Twenty-five years, in the grand scheme of things, is not really a long time. Most of my favorite songs are older than 25 years old. I still have some favorite T-shirts that are older than 25 years old. We’re celebrating America’s 250th Birthday this year. Twenty-five years is just a chapter in this nation’s story.

Yet for many of us, the world changed twenty-five years ago. It got a whole lot bigger and a whole lot more dangerous. The terrorist attacks on this nation on the morning of September 11, 2001 forced us to wrestle with our personal freedoms, our biases, our presumed safety, the responsibilities of our actions and, at the same time, our responsibility to act.

We lost loved ones on that day. To the families and loved ones of Andrew Kates, Johanna Sigmund, and Robert G. McIlvaine, our collective hearts will be with you always. To those brave men and women who were led to pick up arms and defend this nation overseas when we yearned for accountability and security, or be the first to the scene when tragedy strikes here at home, our collective gratitude is with you. To those whose devotion to that sacred duty required their lives, we are forever indebted to you and the family that mourns your heroic loss.

My memories of September 11th are of a student and a civilian. I didn’t enlist and get whisked off to battle. I am not among the few who are first responders who protect us valiantly, always one call away from the unthinkable price that our freedom often requires. To offer my heart to those loved ones taken, and my gratitude and indebtedness to those whose lives were sacrificed, I am required to remember. WE are required to remember and to teach our children. Twenty-five years is not a long time, but unfortunately it is long enough for our society to forget how we came together as one nation to grieve and to heal. Sadly, twenty-five years is long enough for people to look at medical bills of our heroes suffering from cancer or PTSD and ask if we should pay them. Twenty-five years is enough time to forget the price that so few pay for the freedoms that so many enjoy. Twenty-five years is enough time to seemingly ignore the pains of the world and our role in it.

Don’t forget September of 2001. Don’t forget our loved ones lost and our heroes who sacrificed. Don’t forget those who serve us today and the horrors that they are one call away from every day.

Never forget.

I had the honor of hosting Elizabeth Bailey, a junior attending Archbishop Wood High School and living in Cheltenham, during the House’s special session in Philadelphia to mark America’s 250th anniversary.

Elizabeth is dedicated to protecting human rights, justice, and the law, consistently seeking opportunities to better understand how civic institutions and legal systems impact individuals and communities. Her curiosity about public policy, advocacy, and constitutional rights reflects a genuine commitment to becoming an informed and engaged citizen. Maybe one day she can have my job.

This session, held in Congress Hall, served to recognize the 250th anniversary of our nation and Pennsylvania’s Constitution in the place where they were created. Elizabeth was one of 80 students from across the state chosen to attend this historic event, where she had the opportunity to deepen her knowledge of the law and state government.

The work that I do every single day involves living out the values that our founders had when they created this great nation – ensuring that all of us have access to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Our nation has endured so much to make it to 250 years, and I know that our future leaders, like Elizabeth, will help us begin to chart out the next 250.

You can watch the full historical session here.

Big changes are coming to Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program beginning January 1st, 2027. Under a new federal law, some adults ages 19-64 will need to meet new work and community-engagement requirements, and some Medicaid recipients will have their eligibility reviewed every six months instead of annually.

If you receive Medicaid, it is important to make sure that DHS has your current address and contact information so you do not miss notices about your benefits. You can update your information through COMPASS and sign up for text and email alerts from DHS.

If you receive a notice from DHS or need help updating your information, my office can submit changes to DHS and communicate with the department on your behalf to help make sure your information is received and your case is properly updated. Email us at RepNelson@PAHouse.net or call 215-572-5210.

Learn more about the upcoming Medicaid changes here. You can also call the HR1 FAQ Line at 1-877-883-6383. 

You've been asking... and it's finally back! ??

I'm excited to announce that my Annual Senior Fair is returning by popular demand!

?? Thursday, September 24, 2026
?? 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
?? Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel
8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park

This FREE event brings together exhibitors from federal, state, and local agencies, health care providers, and nonprofit organizations -  all in one place! Whether you're looking for helpful resources, information about services, health and wellness tips, or just a chance to connect with others in the community, there's something for everyone.

Come learn, ask questions, meet local organizations, and discover programs designed to help older adults live healthier, safer, and more connected lives.

Please register in advance for yourself and any guests so we can plan for everyone and make sure we have enough space and materials for attendees.

I always look forward to this event, and I hope you'll join us for a fun, informative, and welcoming day. I can't wait to see you there!

The conversation is now rescheduled for Thursday, October 1, from 7–8:30 p.m. at the Free Library of Springfield Township, 8900 Hawthorne Ln., Wyndmoor, PA 19038.

Join me for a conversation about local environmental priorities with the Environmental Advisory Councils of Cheltenham Township, Jenkintown Borough, and Springfield Township. We’ll discuss sustainability, stormwater management, recycling, renewable energy, litter prevention, and other environmental issues affecting our communities.

If you planned to join us in August, we hope you’ll mark your calendar for October 1 and join us! RSVP here.

Our rescue partners have two amazing cats searching for loving forever homes!

Apply today:
 

Please SHARE and help PURR find their perfect family! ????

Harrisburg Office

325 Irvis Office Building

PO Box 202154

Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-1079

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115 East Glenside Avenue

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

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