Fed govt shutdown impacts SNAP, LIHEAP; State budget impasse

Rep. Joseph Ciresi October 24, 2025 | 1:41 PM

Dear Neighbor,

In this week’s update, you’ll find:

Local events leading up to Halloween
SNAP and LIHEAP impacts from federal shutdown
State grants
State budget impasse continues

Our community is stronger because of the various non-profit organizations that support our workforce, seniors, and youth.

The Tri-County YWCA is one of them, and this Saturday, the YW is hosting their annual block party on King Street (between N. Charlotte and N. Evans). Come check it out between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.! My staff will have a table, along with over 50 vendors.

Other local happenings

Royersford Dog Parade – Victory Park, Saturday, Oct. 25, 1 to 3 p.m.
Limerick Community Park Trunk or Treat – Saturday, Oct. 25, 12 to 3 p.m.
Got broken stuff? Bring it to the Repair Cafe at the Royersford Baptist Church (452 S Lewis Rd, Royersford) Saturday, Oct. 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Skilled volunteers will help you fix it for free!
Ricketts Center Trunk or Treat – Wednesday, Oct. 29, 4 to 6 p.m.

Tell Your Senator to Act Now on the Budget

Tell your Senator it’s long past time to get back to work and pass a budget that helps YOU.

The PA budget is MONTHS overdue and people like you are suffering. Your kids’ school can’t afford books. Your county is cutting services people depend on.

The PA House passed a budget that solves these problems – without raising taxes. The PA Senate Republican leaders won’t work – they’re only pointing fingers and trying to deflect blame away from their failures. The budget bill the Senate passed this week is a “cut and paste” from the current fiscal year and is not an honest attempt at compromise.

Tell your Senator enough is enough. Tell your Senator to stand up for you.

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus | Take Action

GOP-led government shutdown delays 2025-26 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Season to December

Because of the Republican-led government shutdown, Pennsylvania is being forced to delay LIHEAP—vital home-heating assistance for 300,000 families—by a full month. If you need help heating your home this winter, here's a list of utility companies' assistance programs.

https://www.puc.pa.gov/about-the-puc/consumer-education/utility-assistance-programs/.

Additionally, Pennsylvania’s annual winter utility shutoff moratorium runs from December 1 through March 31 and prevents utilities—including electricity and gas services—from being shut off for customers of regulated utility companies whose income is at or below 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. While this moratorium prevents shutoffs during the coldest months of the year, it does not cancel a customer’s outstanding home-heating bills. LIHEAP funding remains essential for individuals who need assistance keeping their homes heated.

For immediate needs during the shutdown, Pennsylvanians can use PA Navigate pa-navigate.org/ to help find resources. Local help is also available by calling 211 or visiting www.pa211.org.

Please note: LIHEAP Cash preseason applications are still being accepted, but payments and notices will not be sent until the federal shutdown ends, according to DHS. Preseason applications are mailed directly to households with an invitation to apply early.

Government Programs

SNAP Will Run Out of Money Soon

SNAP will run out of money at the end of October unless the Republican Congress and President Trump act to fund it. The Commonwealth cannot backfill these costs.

Despite the ongoing shutdown, SNAP recipients with unspent funds on their EBT cards will still be able to use these funds. SNAP benefits do not expire at the end of each month and are able to be spent for a calendar year. DHS strongly encourages SNAP recipients to keep their card locked with the ConnectEBT app or website to protect their benefits when the card is not in use.

DHS will continue to process applications for SNAP and other benefits during the shutdown. Recipients should continue to report case changes, submit any semi-annual reviews or renewals they receive during this period, and update their cases for the new federal work reporting requirements that start November 1 to not risk an interruption of their benefits in the future.

For immediate needs during the shutdown, Pennsylvanians can use PA Navigate pa-navigate.org/ to help find food and other resources. Local help is also available by calling 211 or visiting www.pa211.org. Pennsylvanians can also visit www.feedingpa.org to find local food banks and other food assistance programs.

State Grant Program Funding Available

The latest grant opportunities from the state have been released! My office is happy to connect you with government funding opportunities like these, so please reach out if you have any questions or need a letter of support.