Federal Shutdown Resources

Rep. Joseph Ciresi October 31, 2025 | 3:57 PM

Dear Neighbor,

For those who serve in government, we sometimes find ourselves working to prevent bad situations from getting worse (natural disasters, recessions, consumer scams, etc.).

As the federal government shutdown enters its second month, we are faced with the reality of a pause in SNAP payments. Roughly 1-in-8 Americans receive nutritional assistance from the government to feed themselves and their families.

SNAP benefits will not be paid beginning early November. You will need make sure your case remains up to date for the new federal work reporting requirements that start November (and those already in effect). For more information, go here: https://dhs.pa.gov/work.

I want to thank the many restaurants, pantries, and churches for continuing to fill the gap. Below are additional resources to help you get through these times and stretch your food dollars.

Community Resources | TriCounty Community Network

MontCo Anti-Hunger Network - MontCo Anti-Hunger Network

Utilities Assistance

With LIHEAP being delayed – due to the federal government shutdown – some people may need help now with their PECO bill. Apply for PECO's Customer Relief Fund! Eligible customers can apply for $500 in assistance.

Head to https://www.peco.com/relief to check eligibility and apply.

Additionally, the Tri-County YWCA has partnered with United Way and PECO to offer a credit of up to $500 for those with accounts in arrears. Read more here to find out if you qualify.

The opening of the LIHEAP season has been postponed until Dec. 3. 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/.

Pennie Health Insurance

Pennie enrollees should expect an average increase of 21.5% to their premiums. During Open Enrollment for Pennie (Nov. 1 to Dec. 15), you can find a plan that best fits your budget. Visit pennie.com or call 1-844-844-8040 for assistance.

Need Help?
For immediate needs during the shutdown, use PA Navigate pa-navigate.org/ or call 211 or visit www.pa211.org.

Please contact my office for support with SNAP forms, finding local food resources, and more.

Governor Shapiro Takes Action to Support Pennsylvanians on SNAP, Increase Capacity Among Pennsylvania’s Charitable Food System

Gov. Josh Shapiro has announced immediate state action to support Pennsylvania families facing hunger due to the federal government shutdown, which halted November SNAP benefits for nearly 2 million Pennsylvanians. The governor is releasing $5 million in state funds to Feeding Pennsylvania for distribution through its statewide network of food banks and signed a disaster emergency declaration to expedite relief.

Since 2015, Pennsylvania’s PASS program has connected local farms to food banks, delivering fresh food to families in need. Under Gov. Shapiro, $11 million has already strengthened the charitable food network. Additionally, a private sector “SNAP Emergency Relief Fund” has raised over $1 million to meet surging demand.

Residents can support local food banks by donating or volunteering at the Pennsylvania state chapter of Feeding America.

Tell Your Senator to Act Now on the Budget

Believe me, every day that passes without a state budget is another day too long. I recognize that school districts, counties, and life-sustaining non-profits rely on state funding.

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

The Pennsylvania budget is months overdue, and hardworking families are paying the price. Your kids’ schools can’t afford books. Your county is cutting essential services that people rely on every day.

The PA House passed a responsible budget that addresses these problems without raising taxes. But Senate Republican leaders refuse to act—instead, they’re pointing fingers and deflecting blame for their own failures.

Tell Senate leaders enough is enough. It’s time to stand up for you and pass a budget that puts Pennsylvanians first.

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus | Take Action

Legislative Update

While we wait for the Republican-controlled Senate to get serious about state budget negotiations, my colleagues and I in the PA House have continued to do our job of advancing legislation to improve the lives of Pennsylvanians.

Here are just a few of the bills the House passed this week:

H.B. 1063 protects consumers by preventing scalpers from using “grinch bot” software to purchase items over the internet in bulk for the purpose of resale and not personal use.

H.B. 1512 provides consumers with the ability to repair their own electronics or have them repaired by independent repair technicians.
H.B. 1828 protects vaccine access by requiring that private insurers cover vaccines recommended by the PA Department of Health, which can draw upon the expertise of several professional medical societies for recommendations.
H.B. 443 allows hospital patients to take their unfinished medication home with them.
H.B. 1123 promotes early detection of colorectal cancer by lowering the age screenings are covered and updating the kinds of tests covered.
HB 1882 ensures reverse mortgage contracts are readable for older consumers by requiring larger print on the contract and disclosures.
HB 1862 makes it easier to get licenses for ignition interlock devices, which reduce recidivism among DUI offenders.

Route 422 Update

Here is what to expect on Route 422 next week:

Monday, Nov. 3, through Friday, Nov. 7, from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM, lane closures will be in place on westbound U.S. 422 between the Sanatoga (Evergreen Road) and Armand Hammer Boulevard interchanges.

Monday, Nov. 3, through Friday, Nov. 7, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, lane closures will be in place on eastbound U.S. 422 between the Armand Hammer Boulevard and Sanatoga (Evergreen Road) interchanges.

Monday, Nov. 10, through Monday, Dec. 1, South Sanatoga Road will be closed between Linfield Road and High Street for demolition of the westbound side of the bridge over U.S. 422. Motorists will be directed to use High Street, Evergreen Road, and Linfield Road.

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

Change Smoke and CO Alarm Batteries This Weekend

With Daylight Saving Time ending this weekend, the Office of the State Fire Commissioner reminds Pennsylvanians to change the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms at the beginning and end of Daylight Saving Time. Working alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by up to half.

Need a smoke alarm? You can request a free smoke alarm from the American Red Cross here.

Safety Tips:

Test alarms monthly and replace units every 10 years.
Make a home escape plan with two ways out of each room and a safe meeting place outside.
Assist children, older adults, or anyone who may need extra time to evacuate.
Call 9-1-1 once everyone is safely outside.

Student Opportunities

America250PA Semiquincentennial Scholarship Program

To commemorate America’s 250th anniversary and honor Pennsylvania’s strong commitment to education, America250PA will award $250,000 in scholarships to deserving Pennsylvania students attending in-state colleges next school year.

Any Pennsylvania high school senior planning to attend a college or university in Pennsylvania for the 2026–27 academic year is eligible to apply. Twenty-five scholarships of $10,000 each will be awarded.

Applications are due Jan. 31, 2026. More details, including matching opportunities from partner institutions, can be found here.