Food Insecurity, a SEPTA update, and Thanksgiving wishes

Rep. Leanne Krueger November 25, 2025 | 1:11 PM

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Dear Neighbor,

Happy almost Thanksgiving. As we head into the holiday season and look forward to gathering with family and friends, it’s important to remember that too many of our neighbors are still struggling with food insecurity.

The 2025-26 state budget invests over $40 million to address food insecurity across Pennsylvania. This includes $5 million to support food banks across the state and $2 million from the Governor’s private fundraising campaign to help supplement SNAP benefits.

Even though federal and state budgets have been passed, ongoing changes to SNAP continue to affect families, and many of our local food banks and pantries are experiencing shortages due to overwhelming demand. These investments will help support our food assistance network and ensure we can continue feeding our neighbors when they need it most.

If you are able, please consider donating to your local food pantry or volunteering. To see a list of local food assistance resources visit HERE.

The Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit

One of the most important additions to this year’s state budget is the new Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, which will deliver $193 million in tax relief to nearly one million Pennsylvanians.

This credit is modeled after the federal Earned Income Tax Credit and uses the same eligibility rules. That means if you qualify for the federal credit, you’ll automatically qualify for the state credit. Families could receive up to $800 back in their pockets to help pay for groceries, childcare, rent and other everyday essentials.

Yesterday, Governor Shapiro also launched an online calculator on the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue’s website. This tool makes it easy to see how much you may receive through the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit. You can read the Governor’s full announcement HERE.

This tax cut builds on last year’s expansion of the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit, which provided an additional $1000-$2100 to families paying for childcare or dependent care. These investments continue our work to make life more affordable for Pennsylvania families.

SEPTA Update

A number of neighbors have asked why we weren’t able to get SEPTA funding in this year’s state budget, especially in light of recent delays on the Regional Rail lines. I voted five times to fund SEPTA but the Senate Republican leadership refused to include it in the budget this year. As a result, yesterday Governor Shapiro announced $219.9 million in new capital funding to help SEPTA move quickly on urgent safety upgrades, infrastructure improvements, and federal safety requirements. This investment will allow SEPTA to keep its current regional rail cars safe and reliable for the next 10 years.

Earlier this fall, SEPTA was required to respond to a federal emergency order following a series of fires involving the Silverliner IV Regional Rail trains, which make up two thirds of the Regional Rail cars. That order called for immediate inspections, repairs, and electrical system upgrades.

This new funding builds on the Governor’s earlier action approving up to $394 million in capital funding to support daily operations, maintain service, and to avoid service cuts over the next two years.

Nearly 800,000 Pennsylvanians rely on SEPTA every day to get to work, school, medical appointments, and more. These investments are essential to keeping our public transit system safe and dependable for the people who count on it.

Happy Thanksgiving

As we head into the Thanksgiving holiday and begin gathering with loved ones, I want to share my heartfelt thanks. It is truly an honor to represent our community, and I’m grateful for everyone who reaches out to my office, whether you stop by, call, or email. Your trust, partnership, and encouragement mean more than I can say.

I’m also deeply thankful for the strength and generosity of our neighbors. Our community shows every day what it means to look out for one another.

As we move forward, let’s keep working toward a Pennsylvania where every family feels supported, valued, and hopeful about the future.

Wishing you and your family a joyful and restful Thanksgiving.

We’re Closed!

During the Thanksgiving holiday, my office will be closed beginning on Wednesday, November 26 through Friday, November 28. If you need assistance during that time, please leave us a message at 610-534-6880 or email RepKrueger@pahouse.net and my staff will get back to you when we reopen on Monday.

In the District

Spreading Joy this Season

Thank you to Maureen and Gary Musial for their generous donation to our Toys for Tots drive. Their kindness helps ensure more children in our community experience a joyful holiday season.

Our office is collecting new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots. If you’re able, we welcome your donation and appreciate your support in brightening the holidays for local families.

Brookhaven Holiday Parade

My team and I had a wonderful time marching in the Brookhaven Borough Holiday Parade alongside Senator John Kane, Brookhaven Borough Council members Dan Burke and Nora Fulvio, and newly elected Council members Mary Ziemer and Matthew Mills.

And of course, it’s always a highlight to see the star of the parade, Santa riding high on the Brookhaven Fire Department truck!

Mental Health Care in Our Community

On Monday, I visited Elwyn’s Clark’s Manor in Media and met with Art Fastman, the Director of Operations. Clark’s Manor is a private-pay residential facility that supports adults living with mental health conditions. The residence is warm, calm, and built on the belief that home should be a safe haven - an environment where residents can receive the behavioral and mental health supports they need to thrive.

I also had the chance to speak with Kim Spaulding, MA-ATR, an art therapist whose work adds another meaningful layer of support for residents.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to meet the dedicated team at Clark’s Manor and to see firsthand the care they provide.

Important Programs and Services

Seniors Ride FREE on SEPTA

If you're a senior, 65 and older, my office can help you get your FREE SEPTA Senior Fare Card.

Already have a SEPTA Senior Fare Card? Make sure to check the expiration date. As of October 1, 2025, any with “2020” printed on the front is no longer valid. If your card shows a 2020 expiration year, contact my office and we’ll help you renew it.

Stop in or give my office a call for assistance.

Open Enrollment for Pennie

Pennie, Pennsylvania’s official health insurance marketplace, is now open for open enrollment. You can visit https://pennie.com/ or call 1-844-844-8040 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.

Medicare Open Enrollment is Underway

We are currently in the Medicare Open Enrollment period, which runs from October 15 through December 7. During this time, you can switch Medicare plans, enroll in a different Medicare Advantage Plan, change your Medicare Part D prescription drug plan or join, switch, or drop a Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plan.

Whether you’re new to Medicare, need help during open enrollment, or have questions, 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

Diaper Drive

Accepting Donations Through Friday, December 12

My office is hosting a Diaper Drive benefiting Healthy Start, Nurse-Family Partnerships, WIC, and the Maternity Care Coalition. Please drop off donated new, unused diapers, baby formula, and wipes at the following 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.