100 days later, no budget: tell the Senate to ACT NOW

Rep. Leanne Krueger October 14, 2025 | 3:50 PM

PA Representative Leanne Krueger banner image

Dear Neighbor,

Last Wednesday, for the third time in the previous 100 days, House Democrats sent a bipartisan, balanced, no-tax increase budget to the Senate; one that directly addresses the concerns raised by the Senate Republican majority.

This compromise budget delivers for our communities, including:

Over $10 million in additional funding for schools in the 161st District
An additional $7 million for farmers market coupons to support our seniors
An additional $4 million for the state food purchase program to support our food banks
More than $50 million to help childcare centers hire and pay the best teachers
$12.5 million – a $550,000 increase – in the Rape Crisis program so sexual assault victims can get access to immediate support in their own communities

The last time we passed a budget, the Senate refused to act on it and instead demanded cuts to schools and counties which would harm communities and raise local taxes. The House has repeatedly proposed a balanced budget that fully funds schools, infrastructure, public transportation, and vital public services like rape crisis centers and Head Start programs. Many of these programs are already feeling the impact of the Senate’s inaction by having to take out loans to cover expenses that should be supported by state funding.

It's time for the Senate to do its job and pass a fair, balanced state budget that puts people first.

You can take action here: https://www.pahouse.net/TakeAction?ac=187

Crozer-Chester and Springfield Hospitals Sold Via Auction

On Friday, the judge in Texas overseeing the Crozer Health bankruptcy case approved Prospect’s motion to “abandon” Crozer-Chester and Springfield Hospital if sales of those buildings don’t go through. Prospect, the California-based hedge fund that took Crozer Health into bankruptcy, scheduled an auction of both properties for last Friday afternoon after receiving multiple bids. Prospect said during the hearing that the starting bid for Crozer-Chester Medical Center was $7 million, and the starting bid for Springfield Hospital was $3 million. I have heard unofficial reports that the auction was successful and there are now buyers for both properties as of yesterday afternoon.

In a motion filed close to midnight our time last night, Prospect disclosed in the motion that the successful bidder for Crozer-Chester Hospital is Chariot Allaire Partners LLC with a bid of $10 million. The successful bidder for Springfield Hospital is Restorative Health Foundation and Syan Investments with a successful bid of $3 million.

Interested parties have five business days from today to object to the proposed sale of Crozer-Chester Hospital. For Springfield Hospital, since the overall purchase price was only $3 million, it falls within the de minimis asset sale procedures under §363 of the Bankruptcy Code so only notice of the sale to interested parties is permitted based on what the court has authorized for the dollar amounts required for de minimis procedures in Prospect’s bankruptcy case.

If you want to follow the bankruptcy case more closely, WHYY reporter Kenny Cooper wrote a story summarizing Friday’s hearing on the abandonment motion. Harold Brubaker at the Philadelphia Inquirer also wrote a thorough update about the buyers this afternoon.

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

In the Capitol

Legislative Update

In addition to voting on the budget, the House also advanced several important bills last week:

HB 145: Protects workers by allowing them to collect unemployment compensation benefits if they lose work due to a labor dispute.

HB 441: Protects native insects and pollinators to promote biodiversity and healthy environments.

HB 1701: Strengthens school safety by creating a comprehensive inventory of school facilities within the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

HB 1702: Modernizes state liquor laws, giving licensed establishments the ability to serve pre-mixed cocktails on tap.

Calling on the Senate to Pass a State Budget

Together with the PA Democratic Caucus, we held a press conference urging the Senate to stop playing political games and pass a budget that funds our Commonwealth. It’s time to invest in our schools, healthcare, senior centers, and first responders. Pennsylvanians deserve a government that works for them.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

I joined my colleagues on the House floor wearing pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This month is a time to honor the incredible strength of survivors, remember those we’ve lost, and support continued research and early detection.

Meet Our Intern: Jeremy Ruspantine

Please join in welcoming our new intern, Jeremy Ruspantine! Jeremy is a student at West Chester University, where he is earning his degree in social work.

A U.S. Army veteran, Jeremy served as a paralegal with the Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) and was deployed to Iraq in 2008.

He is passionate about supporting veterans, particularly those dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and hopes to make a difference by helping those in need throughout Delaware County during his internship. We’re excited to have Jeremy on our team!

In the District

Another Round of Applause for Keep Music Alive

I had the pleasure of welcoming Keep Music Alive founders Vincent James and Joann Pierdomenico to my district office.

They stopped by to pick up a copy of House Resolution 299, which I introduced in the House to designate October 3 as Kids Music Day in Pennsylvania; celebrating the 10th anniversary of this special event founded by Keep Music Alive.

This Brookhaven based nonprofit does incredible work promoting music as an educational, therapeutic, and social tool. I was honored to present Vincent and Joann with the official resolution and to recognize their dedication to inspiring children through the power of music.

Supporting Literacy in Our Schools

Last Thursday, I visited Main Street Elementary School in the Chester Upland School District to meet with the school’s administration and the Reading Assist Fellows. The Reading Assist program provides literacy tutoring for students in K-3 who face reading challenges. It was wonderful to see firsthand how this program helps build both confidence and reading skills.

Nether Providence Family Day

This past weekend, Wendy from my office staffed a resource table at Nether Providence Family Fun Day. Despite the clouds and a few sprinkles, it was a wonderful afternoon spent enjoying community fun and friendly faces. We’re always grateful for opportunities to connect with neighbors and share helpful information about state services.

Important Programs and Services

Protect Yourself from Scams

Governor Shapiro's administration recently launched a new consumer protection complaint hotline, a one-stop resource to help Pennsylvanians report scams and fraud.

Pennsylvanians can now call 1-866-PACOMPLAINT (1-866-722-6675); Visit pa.gov/consumer , or email consumer@pa.gov to report questionable communications about denied health insurance claims, suspicious financial transactions, or problems with student loan servicers.

The initiative connects consumers with the appropriate state agencies, including:

Department of Banking and Securities — Protecting against financial exploitation, predatory lending, and banking issues.
Pennsylvania Insurance Department — Resolving disputes over insurance claims, coverage, and unfair practices.
Other agencies, including those regulating utilities, student loans, and professional licensing.

More Info about the Hotline: https://www.pa.gov/.../governor-shapiro-launches-new...

More Info about Protecting Yourself or a Loved One from Scams: https://www.pa.gov/.../publications/scams%20booklet.pdf

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., Tuesday, 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.

Medicare Open Enrollment Begins Tomorrow

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.

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.

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, between 8 AM and 5 PM.

Our Events

Upcoming PA Medi Webinars

Please register by calling 610-534-6880 or email RepKrueger@pahouse.net

Medicare Updates

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

6 PM – 7 PM

Medicare 101

Monday, November 3, 2025

6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Medicare Drug & Advantage Plan Comparisons

Monday, November 10, 2025

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

October Mobile Office Hours

Crum Lynne

Thursday, October 16

1 PM – 3 PM

American Legion FA Scott Post 777

137 Walter St., Crum Lynne

Upland Borough

Tuesday, October 21

1 PM – 3 PM

MacQueen Hall – 224 Castle Ave., Upland

Legal Resource Fair

Friday, October 17

NOON – 2 PM

Neumann University

Multipurpose Hall

John J. Mullen Communication Center

One Neumann Dr., Aston, PA 19014

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.