Legislative Update, Free smoke alarms available; CEC impresses at Capitol; Heating assistance expected to open Dec. 3

Rep. Tina Davis October 30, 2025 | 3:08 PM

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 safe outside.

The future looks bright

On Monday, I had the pleasure of meeting with student government leaders from Conwell-Egan Catholic High School at the Capitol, along with my colleague Rep. Joe Hogan. The students were participating in PA Capitol Students Engaged in Policy Day, where I also joined one of the sessions to discuss how policy decisions impact our communities. I was so impressed by the students’ thoughtful questions, leadership, and genuine interest in the legislative process — they truly represent the bright future of Bucks County.

Return your mail-in ballot or plan to vote on Election Day

With the General Election coming up on Tuesday, voters should make sure their voices are heard. If you’ve already received a mail-in or absentee ballot, it’s important to return it as soon as possible. Convenient drop box locations in Lower Bucks include:

Lower Bucks Government Services Center, 7321 New Falls Road, Levittown, PA 19055
Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library, 680 Radcliffe Street, Bristol, PA 19007

For the full list of drop box locations and hours across Bucks County, visit buckscounty.gov/1417/Official-Ballot-Drop-Boxes.

Important reminders:

The deadline to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot has passed, but ballots already in hand should be returned promptly.
Do not mail your ballot now — it may not arrive in time. Use a drop box instead.
Election Day is Tuesday. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
All mail-in and absentee ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.

Make sure your vote is counted by returning your ballot today or planning to vote in person on November 4.

Heating assistance expected to open Dec. 3

The Pennsylvania Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program for the 2025-26 season is expected to begin accepting applications on December 3. The Department of Human Services has not yet received the state’s federal LIHEAP allocation, which is currently being held up by the federal government shutdown.

LIHEAP is a federally funded program that provides payments directly to utility companies or home heating fuel providers for eligible households to help cover winter heating costs.

Additional resources and protections for residents:

Many electric and gas companies offer utility assistance programs for qualifying customers, which are available in addition to LIHEAP.
Pennsylvania’s winter utility shut off moratorium runs from December 1 through March 31. It prevents regulated utility services from being shut off for customers at or below 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, though it does not cancel outstanding bills.

Immediate assistance resources:

Visit PA Navigate at pa-navigate.org to find local resources.
Call 211 or visit www.pa211.org for local support.

My office will continue to provide updates about LIHEAP and other utility assistance resources through our social media channels and districtwide email communications as more information becomes available.

Pennsylvania takes legal action to ensure nutrition assistance program continues

Governor Josh Shapiro announced that Pennsylvania is joining 24 other states and D.C. in taking legal action in court to demand that available, Congressionally appropriated funds be used to continue the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits millions depend on.

SNAP is a federal program that provides financial assistance to help low- and no-income individuals and families purchase food. Nearly two million Pennsylvanians, many of whom live right here in Lower Bucks County, are not receiving SNAP benefits this week due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. These benefits provide critical support to families to put food on the table.

If you have questions or concerns about the federal government shutdown, please contact your federal representatives — Senators John Fetterman and Dave McCormick, and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick — for additional information or updates. If you need immediate food assistance, please call 2-1-1 or visit www.feedingpa.org or pa-navigate.org.

Help with Medicare

Medicare’s open enrollment period runs to December 7, and Medicare-eligible Pennsylvanians can take advantage of the Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight (Formerly APPRISE) program.

MEDI is a free program run by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging that helps older Pennsylvanians choose Medicare supplements based on their income and medical needs.

The Bucks County Area Agency on Aging’s Medi Counselors are available at our Green Lane office for appointments between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. every Tuesday.

To set up an appointment, call Bucks County AAA at (267) 880-5700 and use prompt No. 5.