State Supreme Court picks Democrat-backed map for Congressional districts

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa The new Sixth District, which looks much like the old 6th. The State Supreme Court ruled Wednesday a Democratic backed “Carter Plan” district map should be used for the 2022 Congressional elections, rejecting a Republican proposal — and likely sending the the dispute to the federal courts, as happened in 2018, when Republicans lost a...

County, community work together on use of American Recovery Act funds

Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz (center), Josh Maxwell (center left) and Michelle Kichline (center right) welcome the county’s ARPA advisory committee members to the inaugural meeting. A committee of volunteers has begun work to create a system that prioritizes, requests, and reviews proposals for Chester County’s share of American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The committee...

United Way calls for state Earned Income Tax Credit

While many Chester County residents have returned to the workforce, they still face a variety of economic challenges such as rising food, housing, utility, transportation and childcare costs. A state Earned Income Tax Credit would be a good first step to providing relief to working Pennsylvanians. Our Chester County Delegation, along with the rest of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, and Governor...

Commissioners, legislators meet with school officials to address student mental health

Dr. George F. Fiore, Executive Director of the CCIU, speaks to legislators and superintendents. Chester County’s school superintendents shared their concerns regarding the increased demand for mental health services for students with state and county elected officials at a special information session held at the Chester County Intermediate Unit on February 2, 2022.    Organized by Pennsylvania...

Health services task force formed at cope with hospital closures

With Tower Health’s closure of Jennersville Hospital on December 31, and the closure of Brandywine Hospital’s doors today, The Alliance for Health Equity (The Alliance), formerly the Brandywine Health Foundation, has announced the formation of the Health Services Leadership Group Task Force. The group, made up of leaders representing nearly 20 local and county organizations, will develop strategies...

County seeks volunteers for USA 250th commission

The Chester County Commissioners took the first step last week toward planning the county’s celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday in 2026. The first order of business: the establishment of the America250PA Chester County Commission. “We have so much to be proud of in Chester County including the contributions we have made and continue to make to America’s history,” said Chester County...

Parents don’t have — and shouldn’t have — the only voice in public education

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa I hate to break it to you, but parents don’t — and shouldn’t — get the last word when it comes to public education. Should parents have some say? Sure, and they do (arguably an outsized voice already), but they are far from the only constituency school districts and school boards have to balance to truly represent the greater community. The...

CCIU’s Holiday Hope Chest helps more 550 Chester County families

Holiday Hope Chest items that were available at TCHS Brandywine for Chester County families in need. DOWNINGTOWN — The holidays were a little brighter for Chester County families thanks to the students and staff from all three Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) Technical College High School (TCHS) campuses, the Child and Career Development Center (CCDC) and the Holiday Hope Chest program. The...

CCEDC: County economy in ‘terrific’ shape

“How are we doing in Chester County when it comes to the economy? Oh baby, we’re doing terrific,” said Patti Brennan as she shared expert insights for 2022 at the Chester County Economic Development Council’s 18th Annual Economic Outlook. Brennan, the President and CEO of Key Financial, Inc. who has been named a Hall of Fame Advisor by Dow Jones & Company’s Barron’s, was joined...

County announces two new COVID testing sites

With COVID case counts in Chester County at record highs, the county’s Health Department is moving to add testing sites, while asking residents to report positive “at home” test results. They also remind everyone that vaccinations and booster shots remain available for free from the Health Department. Officials with the Chester County Health Department (CCHD) announced the latest...