Working hard should mean being able to afford the basics, and right now, too many Pennsylvanians are doing everything right but still struggling to get by. Pennsylvania’s minimum wage has not kept pace with the cost of living, and we now lag behind every neighboring state.

That is why I support raising the minimum wage. It is not just about fairness. It's about strengthening our economy. When workers earn more, they spend more in our local communities, supporting small businesses and driving economic growth.

The House has already passed legislation to raise the minimum wage and include future cost-of-living increases. Now, it is critical that the Senate acts. I encourage you to make your voice heard and join the effort to move this forward.

I recently joined my colleagues in recognizing a new labor agreement between Teamsters Local 429 and Sunnyside Medical Cannabis Dispensary in Wyomissing. This agreement ensures workers have access to fair wages, health care coverage, and the protections that come with union representation.

As conversations continue in Harrisburg around legalizing adult-use cannabis, I believe it is critical that we get this right. That means not only creating new economic opportunities, but also making sure the jobs created are stable, family-sustaining, and accessible to workers across our Commonwealth.

Pennsylvania has the opportunity to learn from other states and build a cannabis industry that prioritizes both economic growth and strong labor protections. I will continue working toward policies that support workers, strengthen our economy, and create opportunities for communities across the state.

We’re following up on the email last week about public input for SEPTA’s New Bus Network. We wanted to share more details about how routes, timing, and service changes will affect our district.

Attached, you’ll find:

• A map of your district showing the proposed bus changes, plus a chart explaining each route update and when it will happen

• A set of maps for routes in our district that will change during the first three phases (each map shows when the change begins)

Please continue sharing this information with your community and encourage them to visit the SEPTA New Bus Network page online. It’s updated often and includes route changes, timelines, maps, meeting info, and ways to give feedback.

SEPTA also recently hosted a virtual town hall to explain the new network, its benefits, and the rollout plan. A recording will be posted online later this week.

In-person open houses and pop-up info sessions are also being held before public hearings on April 15. Upcoming events include:

• March 21, 11 AM–1 PM: Frankford Library

• March 24, 4–6 PM: Paoli Library

• March 25, 6:30–8 PM: Neighborhood Community Action

• April 2, 5–7 PM: West Chester Borough Hall

• April 6, 5–7 PM: Simons Rec Center

• April 9, 2–5 PM: Norristown Transit Center

More details, including route maps, timelines, and ways to submit comments, are available on SEPTA’s New Bus Network webpage. ??

I hope you’ll join me and my team at one of our upcoming events this spring and summer. These gatherings are a great opportunity to connect, learn about available resources, and stay engaged with what’s happening in our community.

We’ll be out across the district, from Lynnewood Gardens to our local libraries in Springfield, Jenkintown, and Elkins Park. Whether you’re looking for information, have a question, or just want to stop by and say hello, we’d love to see you.

If you’re able, please consider attending one of the dates listed above. For more information or to RSVP, contact my office at 215-572-5210 or Repnelson@pahouse.net

MORE Pennsylvanians must now meet work requirements to stay eligible for SNAP. Federal changes last year mean some SNAP recipients must work, volunteer, or participate in education or job training for at least 20 hours per week and report that they are meeting this requirement. If the requirement is not met, benefits may be limited to three months within a three-year period.

The rules were expanded to include individuals who:

• Are 18 to 64 years old

• Do not have a dependent child under 14

• Are considered physically and mentally able to work

Additionally, exemptions for veterans and individuals who aged out of foster care under age 25 have ended.

To meet the requirement, you must:

• Work at least 20 hours per week or earn at least $217.50 per week before taxes

• Participate in education or job training for at least 20 hours per week or at least half-time

• Complete approved community service hours as assigned by your caseworker

If your hours drop below the requirement, you must report the change within 10 days.

Some individuals may still qualify for exemptions, including those who are:

• Pregnant

• Medically unable to work

• Caring for someone who is ill or disabled

• Experiencing homelessness

• Participating in drug or alcohol treatment

• Receiving unemployment compensation

• Temporarily unemployed and expecting to return to work within 60 days

To check whether these rules apply to you and learn what to do next, use the online screening tool at dhs.pa.gov/work. You may also contact your County Assistance Office or call the Statewide Customer Service Center at 1-877-395-8930.

If you have issues with your benefits, please don't hesitate to contact my office at RepNelson@PAHouse.net or 215-572-5210.

Pennsylvanians who received Unemployment Compensation (UC) benefits in 2025 will get a form called a 1099-G.

This form shows how much UC income you received, and you need it to file your federal and state tax returns.

The forms are now (or should now be) available in your online UC dashboard. Paper copies are also being mailed and should arrive over the next few weeks.

A detailed FAQ is available on the L&I website to help you review your form and request corrections if something is wrong.

Since 1099-G forms are created automatically, getting one if/when you did not apply for UC benefits could be a sign of identity theft. If you believe someone used your identity to file for benefits, report it to L&I right away. You can file a report online or call the PA Fraud Hotline at 1-800-692-7469.

If you are a victim of identity theft, you should still file your tax return on time. Only report the income you actually earned, not any false income listed on the 1099-G.

You can find more information about identity theft and 1099-G forms on the IRS website.

Families and caregivers of children and young adults with IEPs or 504 plans are invited to attend an Inclusive Post-High School Resource Fair to learn about opportunities after graduation.

The event will take place Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Hall A of the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks. Attendees will have the chance to connect with more than 100 organizations offering resources such as employment opportunities, job coaching, transitional services, day programs, continuing education, supported living programs, and more.

If you pre-registered for the original date, you do not need to register again. Those who have not yet registered can sign up here.

This event is open to all.

Harrisburg Office

325 Irvis Office Building

PO Box 202154

Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-1079

Glenside Office

115 East Glenside Avenue

Suite 8
Glenside, PA 19038
(215) 572-5210

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