here.   

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) welcomes you to join it for two financial aid assistance webinars in February. Registration required here.  

Improve Your Credit – Get Your Loan: For most families, borrowing for education is part of the equation and can be confusing as families look for the best options to fit their needs. This webinar will increase your financial literacy and knowledge on the process of credit, how to maintain or improve ratings, and comparison points to help make informed and affordable education borrowing decisions.  

When: 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 13 & 12 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 27 

Advance Planning for Financial Higher Education: The thought of higher education costs can be overwhelming, but planning and identifying what you can do to lessen those costs is an important step. It’s never too early or too late to start understanding what those costs are and what is available to help maintain, plan, and help you make affordable decisions. 

When: 12 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 11 & 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 25 

Pennsylvania State Capitol

325 Irvis Office Building

Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-1079

District Office

115 E Glenside Ave., Suite 8
Glenside, PA 19038
(215) 572-5210