This Women’s History Month felt a little bit more special to me.Perhaps it’s the excitement of America’s 250th Birthday or my daughter’s stepping into her own as a freshman in college or having spent the past many months surrounded by some absolutely amazing women in Harrisburg who are killing it. Reflecting on 2026’s Women’s History Month has left me in awe.

I had the pleasure of hosting Pennsylvania’s first female Speaker of the House, Speaker Joanna McClinton, in the district yesterday for a great conversation. I’m always proud of her work and grateful for her leadership. I’d also love to give a shoutout to a few colleagues who also truly deserve recognition for their efforts.

State Representative Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz came to the House after the 2022 election and represents parts of Reading, Wyomissing, and neighborhoods to the east. Rep. Cepeda-Freytiz earned numerous accolades and broke a few ceilings for her professional and civic work before becoming the first Dominican American woman to serve in the State House. Now in Harrisburg, she has continued to lead with poise and purpose fighting for students, Hispanic and immigrant families, small business owners, and Pennsylvanians of every stripe.

Similarly, Representative Melissa Shusterman, a State Representative from Chester County, has been a constant champion for women across Pennsylvania. She is an outspoken advocate for pay equity (sadly, Equal Pay Day stretched all the way to this past Thursday, March 26th). This week, Rep. Shusterman also spoke on HR 385, honoring Rosie the Riveter Day and celebrating Ms. Mae Krier, on her 100th birthday. Mae was a riveter! She was one of the millions of women who went to work during WWII in jobs previously done by men, including building weapons and working in industrial factories to power the nation's war effort.

Ladies, thank you for your strength, drive, and perseverance, especially in the face of unnecessary and undignified obstacles.

Keep pushing forward. There’s still so much HERstory to be made!

This week, I voted in support of several bills focused on protecting consumers and strengthening our communities.

I voted yes on HB 1964, legislation aimed at preventing the future privatization of public water and wastewater systems and protecting residents from rising utility costs. We heard from many constituents about this issue, especially given the impact privatization has already had in Cheltenham Township. While this bill would not reverse past sales, it would create a water utility reform working group that would increase regulatory oversight and address equitable rate structures, bringing potential future relief to consumers.

I also voted yes on HB 1834, which ensures that large data centers are responsible for the cost of their energy use and infrastructure, rather than passing those costs onto ratepayers. This helps protect Pennsylvania residents from increased electricity bills as demand grows.

Additionally, the House passed HB 1042, my bipartisan bill to expand access to education and job training programs for incarcerated individuals, helping reduce recidivism and create pathways to employment after release.

I remain committed to supporting policies that protect consumers, lower costs, and strengthen our communities.

Congratulations to the Phils on their 5-3 opening night win over the Rangers. 

I'm looking forward to watching and cheering them on the rest of the season!

This past week, the House approved a minimum-wage increase for the third time. The bill now heads to the Senate for approval. Pennsylvania’s minimum wage remains at $7.25 per hour, and many working families are feeling the strain. A statewide effort is underway to collect one million signatures calling on state leaders to take action and raise the wage.

If you believe workers deserve a living wage or could benefit from higher pay, you can add your name to the petition and be part of this effort. The goal is to show broad, grassroots support for increasing the minimum wage across the Commonwealth.

This petition will be sent to Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman and Governor Shapiro. Let them know it's time to raise the wage!

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 the 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 and 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. ??

? Check the date!

Does your SEPTA Key card expire on March 31, 2026?

If your card is registered, you can move your Travel Wallet money and passes to a new card online at www.SEPTAKey.org or in the SEPTA app.

Get a new card for $4.95 at a kiosk or store. If you register it within 30 days, you’ll get that money back in your Travel Wallet.

You can transfer your balance:
• Online or in the app
• At a SEPTA Sales Location
• By calling 855-567-3782

If your card is not registered and expires, you must call to get any money back, so make sure to register your card! You can also pay fares with a contactless card or phone, just tap to ride.

Thanks for riding SEPTA! ??

I’m proud to share that the Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed my bipartisan legislation, H.B. 1042, which creates a pathway for incarcerated individuals to earn educational and vocational credits toward earlier parole eligibility. The bill passed with strong bipartisan support, 149–50.

This legislation is about creating real opportunities for people to return home better prepared to succeed. By strengthening incentives to participate in proven education and job training programs, we can reduce recidivism, improve public safety, and help individuals build stable lives after incarceration.

It’s important to note that while this bill allows for earlier parole eligibility, it does not guarantee release. It also does not apply to individuals convicted of serious offenses such as murder, sexual assault, human trafficking, or aggravated assault.

We know these programs work. Individuals who participate in correctional education have significantly lower rates of reoffending and better employment outcomes. These investments also make our correctional facilities safer and reduce long-term costs for taxpayers.

The bill now heads to the Senate, and I look forward to continuing to advocate for policies that strengthen our communities and expand opportunity.

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 should have gotten 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 available in your online UC dashboard. 

A detailed FAQ is available on the Labor & Industry (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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