READING, PA – Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) recently wrapped up a two-day community tour across Berks and Chester counties.

“It was great to be back in Reading and West Chester to hear directly from a wide range of constituents—including health care workers, Latino small business owners, and public library staff," said Houlahan. "Their stories inspire my work down in DC every day. I truly appreciate Rep. Guzman and Mayor Moran for joining me in Reading and for their collaborative public service work. These constituent conversations are vitally important. I will continue to uplift voices from Reading and elsewhere in our community.”

The first visit was to Reading Hospital to meet with health care workers and distribute hand-written cards from area students collected by Houlahan’s office.

Houlahan greets health care workers at Reading Hospital.


“The past two years have been challenging for all health care workers,” said Debra Powell, MD, Chief, Division of Infectious Diseases and Medical Director, Infection Prevention at Reading Hospital. “The opportunity to meet with Representative Houlahan and receive encouraging notes from our local community means a lot to our entire team. The kind notes provide inspiration to those who have been caring for the community throughout the COVID-19 crisis. The team at Reading Hospital has made a promise to be there for our community and we will continue to carry out that promise.”

The next stop featured a walking tour of local Latino small businesses, which was led by State Rep. Guzman (D-Reading). The tour included four stops: a day care center, tire sales store, furniture store, and supermarket.

Houlahan and Guzman meet with Nelson Espinal, owner of Fine Fair Supermarket, in Reading.

“I’m thankful Congresswoman Houlahan was able to see firsthand the spirit and culture which Reading exdes by meeting with business owners in a variety of industries,” said Rep. Guzman. “I’m hopeful we can work hand in hand to help small businesses, which are the backbone of our community.”

Then, she joined City of Reading Mayor Moran at the Reading Public Library to talk about the various services the library provides the community. Houlahan highlighted the positive impact of funds from the American Rescue Plan, which enabled the library to provide covid testing services and digitize the Pennsylvania historical collection.

Houlahan and Moran tour Reading Public Library and meet with library staff (picture courtesy of Reading Eagle).

“We appreciated Congresswoman Houlahan’s interest in the library’s work being supported by American Rescue Plan funding,” said Melissa Adams, Executive Director, Reading Public Library. “The ability to provide essential community services such as telemedicine assistance to seniors, expanded WiFi outside of our buildings, and new humanities initiatives has been greatly enhanced through these public funds. The dollars have given us the sense of security needed to plan for a future undeterred by current uncertainties.  We are grateful to public servants like Representative Houlahan who understand that this is precisely the moment when the free programs and services provided by community libraries are needed the most.”

“Reading Public Library staff are deserving of recognition and praise for their hard work daily, but more so during these unprecedented times, as they have demonstrated resilience and the true meaning of public service,” said Mayor Moran. “Congresswoman Houlahan’s thoughtful gesture to visit and talk with staff speaks volumes and exemplifies the kind of synergy I often talk about for our City.  I reiterate my commitment to working with our elected officials and stakeholders to bring attention and support to community gems such as the Reading Public Library.”

Finally, Houlahan surprised health care workers at Chester County Health Department with additional notes of appreciation from our community.

Houlahan with Commissioner Moskowitz and health care professionals in front of the wall of reasons why children received their vaccine.  

“Over the past two years, staff in the Chester County Health Department have experienced a roller coaster of activity that followed every wave of this pandemic,” said Jeanne Franklin, Director of the Chester County Health Department. “I am very proud of the ways in which they have responded to the public health needs of our residents, from contact tracing and investigation to testing and vaccination. Even with the many challenges that COVID has presented, they have rallied and persevered, working day in and day out. To be acknowledged and thanked for their hard work by Representative Houlahan is truly appreciated by us all.”

Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Small Business Committee. She is the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award which “recognizes members who demonstrate the bipartisan leadership and constructive governing necessary to move our country forward.”

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