Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility A list of local food pantries, a SNAP and federal shutdown update, and more

A list of local food pantries, a SNAP and federal shutdown update, and more

Dear Neighbor,

 

As of November 1, more than 2 million Pennsylvanians did not receive the SNAP benefits they rely on to feed themselves and their families due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. At the time of writing this e-newsletter, two federal judges have ordered the Trump administration to restore funding for food stamps. On Monday, the Trump Administration told those judges they would only send partial food stamp payments this month. It is currently unclear when food stamp recipients will actually receive their aid. This situation is quickly evolving as more litigation is filed. This is the first time in history that SNAP benefits were paused during a federal budget shutdown, so we are in uncharted territory.

 

To help address this urgent need, I have co-sponsored House Bill 2004, emergency legislation that would fund SNAP through the state treasury while the federal government remains shut down. While we do not have enough money in the state budget to fill the entire gap left by the federal government (the estimated monthly cost of Pennsylvania’s SNAP payments is $366 million), this legislation would ensure that families, children, and seniors across Pennsylvania continue to have access to the food assistance they depend on. H.B. 2004 has been referred to the House Appropriations Committee and I am hoping that it be voted on as quickly as possible so that our neighbors do not go without this critical support.

 

In addition, Governor Shapiro signed a disaster declaration on Friday that frees up $5 million to support Pennsylvanians impacted by the loss of benefits. This funding will go to Feeding Pennsylvania, a nonprofit that partners with food banks across the Commonwealth to distribute food to those in need. The Governor also launched a private-sector fundraising effort to help local food banks meet increased demand, raising over $1 million so far.

 

Pennsylvania has joined 25 other states and Washington, D.C. in a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration, urging the use of contingency funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to pay for some SNAP benefits during the shutdown. Last year, SNAP provided monthly assistance to approximately 714,000 children and 697,000 seniors in Pennsylvania. Now with the loss of these benefits, local food banks are feeling the strain as more families turn to them for help.

 

If you are able, please consider donating to your local food pantry or volunteering your time. Most importantly, reach out to your federal elected officials and urge them to work together to pass a federal budget that meets the needs of our communities.

 

Delaware County Rapid Response Fund

With SNAP benefits currently on hold, The Foundation for Delaware County and The Community’s Foundation have stepped up to help families fill critical food assistance gaps by launching the Delaware County Rapid Response Fund. Both foundations have committed an initial investment of $25,000 each to support local organizations providing food, housing, and other essential needs during this crisis.

 

While local nonprofits work to meet urgent needs, state leaders are also working on solutions. Governor Shapiro’s administration signed a disaster declaration freeing up $5 million to support Pennsylvanians affected by the loss of benefits and has taken legal action against the federal government. Together with efforts like HB 2004, which aims to strengthen SNAP access and reduce barriers, these actions reflect a shared commitment to ensuring no family goes hungry.

 

If you are interested in donating to this fund you can visit here.

 

Use this link to apply for a Rapid Response Fund grant.

 

 

What’s the Status of Our State Budget?

In Pennsylvania, we are now 127 days without a state budget. That means we are not only waiting on a federal budget, but also without a state one, and Pennsylvanians are feeling the impact. Last week, the lead negotiators for the House and Senate met in closed-door sessions in the Governor’s office for four days straight, and it appears we may be close to a deal. I am ready to return to Harrisburg to pass a budget and finally bring this impasse to an end.

 

 

Next Crozer Bankruptcy Hearing
Scheduled for Tod
ay at 10:30 a.m.

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.

 

The next hearing on the sale of Crozer-Chester is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4th. The hearing begins at 10:30 am.

 

 

In the Capitol

 

Honored to Serve as Speaker Pro Tempore

Last Wednesday, I was honored to serve as Speaker Pro Tempore during the voting session, filling in for Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton while she was attending budget negotiation meetings. I am grateful to Speaker McClinton for her trust and support in allowing me to preside over the House. It was a privilege to help lead the chamber as we worked on important legislation for the people of Pennsylvania.

 

 

Two Years of the PA Black Maternal Health Caucus

Last week, we celebrated the second anniversary of the Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus. The event highlighted the caucus’s important work, including the PA Momnibus bill package. These bills were introduced to address the high rates of Black maternal deaths and pregnancy-related complications in Pennsylvania.

 

In the District

 

Upcoming Office Closures

My office will be closed Tuesday, November 4 for Election Day and Tuesday, November 11 for Veterans Day.

 

Food Assistance Resources During the SNAP Pause

With SNAP benefits currently on hold for the month of November due to the federal government shutdown, I want to ensure that everyone in our community has access to the resources they need to feed themselves and their families.

 

You can review the graphics below for information on local food assistance programs and ways to donate to help others in need.

 

If your family receives SNAP benefits, be sure to complete your SNAP renewals to avoid any delays once benefits resume. My office is here to support you, and if you need assistance submitting renewal paperwork to the County Assistance Office, please stop by or give us a call.

 

 

Important Programs and Services

 

Remember to Cast Your Vote Today

Today is Election Day. If you need to find your polling place, find a drop box for your mail-in-ballot, or have any other questions, you can go to vote.pa.gov or contact the local Election Office at  (610) 891-4673 or https://delcopa.gov/vote/ .

 

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.

 

 

There’s Still Time to Apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate

There's still time to apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate!


The deadline to apply is December 31, 2025.

You may be eligible for a Property Tax/Rent Rebate for claim year 2024 if you meet the requirements:
~You were 65 or older as of Dec. 31, 2024
~ Widow or widower during all or part of 2024 and were 50 and older
~ Permanently disabled and 18 or older during all or part of 2024
~Total eligible annual household income - $46,520 or less
*note: when calculating total income, exclude one-half of your Social Security benefits.

Call my office at 610-534-6880 to find out if you qualify and to get help applying.

 

 

Open Enrollment for Pennie

Pennie, Pennsylvania’s official health insurance marketplace, is now open for open enrollment. You can visit https://pennie.com/ to enroll in health coverage, renew your plan, or compare options to find what best fits your needs.

 

Be sure to enroll by December 15 to ensure your coverage begins January 1, 2026.

 

 

PennDOT Virtual Public Meeting

Project: Chichester Ave, I-95 Ramps Roundabout

Wednesday, November 12 at 7 PM

PennDOT will be holding a live, virtual public meeting for the upcoming project to improve travel and safety on Chichester Ave. by constructing two roundabouts at two intersections at the ramps to Interstate 95 in Upper Chichester Township.

The project also features installing intersection lighting; reconstructing sidewalks and ADA curb ramps; improving drainage; and constructing stormwater management.

If you are interested in attending, click on this  Microsoft Live Teams meeting link prior to the presentation start time.

 

Anyone with special needs or requiring special aid is requested to contact PennDOT Project Manager Vince Cerbone at 610-205-6778, or PennDOT Consultant Design Project Manager Nathan Parrish at 610-757-1881.

 

Members of the public who are unable to attend the online meeting can view the recording and a copy of the materials on the project webpage following the presentation. The public can also provide feedback using the online comment form.

 

Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.pa.gov/DOTprojects. Subscribe to PennDOT news and find transportation results in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/District6

 

 

Our Events

Upcoming November Mobile Office Hours

 

*Due to Veteran’s Day on Tuesday, November 11, we will not be holding Mobile Office Hours in Chester Township, DCHA Fairgrounds.

 

Woodlyn

Thursday, November 13

1 PM – 3 PM

DCHA Kinder Park – Building 4 Community Room

1857 Constitution Ave., Woodlyn

 

Upland Borough

Tuesday, November 18

1 PM – 3 PM

MacQueen Hall – 224 Castle Ave., Upland

 

Crum Lynne

Thursday, November 20

1 PM – 3 PM

Vauclain Fire Company

1201 Haverford Rd., Crum Lynne

Diaper Drive

Accepting Donations Through Friday, December 12

My office is teaming up with Senator Tim Kearney to host a Diaper Drive benefiting Healthy Start, Nurse-Family Partnerships, WIC, and the Maternity Care Coalition. Please donate new, unused packages of diapers, baby formula, and wipes at the following drop-off locations:

 

Brookhaven District Office

115 E Brookhaven Rd., Brookhaven, PA 19015

 

Ridley Area YMCA

900 South Ave., Secane, PA 19018

 

Rocky Run YMCA

1299 W. Baltimore Pike, Media, PA 19063

 

For additional information call my office at 610-534-6880.

Upcoming PA Medi Webinars

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

 

Medicare Drug & Advantage Plan Comparisons

Monday, November 10, 2025

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

 

 

Happening in the Community

Veterans Day Events

 

Brookhaven Borough

Thursday, November 6

6:30 PM – in the gym

2 Cambridge Rd., Brookhaven

 

Friends of Green Lawn Cemetery

Veterans Day Flag Placement Ceremony and Clean-Up

Saturday, November 8th beginning at 9:30am

Green Lawn Cemetery

2500 Concord Road, Aston, PA 19014

 

Media Veterans Day Parade

Tuesday, November 11

11:11 AM

Parade starts on State St. and ends in front of the Media Courthouse

 

PA Veterans Museum Celebrates 20 Years

Friday – Sunday, November 7 -9

Noon – 5 PM daily

Light refreshments will be on site to celebrate.

Tuesday, November 11

9 AM – 2 PM

Free coffee and doughnuts

Food Drive

Saturday, November 8

9 AM – 12 PM

Cardinal O’Hara High School

1701 S Sproul Rd., Springfield

Tools for Tomorrow – Job Readiness Workshop

Thursday, November 6, 2025

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Keystone First Wellness and Opportunity Center

1929 W. 9th St., Chester, PA 19013

Electronic Recycling and Shredding Event

Saturday, November 8

9 AM – 1 PM

Strath Haven High School, Wallingford

Enter from Brookhaven Rd., back parking lot

Reworld Electronics Recycling Collection

November 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Upland County Park

280 6th Street, Upland, PA 19015

 

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