Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility A Budget Update, 9/11 Ceremony Recaps, and Medicare Enrollment Information

A Budget Update, 9/11 Ceremony Recaps, and Medicare Enrollment Information

Dear Neighbor,

 

The State Senate was in voting session for three days last week, but they did not run any budget-related bills, continuing the budget impasse. The Senate’s next scheduled voting day is not until October 20th. The State House is scheduled to be in voting session the week of September 29th, but the Speaker has said repeatedly that she will call us back earlier if a deal is reached. I have been staying busy with meetings and events here in Delco but would head back to Harrisburg right away if it meant we could pass a budget.

 

Meanwhile, SEPTA passengers are seeing service cuts restored this week. After PennDOT approved SEPTA’s request to use capital assistance for operating expenses as a short-term fix, SEPTA began restoring service across bus, metro, and regional rail lines on Sunday, September 14. That same day, fares increased by 21.5%, raising the cost of a bus or metro ride from $2.50 to $2.90. While service has been restored through this short-term use of capital funds, there is still no long-term solution to SEPTA’s funding crisis.

 

To check the latest schedules and fair increases go to https://www.septa.org/

 

 

Crozer Bankruptcy Update

Prospect’s next hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, September 23, at 2:30 p.m. We are expecting Prospect to ask the bankruptcy judge in Texas to sign off on the deal to sell Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park to a group of local investors, who have a goal of bringing medical services back into a building that has been empty since April. Upper Darby School District completed the purchase of Delaware County Memorial Hospital last month. There have been no discussions of potential sales of Crozer Chester and Springfield Hospitals at recent hearings, although we know that bidders have made offers on both sites. Only the Texas judge can hold Prospect accountable for completing a sale and my staff and I watch for updates at every hearing.

 

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.

 

 

 

Attainable Housing Policy Meeting

Last week I joined the House Majority Policy Committee for a hearing in Bucks County hosted by Rep. Prokopiak to discuss ways to remove barriers to affordable housing. My staff and I hear a lot from people who are struggling to find housing here in Delaware County. With the cost of real estate sky-rocketing, even middle-income families are having a hard time finding homes and apartments that fit their budget. The Policy Hearing was very informative as we heard from developers, realtors and non-profit organizations all working on this issue.

 

In The District

 

September 11 Remembrance Ceremonies

Last Thursday, I joined 9/11 remembrance ceremonies in Brookhaven and Aston to honor and remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001. Though 24 years have passed, the pain and memories of that day remain vivid. We remember the heroes who ran toward danger, the neighbors who stood together in grief, and the resilience that carried us forward.

 

9/11 reminds us not only of tragedy, but also of courage, sacrifice, and unity. In those difficult days, we looked out for one another. At a time when we can be so divided, I believe we need to find our way back to being neighbors again, standing together with compassion and strength.

 

 

Meeting with PA Art Therapy Association

Last Friday, I met with constituent Kim Spalding and Liz Micciulla, Advocacy and Professional Affairs Chair for the Pennsylvania Art Therapy Association, to discuss their wish for an independent license for art therapists. This license would formally recognize art therapy as a distinct mental health profession with specialized training, theory, and techniques. House Bill 1733 seeks to establish this recognition, ensuring clients receive safe, effective, and professional care. I appreciate their advocacy on this important issue and their commitment to expanding access to quality mental health services.

 

 

Important Programs and Services

Apply for Low-cost, High-speed Home Internet

You might qualify for the Xfinity Internet Essentials program, which provides affordable, high-speed internet at home. The program is especially helpful for low-income families with school-aged children, seniors over 65, students, and individuals enrolled in government assistance programs.

 

If you participate in programs such as SNAP/EBT, Medicaid, or the National School Lunch Program, now is the time to apply. Click here for more information and to learn how to apply.

 

 

Medicare Open Enrollment – Oct. 15

Open enrollment for Medicare will start October 15, 2025 and PA MEDI can help answer your questions about your plan.

 

PA MEDI provides easy-to-understand, unbiased help and information for those on Medicare, their families, and caregivers. PA MEDI does NOT sell or recommend Medicare insurance products, insurance agents, or brokers.

 

My office offers FREE, one-on-one Medicare counseling through PA MEDI.

Whether you’re new to Medicare, need help during open enrollment, have questions about Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plans (Part D), or want to understand Medigap supplemental insurance – a trained PA MEDI counselor can guide you through it.

 

Appointments fill up quickly. Reach out to my office for an appointment.

 

For year-round Medicare assistance call your local PA MEDI program or the toll-free PA MEDI Helpline at 1-800-783-7067 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Are you interested in becoming a volunteer within Pennsylvania’s Aging Services Network? To find out more about opportunities check HERE or contact Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging.

 

 

 

 

Your 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.

 

 

Open Grants

Check out the most recent listing of open grants here.

 

 

Mobile Office Hours Important Reminder

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

Happening in the Community

Free Prostate Screening

Thursday, September 18, 2025

10 AM – 2 PM

Delaware County Wellness Center

125 Chester Ave.

Yeadon, PA 19050

 

For more information call 484-276-2100

 

CHOP Car Seat Safety Check

Thursday, September 18

10 AM – 1 PM

Middletown Fire Department

425 South New Middletown Rd.

Media, PA 19063

 

Register HERE for this event.

If you have questions please call 215-590-5437

 

Penn State Master Gardeners – Fall Fest

Saturday, September 20, 2025

9 AM – 3 PM

Smedley Park Environmental Center

20 Paper Mill Rd.

Springfield, PA 19064

 

To register for workshops call 877-345-0691

 

Main Line Health’s Smokefree Program

 

Program 1

Wednesdays: September 17, 24

October 1, 8, 15

Virtual 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

 

Program 2

Tuesdays: September 16, 23

October 7, 14, 21

Virtual 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

 

Program 3

Wednesdays: October 8, 15, 22, 29

November 5, 12

Virtudal 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

 

Program 4

Tuesdays: November 11, 18, 25

December 2, 9, 16

Virtual 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

 

Household Hazardous Waste Collection

 

Saturday, October 11

Upper Chichester Municipal Building

8500 Furey Rd., Upper Chichester, PA 19061

 

Register at delcohhw.eventbrite.com

For additional information call 610-892-9620

 

Pennsylvania State Capitol
512-E Main Capitol Building

 PO Box 202161
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2161
(717) 705-2567

District Office

115 E. Brookhaven Rd.
Brookhaven, PA 19015
(610) 534-6880