Hello Neighbor,

In our newsletter, you will find legislative information and updates from Upper Moreland, Lower Moreland, Bryn Athyn, Hatboro, and Abington, along with information about state-related programs and services.

We have some exciting events coming up around the district, so be sure to stay informed through my newsletter and social media. As always, feel free to call our office at 215-259-5962 for help with state services or send me an email at RepGuenst@pahouse.net.

Follow me on social media for daily updates:

Instagram- @repguenst

Facebook- Rep. Nancy Guenst 

OFFICE CLOSURE FOR VETERANS EXPO

Our office will be closed on Friday, September 19th

for our joint Veterans Expo. We will re-open on

Monday, September 22nd at 9am.

SEPTA Restores Full Service and Implements Fare Increases

SEPTA restored full service for all Bus routes, Metro, and Regional Rail lines – effective Sunday, September 14th.  Planned fare increases also were instituted as of the 14th and fare information is available here:

https://wwww.septa.org/news/restored-service-schedules/.

In response to the prolonged state budget impasse and with no foreseeable resolution to the statewide transit funding crisis, SEPTA took the unprecedented step last Friday of requesting one-time permission to use its state capital assistance to close a $213 million annual operating budget deficit for the next two years. With PennDOT’s approval of this request, and additional revenue from increased fares, SEPTA can reverse the 20% systemwide service cuts that went into effect on August 24.

This is not a solution to SEPTA’s structural budget deficit, nor does it provide new state funding. The finite capital dollars that are being used are already budgeted for SEPTA infrastructure projects, and SEPTA will delay nearly $400 million in projects and vehicle procurements without any commitment that these funds will be replaced.  SEPTA’s current 12-year Capital Program adopted in June already required $1.8 billion in infrastructure and vehicle projects (44 in all) to be deferred or descoped.

I hope that the Senate will continue to work with the House to pursue a statewide transit funding plan that will provide a sustainable long-term transit funding solution for ALL Pennsylvania transit agencies.

Covid Vaccines Available After Vote

Due to a recent vote by the Pennsylvania Board of Pharmacy, providers are now authorized to follow guidance from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to administer the COVID-19 vaccine.

This change will allow pharmacies like CVS and others to provide the vaccine after they initially were hesitant to. 

The COVID-19 vaccine is one of the most effective tools we have to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities. It dramatically reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death, while also helping slow the spread of the virus. 

Abington Township Honors First Responders for Work During SPS Fire

I was honored to be invited to a special reception hosted by Abington Township and SPS Technologies, honoring the first responders whose quick and decisive actions earlier this year helped to contain the SPS Technologies fire without harm to other properties as well as prevent casualties within the structure. There could have been a significantly worse outcome had it not been for the commitment, determination, and heroic actions of the township firefighters, police officers, and public works responders.

We all thank our first responders for their swift actions and dedication to their job. The recognition they received was most deserved and we thank them for their service.

Ribbon Cutting at The Norristown Wardrobe

Last Tuesday, I attended a ribbon cutting for The Norristown Wardrobe, a non-profit organization providing clothing and support services to Montgomery County residents that operates out of the Senior Adult Activities Center. They offer clothing appointments, educational workshops, and a resale store open to the public. The Norristown Wardrobe is a place that can outfit community members affordably and empower them to look and feel their best without breaking the bank. From casual clothes to professional wear, the Wardrobe makes sure that everyone, no matter their financial status, can look their best when interviewing for a job or heading to work.

The Norristown location is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11am to 6pm.

Willow Grove NAACP Unity Day and Shred Event in Horsham

This weekend was busy with district events! We held a Free Shredding Event with Rep. Melissa Cerrato’s office at the Workspace Office Parking Lot in Horsham.  Many residents came with their boxes of shredding as well as donations of non-perishable food to help support local food banks. Thanks to everyone who volunteered to make this a successful event!

My office also attended the annual Unity Day event sponsored by the Willow Grove NAACP. It was well attended, and we were able to chat with several residents about state-related topics. It was a beautiful day, and we enjoyed being out and about with the community, supporting such an amazing organization.

SEPTA Senior Fare Card Event

Along with Senator Maria Collett, we will be hosting a SEPTA Senior Fare Card Clinic on Thursday, October 16th from 10am-12pm at the Huntingdon Valley Library

on Red Lion Road.

You must be 65+ on or before October 16th in order to apply for the

SEPTA Senior Fare Card.

Please bring your valid License or ID and be prepared to get your picture taken! No cards will be given out on site. SEPTA will mail the card directly to your home

in 3-4 weeks.

If you are a senior and haven’t gotten your SEPTA Senior Fare Card – this is an event you won’t want to miss!

Family Fall Fair

Mark your calendars and join us for our first-ever Family Fall Fair! We are so excited to host this exciting event for residents and families in our district. There will be fun children’s activities and games, vendors, local resources, snacks, crafts, and more!

We hope that you will join us on October 4th from 2pm-4pm in the field behind Upper Moreland Middle School - 4000 Orangemans Road, Hatboro, PA 19040.

Veterans Expo

Mark your calendars and join me, Rep. Brian Munroe, and Rep. Melissa Cerrato at our Veterans Expo on THIS FRIDAY, September 19th from 11am-2pm! This event is for veterans and will be held at the VE Club - 130 Davisville Road in Warminster. 

There will be several veteran-related vendors to help with support and resources as well as VA representatives. A free lunch will be served to all of those in attendance.

Registration is required so please call Rep. Munroe’s office at 215-323-6997 to register today. You can also register by scanning the QR code below or clicking the following link:

https://www.pahouse.net/munroe/RSVP/?id=1733.

If you're a veteran, this is one event you won’t want to miss! I hope to see you there!

Veterans Service Hours

We are proud to offer Veterans Service Hours every second Thursday to assist veterans with a variety of issues – including but not limited to Compensation and Pension Claims, Education Benefits, State Benefits, and Burial and Survivor Benefits.

A department service officer will be on site. Reach out to our office at 215-259-5962 to make a one-hour appointment. Call to make your appointment today!