How I voted this week
| Krasner Resolution: I like to use this space to update you on votes taken that are of consequence, that reflect the true and bipartisan nature of our work in Harrisburg, as well as those votes that are likely controversial. Last week’s vote on HR 227, a resolution to hold Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner in contempt of the House of Representatives, was not of consequence but was certainly controversial.
Philadelphia, like every major city in this nation, is grappling with a gun violence epidemic and it doesn’t appear that we are winning. The situation is serious and dire. Larry Krasner is the District Attorney. He is progressive in his approach to the job, trying to utilize his office to address some of the inequities and injustices in our justice system that he and many others believe are at the root of the problem. Perhaps he is being effective, and violence would be worse without his actions or perhaps his actions will meaningfully curb violence in the years to come, but at this moment Philadelphia is in the middle of a crisis and Mr. Krasner is in the spotlight.
I believe that if an elected official were to break or willfully ignore the laws set forth by the legislature, she/he should be held accountable by lawmakers and courts with appropriate jurisdiction, if the voters don’t remove that official first. However, due process and not political theatre is critical. This effort to hold DA Krasner in contempt was theatre.
Again, Philadelphia is in the middle of violence epidemic. Philadelphia needs more police officers, more mental health supports and mobile crisis capacity, more teachers and recreation centers, more evening and overnight daycare options, more autonomy to pass gun legislation that makes sense within their city boundaries, and a few less lawmakers in Harrisburg that are interested in scoring cheap political points. HR 227 passed in bipartisan fashion with a vote of 162-38. I was one of the 38 “No” votes.
SB 522 - This bill, sponsored by Senator Lisa Baker, would provide access to lead testing of pregnant women and young children throughout PA. The Commonwealth boasts the highest lead exposure in the nation and has the second-highest number of children testing positive. The bill passed out of the Senate earlier in the summer and I was happy to help it move unanimously out of the Children & Youth Committee on Wednesday. I anticipate this bill receiving its final approval in the House later in October and becoming one of the final bills that would become law in PA during this session.
SB 1317 – This bill, by Senators Pat Browne and Vince Hughes, would establish a state-wide Indigent Defense Advisory Committee and grant program. At its core, SB 1317 would help strengthen the fundamental rights of adequate legal representation for those who are charged with a crime and are unable to afford their own attorney. I suppose my involvement in this bill is a story that would be best told another day, but I am very proud to say that it was unanimously approved in the Senate Judiciary Committee this week and will move to the full Senate or a vote. Thank you, Senator Haywood, for your support of this bill.
| | | High Note: More than $175K awarded across district for trail, watershed projects
| | | A total of $176,000 in state funding was awarded this week to support numerous trail and watershed restoration projects across the 154th Legislative District.
The funding was granted through the Commonwealth Financing Authority, an independent agency of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
Click here to read more about the awarded funding, how it will be used, and why it’s necessary to advocate for this type of funding.
| | Trail Plan Meeting on Sept. 29
| | Members of the public who live or work in Springfield Township are encouraged to voice their opinions on the development of trails in the community! There are several ways individuals can engage and participate in Springfield Township's Trail Planning Process, including the in-person, public meeting on Thursday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. at the Library of Springfield Township.
Learn more here.
| | Springfield Township Community Day
| | Community Day takes place Sunday, Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at James A. Cisco Park.
The event will start off with a 9 a.m. 5K run or 1-mile fun run/walk around the streets of Erdenheim and ending back at the park.
Those interested in participating in the 5K run can register here.
| | Myths and Glyphs at the Springfield Township Library
| | Are you a fan of myths and heroic tales both new and old? This is the place for you!
Meetings take place the first Tuesday of each month and will delve into your favorite magical worlds of mythology and discover what makes them special!
No registration required.
NOTE: Recommended for children 8-12.
| | SAVE THE DATE- The 2022 Police & Fire Car Show & Muster!
| | Date: Saturday, Oct. 8
Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
(Rain date: Saturday October 15)
$15 Pre - Registration $20 Day of Show
ALL MAKES & MODELS, INCLUDING MOTORCYCLES
All questions should be directed to Dan at [email protected].
| | Red Cross Blood Drive next Friday
| | Date: Friday, Sept. 30
Time: 10 a.m.
Address: Glenside Hall, 185 S. Keswick Ave., Glenside
Sign Up to Give Blood here.
| | Get a Flu Shot at the Glenside Library
| | There's no registration required for the morning clinic on Sept. 28! Anyone being vaccinated needs to complete a consent form.
| | Movie Night at the Glenside Free Library, 6:30 PM
| Visit the Glenside Free Library on Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m. and take in a film.
Popcorn will be provided. Note: REGISTRATION REQUESTED from the “Attend It” section of the library website. A blanket section in front with snacks and chairs is also available. Click here to register.
Dates:
Sept 29: The Eyes of Tammy Faye (PG-13)
Glenside Free Library
215 S. Keswick Avenue
Glenside, PA 19038
| | Star Wars Reads Month starts on Oct. 1
| | Star Wars Reads Month starts Oct. 1 with a costumed Star Wars character meetup! Register here.
| | Cheltenham Ward 7 one-on-one with Commissioner Brockington & Twp Manager Zienkowski
| | Date: Thursday, Sept. 29
Time. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: East Cheltenham Library
Come discuss any concerns or questions you have regarding your neighborhood.
| | PASSi Autumn Festival
| | Date: Saturday, Sept. 24
Time: 10a.m. to 2p.m.
Address: 6926 Old York Road, Philadelphia, Pa., 19126-
Come out and enjoy great food, games and entertainment for the entire family.
| | Constituent Advisor Hours
| | A constituent service advisor from our office will be available to answer questions and provide services at the following locations, dates and times:
Elkins Park Free Library, 563 East Church Rd., Elkins Park, Pa., first Thursday of each month, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Glenside Free Library, 215 S. Keswick Ave., Wyncote, Pa., the fourth Wednesday of each month, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Springfield Township Library, 8900 Hawthorne Ln., Wyndmoor, Pa., the first Wednesday of the month, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
| | PECO to Close Willow Grove Avenue Oct. 10 for Utility Improvement in Cheltenham Township
| Attention residents! PECO Energy is scheduled to close Willow Grove Avenue between state Route 73 (Church Road) and state Route 152 (Limekiln Pike) in Cheltenham Township, on Monday, Oct. 10 for gas main installation. This closure will be in place weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023.
During the closure, motorists will be directed to use state Route 73 (Church Road) and state Route 152 (Limekiln Pike). Local access will be maintained up to the work zone.
Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com.
| | Montgomery County Recorder of Deeds Resource Fair
| | Date: Oct. 4
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Montgomery County Services Center, 1430 Dekalb St., Norristown.
In addition to the Recorder of Deeds office, which will be recording veterans’ military discharge papers, providing veterans with Discount ID cards and signing homeowners up for FraudSleuth, there will also be information and services from Montgomery County departments, including: Veterans Affairs, Prothonotary, Voter Services, Sheriff’s Office, Community Connections, Senior Services and more!
The Montco Office of Veterans Affairs also will be hosting a food drive to benefit homeless and disadvantaged vets in our region. Needed items include nonperishable foods (canned and dry goods), socks, travel-sized toiletries, and feminine products.
Registration for the Veterans Resource Fair is recommended.
| | Free car seat checks
| Schedule a free car seat check with a certified technician. Appointments are available virtually or in person. Click here to learn more.
| | Past-due water bill? Help is available
| | Do you have past-due water bills? Do you have water shut-off notice? Has your water service terminated? Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program may be available to you. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Mc0YED
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