We kicked off our week after Presidents’ Day with a stop at Tredyffrin Public Library where they told me how American Rescue Plan funds are helping expand the programs they offer. Led by the American Library Association’s ‘I Love My Librarian’ award winner, Laurie Doan, the library is using these new resources to support reading programs for kids, teens, and adults. Throughout these challenging times, our libraries have been community centers, learning spaces, PPE distributors, vaccination sites, and much more—I’m glad to see they have the resources they need to continue their important service to our community.

I traveled to East Brandywine to tour the new firehouse being built by the East Brandywine Fire Company. They explained how their new facility would deliver faster response times, better community meeting space, and expanded care services for firefighters and community members alike. This is dangerous work and important work, and I am so appreciative of our community’s first responders and their service.

My week continued with a visit to New Garden airport, where I discussed how infrastructure funding is an investment in all our airports, not just PHL. As a veteran of the Air Force, it was interesting to hear how New Garden supports those learning to fly (especially the next generation of aviators) and bolsters our local economy.

We stopped for lunch and a tour at the Creamery in Kennett Square when MSNBC’s Chuck Todd asked for an interview. I asked if we could do it from a local business and they said yes, so I got to check ‘live TV from a local beer garden’ off my Congressional bucket list. I’m so grateful to the folks at the Creamery for being such good sports, and for telling me how they’ve adapted their business throughout the pandemic.

We wrapped up a couple of busy days with a tour of Tick Tock Early Learning Center in Avondale. As a former educator, I loved meeting with the kids and exploring their classroom. I listened closely as they spoke about the staffing shortages they face and the challenges arising as more parents get back to work. The service they provide our community is so crucial and I promised to keep fighting for the resources they need to provide our kids with high quality care.

It was a full week of exploring our community, and there’s no other way I’d have it. Everything I learned along the way will help me be the best representative for our community that I can be. Now, as we look ahead to a busy week down in Washington, clear challenges remain both at home and abroad and I promise to keep you informed as things develop.

Tomorrow night, President Biden will be delivering his first State of the Union address and I want to know: Will you be watching?

As always, thank you for taking the time to read this message and for sharing your opinion with me. If you ever have questions, comments, concerns or suggestions, please feel free to contact my office. Stay safe—I hope to see you around soon.

Sincerely,