Dear Neighbor,

Are You Ready to Vote?

So much of your daily life is impacted by local government, which is why it’s important to vote on Election Day, Nov. 4, and have a say in who will advocate for you on issues ranging from local taxes and public safety to housing and land use.

Get the lowdown on candidates running in your municipal elections here: Municipal Elections 101: Township supervisors, borough and city council members are on Pa.’s November ballot | WPSU.

Are you registered to vote? Check here: registered to vote pa - Search.

You can register to vote here: Register to Vote | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The deadline for registering to vote is Oct. 20, 2025.

If you have any questions, please call 1.877.VOTESPA (1.877.868.3772).

Update on the Budget Town Hall at TRAAC

A huge thank you to everyone who came out for my and Rep. Paul Friel’s town hall in Pottstown on Wednesday, co-hosted with the Pottstown chapter of the NAACP. It was invigorating to see such passionate community engagement and thoughtful, respectful debate about how the federal and state budgets impact people’s lives.

The Mercury published an article recapping the discussion.

While the event was not live-streamed, one question from the audience centered around the cost of their insurance if the federal budget does not extend the Affordable Care Act’s premium tax credits, which are set to expire this year. Premiums are expected to roughly double, on average, for the 24 million people enrolled in plans under the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance marketplaces.

My answer: The economy is very tough for everyone right now, with flat-lined salaries unable to meet the rising cost of living. When premiums go up, it is expected that healthier people will drop their insurance, and insurance companies will in turn raise premiums even more for those still insured who are more likely to get sick and need expensive health care. These premium hikes will have an especially devasting impact on our seniors.

The 496,000 customers of Pennsylvania’s healthcare marketplace, Pennie, will see their premiums rise by 21%, on average, with some rising to 38%.

What’s at stake in Pennsylvania: Just as at the federal level, Republicans in the State Senate are holding up our budget, depriving our schools, municipalities, and safety-net programs of much-needed funding. Last week, the House passed our third bipartisan state budget, yet Senate Republicans are nowhere to be found. It’s time for them to show leadership and return to the table. The people of Pennsylvania can’t afford to wait any longer.

Learn more:
https://www.pahouse.net/Ciresi/InTheNews/NewsRelease/?id=140635

Barbara, a Pottstown constituent, asked a question related to cutbacks and cost-of-living.

Sunday Shredding Event

Reminder: Our next shredding event is this Sunday at Pottsgrove High School, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., or until the truck is full (the Eagles kick off at 1 p.m.). Please use the entrance off Kauffman Road.

As always, thanks to Lower Pottsgrove Township for co-hosting this event!

Are you still eligible for SNAP benefits?

Reminder: If you receive SNAP food benefits, please be aware of recent changes to the program. Most adults must work at least 20 hours per week to remain eligible for SNAP. If you cannot verify that you meet this requirement, your SNAP benefits may be limited to just three months within a three-year period.

There are exemptions in the law that allow some people to maintain their benefits, and PA’s Department of Human Services can help you navigate these changes. For more information, visit the DHS Website or call them at 800-692-7462.

Every Child Deserves Access to Quality Healthcare

The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is Pennsylvania’s program that provides health insurance for children and teens who need it. It’s not only for families with low incomes—some parents may think their children don’t qualify for CHIP because they earn too much, but that’s not the case.

CHIP covers uninsured kids and teens up to age 19 who are not eligible for Medical Assistance. Apply today: chipcoverspakids.com.

Support Domestic Violence Prevention Month

October is Domestic Violence Prevention Month. Pennsylvania offers free resources, services, and support for victims and survivors of domestic violence, and I want to make sure you know they are available.

You can find more information from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services here.

Royersford Borough road closure & PennDOT

CSX will be performing track maintenance in Royersford next week, resulting in road and lane closures. Local access will be maintained at all times.

Main Street Closure in Royersford Borough

• Dates: Monday, October 20, through Thursday, October 23
• Time: 24/7
• Location: Main Street closed between First Avenue and Second Avenue
• Detour: Motorists will be directed to use Main Street, Bridge Street, Route 724 (Schuylkill Road), Linfield Road, and Lewis Road

U.S. 422 Lane Closures

• Westbound U.S. 422: Monday, October 20 – Friday, October 24, 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM, between Sanatoga (Evergreen Road) and Armand Hammer Boulevard interchanges
• Eastbound U.S. 422: Monday, October 20 – Friday, October 24, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, between Armand Hammer Boulevard and Sanatoga (Evergreen Road) interchanges
• Both Directions: Saturday, October 25, 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM, between Armand Hammer Boulevard and Sanatoga (Evergreen Road) interchanges

The weekday closures will set up a traffic shift, and the Saturday work will complete the shift. Westbound traffic will be moved to the median area to allow PennDOT’s contractor to complete westbound reconstruction under Stage 3 of the project.

Travel Advisory: Motorists should allow extra time when traveling through these areas, as backups and delays are expected. All scheduled activities are weather dependent.