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Supporting Music and Arts Education

This week, the halls of the State Capitol in Harrisburg were filled with music and harmony as students from Peirce Middle School’s Concert Chorale performed as part of our celebration of Music in the Schools Month.

The annual event, organized with the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, is an important way to highlight the power of music and arts education in boosting academic achievement, reducing stress, improving behavior, and enhancing concentration, creativity, self-confidence, and critical-thinking skills.

In the legislature, I continue to work to ensure these programs are funded in the state budget, help our communities attract and retain more talented teachers, and pass legislation to license Professional Music Therapists in Pennsylvania. Watch

Music has a place in our hearts. It’s part of our culture. It contributes to our economy. And music education must continue to play a leading role in our schools.

Raise the Wage

Do you remember where you were or what you were earning in 2009? That was the last time Pennsylvania raised the minimum wage. Since then, our minimum wage has been stuck at $7.25 – the lowest allowable by law.

Meanwhile, inflation has increased 50 percent, and all our immediate neighbors in New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, and West Virginia all pay more. That’s holding back Pennsylvania workers, families, and our economy.

This week, the House took a big step toward paying Pennsylvanians a living wage. It passed House Bill 2189, legislation that would gradually raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2029. It would then include annual cost-of-living adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index.

It’s about time! Raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour will help working families manage rising consumer costs, boost our economy, keep workers in the Commonwealth, help people move off public assistance, and add about $100 million annually to the state. More Info.

I urge the Senate Republican Majority to bring this legislation to a vote. Raising the minimum wage is not just common sense; it’s the right thing to do. Working Pennsylvanians and their families can’t afford to wait any longer.

Free Document Shredding April 11

With tax season winding down, we’re partnering with Rep. Kristine Howard to hold a Free Community Shredding Event to help residents safely and properly dispose of documents containing sensitive information.

The event is set for Saturday, April 11th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Malvern Fire Company. All documents will be shredded on-site, and the shredded paper will be recycled.

The process is quick and easy – all you need to do is drive through, and our team will help unload your papers for shredding.

• Each car is limited to three boxes.

• It is for individuals only, no businesses.

• Only paper products may be shredded; all binders, paper clips, binder clips, or other non-paper items should be removed before attending.

• The shredding trucks will run until 1 p.m. or until they are filled.

At the event, donations of non-perishable food items to the Chester County Food Bank will also be accepted. While donations are welcome and encouraged, they are not required to participate in the event.

Free Tax Assistance

Speaking of tax season, if you haven’t filed yet, time is running out! Wednesday, April 15, is the deadline to file state and federal income tax returns.

Fortunately, there are free resources and services available to help you meet the deadline and maximize your refund.

Low- and moderate-income households can get free tax preparation assistance through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). The program, staffed by IRS-certified volunteers, has locations throughout Chester County as well as free virtual options.

In addition, you can pick up state tax forms (PA-40) at my West Chester District Office (and we can assist with accessing federal tax forms). Pennsylvanians are encouraged to visit mypath.pa.gov to file their Pennsylvania tax returns through the department’s state-only filing system. The free online system can also be used to make state income tax payments, respond to department requests for information, and check the status of refunds.

If you’re comfortable filing your own tax return, My Free Taxes is a free online tax filing program made available through a partnership with the United Way for individuals or households earning under $89,000 last year. In addition, other free tax-filing resources are available through IRS Free File.

Naloxone Saves Lives

Good News! Overdose deaths are declining, both nationally and across the Commonwealth. Statewide, there’s been a nearly 30 percent decline in reported deaths between 2023 and 2024, and preliminary data shows that 2025 may have the lowest number of fatal overdoses in over a decade.

One of the main reasons is Pennsylvania’s successful Overdose Prevention Program. The program, led by the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), aims to strengthen overdose response by significantly expanding access to Naloxone, a lifesaving overdose reversal drug.

Through nearly 100 statewide partners, DDAP distributed nearly 800,000 doses of Naloxone and 737,000 fentanyl and xylazine test strips last year. During that time, frontline organizations also reported nearly 9,500 overdose reversals.

Meanwhile, we continue to work to prevent overdoses, get dangerous drugs off the streets, and help people suffering from addiction access recovery services and treatment. Last year, the legislature unanimously passed Act 18 of 2025 to enhance tracking of overdoses and Naloxone administration by EMS agencies. Last week, DDAP launched an initiative to expand access to Naloxone in judicial buildings and courthouses across the Commonwealth.

You can get Naloxone at your local pharmacy through the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s standing order prescription, or by mail after completing a short online training.

Community Health Symposium

Recently, our team brought together leaders from nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and health care providers to discuss ways we can work together to improve public health and wellness in our region.

The Nonprofit Symposium on Community Health addressed obstacles and challenges in our health care network, including hospital closures, the health care workforce shortage, gaps in reproductive and maternal health care, and challenges to evidence-based guidelines, particularly regarding immunizations.

Chester County is home to some of the most well-resourced communities in the Commonwealth and the nation. As we continue to develop new and innovative ways to deliver care, as well as promising drugs and therapies, it’s important that we remain focused on ensuring access to affordable, high-quality health care, including preventive care, for all Pennsylvanians.

Legislative Spotlight: Expanding the State Planning Board

Senate Bill 848, legislation that I introduced to improve representation of the State Planning Board, passed the House State Government Committee. It calls for adding two seats to the board for representatives from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

It’s important because Pennsylvania communities are experiencing increased flooding (flood plain management is handled by PEMA) and preservation of our historic structures is playing a growing role in economic development and strategic planning.

Senate Bill 848 passed the Senate unanimously. It now goes to the House floor for consideration.

Take good care of yourself, and if you can, take care of someone else, too. And please know that my staff and I are always here for you.

Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have at senatorcomitta@pasenate.com.

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First, I want to take a moment to remember Corporal Timothy O’Connor, a Pennsylvania State Trooper, who lost his life in a shooting this week.

Corporal O’Connor was 15-year veteran of the state police. This tragic loss is a stark reminder of the danger our law enforcement officers and police face every day in keeping our communities safe.

Corporal O’Connor’s family resides in our area, and he leaves behind a wife and young daughter. We extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones and colleagues at the Pennsylvania State Police.

Supporting Chester County Airport

Did you know that Chester County Airport is the third-busiest airport in Pennsylvania for corporate and general aviation traffic? In fact, last month the airport saw more than 2,800 flight operations (aircraft visits), including more than 500 training flights and nearly 200 first-time visits.

To get a firsthand look at the airport and the important role it plays in our regional economy, I recently toured the facility with Pennsylvania Secretary of Transportation Michael Carroll and Chester County Commissioner Marian Moskowitz.

In addition to learning about airport operations, we had an opportunity to meet with officials and board members to discuss the need to update existing infrastructure to help manage increased air traffic and meet the significant and growing demand for more hangar space.

Strengthening Our Health Care Workforce

As Pennsylvania faces a shortage of health care workers, the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) is working to ensure that high school students are ready to transition to careers in the industry.

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry recently awarded the CCIU grant funding for programs that deliver health career pre-apprenticeship training with industry credentials to students. The funding comes from the Schools-to-Work Grant program, which aims to reinforce our pipeline of skilled workers and ensure students graduate with a clear path to employment. More Info.

Also, Pennsylvania is now fully participating in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, Nurse Licensure Compact, and Physical Therapy Licensure Compact. That means qualified, out-of-state practitioners can now contribute to Pennsylvania’s health care workforce within days, helping us meet critical staffing needs and improving access to care.

In addition to allowing licensed providers from other states to work in Pennsylvania, the compacts give more than 300,000 nurses, nearly 65,000 doctors, and more than 17,000 physical therapists additional flexibility to practice in dozens of states. Read More.

Expanding EV Charging

Did you know Chester County has the most registered electric vehicles in the Commonwealth? To keep them charged and running, we’re working to build up our community-based network of public EV charging stations for those who don’t have one installed at home.

Recently, PennDOT launched the Community Charging phase of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, directing $100 million in total federal funding to build public EV charging stations in Pennsylvania communities.

Community Charging funding will be made available by region, and the southeastern region (Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties) will kick off the program. Approximately $34 million will be available for projects in the southeast.

Local transportation planning agencies will determine the specific locations/areas within the region that are prioritized for investment, but all publicly available locations within the region are eligible to apply.

Interested organizations can participate in an information webinar that PennDOT is holding tomorrow (Thursday, March 12) at 1:00 pm. Register. Additionally, groups interested in connecting with electric vehicle charging station builders and operators can complete this survey.

State of the Woman Survey

As we mark Women’s History Month, the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women launched a new digital survey to gather input from women across the Commonwealth.

Now through May 30, Pennsylvania women are encouraged to share their experiences and priorities as part of the Shapiro Administration’s forthcoming State of the Woman Report. The report will combine historical analysis, current data, and firsthand experiences from women in rural, suburban, and urban communities to provide a comprehensive picture of the current status of women throughout the Commonwealth. More Info.

In addition to the digital survey, the Commission is launching a statewide listening tour to further engage with the women of Pennsylvania. The listening tour kicks off in Philadelphia on Thursday, March 19.

Pennsylvania’s first report on the Status of Women occurred in 1966. It was updated in 2004, more than 20 years ago.

Clear Vaccine Guidance

As we mentioned last week, measles cases are on the rise due to declining vaccination rates.

In Pennsylvania, we continue to follow the law and the science to safeguard vaccine access for Pennsylvanians and protect families’ freedom to make informed health care decisions. As a result, the Commonwealth has been forced to decouple state laws, regulations, and public guidance from the CDC’s confusing recommendations.

Most recently, Governor Josh Shapiro filed a multistate lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration’s overhaul of the national childhood immunization schedule.

To counter the confusing messages coming out of the federal government, the Pennsylvania Department of Health is offering clear, evidence-based vaccine guidance:

• Pennsylvanians and their healthcare providers should continue following the recommended vaccine schedule for children developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

• Pennsylvanians and their healthcare providers should consult the AAP, American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration for vaccine schedule recommendations.

• The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) developed Pennsylvania’s own vaccination guidance, which relies on the same expert organizations. Pennsylvania’s State Pharmacy Board, State Board of Medicine, State Board of Nursing, and State Board of Osteopathic Medicine formally endorsed DOH’s guidance.

Agricultural Innovation Grant

Pennsylvania is home to the nation’s first Agricultural Innovation Grant program.

The program, now in its second year, helps farmers and other agricultural businesses adopt new technologies, expand production, protect soil and water resources, improve energy efficiency, and generate more clean, renewable energy. Read More.

The inaugural round is supporting 88 innovation projects in 44 counties across the Commonwealth, including four in Chester County. Funded projects include technologies that improve on-farm and processing efficiency; generate renewable energy while reducing nutrient waste; and support crops and practices that store carbon or replace non-renewable resources.

Through the program, $10 million in grant funding is available to reimburse approved applicants for expenses related to project planning and on-site project implementation.

The deadline to apply is April 18.

Save the Dates: Spring Events

Spring is in the air! As we begin to enjoy longer days and warmer weather, please mark your calendars for these dates and check back for more details and info.

You can also visit our events calendar for a schedule of additional opportunities and outreach hours.

• Monday, March 16 – Wednesday, March 18: Legislative Session

• Tuesday, March 17: BVAA Downingtown Outreach Hours

• Wednesday, March 18: Oxford Senior Center Outreach Hours

• Monday, March 23: Music in the Schools Month Press Conference

• Monday, March 23 – Tuesday, March 24: Legislative Session

• Wednesday, March 25: Oxford Library Outreach Hours

• Wednesday, April 1: Coatesville Library Outreach Hours

• Wednesday, April 1: Deadline to Apply for DEP Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant

• Friday, April 3: Good Friday (Senate Offices Closed)

• Sunday, April 5: Easter

• Tuesday, April 7: Malvern Library Outreach Hours

• Wednesday, April 8: Easttown Library Outreach Hours

• Thursday, April 9: West Chester Senior Center Outreach Hours

• Saturday, April 11: Free Community Shredding Event at Malvern Fire Company

• Wednesday, April 15: Tax Filing Deadline

• Saturday, April 18: Earth Day Festival at the Upper Main Line YMCA

• Saturday, April 18: Deadline to Apply for Agriculture Innovation Grant

Thank you for reading. Please feel free to share these updates with friends, family, and anyone else who may be interested.

Take good care of yourself, and if you can, take care of someone else, too. And please know that my staff and I are always here for you.

Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have at senatorcomitta@pasenate.com.

Thank you for subscribing to Comitta’s Corner. Please feel free to share these updates with friends, family, and anyone else who may be interested.

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Budget Hearings

Recently, the Senate Appropriations Committee and Environmental Resources and Energy Committee held a budget hearing on the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

The hearing covered a range of topics, from managing the energy demands and community impacts of data centers to improving permitting processes, expanding electronic-waste recycling, and our ongoing efforts to plug abandoned oil and gas wells. Watch.

As minority chair of the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, I continue to work to address the climate crisis, reduce energy bills, and uphold our Constitutional right to “clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment.”

Additional hearings are happening this week. More info at pasenatorcomitta.com/budget/

Imagination Library

In honor of National Read Across America Week, we’re reminding everyone that children under 5 can get free books delivered by mail through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

The program, established by the Dollywood Foundation, mails high-quality, age-appropriate books to all registered children, from birth to age 5, at no cost to the child’s family each month.

More than 50,000 Pennsylvania children are enrolled in the Imagination Library, but many, many more are eligible. That’s why I’m partnering with state Senator John Kane and state Senator Maria Collett to expand the program statewide. We’ve introduced Senate Bill 459 to establish a statewide Imagination Library program that supports local affiliates with resources and reaches even more children.

In Chester County, nearly 11,000 children are currently receiving books through the program, which is coordinated by Arts Holding Hands and Hearts. To find out if the Imagination Library is currently offered in your area, visit imaginationlibrary.com.

From the Bridge to the Ballot

This Saturday, March 7, marks 61st anniversary of the Selma-to-Montgomery March for voting rights. On what came to be known as “Bloody Sunday,” hundreds of peaceful marchers and Civil Rights activists were violently attacked by police and others as they crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma. News reports and television footage of the attack helped galvanize support to pass the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965.

To commemorate the occasion and highlight the ongoing importance of protecting and exercising our voting rights, I am joining my friends in Coatesville to reenact the historic march, walking down Business Route 30 from 1st Ave to 5th Ave.

After the march, we plan to gather at New Life in Christ Fellowship for an educational panel, inspirational messages, and music and songs of resilience and faith.

The event, organized by the Together We Stand Project, begins at 9 a.m. this Saturday at Gateway Park.

Get Ready to Vote

Speaking of voting, are you ready to vote in the 2026 midterm election?

This year, Chester County voters will cast ballots for Governor, Lt. Governor, US. Congress, State Senate (even numbered districts), State House (all districts), and party offices.

• Monday, May 4 - Final day to register to vote or change your registration before the primary election. Register here.

• Tuesday, May 12 - Final day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot for the primary election. Apply here.

• May 19 - Final day for county voter services to receive a completed mail-in and civilian absentee primary election ballot. (Must be received by 8 p.m.)

• May 19 - Primary Election Day, Polls are open 7 a.m. –8 p.m. Find your polling place.

• May 26 - Last day for county election offices to receive completed military and overseas absentee primary election ballots (submitted for delivery no later than 11:59 p.m. on May 19).

Measles Cases Rising

Measles cases are rising nationwide, and while Pennsylvania has yet to experience large-scale outbreaks, 12 confirmed cases have been reported in our region, including in Chester County.

Measles is one of the most contagious viral diseases in the world. It spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes, or through direct contact. It lingers in the air and on surfaces for about two hours. It has a broad timeline of progression and symptoms, meaning people can spread the virus before they know they have been infected.

Measles can lead to serious complications like pneumonia, brain infections or death.

Most importantly, it’s preventable! Measles is making a comeback due to a decline in vaccination rates. In fact, in 2000, the United States declared measles eliminated through a highly effective measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine campaign.

Today, you are generally considered protected if you were born before 1957, have already had measles, or have received two doses of measles vaccine (MMR).

More info on Measles from the Chester County Health Department and the Pennsylvania Health Department. Clear, evidence-based vaccine guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Supporting Parks and Preserving Open Space

Counties, municipalities, land trusts, nonprofit organizations, and other eligible agencies can now apply for state grant funding to support outdoor recreation and conservation projects.

The Community Conservation Partnerships Program and the Park Rehabilitation and Development Grant program have invested tens of millions of dollars in our trails, parks, watersheds, open spaces, and outdoor recreation areas.

Most recently, the program supported nine projects in the 19th Senatorial District, including upgrades to Oxford Memorial Park, expanding the Plum Run Trail in East Bradford, and preserving 21.25 acres in Newlin Township. Read More.

In addition to benefiting public health and the overall strong quality of life in our communities, these investments help boost tourism and support our economy. Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation industry contributes $19 billion to the state’s GDP and supports over 168,000 jobs with $9 billion in wages.

The application deadline is Thursday, April 30, at 4 p.m.

In addition, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources staff are available to assist with questions, and guidance on preparing competitive applications. Applicants are encouraged to contact their regional advisor before starting a proposal. In addition, a tutorial video on DCNR’s YouTube channel can help walk applicants through requirements and the application process.

Thank you for reading. Take good care of yourself, and if you can, take care of someone else, too. And please know that my staff and I are always here for you.

Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have at senatorcomitta@pasenate.com.

Thank you for subscribing to Comitta’s Corner. Please feel free to share these updates with friends, family, and anyone else who may be interested.

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Black History Month

This week, we lost the Rev. Jesse Jackson, a towering figure in the Civil Rights movement and the ongoing fight for justice and equality for all. Jackson dedicated his life to serving others and uplifting all people, especially the poor and marginalized people in our society. At a time when our nation continues to struggle with deep divisions, inequity, and an alarming resurgence of hateful rhetoric and bigotry, Jackson’s life and legacy continue to unite us and inspire hope. “Both tears and sweat are salty, but they render a different result. Tears will get you sympathy; sweat will get you change.”

Speaking of hope, this week, a federal judge ruled the Trump administration must restore the slavery exhibits at the President’s House Site on Independence Mall. In her decision, U.S. District Judge Cynthia Rufe wrote, “As if the Ministry of Truth in George Orwell’s ‘1984’ now existed, with its motto ‘Ignorance is Strength,’ this Court is now asked to determine whether the federal government has the power it claims — to dissemble and disassemble historical truths when it has some domain over historical facts. It does not.” The exhibits have been restored.

We cannot change our history (certainly not after 250 years), and we should not try to bury, hide, sugarcoat, or whitewash it. Black history, including experiences of slavery, segregation, Jim Crow, and the Civil Rights era, is an indelible part of American history. In addition to, and alongside, this, we continue to celebrate the achievements and contributions of African Americans who overcame adversity to change our world for the better.

Big Elk Creek Master Plan

This week, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) unveiled its Master Plan for Big Elk Creek State Park. The plan is the result of months of work and collaboration through a 21-member task force, which included representatives from the state legislature, Chester County, three local townships, and environmental and education partners. It calls for significantly scaling back some of the original concepts that incited strong public opposition.

Under the Master Plan:

• Big Elk Creek will remain a low-impact, day-use only park.

• Camping and overnight accommodation are not permitted.

• The footprint of a planned Visitor Center/Park Office constitutes less than 1 percent of the park’s area.

• The final state park name will be designated following the completion of the recently initiated Cultural Resources Management Plan. DCNR will consider including the word “Preserve” in the final name, as several members of the task force advocated.

Big Elk Creek State Park is part of one of the largest contiguous open spaces in the Mid-Atlantic region. At about 1,700 acres, it contains 2.1 miles of the Mason-Dixon line and 3.5 miles of Big Elk Creek, and is home to more than 690 plant species, including 15 that are considered endangered, rare, threatened, or vulnerable. Download the Master Plan.

Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program

School districts, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and businesses that want to transition to cleaner fuel transportation can apply now for up to $300,000 in grant funding through the Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program.

Supported alternative fuels include electricity, compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, propane, hydrogen, hythane, biodiesel, ethanol, methanol, and other advanced biofuels.

Grant funding covers costs to purchase alternative fuel vehicles, retrofit vehicles, purchase and install fleet-refueling equipment, and perform research, training, development, and demonstration of new technology related to alternative fuel vehicles.

About $5 million in total funding is available. The deadline to apply is April 1 at 12 p.m.

Protecting Our Communities from ICE

Our office has received numerous calls and e-mails regarding reports that ICE is leasing office space in Berwyn.

First, let me be perfectly clear: the way ICE is currently operating and being used by the federal government is not making our communities safer. It is not protecting our freedom, nor improving affordability, economic opportunity, and the overall quality of life in our communities. In addition, I stand with Governor Shapiro in saying that ICE detention centers do not belong in Pennsylvania, and we do not want them here.

Regarding the lease:

• We have requested information from U.S. Senator Fetterman to better understand its intended purpose. We understand that Senator Fetterman’s staff has submitted a request to DHS, but the Department may take up to 30 days to respond.

• Tredyffrin Township has issued a Certificate of Occupancy, but the Township does not know when the office will be occupied. In addition, the Township does not have any information regarding the actual intended tenant activity to be conducted at the location, beyond administrative office use. More Info.

• Reports indicate that the space will house back-office staff, including lawyers and analysts.

We encourage concerned residents to reach out to their federal senators and members of Congress to raise their concerns. Links to contact info and other resources regarding ICE are available at www.pasenatorcomitta.com/ice

Lastly, as always, if you choose to exercise your First Amendment rights, please be safe, responsible, and respect others and our laws.

Data Center Legislation

Did you know that data centers accounted for 4 percent of total U.S. electricity use in 2024? And that is expected to more than double over the next few years.

As AI, cloud computing, and related technologies evolve, we’re seeing a surge of new data centers. With them comes a surging demand for energy. That makes Pennsylvania, the 2nd-largest energy-producing state in the nation, an attractive target for AI data center developers.

But where developers see the potential for profit and innovation, many residents and communities have serious concerns about being in the crosshairs of the AI data center boom.

In the Pennsylvania legislature, several bills and initiatives regarding AI data centers are under consideration. In addition, Governor Shapiro is developing standards (through his GRID initiative) to hold accountable data center developers who want to build in the Commonwealth.

At the same time, I understand and share concerns that AI data center development is moving so quickly that potential guidelines could be watered down or ineffective or even amended to incentivize it. That’s why I’m a co-sponsor of Senator Muth’s legislation to establish a statewide three-year moratorium on hyperscale data center development.

Data center development in Pennsylvania must be carefully planned, monitored, and held to specific energy, environmental, economic, and safety benchmarks. That means AI data centers must generate their own power, meet the highest environmental protection standards, engage with local communities openly and transparently, and commit to bringing economic benefits to the communities where they are located.

Lyme Art Competition

Calling all young artists! The Pennsylvania Department of Health is now accepting entries for the 2026 Lyme Art Competition.

Pennsylvania students in grades 1-6 are invited to submit a poster or video showing how to avoid exposure to ticks, check for ticks, and/or remove ticks.

Videos should be under 30 seconds. Posters should be no larger than 11”x17.” Winners will be selected for each category and grade level. The deadline to submit entries is March 13.

Our region is a focal point for Lyme and other tick-borne diseases, and this contest is a great way to educate young people and help spread the word about the importance of protecting ourselves by preventing tick bites!

Upcoming Budget Hearings

Budget hearings begin next week. You can watch them live or access more info and resources here.

Monday, February 23

9:30 am – Department of Education
1:00 pm – Department of Education (Continued)

Tuesday, February 24

9:30 am – Department of General Services
1:00 pm – Pennsylvania State Police

Wednesday, February 25

9:30 am – Department of Human Services
1:00 pm – Department of Human Services (Continued)

Thursday, February 26

9:30 am – Department of Corrections/Pennsylvania Parole Board
1:00 pm – Department of Environmental Protection

Thank you for reading. Take good care of yourself, and if you can, take care of someone else, too. And please know that my staff and I are always here for you.

Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have at senatorcomitta@pasenate.com.

Thank you for subscribing to Comitta’s Corner. Please feel free to share these updates with friends, family, and anyone else who may be interested.

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Take Advantage of Tax Relief

With tax season upon us, I want to remind eligible Pennsylvanians and their families to take advantage of these opportunities to maximize your refund.

New this year is the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, which can put up to $805 back in your pocket. Modelled after the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the new state-level credit equals 10 percent of the federal credit. Anyone who qualifies for the federal EITC will automatically receive both credits.

The new tax credit is expected to deliver $193 million in total relief to 940,000 Pennsylvanians, including nearly 18,000 in Chester County. Use this calculator to see if you qualify and estimate your credit.

In addition, the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit can help ease the cost of childcare for eligible Pennsylvania families. Recently, Pennsylvania tripled the amount of the credit, which now matches the eligibility requirements and the amount of the federal tax credit.

More than 200,000 families statewide are now eligible for the credit, thanks to the expansion, which can range between $600 and $2,100, depending on income level and number of dependents.

Supporting Housing Stability

For more than 200 years, The Friends Association has been helping children and families in our community achieve stable housing, build resilience, and become self-sufficient.

Recently, the Friends Association opened a new 10-unit family shelter and office building on Paoli Pike. With the new office building, the nonprofit is more than doubling its capacity – from 6 to 16 units – for families in need of emergency housing. In the past, I’ve helped secure funding for upgrades, renovations, and housing programs at its shelter on Chestnut Street in West Chester, and I’m excited to support the Friends Association in beginning this next chapter.

In addition, this week, Governor Shapiro released Pennsylvania’s first-ever comprehensive Housing Action Plan. Developed over the past year, the plan aims to address rising housing costs and a growing housing shortage by building and preserving homes, expanding housing opportunities, providing pathways to housing stability and sustainability, and modernizing housing development regulations. I hope the plan will guide legislation and legislative action, as the Commonwealth is projected to be short roughly 185,000 homes in the next decade.

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Grow PA Scholarship

For Pennsylvania college students pursuing in-demand careers, it pays to stay in the Commonwealth after graduation.

Applications are now open for the Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program. Established last year, the program offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who agree to attend college in Pennsylvania, pursue a degree in an in-demand occupation, and work in that occupation in the Commonwealth after graduation.

Thousands of applicants were approved for grants, including those studying nursing, early childhood education, business administration and management, biological sciences, accounting, computer science, engineering, trades, agriculture, criminal justice, and more.

Grant recipients must live and work in Pennsylvania for one year (post-graduation) for each year of grant funding. If requirements are not met, the grant becomes a loan that must be repaid.

In addition, this year’s state budget added $7.5 million to Grow Pa, enough to fund an estimated 1,500 additional students in the 2026-27 academic year.

Investing in Emergency Services

Did you know that about 90 percent of Pennsylvania’s 2,000-plus fire companies rely on volunteers? They save Pennsylvania communities an estimated $10 billion annually in costs.

Unfortunately, the number of volunteers continues to shrink. However, our Chester County communities continue to rely on their service and sacrifice through all-volunteer departments like the West Chester Fire Department, and hybrid companies supported by both paid staff and volunteers.

The governor’s budget plan for 2026-27 calls for an additional $30 million ($75 million total) in competitive grant funding for fire and EMS companies – funds that can help support important infrastructure improvements and equipment upgrades. Budget Info.

In the legislature, I continue to support initiatives to help recruit and retain more volunteers, as well as investments to ensure that firefighters can do their jobs safely and effectively.

We’ve helped secure funding for: new firetrucks and equipment for Modena Fire Company, Malvern Fire Company, Union Fire Company, Goshen Fire Company, the Coatesville Fire Department, and the West Chester Fire Department, as well as a new fire station in Berwyn, new radios for Alert Fire Company in Downingtown, a new generator for Good Will Fire Company, and new emergency communications equipment in Southern Chester County.

Reminder: SEPTA Senior Cards Available

Nearly 300 Chester County seniors will soon be saving money on SEPTA fares because they attended our recent SEPTA Senior Card signup event.

Funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery, the SEPTA Senior Fare program allows seniors age 65 and older to ride SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail lines for FREE within Pennsylvania. Trips to and from New Jersey and Delaware are available at half fare when using a senior card.

The program helps seniors stay independent – whether they’re heading to a doctor’s appointment, running errands, visiting family, or enjoying a day trip to the city.

To apply for or renew your SEPTA Senior Key Card, please contact my office to schedule an appointment. Once approved, cards will be mailed directly to applicants and may take several weeks to arrive.

Free Business Assistance for Farmers

Did you know that Pennsylvania offers no-cost business assistance to farmers, food processors, farmers’ markets, restaurants, retail and wholesale food entities, food trucks, agritourism, and ag-related support services?

The Pennsylvania Agricultural Business Development Center (ABDC) can help with business planning, risk management, farm expansion, transitioning farm ownership, diversifying agricultural production, and connecting farmers with financial resources, like low-interest loan options and reimbursable grant programs.

Recently, I had the opportunity to talk with ABDC Director Stephanie Shirk about the challenges facing Pennsylvania agricultural producers and how the center can help address them. Watch.

Thank you for reading. Take good care of yourself, and if you can, take care of someone else, too. And please know that my staff and I are always here for you.

Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have at senatorcomitta@pasenate.com.

Happy New Year. I hope you enjoyed the holidays with your friends and family.

As we begin 2026, I am honored to serve as your State Senator and continue to strive to lead with civility, respect, and bipartisanship despite a chaotic and divisive atmosphere at the federal level.

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SEPTA Senior Card Signup Event

Did you know that seniors 65 and older can ride SEPTA for free?

All they need is a SEPTA Senior Key Card. To help them sign up, we’re holding a free signup event at the Chester County Library & District Center in Exton on Wednesday, January 28, from 10 a.m. to noon.

The cards, which are supported through funding from the Pennsylvania Lottery, allow seniors to ride for free on all SEPTA bus, trolley, Broad Street Line, Market-Frankford Line, Norristown High-Speed Line, and regional rail routes in Pennsylvania. Regional rail trips to or from New Jersey or Delaware using the Senior Key Card are charged at half fare.

To apply, seniors must bring a form of identification that verifies their age, such as a driver’s license, photo ID card, birth certificate, passport, or Social Security statement of age.

If you cannot make the event, please contact my district office to schedule an appointment to apply for or renew your card.

Supporting Road Safety

With winter weather in full swing, I recently worked with state Rep. John Lawrence to secure an important investment in Londonderry Township’s Roads Department.

Londonderry was recently awarded state funding to construct a new, four-bay salt storage shed. It will replace a two-bay shed, which is structurally failing and unable to accommodate delivery trucks. The new shed will be high enough to accommodate deliveries, improving cleanup and preventing salt residue from entering the stormwater system. Read More.

By protecting Londonderry’s road salt stockpile from the elements, the new shed is expected to reduce the amount of salt that the township uses annually by up to one-third.

This investment will help ensure safer roads, cleaner streams, and lower costs for years to come. I also want to thank all the workers and snowplow operators who help keep our roads safe and clear of snow, ice, and debris throughout the winter.

Working Pa Tax Credit

This year, 940,000 Pennsylvanians, including nearly 18,000 in Chester County, are expected to claim the new Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, reducing their tax bills and putting more of their hard-earned money where it belongs – back in their pockets.

Modelled after the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the new state-level credit equals 10 percent of the federal credit, with a maximum of $805. Anyone who qualifies for the federal EITC will automatically receive both credits.

The Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit is based on your tax-filing status, income, and number of dependents. Eligible applicants can use this calculator to estimate their credit amount.

The new tax credit will deliver $193 million in total tax relief to beginning this tax season. I was proud to vote for it as part of this year’s state budget, along with continued support for the expanded Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program and the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit.

Do You Have Unclaimed Property?

In 2025, our office helped constituents with 62 unclaimed property claims, ultimately returning $133,802 in total to their rightful owners.

Unclaimed properties include dormant bank and retirement accounts, jewelry, military medals, stocks, and uncashed checks that have been lost or forgotten by their rightful owners over the years.

I encourage you to search the Pennsylvania Treasury’s online database. If you find that you are owed any unclaimed property, please don’t hesitate to contact my office. Claiming your unclaimed property is free, and my staff can help you do it.

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In addition, the Treasury continues to return certain unclaimed property to rightful owners automatically through the Pennsylvania Money Match program. Under the program, which the legislature unanimously approved last year, the Treasury automatically returns single-owner properties valued at up to $500 after a thorough identification and verification process.

Many of us could always use some extra cash, especially after the holidays. While Pennsylvania is making significant progress in reuniting individuals with their unclaimed assets, $5 billion remains to be collected and nearly 1 in 10 Pennsylvanians has property waiting to be claimed.

Investing in Infrastructure Improvements

We kicked off 2026 by making some important investments in our local transportation and stormwater management infrastructure. They include:

• New traffic signals at busy intersections in West Whiteland.

• Storm sewer and pedestrian upgrades on Montgomery Avenue in West Goshen.

• New culverts on Broad Run Road in West Bradford.

• Repairs to the Burgoyne Bridge Embankment in West Whiteland.

• Phase 2 of the Brick Storm Sewer Rehabilitation in West Chester.

These investments will help address flooding, enhance safety, and improve pedestrian access on some of the region’s most well-travelled roads. As we continue to experience increased rainfall, flooding, and extreme weather, it’s important to invest in and build climate-resilient infrastructure, including the roads and bridges that help us get where we need to go.

Pennsylvania Farm Show Begins

What is 1 million square feet, features thousands of animals, exhibits, and competitions, has specialty food offerings from across the Commonwealth, and is free and open to the public?

The Pennsylvania Farm Show, of course! This week marks the opening of the 110th Pennsylvania Farm Show, the largest indoor agricultural event in the world. The show runs from Saturday, January 10 to Saturday, January 16. However, the food court opens this Friday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The theme of this year’s Farm Show is “Growing a Nation,” which highlights the important role agriculture has played in fueling our communities, families, and economy as we approach America’s 250th anniversary this summer.

Agriculture is a top industry in Pennsylvania, supporting around 600,000 jobs and contributing over $132.5 billion to the state’s economy, including more than $4 billion in agricultural and forest product exports.

General admission to the Farm Show is free, but parking and certain events and attractions have fees.

Thank you for reading. Please feel free to share these updates with friends, family, and anyone else who may be interested.

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Take good care of yourself, and if you can, take care of someone else, too. And please know that my staff and I are always here for you.

Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have at senatorcomitta@pasenate.com.

Carolyn Comitta

State Senator - 19th District

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. I wish you and your family a safe, happy, healthy, and joyful holiday season.

Please feel free to share these updates with friends, family, and anyone else who may be interested.

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Winter Weather Resources

We’ve already had our first taste of winter weather and more may be on the way. Please keep this emergency contact information handy and follow these tips to stay safe and warm during winter storms.

• Sign up for alerts from ReadyChesco, the county’s official notification system.

• Check routes ahead of time at 511PA

• Prepare by keeping an Emergency Supply Kit at home and in your vehicle.

• Do not try to cross a road that is closed due to flooding, snow/ice or downed trees, or power lines.

• Inform others of your plans in case you get stranded.

• Know the signs of hypothermia and frostbite.

Finally, many of us will be traveling for the holidays – an estimated 1.4 million people in the Philadelphia area alone. Please allow extra time for travel, be mindful of other drivers, put down your cellphone while driving, buckle up, and never drink or use drugs and drive.

Community Investments

Christmas came early for 18 projects that were awarded state funding address flooding, strengthen infrastructure, support emergency services, upgrade public works, improve parks, prevent homelessness, promote local history, and enhance health and human services. Read More.

The funds, which come through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Local Share Account Program, amount to a $5.8 million state investment in our local municipalities and community services.

Recipients include: Downingtown, East Fallowfield, West Whiteland, Willistown, Londonderry, Newlin, East Bradford, East Caln, Tredyffrin, the Coatesville Fire Department, Westwood Fire Company, West Chester Fire Department, the Royer-Greaves School for the Blind, the Paoli Memorial Association, Main Line Health, Safe Harbor of Greater West Chester, and the West Goshen Sewer Authority.

From repairing roads and bridges to upgrading public works and public safety equipment to expanding parks and recreational opportunities, these investments help ensure health, safety, and opportunity for residents and families.

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Free College Credits for Law Enforcement

Did you know that eligible law enforcement officers in Pennsylvania can get free college credits through a new program?

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has entered into an agreement with Commonwealth University to provide up to 16 college credits to eligible law enforcement officers through PDE’s Institute for Law Enforcement Education (ILLE). Read More.

Under the agreement, law enforcement officers enrolled at Commonwealth University and who have completed ILEE’s free professional development can be awarded up to 16 college credits at the university toward a degree in any subject area. The credits may also be awarded retroactively to students who have taken ILEE training in the past.

This new initiative aims to help current or former law enforcement officers continue their education or prepare to transition into a new career. It is effective immediately and will last for five years.

Preserving Local History

As we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary, the organizations that work to preserve local history continue to play a leading role in attracting visitors, educating the public, and celebrating our shared heritage.

Recently, five Chester County historic organizations were awarded more than $100,000 in total state funding through the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission PHMC. Read More.

They are the Chester County History Center, the Graystone Society Inc. (The National Iron & Steel Heritage Museum), Historic Sugartown Inc., the American Helicopter Museum & Education Center, and Oxford Area Historical Association.

As mentioned above, the Oxford Area Historical Association was also awarded a $700,000 investment to purchase the historic building that it calls home. The nonprofit organization plans to continue to develop the History Center (the former Union School Building at 119 S. 5th Street) into a gateway for regional tourism.

From the Revolutionary War to the Industrial Revolution to the Abolitionist Movement and Civil Rights Era and beyond, the story of Chester County is an integral part of the story of America

Recycling Tips

We generate a lot of waste during the holidays. In fact, Americans throw away an estimated 25 percent more trash during the holidays than any other time of year. While we all want to do our part to reduce what we send to landfills, please remember that recycling only works if we do it properly.

The following items cannot be recycled:

• Bubble wrap, cellophane, air pillows, and plastic bags.

• Ribbons, bows, wrapping paper with glitter, and decorative embellishments.

• Gift bags that are laminated, coated, dyed, or glittered.

• Foam packaging and soiled food packaging.

• Electronics and batteries.

Meanwhile, many recycling plants can handle: cardboard and paper boxes (remove plastic windows, zip ties, or fasteners in boxes), wrapping paper that’s plain/100% paper (a printed design is fine but no glitter and embellishments), plain 100 percent paper gift bags (remove ribbon or fabric handles), and holiday cards and envelopes that don’t have embellishments like glitter and glued-on decorations.

Be an informed recycler. Just because it has the recycling symbol on it doesn’t mean it’s accepted by your program. Contact your municipality or waste hauler to learn more, and when in doubt, throw it out or save it for reuse next year!

Holiday Hours

Our staff is always working for you. If you require assistance over the holidays, please contact us.

Thank you for reading.

Take good care of yourself, and if you can, take care of someone else, too. And please know that my staff and I are always here for you.

Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have at senatorcomitta@pasenate.com.

Carolyn Comitta

State Senator - 19th District

Thank you for subscribing to Comitta’s Corner. Please feel free to share these updates with friends, family, and anyone else who may be interested.

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Public Comment on Data Centers

More data centers are being planned for Pennsylvania, and this is your chance to have a say.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission is proposing a statewide model tariff to guide how large electric customers – including data centers and other high-demand electric users – connect to the grid. A tariff, in this instance, is a framework outlining a utility’s rates, charges, and terms of service.

As a major energy-producing state, Pennsylvania is already home to dozens of data centers, with more and more being planned. However, we must approach this opportunity cautiously and carefully, with a full understanding of the potential impacts on our communities.

I’m concerned about the demand for electricity driving up rates and impacting reliability, further tying us to fracking, undermining our efforts to reduce emissions, and negatively impacting our air, water, and overall quality of life. Read my comments.

Public comments on the proposed model tariff are being accepted now through Monday, December 22. Comments can be filed electronically or by mail. Please reference docket no. M-2025-3054271.

REAL ID Charges

Planning to fly in the New Year? If you don’t have a REAL ID, you may have to pay a $45 fee.

Beginning in February, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA ConfirmID, at security checkpoints. According to the TSA, this process will differ airport to airport. Read More.

In addition to a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license/photo ID card, other acceptable forms of identification include a valid passport or military ID.

REAL ID is a federal law regarding how states issue driver’s licenses and ID cards to ensure they are acceptable for federal purposes. The cards themselves feature new technology, making them much more difficult to forge.

While it is not mandatory, over 3.14 million Pennsylvanians have a REAL ID. If you’re heading to the airport in 2026, we encourage you to plan ahead – ensure you have acceptable ID or allow additional time for screening. Find out how to get a REAL ID.

Supporting Municipalities

As a former West Chester mayor and borough councilmember, I’ve always felt that local government can have the greatest impact on the lives of our friends, neighbors, and community members. In the Pennsylvania Senate, I serve on the Local Government Committee and continue to work to ensure our municipalities have the tools, resources, and support to run effectively and efficiently.

Recently, the Borough of South Coatesville received state grant funding to support the creation of a full-time municipal manager position. The funding comes from a Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development program that helps municipalities improve their management, finances, and administrative operations.

South Coatesville has faced a series of challenges in recent years, and now it’s taking important steps to plan for the future and improve municipal services for residents and taxpayers. Last year, I also worked to secure funding for South Coatesville to restore the administration building, which was significantly damaged by flooding from Hurricane Ida, and replace aging computers in its police department.

In Harrisburg this week, the Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 848, legislation that I introduced to add two seats to the State Planning Board to include representatives from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. That bill began last year as a Local Government Commission initiative. It is now before the House Local Government Committee.

Proposed Water Rate Increase

Pennsylvania American Water is seeking a rate increase for both its water and wastewater customers. The proposed increase would raise total annual operating revenues for water and wastewater service by nearly 15 percent ($168.7 million). That means:

· Typical residential water customers would face an increase of between 9.8 and 41.14 percent, depending on their service area.

· Typical wastewater customers would face an increase of up to 54.14 percent, depending on their service area.

· Customers with combined stormwater and wastewater systems would experience an increase of approximately $20 per month.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has put the increase on hold, voting to suspend and investigate whether it is justified. This is a normal part of the ratemaking process.

During the investigation, the PUC will hold public input hearings to gather testimony from concerned consumers and interested stakeholders. Info on those hearings is forthcoming. It has until August 13, 2026, to make a final decision.

Pennsylvania American Water serves a population of nearly 37,000 in Chester County through its Coatesville Water and Wastewater System, including those in Coatesville, Parkesburg, South Coatesville, and portions of Atglen, Caln, East Fallowfield, Highland, Sadsbury, Valley, West Caln, and West Sadsbury. It is the largest regulated water and wastewater service provider in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania American Water last raised rates in 2023 and 2024. I opposed and spoke strongly against the rate increases then and will do so again. As residents and working families continue to grapple with rising consumer costs, instability at the federal level, and ongoing attempts to cut vital human services programs, pushing basic necessities like water and wastewater service further and further out of reach is wrong and unfair.

I also plan to ask the PUC to hold a public hearing in the Coatesville area so residents can attend and make their voices heard in person.

Non-Profit Security Grant Program

Now until January 12, nonprofit organizations serving diverse communities can apply for up to $150,000 in state grant funding for important safety and security upgrades.

Applications are currently open for the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. The program, supported by $10 million in state funding, assists nonprofit organizations that principally serve groups or individuals who are often targeted by hate-based threats, intimidation, and violence.

Eligible grant projects include a variety of measures to enhance security, ranging from equipment and technology upgrades to planning, threat awareness, and response training.

The Pennsylvania Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program, now in its sixth year, was established in response to the 2018 attack on the Jewish community at the Tree of Life, New Light, and Dor Hadash congregations in Pittsburgh.

Since its inception, the program has provided $25 million in funding to more than 580 organizations, including many in Chester County, impacting an estimated four million people across the Commonwealth.

Happy Hanukkah

I want to wish a Happy Hanukkah to all our friends celebrating the Festival of Lights. As we mark the holiday season, it is vital that we continue to stand together as one community against antisemitism, hate, bigotry, and violence.

Sadly, antisemitism is on the rise, especially among young people, with the Anti-Defamation League reporting an all-time high in antisemitic incidents last year and a surge of hate speech on social media.

Over the weekend, we saw a horrific terrorist mass shooting killing 15 people and injuring dozens more at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia.

Here in Chester County, the Menorah in the small borough of Modena was damaged by an apparent act of vandalism. Fortunately, the community rallied together and raised the funds to purchase a new menorah in time for the holiday.

Religious liberty – the right to worship freely, safely, and without fear is one of the core values upon which this nation was founded. Everyone deserves to worship peacefully, no matter what you look like, where you come from, or what faith you practice.

Chester County is blessed to be home to a diverse, respectful, and welcoming interfaith community. It is up to all of us to keep it that way and to instill the values of respect, tolerance, and inclusion in our children.

Thank you for reading. Please feel free to share these updates with friends, family, and anyone else who may be interested.

Take good care of yourself, and if you can, take care of someone else, too. And please know that my staff and I are always here for you.

Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have at senatorcomitta@pasenate.com.

Contact

Carolyn Comitta

State Senator - 19th District

Thank you for subscribing to Comitta’s Corner. As we officially begin the holidays, I want to wish you and your family the very best for a safe, healthy, happy, and blessed season.

In addition, with the West Chester Christmas Parade taking place this evening, please be aware of local road closures and know that our district office will be operating remotely today from 3 to 5 p.m.

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Donate to Toys for Tots

Interested in donating a toy to make a child’s holiday season merry and bright this year? You have only a few days left to do so.

Wednesday, December 10, is the deadline to drop off new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots at our district office. A donation box is located in the atrium of 17 E. Gay Street in downtown West Chester. The office is open during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

It’s the season of giving, and I hope you can join us in supporting Toys for Tots to help ensure that every child enjoys a new toy for the holidays.

Last year, Chester County Toys for Tots distributed nearly 26,500 toys to families in our region, supporting more than 11,600 children. It is one of hundreds of Toys for Tots campaigns conducted annually in more than 800 communities across the nation.

Supporting Affordable Senior Housing

More opportunities for affordable senior housing are coming to West Chester Borough with support from tax credits recently approved by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency.

About $1 million in federal low-income housing tax credits will help The Hickman, a nonprofit senior living community, create 32 affordable apartments for older adults on its campus a few blocks from the borough’s historic downtown.

The project, currently working under the name “Nathaniel Hickman House,” calls for renovating the three-story, 40,000-square-foot building, which will be reconfigured into six efficiency units, 22 one-bedroom units, and four two-bedroom units for seniors aged 62 and up. Architects also plan to retain the historic structure and brick façade of the building, which was built in 1936. Read More.

As our senior population continues to grow, the need for high-quality, affordable housing options is increasing. This investment will create more opportunities for seniors to live in a safe, welcoming community where they can maintain their independence and access in-home care services when needed.

Strengthening Our Electricity Grid

This week, I joined my colleagues on the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee for a roundtable discussion with legislators from Ohio and officials from PJM Interconnection at the regional transmission organization’s headquarters.

PJM (Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland Interconnection) coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity across a 13-state area in the U.S., serving over 65 million people. In short, PJM controls the market in which utilities sell electricity to consumers. That’s important because demand is growing, and the grid needs to add electricity generation to meet it.

We had an informative and productive discussion about the importance of bringing new projects (including renewables) online, resolving bottlenecks to connecting new resources to the grid, and the rise of data centers, which are driving significant increases in energy use.

According to the U.S Department of Energy, data centers accounted for about 4.4 percent of electricity use nationwide in 2023, but that number is projected to jump to between 6.7 percent and 12 percent by 2028. If we’re not very careful, that whopping demand for energy could strain our grid, stifle our transition from emissions, and lead to alarming increases in electricity bills.

Investing in Career Readiness Programs

Main Line Mentoring is expanding its programs to help more young people prepare for future careers, thanks to grant funding we helped secure through the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

The Tredyffrin-based nonprofit organization will use the investment to offer comprehensive job training and career readiness services, including career coaching, job skills development, resume writing and interview preparation, career workshops, information on certification programs, internship and job shadowing opportunities, and more. Read More.

The sooner we can help young people explore career options and get thinking about how they can contribute to our economy and our society, the better positioned they will be for long-term success in school, work, and life

Integrating job and career-readiness into education programs just makes sense. We’re focusing on that in our schools, and Main Line Mentoring is, too.

LIHEAP Opens

Applications are now being accepted for LIHEAP (the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program), which helps 300,000 Pennsylvania households heat their homes each winter.

LIHEAP helps families living on lower incomes afford their heating costs with one-time cash grants paid directly to their energy company or fuel supplier. Households in immediate danger of being without heat (due to utility shutoffs, broken heaters or lack of fuel) can also qualify for crisis grants. These grants range from $200 to $1,000 based on household size, income, and fuel type.

Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply for LIHEAP as soon as possible because funding is limited. Additionally, many electric and gas companies offer utility assistance programs for qualifying customers.

LIHEAP in Pennsylvania was delayed for about a month due to the federal government shutdown. Earlier this year, the Trump administration proposed eliminating LIHEAP entirely.

Thank you for reading. Please feel free to share these updates with friends, family, and anyone else who may be interested.

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Take good care of yourself, and if you can, take care of someone else, too. And please know that my staff and I are always here for you.

Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have.

Contact

Carolyn Comitta

State Senator - 19th District

In addition, I hope you can take some time in the coming days to reflect on everything we have to be thankful for.

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Carbon Monoxide Awareness

As winter approaches, many of us are using furnaces, stoves, boilers, or appliances that produce carbon monoxide. It’s important to remember to take steps to protect yourself and your family from exposure to this colorless, odorless, deadly gas.

Known as “the silent killer,” carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly toxic gas that sends more than 100,000 Americans to the emergency room each year. It is produced by devices that burn fuels, such as vehicles, furnaces, generators, and grills, and can strike in your home, vehicle, garage, work shed, tent, or any other enclosed or poorly ventilated space. Read More.

For nearly a decade, the Carly Imbierowicz Foundation has worked to prevent CO poisoning by sharing life-saving information and donating hundreds of CO detectors to community organizations and families in our region. Recently, they joined us at the State Capitol in Harrisburg to highlight tips and resources to prevent CO poisoning as part of Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month. Watch

Most importantly, please be sure to install CO detectors on each floor of your home, garage, and near any gas-burning appliance!

Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit

We recently passed a balanced state budget that includes no new taxes, maintains our reserve (Rainy Day) fund, and invests in affordability for Pennsylvania families.

The budget also includes the new Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, which will deliver $193 million in tax relief to 940,000 working Pennsylvanians beginning next tax season.

Modeled after the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the new state-level credit equals 10 percent of the federal credit, with a maximum of $805. Anyone who qualifies for the federal EITC will automatically receive both credits.

In Chester County, an estimated 17,885 working Pennsylvanians will benefit from the new tax credit, reducing their tax bills and putting more of their hard-earned money where it belongs – back in their pockets.

The Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit is based on your tax-filing status, income, and number of dependents. Eligible applicants can use this calculator to estimate their credit amount.

Reminder: Apply Now for the Student Advisory Council

High school juniors have just over a week left to apply for our Student Advisory Council.

The council, open to high school juniors residing in the 19th Senatorial District, offers the unique opportunity to learn the roles and responsibilities within a state senate office, including constituent relations, policy development, public administration, legislative affairs, and communication and media management. In addition, it gives students the chance to share their perspectives on the issues facing communities in Chester County and Pennsylvania.

The program aims to help develop the next generation of young community leaders through first-hand experience in public service, including the opportunity to craft their own legislative proposals and bills.

Council members are expected to attend a weekly meeting every Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m., beginning in late January and running through the end of April.

Interested students can apply online. Applications must be submitted by noon on Friday, December 5. Upon submission of an application, students will be contacted for an interview.

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Agriculture Spotlight: Pennsylvania Apples

What would Thanksgiving be without apple pie, apple sauce, apple cider, or baked apples?

Fortunately, Pennsylvania is apple-solutely crushing it in apple production. Our apple industry ranks 4th in the nation, with more than 21,000 acres of orchards producing 400 to 500 million pounds of apples per year. About 55 percent of them go to processing, and 45 percent for fresh consumption. Apples are grown in all 67 counties, however, today the “core” of our apple industry is south central Pennsylvania – one of the nation’s greatest apple-growing regions, thanks to ideal topography, soil, and weather.

There are about 7,500 varieties of apples grown worldwide and 2,500 in America, with 15 varieties accounting for more than 90 percent of all apples produced domestically. Pennsylvania farms grow about 100 different types commercially.

In addition, I am introducing legislation to make the apple Pennsylvania’s official state fruit. The bill was prompted by Sanivka Sarangi, a middle school student at Tredyffrin-Easttown Middle School, who wrote an award-winning essay about the importance of the apple to Pennsylvania and how we should celebrate it as the state fruit!

Give Back, Travel Safely, and Shop Small!

It’s been a tough year for food programs and the Pennsylvania families who depend on them to eat. At the federal level, the Trump administration’s efforts to terminate, suspend, or cut important food programs have caused substantial confusion. More recently, delays to SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) due to the federal shutdown and new work-reporting requirements added to the uncertainty.

Fortunately, our charitable food network in Chester County is meeting the challenge thanks to generous support from residents, families, schools, community organizations, businesses, and more. If you can, please consider donating to or volunteering with the Chester County Food Bank or other nonprofit organizations and food cupboards in our region.

Traveling this week? You’re not alone. Nearly 82 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more for Thanksgiving, including 3.4 million on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Please allow extra time for travel (especially at airports), be mindful of other travelers, put down your cellphone while driving, buckle up, and never drink or use drugs and drive. In Pennsylvania, you can also “know before you go” by checking 511PA for conditions on more than 40,000 miles of roadway.

Finally, as the holiday shopping season kicks off, I encourage you to shop small and shop local on Small Business Saturday. Small businesses make up 99.6 percent of businesses in Pennsylvania, and when we patronize them, we’re supporting our local economies and main streets. That’s because an estimated 68 cents of every dollar spent at a small business in the U.S. stays in the local community. By shopping small, you can help invest in our downtowns, access unique items and products, and support the neighborhood businesses that regularly sponsor community initiatives. So, eat, drink, shop, and think local!

Thank you for reading. Please feel free to share these updates with friends, family, and anyone else who may be interested.

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Take good care of yourself, and if you can, take care of someone else, too. And please know that my staff and I are always here for you.

Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have at senatorcomitta@pasenate.com.

Carolyn Comitta

State Senator - 19th District

Thank you for subscribing to Comitta’s Corner. Please feel free to share these updates with friends, family, and anyone else who may be interested.

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2025-26 Pennsylvania State Budget has PASSED

The legislature recently passed a bipartisan budget that invests in public education, safety, job growth, affordability, and the services that so many of our neighbors depend on. 

While the budget should never have taken this long, I am thankful that we were finally able to reach a compromise that delivers some stability and reliability for people impacted by the ongoing turbulence and confusion at the federal level.

Better yet, we were able to do it without touching the Rainy Day Fund or raising taxes. In fact, the budget includes a tax cut for nearly 1 million working Pennsylvanians and their families through a new program – the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit.

Government works through collaboration, mutual respect, and compromise. After months of gridlock, I hope we can put the budget impasse behind us and move forward to work together to improve life for all Pennsylvanians. Read More.

Supporting Solar Energy

Did you know that Philadelphia’s second-largest solar array is located on a warehouse roof?

I joined State Sen. Nikil Saval, State Rep. Sean Dougherty, and PennEnvironment to tour the 3,600-panel solar installation at Greenfield Manufacturing in Northeast Philadelphia. The solar array installed by Solar States last year, generates more than 100 percent of the warehouse’s energy needs. In addition, Greenfield can push excess solar energy into the grid, helping to alleviate strain and potentially offset its energy bills. Read More.

That’s why Senator Saval and I are introducing legislation that requires new warehouses to be solar-ready and helps others retrofit their buildings for solar energy.

Fossil-fuel combustion from buildings accounts for roughly 29 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Going solar means lower costs, cleaner air, and a better bottom line for businesses. Furthermore, a recent PennEnvironment study found that if all the warehouses in Pennsylvania added solar to their roofs it would generate enough electricity to power more than 820,000 homes.

Apply to my Student Advisory Council

Are you, or do you know, a high school junior interested in government, public policy, and the legislative process?

If so, consider applying for our Student Advisory Council. Now in its fourth year, the council is open to high school juniors residing in the 19th Senatorial District. It brings together students from across the area to learn the roles and responsibilities of a state senate office and share their views and opinions on the most pressing issues facing their communities. Unlike traditional internship programs, the council also gives students the opportunity to craft their own legislative proposals and bills. Read More.

Council members are expected to attend a weekly meeting every Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m., beginning in late January and running through the end of April.

Interested students can apply online. Applications must be submitted by Friday, December 5, at noon. Upon submission of an application, students will be contacted for an interview.

SNAP Update

As soon as the federal government shutdown ended, Governor Shapiro and the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services moved swiftly to issue full November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to all qualified recipients in the Commonwealth. Read More.

Their preparation and quick action helped ensure that 2 million Pennsylvanians, including many children, seniors, people with disabilities, and working adults, do not go hungry.

Despite the ongoing atmosphere of chaos and confusion at the federal level, including complex. new work reporting requirements, and most recently, a sudden announcement from the USDA that all SNAP recipients may need to reapply, we continue to take steps to protect our charitable food network in Pennsylvania.

The Shapiro administration launched dhs.pa.gov/work, to help Pennsylvanians navigate changes to SNAP work and reporting requirements, and the governor signed an emergency declaration to drive out $5 million to our food banks. In addition, the newly enacted state budget includes $11 million to support life-sustaining food security programs.

Community Spotlight: Local Nonprofit Organizations

Over the past week, I had the opportunity to meet with and support several important nonprofit organizations in the West Chester area, including:

The Charles A. Melton Arts and Education Center is now the West Chester Community Center at the Charles A. Melton Building! The new name marks a return to its roots for the center, which was founded more than 100 years ago as a community and recreation center for people of color during the era of segregation. Today, it’s a place where all people can come together, grow together, and thrive together. I’m a proud supporter of the center and, earlier this year, helped secure state funding for .a new parking lot and digital marquee.

ACT in Faith of Greater West Chester is now ACTnow! The nonprofit organization, supported by members of the West Chester faith community, recently marked its 15th Anniversary by celebrating the opening of its new space at 10 W. Barnard Street in West Chester. ACTnow helps individuals and families overcome barriers to self-sustainability and household stability by providing support for basic needs, employment, housing stabilization, and more. This year, ACTnow received state funding to help prevent homelessness.

The Friends Association for the Care and Protection of Children continues to work to prevent homelessness by helping people and families build resilience through financial independence and self-sufficiency. In addition to providing emergency housing, the organization offers a range of services to assist people in recovery, address systemic racism and inequity, promote community health and wellness, and more. For more than 200 years, the organization has helped empower families to overcome adversity and achieve success.

Thank you for reading.

Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have.

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Take good care of yourself, and if you can, take care of someone else, too. And please know that my staff and I are always here for you.

Carolyn Comitta

State Senator - 19th District

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Election Follow-Up

This week, voters in Chester County and across Pennsylvania made their voices heard in the 2025 General Election. Chester County results. Pennsylvania statewide results.

Voter turnout in Chester County was 47.7 percent. However, Chester County Voter Services experienced an error with the poll books at all precincts that potentially impacted independents, unaffiliated, third-party, and other voters. Once the error was identified, officials made provisional ballots available to those impacted, deployed corrected poll books to the precincts, and extended voting hours.

Chester County has indicated that it will conduct a formal review to determine how registered voters were omitted from the poll books and take action to prevent this error from occurring again. More information on how the county responded to the error, and how provisional ballots are being counted, is available here.

In addition, I joined Senators Katie Muth and John Kane in supporting a thorough, complete, and transparent investigation by the Pennsylvania Department of State and raising several important questions. Read the Letter.

Elections are the bedrock of Democracy. In a time of deep political divisions and ongoing threats to jeopardize voters’ rights, disenfranchise voters, and gerrymander districts, it is imperative that we maintain full transparency and openness in reviewing Tuesday’s error and working to ensure that it never happens again.

Honoring Our Veterans

This Sunday, November 9, at 2 p.m., is the West Chester Veterans Day Parade. The route runs from Henderson High School down Gay Street to the Old Courthouse. Organizers ask that participants bring their American flags as we come together to honor all who served.

Thank you to the Bernhard F. Schlegel American Legion Post 134 and all those who have helped revitalize this tradition and keep it growing in recent years.

In addition, West Chester University is holding a free panel discussion: “Veterans, Justice, and Community: Navigating Systems & Securing Support” on Tuesday, November 11, from 6:00–7:30 p.m. in the Business Public Management Center, Room 101.

The discussion will address key topics including, mental health, financial exploitation, victimization, reintegration challenges, and access to justice and services. It will also feature representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Chester County Veterans Affairs Office, West Chester University Veterans Center, Montgomery County Emergency Services, and local advocacy organizations. The discussion will be followed by a networking reception.

The event is free and open to the public. Please register to attend in person or virtually via Zoom.

Pennsylvania is home to nearly 800,000 veterans and we’re fortunate to have an estimated 25,000 here in Chester County. Veterans Day is an opportunity to honor them, share and preserve their stories, and ensure they get the support, services, and resources they deserve.

SNAP Update

After Governor Shapiro and others sued the Trump administration for unlawfully suspending SNAP benefits, a federal judge ordered it to use emergency funds to support those who rely on the program.

Since the funds are limited, the U.S. Department of Agriculture had announced that it will provide SNAP recipients with 65 percent of their monthly benefits in November. However, today news reports indicated that the Trump administration is appealing that order, further adding to the confusion and uncertainty.

SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps) helps 2 million Pennsylvanians, including many children, seniors, people with disabilities, and working adults, purchase food. Since SNAP is a food program, it also supports farmers, processors, distributors, and grocery stores. In fact, more than 10,000 food retailers accept SNAP benefits in the Commonwealth, and studies show that every $1 in new SNAP benefits issued can increase gross domestic product by $1.54.

Earlier this year, Congressional Republicans implemented one of the largest cuts to SNAP ever. Now, more and more people are feeling the pain. At the state level, the governor has also directed $5 million in state funding to food banks across the Commonwealth and signed a disaster declaration to expedite the delivery of that relief. Read More.

Utility Assistance

As the weather gets colder, more of us are turning up the thermostat to stay cozy and comfortable at home. Unfortunately, the federal government shutdown is holding up important heating assistance for hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians.

The opening of LIHEAP (the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program), which helps 300,000 Pennsylvania households heat their homes each winter, is delayed until next month, contingent on the availability of federal funding.

Thankfully, utility companies operating in the Commonwealth have promised not to turn off heat or electricity in November for LIHEAP-eligible Pennsylvanians impacted by the federal government shutdown. After that, Pennsylvania’s annual winter utility shutoff moratorium, which runs from December 1 through March 31, prevents utilities – including electricity and gas-related services – from being shut off for customers of regulated utility companies at or below 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Read More.

Additionally, many electric and gas companies offer utility assistance programs for qualifying customers and nonprofit organizations like the Housing Partnership of Chester County offer fuel assistance to eligible households.

Again, while we are thankful for the Shapiro administration, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, our utility companies, and others for stepping up, these solutions are temporary. While this moratorium will prevent utility shutoffs during the coldest months of the year, it does not cancel outstanding home heating bills.

Supporting Moms, Families, and Babies

This fall, we brought together parents, families, children, nonprofit organizations, and agencies for a Community Baby Shower in Oxford. Hundreds came out to learn about the resources and programs available to assist families and participate in a free afternoon of informational presentations, games, raffles, giveaways, food, and fun. Watch.

I want to thank our hosts, the Oxford Presbyterian Church and the Borough of Oxford, our partners, the Maternal and Child Health Consortium of Chester County and the Maternity Care Coalition, and all the staff and volunteers who helped make it happen.

The Community Baby Shower is one of my favorite events because I get to see the precious young children who are the future of our country. I also love interacting with the parents and guardians who are helping raise them and shape them into strong, smart, and successful individuals.

Raising a child is one of the most rewarding experiences in life, but it’s not always easy, especially in uncertain times. Fortunately, Chester County is home to dozens of organizations and agencies that are here to help with everything from health and wellness services, educational programs, nutritional support, transportation, and more.

Thank you for reading.

Take good care of yourself, and if you can, take care of someone else, too. And please know that my staff and I are always here for you.

Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Contact Me

Carolyn Comitta
State Senator – 19th District

Happy Halloween! I hope you and your family enjoy the festivities safely.

Please feel free to share these updates with friends, family, and anyone else who may be interested.

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Tuesday is Election Day!

This Election Matters! Next week, voters will cast ballots for municipal races like mayor, school board, and city council, as well as for Pennsylvania Superior and Commonwealth Courts, and more.

The election not only has the potential to shape the local issues that directly impact our lives but also will decide the future of the state’s highest court. Retention questions for nearly half – three of the seven seats – on the Supreme Court are on the ballot. That’s important because decisions issued by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court shape law across the state.

Please Make a Plan to Vote today!

• Voting in person? Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on November 4. Find your polling place.

• Voting for the first time or at a new polling place? Remember to bring proper identification.

• Have a mail-in or absentee ballot? Don’t mail it! Properly complete your mail-in or absentee ballot and return it at one of the several secure ballot dropboxes by 8 p.m. on November 4. Be sure to use the secrecy envelope and sign and date the voter’s declaration on the outside of the return envelope! Dropbox Map.

• Problems with your mail-in ballot? Contact Chester County Voter Services.

SNAP & LIHEAP in Jeopardy

Due to the federal government shutdown and lack of funding, two important programs that many people rely on to eat and stay warm are in jeopardy:

SNAP Benefits Run Out: Starting in November, SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients will not receive benefits. Two million Pennsylvanians, many of them children, seniors, and families with working adults, rely on SNAP to buy food.

In response, Governor Shapiro joined a coalition of 25 states and the District of Columbia suing the Trump Administration for unlawfully suspending SNAP. Additionally, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I introduced the Pennsylvania Food Bank and Hunger Relief Grant Program, legislation that calls for allocating state funding to support 18 food banks and Meals on Wheels programs during the federal government shutdown.

LIHEAP Delayed: The opening of LIHEAP (the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) is delayed until December 3, 2025, contingent on the availability of federal funding. 300,000 Pennsylvania households, many of whom live on less than $20,000 a year, rely on the program to help heat their homes each winter.

No one should be left hungry or cold. If the federal government does not reopen or funding is not released to states, both programs are in jeopardy. That is unconscionable.

Like you, I am frustrated with partisan politics and gridlock. I want to be absolutely clear: Trump’s Republican Party owns the federal government shutdown and the Pennsylvania budget impasse. There is no good reason why the Senate Republicans are holding up our state budget in Pennsylvania nor why Republicans in Washington (who control Congress and the Presidency) cannot and will not reopen the government.

Hearing on Cell Phones in Schools

The Senate Education Committee recently held a public hearing on the use of cell phones in schools. The hearing examined how Pennsylvania schools are managing student cell phone use and explored the need for state policy guidance to address classroom disruption, learning, and student safety. Watch.

About 425 of the Commonwealth’s 500 school districts have already adopted policies restricting the use of electronic devices in the classroom. Unlike many other states, Pennsylvania currently has no overarching rules or requirements governing students’ phone use during the school day. Read More.

A growing body of evidence shows that school phone bans are linked to better student achievement, improved mental health, less distractions, and a boost in academic performance, especially among lower-performing students.

Following the hearing, I also had the opportunity to talk with students about how cell phones impact focus, safety, and communication in schools, and meet with Pa Unplugged, a statewide coalition working to change our approach to screens and social media during childhood and adolescence.

Fire Safety Month: Beware of Batteries

Speaking of phones and batteries, October is Fire Prevention Month, and this year, we’re highlighting the importance of using lithium-ion batteries safely.

These batteries are everywhere these days, powering devices like cellphones, laptops, power tools, or e-bikes. However, they can become a fire hazard if not charged safely. Nationwide, fire departments responded to an average of 1,500 home fires caused by batteries between 2014 and 2018, according to estimates. Read More.

Follow these tips to stay safe:

• Buy only listed products that meet important safety standards. When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL, or CSA.

• Charge devices safely. Always use the cords that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.

• Recycle batteries responsibly. Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or in regular recycling bins, as they could start a fire. Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Contact your local waste handler or solid waste authority for details on safely recycling or disposing of lithium-ion batteries.

Supporting Breast Cancer Warriors and Survivors

Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with Erin Pellegrin, RD, LDN as we recognized Unite For HER at the State Capitol in Harrisburg during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Watch.

Headquartered in Malvern, Unite for HER is a national nonprofit organization that provides integrative therapies, services, education, resources, and support to people battling breast and ovarian cancer and their families.

It was founded in 2009 by Sue Weldon, a breast cancer survivor who recognized the need for more information, resources, and support to complement medical treatments during her journey. Since then, Unite for HER has expanded its reach from the tri-state area to more than 10,600 members nationwide through virtual and home-delivered care programs.

One of the aspects I admire most about Unite for HER is its holistic approach to health and wellness, including the care of patients’ emotional, spiritual, and physical needs. Erin, a Registered Dietitian and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist, serves as its Senior Director of Culinary Nutrition and Education, counseling patients through treatment and beyond.

In addition, we also secured state funding to help Unite for HER expand its headquarters, enabling it to serve thousands of additional members this year alone.

PA is a Top Pumpkin Producer

It wouldn’t be Halloween without pumpkins – and Pennsylvania grows a lot of them! Did you know that the Commonwealth ranks 3rd in the nation for pumpkin production?

Pennsylvania farmers grew 108.8 million pounds of pumpkins on 6,800 harvested acres last year (up from 90 million in 2023), according to the USDA.

Usually planted in early May, pumpkins grow best when there is plenty of moisture in June and July and relatively dry conditions in August and September to keep fungus and disease at bay.

This has also been a pretty good year for size, too. The largest pumpkin at the Pennsylvania Giant Pumpkin Growers Association’s Annual Weigh-Off tipped the scales at 2,029.5 lbs! The state record, set last year, is 2,731.5 lbs.

Thank you for reading.

Take good care of yourself, and if you can, take care of someone else, too. And please know that my staff and I are always here for you.

Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have at senatorcomitta@pasenate.com.

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Carolyn Comitta

State Senator - 19th District

Each week, I’ll be sharing news, events, and updates from Chester County and Harrisburg.

Please feel free to share these updates with friends, family, and anyone else who may be interested. And if you are not already, please be sure to subscribe.

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Community Baby Shower: October 24

Parents, expectant parents, grandparents, and families with babies and young children are invited to learn about the resources and programs available to them at a Community Baby Shower on Friday, October 24, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Oxford Presbyterian Church.

Our office is partnering with the Maternal and Child Health Consortium and the Maternity Care Coalition to offer this free event, which will help connect children, parents, and guardians with more than 20 community organizations and the services they offer to local families.

The Community Baby Shower will also offer free activities for kids, raffle prizes, and the distribution of complimentary diapers and other essential baby items. More Info.

Are you ready to vote?

Did you know that this Monday, October 20, is the last day to register to vote in the upcoming general election? You can register, check your registration, make a plan to vote, and more at www.vote.pa.gov

Depending on where you live, on November 4, voters will cast ballots for municipal races like mayor, school board, city council, and other races, as well as Pennsylvania Superior and Commonwealth Courts, and more. In addition, voters from across Pennsylvania will have the opportunity to answer retention questions for one judge on the Superior Court, one Judge on the Commonwealth Court, and three justices on the Supreme Court.

What does retention mean?

These judges are elected to serve 10-year terms. The number of terms they can serve is unlimited, though they must retire at age 75. However, every decade they must run to keep their seats. These yes-or-no retention elections are not partisan, meaning when a judge appears on the ballot to be retained, their name won’t have a party next to it. Nor do these elections involve an opposing candidate. Voters are simply asked yes or no on whether to give a judge another term on the bench.

This election is very important because nearly half – three of the seven seats on the Supreme Court – are up for retention. Court decisions handed down by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court shape law across the state and can significantly impact our lives, families, and communities.

Last, but most importantly, retention questions are listed on the back of your ballot. Don’t forget to FLIP IT OVER!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This month the Pennsylvania State Capitol fountain was turned pink for the 20th consecutive year in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection and screening, investing in research, and supporting survivors.

In 2023, Pennsylvania passed Act 1, landmark, bipartisan legislation, requiring insurers to cover preventive breast and ovarian cancer screenings for high-risk women at no cost. It removes out-of-pocket expenses associated with genetic testing for hereditary breast, ovarian, prostate, and other cancers – as well as supplemental breast screenings for at-risk women.

Building on that, this year the Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 88 to expand no-cost screening coverage for individuals insured under Pennsylvania law.

Each day, 37 women in Pennsylvania are diagnosed with breast cancer. And although it is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women between the ages of 25 and 54, most breast cancers are treatable if detected early.

As a member of the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus (and a mother and grandmother), I continue to work to support legislation and investments to fight breast cancer and find a cure, including supporting local nonprofit organizations like Unite For Her.

Our Senior Expo was a Great Success!

A big thank you to the hundreds of people who came out to our Senior Expo earlier this week.

In addition to the dozens of vendors, organizations, and agencies that participated, we also want to thank our host, West Chester University, and sponsors – Main Line Health, Penn Medicine, Wawa, Giant, and the Chester County Chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America.

Please know that as a member of the Senate Aging and Youth Committee, I continue to fight for investments in senior centers and services so that all our seniors get the support and resources they deserve.

In addition, our team regularly visits senior centers and public libraries throughout the district, including in Coatesville, Downingtown, Malvern, Easttown, Oxford and West Chester, to offer in-person services.

Medicare Open Enrollment

Nearly 3 million Pennsylvanians are enrolled in Medicare. They can make changes to their coverage or switch plans during the annual open enrollment period, which begins this week and runs through December 7.

During open enrollment, new beneficiaries can sign up for Medicare Prescription Drug coverage and health plans to complement Medicare, and current Medicare beneficiaries can review and join, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Coverage to better meet their needs. Any changes take effect January 1, 2026.

To help Medicare beneficiaries understand their options, free, objective health benefits counseling is available through Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight (PA MEDI). PA MEDI counselors can answer your Medicare questions and provide clear information.

For more information on PA MEDI or to schedule an appointment, visit chesco.org/477/PA-MEDI

License Plate Replacement Event: November 13

Is your license plate damaged, peeling, faded, or just getting so old that it’s hard to read?

I’m partnering with the West Goshen Police to hold a free License Plate Replacement Event on November 13 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the West Goshen Township Building.

The event is open to all residents of the 19th Senate District and advance registration is required to participate. After you register, a member of our team will reach out to confirm your information and send the required documents needed to participate in the event.

At the event, a West Goshen Police officer will verify which plates need replacement, then fill out the PennDOT forms. After processing, new plates will be mailed to drivers or available for pickup at our West Chester District Office.

Having a damaged or hard-to-read license plate could result in you getting pulled over or fined, so schedule an appointment today at pasenatorcomitta.com/licenseplate2025

Thank you for reading.

Take good care of yourself, and if you can, take care of someone else, too. And please know that my staff and I are always here for you.

Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have at pasenatorcomitta.com/contact

Carolyn Comitta
State Senator – 19th District