Legislative Update, No tax increase state budget finalized; SNAP update; Upcoming road project

Rep. Tina Davis November 14, 2025 | 10:34 AM

We have a budget

At long last, Pennsylvania has a balanced, bipartisan budget. I voted for this plan because it pays our bills, supports every child in every school across Lower Bucks County, preserves essential services, prevents layoffs, and does not raise taxes.

Helping Working Pennsylvanians:

Putting more money back in the pockets of working families with a Working Pennsylvanian Tax Credit – anyone who qualifies for the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit would automatically qualify for a state-level tax credit of 10% of the federal credit when filing state taxes.
That means anywhere from $400 to more than $1,000 back for working families with kids.
Ensuring families can afford to care for their loved ones as prices continue to rise.
Investing $25 million in quality childcare workers, supporting the people who take care of our children every day.

This budget also:

Makes sure Bucks County, Bristol Township, and Bristol Borough won’t be forced to lay off the hardworking people who keep our communities running.
Increases school funding, ensuring those dollars reach districts like Bristol Borough and Bristol Township so every child has the tools to succeed.
Gives people in crisis somewhere to turn.
Fixes roads and bridges, protects our air and water, and supports local businesses that invest in our communities.

This budget creates jobs, invests in kids, protects seniors, and stands up for taxpayers today and in the future.

SNAP Update

Following a federal court order issued on November 6 requiring the federal government to distribute SNAP benefits, the Shapiro Administration began working to issue payments to Pennsylvanians who had been waiting the longest. However, the federal government appealed the decision, and while the state was processing payments on Friday night, the U.S. Supreme Court temporarily paused those payments.

The federal government shutdown has now ended, and the Shapiro Administration is continuing to gather information on how the shutdown may have affected SNAP operations. At this time, SNAP payments remain on hold pending further direction from the courts. The Administration will move quickly to distribute benefits once a ruling is issued. Pennsylvanians who have already received benefits on their EBT cards can continue to use them, as the federal government has not indicated any restrictions on the use of existing funds to purchase food.

Newportville Road to close Dec. 1-12

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission will begin bridge construction on Newportville Road in Bristol and Bensalem townships, beginning Dec. 1 with construction running through Dec. 12.

During this period, Newportville Road will be closed and detoured 24/7 between Zimmerman Lane and New Falls Road. Motorists will be directed to use Zimmerman Lane and New Falls Road during the closure.

Local access will be maintained. Motorists should allow extra travel time when driving near the work area, as backups and delays are expected. All activities are weather dependent.

Keeping Bucks County Safe & Informed on the Road

Two important programs are helping drivers and first responders communicate better and stay safe: the Blue Envelope Program and the Yellow Dot Program.

The Blue Envelope Program is a new countywide initiative designed to help drivers with autism or other communication challenges feel safer during traffic stops. Participants keep their license, registration, and insurance card inside a bright blue envelope, which signals to officers that the driver may need additional time or clear, direct communication. The program promotes understanding and helps reduce stress during these interactions.

The Yellow Dot Program assists first responders in the event of a crash or medical emergency. By keeping a complete Yellow Dot kit in your glove compartment and placing the matching sticker on your vehicle’s rear window, emergency personnel can quickly access your vital medical information—even if you’re unable to communicate.

Both the Blue Envelope and Yellow Dot materials are available at the Bristol Township and Bristol Borough Police Departments, as well as at our office at 3611 Green Lane in Levittown. These programs are free, voluntary, and designed to enhance communication and safety for everyone on the road.

?? Learn more and sign up:
?? Blue Envelope: https://bucks.crimewatchpa.com/da/29567/post/da-jennifer-schorn-announces-launch-county-wide-blue-envelope-program-initiative
?? Yellow Dot: https://www.pa.gov/services/penndot/sign-up-for-the-yellow-dot-safety-program

Give your child a head start with Keystone Scholars

The Pennsylvania Treasurer’s Office recently announced a special November incentive for families. Parents who claim their child’s $100 Keystone Scholars scholarship this month and open and link a PA 529 College and Career Savings account will receive an additional $50 — for a total of $150 in education savings to get started!

Every child born in Pennsylvania since 2019 is eligible for Keystone Scholars. These funds grow over time and can be used after the child’s 18th birthday for college, community college, technical training, apprenticeships, or credential programs.

Families are encouraged to keep saving with the tax-advantaged PA 529 program.

To learn more or claim a child’s scholarship, visit pa529.com/keystone or contact my district office for assistance.

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.