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Ciresi introduces legislation to prevent gift card scams

Rep. Joseph Ciresi

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At the Capitol: Legislation Passed this Week

(9 hours ago) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

Oct. 3 Read more

 

Ciresi introduces legislation to extend deadlines to appeal Turnpike ‘V-Tolls’

(10 hours ago) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, Oct. 3 –State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, this week introduced House Bill 1916 that would allow drivers at least six months to appeal E-ZPass video tolls and flat video tolls, also known as “v-tolls.” A v-toll is a flat $10 charge made by the Pennsylvania Turnpike to the account of an E-ZPass customer when their E-ZPass transponder was not read by the sensor at a toll booth or gantry. This can occur for a variety of reasons, including if the transponder is improperly installed or malfunctioning, or if there is a technical issue with turnpike sensors. “I’ve introduced this legislation to make sure drivers on the Pennsylvania Turnpike have the opportunity to correct mistakes on their E-ZPass statements and only have to pay what they should owe,” Ciresi said. “The shift to a cashless turnpike and the end of paper tickets and toll booth exit messages makes it less clear if you’re being charged correctly and your transponder is working. Giving drivers more time to appeal overcharges is the fair thing to do.” The Pennsylvania Turnpike began implementing all-electronic tolling in 2016, ending physical cash tolls in 2020 and launching Open Road Tolling in 2025. Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(1 day ago) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Agriculture: Farm-to-School Grant Program Who May Apply: A school district, school, charter school, private school or center with prekindergarten classes, kindergarten classes, elementary classes or middle school classes through the eighth grade that participates in a Federal child nutrition program Use: To educate prekindergartners through eighth graders and their families about the importance of choosing healthy, locally produced foods and to increase awareness of agriculture in this Commonwealth Funds: Up to $500,000 is expected to be available for the program Application Deadline: November 14, 2025 More information: PDA Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: DCED Website Department of Community and Economic Development: Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant Who May Apply: Technical and trade schools, school Read more

 

Ciresi’s legislation to expand access to simplified unclaimed property claims unanimously passes the House

(Oct 01, 2025) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi’s longstanding commitment to legislation making it easier and less expensive for Pennsylvanians to claim property that’s rightfully theirs, H.B. 1176, unanimously passed the PA House today. The legislation would: Increase the amount of unclaimed property that heirs can claim from the Pennsylvania Treasury using a notarized relationship affidavit from $11,000 up to $20,000. Raise the amount a financial institution may release to a family member of a deceased individual from $10,000 to $20,000 if the family member presents a receipt verifying funeral expenses have been paid. Redirect the estates of decedents who die with no will and no heirs to an endowed community fund near the place of the decedent’s last residence. The legislation included language from state Rep. Tim Bonner’s H.B. 167 and state Rep. Torren Ecker’s H.B. 1091, both of which were passed approved unanimously by the House Judiciary Committee earlier this year. “Look, millions of properties totaling more than $4 billion are currently sitting in the PA Treasury as unclaimed property because the process to claim it is just too challenging or too expensive -- or both,” Ciresi said. “Part of the reason the money is just sitting there is because we haven’t updated the $11,000 limit for simplified heir claims Read more

 

Ciresi serves up legislation for fresher school lunches

(Sep 30, 2025) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, Sept. 30 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, on Monday introduced legislation, H.B. 1890 , to create a pilot program to use scratch cooking in Pennsylvania public schools. The pilot program would have school cafeteria staff employ scratch cooking practices, which uses raw, whole ingredients, instead of pre-packaged or ultra-processed food, as the basis of school meals. “Scratch cooking offers our schools the chance to bring real food back to the lunch table,” Ciresi said. This pilot program would: Provide competitive grants to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) ready to expand or transition to scratch cooking in their cafeterias. Invest in training for food service staff and necessary cafeteria improvements. Gather data on costs, student participation, nutrition outcomes, and operational feasibility to guide future expansion. “At a time when obesity is rising across the country thanks in part to a national diet relying on ultra-processed foods, I consider teaching our kids the benefits of eating fresh food and encouraging the development of healthy eating habits as a fundamental part of the educational project here in Pennsylvania,” Ciresi said. Ciresi pointed to a 2024 study, the largest-ever review of studies about the dangers of diets high in ultra-processed foods, which linked them with increased risks for premature death, cardiovascular disease, mental health disorders, diabetes, obesity, and sleep Read more

 

RSVP to My Oct. 3rd Fraud Event

(Sep 26, 2025) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

Sept. 26 e-newsletter Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Sep 26, 2025) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Standardized Program Evaluation Protocol (SPEP) Implementation Who May Apply: Non-profit entities and institutions of higher education Use: To assess the quality of services provided to system-involved youth, support providers in creating and implementing quality improvement plans, and measure progress through follow-up evaluations. Funds: A total of $1,400,000 in state Violence and Delinquency Prevention Programs funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund one grant with a budget not to exceed $1,400,000 over the 18-month project period. Application Deadline: October 14, 2025 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Law Enforcement and Youth R/ED Training Who May Apply: Any organization that can demonstrate the ability to provide training and technical assistance to members of law enforcement interacting with youth in their communities, including, but not limited to, police, probation, and school personnel. Use: To provide training and technical assistance to law enforcement entities across the Commonwealth to improve interactions with youth in their communities. Funds: A total of $250,000 in federal Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund one grant with a budget not to exceed $250,000 over the two-year Read more

 

Ciresi to hold fraud event for area seniors, Friday, Oct. 3

(Sep 25, 2025) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

ROYERSFORD, Sept. 25 –State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, will host a fraud event for seniors, “Popular Scams and How to Avoid Them,” from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, Oct. 3 at the Royersford Free Public Library. “Our senior population is the biggest target for scams in Pennsylvania, so I wanted to help residents learn how to spot common scams to protect their finances,” Ciresi said. “I am grateful to Ambler Mayor Jeanne Sorg; Erin Cohen from Ambler Savings Bank; and Kate Kleinert from the AARP Consumer Task Force for their presentations that will provide our audience members with critical information and tools to help them safeguard their finances and prevent their lives from being upended by scammers.” At the event, Sorg will give a quick update on FraudSleuth, a property fraud profile feature with automatic alerts offered by the Montgomery County Recorder of Deeds. Cohen will give a presentation on check washing and business scams. Kleinert will give a talk on romance scams targeting the senior population. According to the FBI , millions of seniors each year are successfully targeted by scammers, to the tune of $3 billion in losses annually. Seniors are often targeted because they tend to be trusting, have savings, are homeowners and have good credit. “As the senior population in Pennsylvania grows, so does the problem of elder fraud,” Ciresi said. “I hope attendees come away with the knowledge Read more

 

Montgomery County federal, state and local officials protest SNAP cuts, changes

(Sep 24, 2025) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

POTTSTOWN, Sept. 23 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi and Sen. Art Haywood, both D-Montgomery, spoke today about the impact of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program changes and cuts in Montgomery County. “SNAP has for decades enabled low-income Pennsylvanians to put food on their families’ tables and supported our communities’ social health and economic stability,” Ciresi said. “At a time when food insecurity is growing in Montgomery County, the federal budget cuts and changes to SNAP will have an impact on our communities like that of an asteroid hitting earth. There’ll be a ground zero and then ripples outward from the impact. None of us will be unaffected.” Ciresi said food insecurity in Montgomery County is growing at the time the SNAP cuts are being enacted. According to Feeding America , 9.9% of Montgomery County’s population, or 85,500 people, were food insecure in 2023, and 40% of the population was below the SNAP threshold. According to a 2024 Montgomery County report, SNAP enrollment in Montgomery County had tripled, from 17,194 in 2004 to 62,700 in 2023. “At ground zero, it’s the 144,000 Pennsylvanians—430 in my district—who will lose 100% of their SNAP benefits. These food insecure people will now have to decide whether to eat or to spend their money on necessities—such as rent and utilities or transportation or even laundry detergent for clean clothes. “Next, Read more

 

Budget impacts + 422 updates

(Sep 19, 2025) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

Budget impacts + 422 updates Read more

 

Ciresi and Comitta introduce companion legislation to grow PA tourism

(Sep 10, 2025) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, Sept. 10 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and Sen. Carolyn Comitta, D-Chester, this week introduced companion legislation, H.B. 1852 and S.B. 994, which would increase support for the Tourism Promotion Fund to promote and market Pennsylvania’s desirability as a vacation location to out-of-state tourists. A long-time supporter of legislative initiatives to increase Pennsylvania’s visibility as a tourist destination, Ciresi said, “Investing in our tourism industry is a win-win for Pennsylvania. As one of our largest industries, tourism drives economies both big and small, creating family-supporting jobs throughout the state. The money from our tourism industry also goes back into the economy, supporting our festivals, performances, cultural events, and cultural and historical sites -- in addition to our restaurants, our hotels and more. When Pennsylvania’s tourism thrives, so does every aspect of life in the commonwealth, from corner to corner. “As Pennsylvania is at the center of America250's celebrations, we should seize the moment to expand our tourism efforts and maximize on the economic opportunities it will offer the commonwealth.” The Pennsylvania Tourism Office released a report last year showing that Pennsylvania welcomed 192.4 million visitors in 2022, generating $76.7 billion in economic impact, supporting 486,871 jobs, and contributing $4.7 billion in state and local taxes. “By expanding Read more

 

Ciresi visits The Goddard School of Royersford to promote pre-K education

(Sep 04, 2025) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

ROYERSFORD, Sept. 4 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today read to pre-K students at The Goddard School of Royersford to highlight the importance of early education on children’s development. “ Study after study has demonstrated that a quality early education is the foundation for a child’s social, psychological, and intellectual development,” Ciresi said. “If it weren’t for the education I received early in life, I wouldn’t be in the position I am in now to pay it forward as a state representative advocating for early education opportunities in Pennsylvania. I was happy to share my love of reading with the young learners at The Goddard School and applaud and support the school’s work educating our young residents.” “We were honored to welcome Representative Joe Ciresi to our school, and it was a wonderful opportunity for our students and teachers to engage with a community leader who values early childhood education,” said Samantha Mitkus, owner of The Goddard School of Royersford. “Events like these help our young learners feel seen and inspired while also affirming the vital role our educators play in shaping the future. We’re grateful for his support.” The Goddard School of Royersford serves local families seeking high-quality early childhood education for children ages six weeks to six Read more

 

Happy Labor Day weekend + Pothole update

(Aug 29, 2025) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

Happy Labor Day weekend + Pothole update Read more

 

Every Child Deserves Access to Quality Health Care

(Aug 18, 2025) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

Dear Neighbor, Between this weekend and Oct. 3, there are lots of community events to mark on your calendar. My staff and I look forward to seeing you! Upcoming Events Limerick Community Day This Saturday, Aug. 16, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. See you there! Other upcoming events: Read more

 

Price gouging of seniors

(Aug 13, 2025) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

ROYERSFORD, Aug. 13 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today released the following statement regarding proposed lot rate increases at the Willow Run manufactured housing community in Limerick Township: “The proposed rent increase at Willow Run is deeply troubling. Raising lot rents by over 50% with just a month’s notice – on top of already steep increases over the past several years – is not only unreasonable, but also disruptive and destabilizing for a community of seniors who deserve better. “These are Pennsylvanians who’ve built their lives, raised their families, and planned for retirement in a community they thought was safe and economical. This sudden spike threatens their ability to remain in their homes and maintain the stability they’ve worked for their entire lives. It’s not bad business – it’s bad policy, and it undermines the very idea of attainable housing for older adults. “I stand with the Willow Run community and demand this hike be delayed, re-evaluated, and scaled back immediately. I urge the owners to open direct communication with the community and develop a rent adjustment plan that is fair, gradual and transparent. Across Pennsylvania – the fifth-oldest state in the country – there are more than 2,000 mobile or manufactured home communities, and 21 right here in Montgomery County. Those in elected office cannot be Read more

 

National Night Out 2025 is August 5th!

(Aug 01, 2025) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

National Night Out 2025 is August 5th! Read more

 

Bridge Updates from the District

(Jul 25, 2025) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

Dear Neighbor, Transportation, specifically PennDOT, is one of the most common touchpoints between people and their state government. It is also one of the many reasons why I hope we will wrap up our state’s 2025-26 budget in the coming days (not weeks). Below is an update about the High Street Bridge that carries vehicles over Sprogel’s Run in Lower Pottsgrove: UPDATE The detour (no left on Sunnybrook Road) will be removed the week of August 4, according to Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) . Initial work is wrapping up on the eastern side of the bridge, which permits the termination of this inconvenient detour. Thank you for your patience. I have repeatedly emphasized the importance of moving quickly on these repairs, since this is a vital connection between Pottstown Borough and neighboring townships. Ambulances rush people to the local hospital, while fire trucks need reliable access with minimal detours. Crews will soon begin on the western side (pictured below). This bridge was constructed in 1910 and needs lots of work to ensure safety for travelers. At this time, it remains to be determined if a full replacement or rehabilitation will be selected. A design Read more

 

Weekly update: Roads, grants, and more

(Jul 18, 2025) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

Weekly update: Roads, grants, and more Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jul 17, 2025) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Main Street Matters (MSM) Who May Apply: Units of local government, redevelopment and/or housing authorities, nonprofits, economic development organizations, housing corporations, community development corporations, business improvement districts, neighborhood improvement districts, downtown improvement districts, and similar organizations incorporated as authorities. Use: A flexible tool for use in community and economic development for a variety of uses including planning activities, façade grant programs, business improvement grant programs, accessible housing programs, and district development grants. Funds: Individual grant awards vary depending on the type of grant. Application Deadline: August 31, 2025 More information: DCED Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP) Who May Apply: Municipalities and counties Use: Advance crisis intervention programs that target the risk factors likely to lead to gun violence and implement projects that support emerging issues and priorities adopted within its SCIP Funding Framework. Funds: A combined total of $4,071,291 in federal FY 2022-2023 and FY 2024 Byrne SCIP Local and Under $10K Share funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund approximately 20 grants with budgets not to exceed $200,000 over the Read more

 

Ciresi: Over $3.8 million secured for Montgomery County housing assistance, homelessness prevention, home modification programs

(Jul 14, 2025) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

ROYERSFORD, June 13 – Grants totaling $3.85 million assist Montgomery County residents with secure, permanent housing and give existing homeowners the resources needed to repair their aging homes were announced today by state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery. Read more

 

At the Capitol: Legislation Passed this Week
9 hours ago

Ciresi introduces legislation to extend deadlines to appeal Turnpike ‘V-Tolls’
10 hours ago

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
1 day ago

Ciresi’s legislation to expand access to simplified unclaimed property claims unanimously passes the House
Oct 01, 2025

Ciresi serves up legislation for fresher school lunches
Sep 30, 2025

RSVP to My Oct. 3rd Fraud Event
Sep 26, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Sep 26, 2025

Ciresi to hold fraud event for area seniors, Friday, Oct. 3
Sep 25, 2025

Montgomery County federal, state and local officials protest SNAP cuts, changes
Sep 24, 2025

Budget impacts + 422 updates
Sep 19, 2025

Ciresi and Comitta introduce companion legislation to grow PA tourism
Sep 10, 2025

Ciresi visits The Goddard School of Royersford to promote pre-K education
Sep 04, 2025

Happy Labor Day weekend + Pothole update
Aug 29, 2025

Every Child Deserves Access to Quality Health Care
Aug 18, 2025

Price gouging of seniors
Aug 13, 2025

National Night Out 2025 is August 5th!
Aug 01, 2025

Bridge Updates from the District
Jul 25, 2025

Weekly update: Roads, grants, and more
Jul 18, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jul 17, 2025

Ciresi: Over $3.8 million secured for Montgomery County housing assistance, homelessness prevention, home modification programs
Jul 14, 2025