We need a balanced budget now; the House Fellowship Program opens for applications, and more

Rep. Leanne Krueger August 19, 2025 | 1:13 PM

PA Representative Leanne Krueger banner image

Dear Neighbor,

As summer comes to a close and a new school year begins, I want to take a moment to wish all of our students, teachers, and school staff the very best for the year ahead. A new school year brings fresh opportunities, challenges, and growth, and I hope it is filled with meaningful learning, new friendships, and success for everyone in our community. As we look forward to new beginnings this school year, it’s just as important that our state provides the resources and support needed to help our students, families, and communities succeed.

Yet as we head towards a new school year, Pennsylvania still does not have a final state budget. Pennsylvanians rely on our state budget to support critical services across the Commonwealth, and the longer it is delayed, the more uncertainty communities face. The State Senate came in last Tuesday for one day, but the budget they passed without bipartisan support used last year’s numbers and wasn’t a serious offer. Furthermore, they failed to adequately fund public transportation, raiding already committed capital funds to cover operating expenses. In a House Rules Committee meeting last Wednesday, the Secretary of PennDOT and SEPTA’s CEO both testified that the Senate budget proposal would not solve any of our problems with transit funding. For that reason, the Senate proposal was voted down in the House Rules Committee.

Adequate funding for SEPTA and public transit has been front and center in recent weeks, but this is only part of the larger picture. The Senate must meet its responsibility to adequately and equitably fund our public schools, hospitals, and the nonprofit social service organizations that so many Pennsylvanians rely on. Our communities can’t thrive without strong, reliable investments in education, healthcare, and human services alongside transportation.

You can take action and tell the Senate to approve state funding for transit here:

https://www.pahouse.net/TakeAction?ac=180.

Crozer Bankruptcy Update

As a reminder, Prospect Medical Holdings, the California-based hedge fund that forced the Crozer Health system into bankruptcy has its next scheduled hearing tomorrow, Wednesday, August 20, at 11:30 a.m. If you want to follow the bankruptcy case more closely, Prospect Medical Holdings has created a website with information that includes court documents and hearing dates, including a link to watch the upcoming hearings: https://cases.omniagentsolutions.com/?clientId=3725 and https://us-courts.webex.com/meet/jerniga

Calling All Future Leaders

The PA House Fellowship Program is accepting applications for Spring 2026.

Work in the Capitol, draft legislation, network with public officials, and earn pay (plus possible college credit). Open to PA college juniors, seniors, grad, and law students with a 3.0+ GPA.

Applications are due by October 1, 2025.

To find out more about the program or to apply, visit: http://www.pahousefellowship.us/ or email: pahousefellowship@pabmc.net

In The District

A Big Thank You to Our Summer Interns

As the summer winds down and schools get ready to open, our summer interns are preparing to head back to college.

This week we say goodbye to Emilio Hooper-Erades, who is heading back to American University, and James Wachtman, who is heading back to Penn State University.

It has been a joy having them on our team this summer and we are grateful for their dedication and hard work. We wish Emilio and James the very best as they take the next steps in their academic journeys.

Important Programs and Services

FREE SEPTA Rides for Seniors are Just a Card Away

If you’re age 65 and older, you can ride SEPTA for free with a Senor Fare Card.

My district office can help you apply for a new card or renew your current one.

FREE Registration Renewal for Eligible Veterans

Pennsylvania has eliminated registration and title fees for one passenger vehicle or truck weighing 9,000 pounds or less owned by a military veteran who meets the following requirements:

A veteran who lost a limb or eye or who became partially paralyzed while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States.
A person who, as a member or the Armed Forces of the United States, was captured by the enemy in any armed conflict for which the Department of Defense authorizes a campaign medal.
A person who has been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
A person who has been awarded the Purple Heart.

Full details, including eligibility criteria and required documentation, are listed on the application form (MV-371DV).

PHEAA Webinars

Creating Your StudentAid.gov Account

Wednesday, September 17

Tuesday, November 4

Searching for Scholarships

Wednesday, September 10

Wednesday, September 24

Financial Aid 101

Tuesday, November 18

Wednesday, December 10

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is offering webinars throughout the end of the year to assist families with student aid and financial assistance.

These courses include how to complete the PA State Grant form, Searching for Scholarships, and Financial Aid 101.

If you have a child interested in post-secondary education after high school – these webinars are for you!

Please use the following QR Codes or visit www.pheaa.org/virtual to register!

New Grants Available

Check out the latest agricultural, public safety, redevelopment, transportation and other grants open for applications here.

August Mobile Office Hours

Crum Lynne

Thursday, August 21

1 PM – 3 PM

American Legion FA Scott Post 777

137 Walter St., Crum Lynne

Our Events

Property Tax/Rent Rebate Event with Sen. Kearney

Monday, August 25

11 AM – 2 PM

Ridley Township Public Library

100 E. MacDade Blvd., Folsom

To register, call 610-544-6120.

Medicare 101- In-Person Event

Tuesday, August 26

6:30 PM

Ridley Township Public Library

100 E. MacDade Blvd. Folsom

To register, call 610-534-6880 or email at RepKrueger@pahouse.net.

Senior Expo

Thursday, September 18, 2025

11 AM - 1 PM

Brookhaven Municipal Center

2 Cambridge Rd.

Brookhaven, PA 19015

To RSVP for this event call my office at 610-534-6880 or email RepKrueger@pahouse.net

Clean Slate Expungement Clinic

Thursday, September 25, 2025

6 PM – 8 PM

Brookhaven Municipal Center

2 Cambridge Road, Brookhaven, PA 19015

Reservations are required.

Email RepKrueger@pahouse.net or 610-534-6880

Fall Shred and Drug Take Back Event

Saturday, September 27

9 AM – Noon

Northley Middle School

2801 Concord Rd. Aston, PA 19014

Protect your identity and get rid of unneeded medications at this event I’m hosting with Sen. John Kane.

Veterans Appreciation Lunch

Thursday, October 23

11 AM – 1 PM

American Legion Hall, Post 926

3220 Concord Rd., Aston, PA 19014

To RSVP, call 610-534-6880 or email RepKrueger@pahouse.net

Veterans and family members are invited to this event that I am co-hosting with Sen. John Kane for a FREE lunch and to learn about government-related programs and services available.