Comitta's Corner: March 26, 2026
Supporting Music Education, Raising the Minimum Wage, Free Document Shredding, & More!
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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.