Weekly update: Roads, grants, and more

Rep. Joseph Ciresi July 18, 2025 | 2:43 PM

Dear Neighbors,

Budget Update

The PA House of Representatives made a good faith effort on Monday to advance the budget and fulfill our obligations to Pennsylvanians by approving a budget bill.

A major issue is the SEPTA funding crisis. Without adequate funding, SEPTA will begin to make drastic cuts to service starting August 24th and eliminate 50 bus and 5 Regional Rail lines starting January 1, 2026.

I know how important SEPTA is to many of my constituents and we will continue to fight to preserve service at appropriate levels.

In a compromise with our Republican colleagues, we trimmed $1 billion from Gov. Shapiro’s original proposal. The bipartisan House vote was 105-97. We are serious about wrapping up negotiations so that we can pay for our obligations, such as education, roads, Medical Assistance, economic development, and much more.

Now, the budget is in the Senate’s hands.

SUN Bucks Distribution Begins Mid-July

Hunger doesn’t take a vacation. SUN Bucks helps offset the cost of groceries during the summer months when school is not in session.

This federally run program offers $120 per eligible child on a prepaid EBT card. Students currently receiving SNAP are automatically enrolled. If you are not enrolled in SNAP, you may still be eligible! Check eligibility, program resources, and get an application now at www.dhs.pa.gov/SUNBucks.

Note: Benefits for Summer 2025 will begin being issued to all eligible children in mid-July. Deadline to apply is Aug. 31st, 2025.

Summer EBT | Department of Human Services | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Veterans, need help finding your DD-214 or military records?

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veteran Affairs (DMVA) is here to assist veterans who have lost their DD Form 214 or other military documents. This crucial paperwork verifies your military service and is necessary to access benefits, retirement, employment opportunities, and veterans’ organizations.

If you need help locating your DD-214 or correcting it with DD-215, DMVA’s accredited veteran service officers are ready to support you. You can call toll free at 1-800-547-2838, or email RA-REQ@pa.gov.

Over 2,300 veterans have received help from DMVA in the past year – don’t wait to get the documents you need!

For more information or to sign up for the DMVA Veterans Registry, visit www.register.dmva.pa.gov.

Unlock your next opportunity with PA CareerLink

Whether you’re just starting out in the workforce, considering a career change, or seeking new skills, Pennsylvania’s PA CareerLink is here to help you land your next role at no cost.

PA CareerLink offers comprehensive job listings with thousands of openings across every industry in our region, one-on-one coaching that includes personalized resume reviews, interview preparation and career counseling, skills training and certifications through approved programs – from IT bootcamps to health care credentials – and a variety of workshops and job fairs, both in-person and virtual, where you can meet employers face-to-face.

Getting started is simple. Visit the PA CareerLink website, create a free account and upload your resume, then schedule an appointment at your nearest PA CareerLink center – virtual and in-office options are available.

PHMC Cultural & Historical Support Grants open through Aug. 22

The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission has opened applications for its 2025 Cultural and Historical Support Grants, aimed at strengthening museums and historical societies across the state. Now in its 13th year, the program has awarded nearly $26 million to help preserve Pennsylvania’s rich heritage and boost local economies.

Eligible museums and county historical societies can apply for general operating support through the Commonwealth’s Single Application for Assistance portal. The deadline is Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, at midnight.

Grant highlights:

Up to $65,000 for eligible museums (with budgets over $100K and at least one full-time staff member).
Up to $4,000 for official county historical societies.
Simple application process and geographic balance in funding.

Full details and guidelines are available on the PHMC website. As always, you can contact my office for assistance with any grant program or application process.

State Government Programs Accepting Applications

Click here to learn more.

Turn on Wireless Emergency Alerts!

Yes - they can be annoying, but in an emergency, they could save your life. Make sure that you haven't accidentally turned off emergency alerts on your phone.

Note: some Android users may need to look under Settings, then Safety & Emergency if you do not find it under Notifications settings.

PennDOT Update

Here is what to expect on Route 422 next week:

Monday, July 21, through Friday, July 25, from 4:00 PM to 5:00 AM the following morning, a lane closure is scheduled on eastbound U.S. 422 between the Armand Hammer Boulevard and Sanatoga (Evergreen Road) interchanges.
Monday, July 21, through Friday, July 25, from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM, a lane closure is scheduled on westbound U.S. 422 between Sanatoga (Evergreen Road) and Armand Hammer Boulevard interchanges.

Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling through the work areas because backups and delays will occur. All scheduled activities are weather dependent.