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.
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Delaware County Rapid Response Fund
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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.
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What’s the Status of Our State Budget?
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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.
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Next Crozer Bankruptcy Hearing
Scheduled for Today at 10:30 a.m.
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Honored to Serve as Speaker Pro Tempore
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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.
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Two Years of the PA Black Maternal Health Caucus
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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.
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My office will be closed Tuesday, November 4 for Election Day and Tuesday, November 11 for Veterans Day.
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Food Assistance Resources During the SNAP Pause
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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.
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Important Programs and Services
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Remember to Cast Your Vote Today
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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.
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There’s Still Time to Apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate
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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.
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Open Enrollment for Pennie
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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.
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PennDOT Virtual Public Meeting
Project: Chichester Ave, I-95 Ramps Roundabout
Wednesday, November 12 at 7 PM
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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
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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
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Diaper Drive
Accepting Donations Through Friday, December 12
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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.
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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
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Happening in the Community
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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
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Food Drive
Saturday, November 8
9 AM – 12 PM
Cardinal O’Hara High School
1701 S Sproul Rd., Springfield
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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
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Electronic Recycling and Shredding Event
Saturday, November 8
9 AM – 1 PM
Strath Haven High School, Wallingford
Enter from Brookhaven Rd., back parking lot
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Reworld Electronics Recycling Collection
November 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Upland County Park
280 6th Street, Upland, PA 19015
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
512-E Main Capitol Building
PO Box 202161
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2161
(717) 705-2567
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District Office
115 E. Brookhaven Rd.
Brookhaven, PA 19015
(610) 534-6880
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