Originally Published by: Daily Local

COATESVILLE — U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-6th of Easttown, announced the details of two back-to-back events, a Coatesville VA Medical Center Listening Session and an Economic Development and Infrastructure Investment Town Hall, scheduled for this Monday, March 28 at 9 and 10 a.m. respectively.

The listening session will address the March 14 report that recommended the closure of the Coatesville VAMC, and the town hall will focus on supporting small businesses through reliable infrastructure including broadband. Both events will take place at Coatesville City Hall.

“Veterans represent the best of our nation, and they deserve our care once they return home from war — a terrible reality we are seeing play out on televisions across the world right now,” said Houlahan. “When I heard about the proposed closure, I was rocked, to be frank. I’ve spent countless hours at the Coatesville VAMC with veterans and the dedicated staff who support them, and I will not stand for any loss of accessible, quality care. That’s why I wrote an open letter to VA Secretary McDonough rightfully expressing our concerns.”

“As the Biden Administration considers this proposed closure, I want to hear from members of our community so I can in turn share our stories down in Washington. This listening session is the first but certainly not the last opportunity for concerned citizens to make their voices heard.”

Houlahan will then transition to sharing the economic benefits of modern infrastructure for local small businesses.

“I spent years growing small- and mid-sized businesses and nonprofits here in southeastern Pennsylvania, so I understand the importance of making sure our local economy supports working families,” said Houlahan. “But our families and businesses can’t succeed without reliable infrastructure. I hope our community will join us for a town hall to discuss how the newly passed infrastructure investments will bolster our small business competitiveness in and resilience to both global markets and domestic pressures like natural disasters.”

The first session at City Hall takes place Monday, March 28 at 9 – 9:45 a.m. and the second Monday, March 28 from 10 – 11 a.m. Parking is available at City Hall and in adjacent lots. Moderator will be James Logan, Coatesville City Manager.