Fair Water Rates, Vaccine Availability, and a SEPTA Update

Rep. Leanne Krueger September 9, 2025 | 4:38 PM

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Dear Neighbor,

The State Senate returned to voting session yesterday, but as of this writing, they have not yet taken up any budget-related bills. Meanwhile, on Thursday, a judge issued an injunction against SEPTA, prohibiting any further service cuts and requiring all current cuts to be reversed. With the Senate Majority Appropriations Chair recently declaring that “a long-term solution’s not going to happen,” SEPTA could no longer wait for a legislative fix. On Friday, SEPTA submitted a waiver request to PennDOT to use capital assistance dollars for operating expenses to comply with the court order. Then, on Monday, Governor Shapiro announced that PennDOT capital funds have been approved, avoiding immediate SEPTA service cuts.

Make no mistake: this is only a short-term fix. With this funding, SEPTA will be able to maintain existing routes and services for the next two years and restore full service by Sunday, September 14. However, the 21.5% fare increase is still scheduled to take effect on that same day.

While this measure provides temporary relief, Pennsylvania still needs a fair and adequate state budget to ensure stable, long-term funding for public transit, schools, hospitals, and social services that millions of people rely on every day.

Yesterday, Governor Shapiro explained how this short-term fix will work and how it differs from other plans that have been proposed in Harrisburg. For more information, watch the video below.

For the latest schedules go to https://www.septa.org/ .

Crozer Bankruptcy Update

Last Friday, a private investor group known as KQT Aikens Partners acquired the former Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park for $1 million. The group has stated that they plan to reestablish medical services, including an emergency room, but the deal still requires approval from the bankruptcy court.

Prospect Medical Holdings, the California-based private equity firm that owned Crozer Health System, filed for bankruptcy in January and subsequently closed all four hospitals. As reported several weeks ago, the former Delaware County Memorial Hospital was sold to the Upper Darby School District, which plans to use the property for a high school expansion.

Prospect’s next hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, September 23, at 2:30 p.m. For those interested in following the bankruptcy case more closely, Prospect Medical Holdings has created a website with information, including court documents, hearing dates, and a link to watch upcoming hearings:

https://cases.omniagentsolutions.com/?clientId=3725 and https://us-courts.webex.com/meet/jerniga.

Standing Up for Fair Water Rates

I recently co-sponsored legislation to repeal Act 12, a law that has allowed municipal water and sewer systems in Pennsylvania to be sold to private, for-profit companies through questionable deals that drive up rates for residents. As a result, many communities have seen their water and sewer bills increase.

This bill would pause future sales of public systems, giving the legislature time to work toward a long-term solution that protects ratepayers from unfair increases. Repealing Act 12 is an important step toward restoring fairness, accountability, and local control in the management of our water systems.

I have been vocal in advocating to keep the Chester Water Authority (CWA) in public hands and opposing its sale to AQUA, which would lead to higher rates and the loss of the Octoraro Reservoir.

Keeping our water systems public means keeping them affordable and accountable to the community.

Vaccine Availability in PA Pharmacies

Last week we started getting calls from seniors who had tried to get their COVID vaccines at local pharmacies, only to be turned away. Many Pennsylvanians rely on their local pharmacy to get vaccines, so I immediately made some calls to find out what the problem was.

To fix the problem, last week Governor Shapiro worked with the State Board of Pharmacy to align with guidance from trusted medical organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Family Physicians, all of which continue to recommend the COVID-19 vaccine.

By working with the State Board of Pharmacy, Governor Shapiro has helped make sure our most vulnerable neighbors, seniors and those with underlying health conditions, have want the COVID vaccine will still be able to get it.

Calling All Future Leaders

The PA House Fellowship Program is now accepting applications for Spring 2026.
Work in the Capitol, draft legislation, network with public officials, and earn pay (plus possible college credit). The program is open to Pennsylvania college juniors, seniors, graduate, and law students with a 3.0+ GPA.

Applications are due by October 1, 2025.

To learn more about the program or to apply, visit: http://www.pahousefellowship.us/.

Email: pahousefellowship@pabmc.net

In The District

Where to Observe September 11 in Delaware County

Brookhaven

Thursday, Sept. 11

6:30 PM

Brookhaven Municipal Center – Gym

2 Cambridge Rd.

Brookhaven

Aston

Thursday, Sept. 11

7 PM

Aston Township Veterans Memorial

Five Points, Aston

Delaware County VFW Post 7390 and the Delaware County Memorial Association

Thursday, Sept. 11

8 AM

Delaware County Veterans Memorial

4599 West Chester Pike

Newtown Square

Delco’s 7th Annual Memorial Bike Ride

Thursday, Sept. 11

8:46 AM

Manoa Fire Company

115 S. Eagle Rd.

Havertown

Delaware County - Day of Remembrance Ceremony

Thursday, Sept. 11

11 AM
Rose Tree Park

1671 No. Providence Rd.

Media

Valley Forge – 9/11 Remembrance Service at Washington Memorial Chapel

Thursday, Sept. 11

6:30 PM

2000 Valley Forge Park Rd.

King of Prussia

The event is free and open to all, registration is appreciated http://evite.me/4d6rXAYcUb.

9/11 Heroes Run

Saturday, Sept. 13

Navy Yard, Philadelphia

To sign up or for more information: https://www.travismanion.org/events/911-heroes-run/philadelphia-2025/

St. Madeline Church - First Responders Mass

Sunday, Sept. 14

11 AM

400 Morton Ave.

Ridley Park

Join My Team

Join my team in our Brookhaven office as a Constituent Services Advisor (CSA)!

CSAs provide administrative support, assist constituents with government-related needs, maintain relationships within the local community, and support state representatives in a variety of ways.

The deadline to apply is Friday, September 12.

To learn more about this full-time position or to apply, visit:

https://www.governmentjobs.com/.../constituent-services...

Making Memories at the Capitol

Patrick, Liam, Jack, and Kristen Breen recently visited the Pennsylvania Capitol for a private tour in honor of Liam’s 11th birthday! Liam specifically requested a Capitol tour to celebrate his special day, and my staff were happy to make it happen.

I am always glad to host families and residents from our district who want to visit and learn more about our state government. If you are interested in scheduling a tour, please contact my office for details.

Protecting Our Community

During Monday night’s Brookhaven Borough Council meeting, I was honored to present certificates to Acting Sgt. Greg Martin and Officer Adam Viola of the Brookhaven Borough Police Department for their bravery in rescuing a resident from a fire at Hilltop Condos.

Both officers were first on the scene of the June 4 fire. Thank you to the Brookhaven Police and Fire Departments for your courage and dedication to keeping our community safe.

SEPTA Rallies

Last week, I joined colleagues from the Philadelphia and Delco delegations at rallies in Philadelphia and Upper Darby to call for urgent action on transit funding and a fair state budget. Strong public transit strengthens communities. We need long-term, reliable funding to support families, students, and workers.

Important Programs and Services

Changes to Federal SNAP Work Requirements

As of September 1, due to new federal rules, some SNAP recipients must begin reporting work, education, training, or volunteer hours to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) to maintain their benefits. Individuals affected by these changes will receive a letter from DHS.

These requirements will continue to expand through fall 2025. As a result, it is estimated that nearly 144,000 Pennsylvanians could lose access to food assistance.

To help families navigate these changes, Governor Shapiro has launched a new website that provides information on:

• Who is affected by the new requirements
• How to meet the work and reporting requirements
• Which recipients may qualify for an exemption and how to apply

You can find detailed information on the SNAP work requirements and how to report

HERE.

If you need assistance working with DHS regarding your SNAP benefits, my district office can help.

You Vote Matters

As we approach the General Election on Tuesday, November 4, here are some key dates to remember:

Monday, October 20 – Last day to register to vote
Tuesday, October 28 – Last day to apply for an absentee or mail-in ballot
Tuesday, November 4 – Election Day: Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Voters must be in line by 8 p.m. to cast their ballot.
8 p.m. on November 4 – Deadline for mail-in and absentee ballots to be received.

To register to vote or request a mail-in or absentee ballot, visit

vote.pa.gov.

September Mobile Office Hours

*Due to my Senior Expo that is scheduled on Thursday, September 18, we will not be holding our mobile office at Crum Lynne this month.

Woodlyn

Thursday, September 11

1 PM – 3 PM

DCHA Kinder Park – Building 4 Community Room

1857 Constitution Ave., Woodlyn

Upland Borough

Tuesday, September 16

1 PM – 3 PM

MacQueen Hall – 224 Castle Ave., Upland

Our Events

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.