Dear Friends,

Whether hosting a town hall in West Chester, celebrating small businesses in Reading, or taking a stroll through historic Longwood Gardens with my family, I love being home in Pennsylvania. Congress wasn't in session in August, so I got to meet with many of you at work, at school, and out in the community. I'd love to share the highlights with you.

As an entrepreneur myself, I know that most jobs in our community are created by small businesses. That's why I elected to serve as the national co-chair of Congressional Startup Day, which recognized the significant impact small businesses have on Pennsylvania's economy. For our economy to continue to grow, it is vital to bring good paying jobs to our community. In case you missed it, my Labor Day op-ed talks about how DC must continue to fight for the American worker.

I'm urging House leaders to protect federal workers' collective bargaining rights. I'm also fighting for the Pro Act, a bill I've cosponsored that protects and expands the rights of workers to form unions, to be voted on in Congress. I am constantly inspired by the business leaders and workers I've gotten to meet in our community, and I promise to keep bringing your ideas to Washington and fight for you.

Everywhere I go, I hear from members of our community who are concerned they won't be able to afford their health care. Last week, I spent an evening with residents of the Kendal Retirement Community discussing ways to increase benefits for seniors and lower the cost of prescription drugs. I also had the pleasure of visiting B'nai B'rith International in Reading and learning more about the housing services they provide to low-income seniors.

As we discuss improving health care for all Americans, we must recognize the groundbreaking work happening right here at home. At Temple University Health Center, I learned how they are using advanced technology to treat diseases like Parkinson's. I also met with doctors at the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute to see how new treatments are helping patients in Malvern and beyond. 

In honor of the contributions of the mushroom industry for our economy, I just introduced a House Resolution acknowledging and celebrating National Mushroom Day. Back home in the district, I also welcomed Farmers For Free Trade to my office to discuss the effect trade policy has on the local agriculture community. We must ensure that any trade agreement takes into account the needs of farmers in Pennsylvania.

Rep. Houlahan leads Family Story Time at Tredyffrin Public Library and hears from facilitators how Congress can better support summer education opportunities for kids.