Helping Pennsylvanians secure their future

Rep. Liz Hanbidge May 23, 2025

PA Representative Liz Hanbidge banner image

Dear Friends,

While it can be frustrating that some of the bills we pass grab headlines and attract undue attention, like making the Hershey Kiss the commonwealth's official candy, I feel it is imperative to mention that we continue to work in a bipartisan fashion in the House to accomplish real change to benefit our constituents. Last week, we passed a number of bills to protect consumers and expand economic opportunities for all Pennsylvanians. This week I plan to discuss a few of those bills.

Elevated mortgage rates and other financial factors are impacting the number of Pennsylvanians who can afford to buy homes. House Bill 818, which I co-sponsored, will allow for the creation of first-time Homebuyers Savings Accounts in Pennsylvania. The number of first-time homebuyers in the commonwealth has fallen drastically and these accounts will allow first-time homebuyers to deposit money into a designated savings account exclusively for the purpose of purchasing their first home. Account owners would be able to deduct the money they save from their state income tax much like they can with PA 529 account investments. Money deposited into such accounts could be used to pay the down payment and closing costs for the purchase of a single-family home in Pennsylvania.

The prime sponsor of the bill, Rep. Bizzarro, commented, “we estimate that this legislation could help up to 4,000 more people buy their first home in Pennsylvania each year, which would mean great things for our economy and communities.” Per the bill’s co-sponsorship memorandum, “the share of first-time homebuyers in the national home sale market has fallen from 45 percent to just 32 percent...[and] it is estimated that this type of savings account program in Pennsylvania could result in an annual increase of up to 4,000 home purchases within the state. The result would be an overall positive impact on Pennsylvania’s economy, spurring additional economic activity, job creation, and earnings for households. It’s estimated that the economic impact could range between $7.8 million to $68.8 million.” The bill passed the House 183-20 and now sits in the Senate. The tax protections offered by these accounts would help bring more people into the commonwealth and help more residents remain here. I consider this bill not only down payment help for first-time home-buying Pennsylvanians, but also a down payment on our economic future.

Another bill aimed at addressing the impact of rising mortgage rates is House Bill 1103 which amends our mortgage loan industry licensing and consumer protection statute to allow mortgage lenders to offer discount points to borrowers to lower their interest rate and monthly payments. The bill would put us in line with 45 other states who offer such opportunities to allow mortgagees more options to protect their asset. Per the prime sponsor of the bill, Rep. Cephas, D-Phila., those with existing mortgages would have greater ability to access equity in their home without disturbing older, lower interest rates on consumers’ first-lien mortgages, allowing consumers to consolidate high-interest rate debt or to fund renovations for their home. Bills like this keep money in Pennsylvanian’s pockets and let them build their wealth and for their future. This bill, which I co-sponsored, passed unanimously.

Finally, another bill I co-sponsored, House Bill 1263, establishes the Keystone Saves Program; a state-administered, voluntary, retirement program for individuals whose employers do not provide a retirement plan. As I mentioned when discussing the bill when it passed the House last year as HB577, many Pennsylvanians lack access to retirement savings programs which means that many are not saving and we as a society are at a crossroads when it comes to adequately saving for retirement. A report by the Retirement Security Task Force warned that without intervention, the needs of Pennsylvanians not adequately prepared for retirement could add an average of $1 billion annually to the state budget over the next 15 years. The Keystone Saves Program would allow for automatic payroll deductions to go towards an IRA administered by the state Treasurer's Office to promote greater retirement savings access for covered employees in a convenient and low-cost manner. More than two million Pennsylvania workers currently have no opportunity to save for retirement at their place of employment and this bill can empower them to do so. The bill passed on a party line vote.

All three of these bills now sit with the Senate and I hope that if any of them resonate with you, you consider sharing your support with your State Senator.

I want to thank everyone who went to the polls this week and made their voices heard. It is so important that you vote in every election! I want to especially thank the members of our community who served as poll volunteers and inside poll workers. For many of them, it is a very long and thankless day and they deserve more appreciation than I can express. For those who ran, regardless of outcome, thank you for putting yourselves out there to serve our community.

I also want to invite you to my upcoming legislative town hall, on May 29, from 6 p.m. -7:30 p.m. at Montgomery County Community College (enter off Cathcart Road and follow the signage). I look forward to updating our communities on state services and programs, legislative initiatives and community issues.

Please note that my office will be closed Friday, May 23 at noon and Monday, May 26 in observance of Memorial Day. I wish you a safe and healthy weekend, as we reflect on the lives of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

UPCOMING OFFICE EVENTS

??Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Month! ????

This May, my office is recognizing outstanding teachers in the North Penn and Wissahickon School Districts, and we need your help!

If you know a teacher who deserves to be recognized, send us their:
?? First and last name.
?? Grade, subject, and school they teach (or taught) at.
?? A few words on why they’re making a difference.

Email your nomination to RepHanbidge@pahouse.net and help us show appreciation for the educators who inspire students every day!

Spring Blood Drive with the American Red Cross June 16, 2025

Last year, my mother passed away from a blood cancer known as Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Throughout the course of her treatment, she relied on the kindness of blood donors to aid in her fight. Seeing my mother’s need for donor blood opened my eyes to the high number of individuals reliant on donor blood and platelets. Did you know that every 2 seconds a person in the United States needs blood or platelets? And did you know that only 3% of eligible people donate blood? To spread awareness, I have created a resolution that would recognize June 14, 2025, as World Blood Donor Awareness Day. This day is already observed worldwide, but this resolution would highlight the need for donor blood right here in Pennsylvania. To sign up to donate, please click here.

Mitzvah Circle and Manna on Main Street Donation Drive

My office is accepting donations of food and clothing on behalf of Manna on Main Street and Mitzvah Circle.

Now, more than ever, we must do what we can to assist the most vulnerable in our communities as the need is so great. Please click the links to view what Manna on Main Street and Mitzvah Circle are currently seeking. Donations may be dropped off at my district office Monday-Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Thank you for your continued generosity!

Manna: https://mannaonmain.org/give-food/what-is-needed/

Mitzvah: https://mitzvahcircle.org/donate-items/