LIHEAP opens tomorrow, Crown Act signed into law, and more

Rep. Leanne Krueger December 2, 2025 | 1:59 PM

PA Representative Leanne Krueger banner image

Dear Neighbor,

I hope you had a joyful and peaceful Thanksgiving with family and friends. As we begin a new month, I want to share that the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program application period opens on Wednesday, December 3.

LIHEAP helps families pay their heating bills through a one-time cash grant, which is sent directly to your utility or fuel provider and credited to your account. Because of the recent federal government shutdown, the start of the 2025-2026 program year was delayed by one month. Eligible households can receive $200 to $1,000, depending on household size, income, and fuel type. Families facing an immediate loss of heat may also qualify for crisis grants.

My office is here to help you apply, answer questions, or walk you through the process. You can also find more information about the LIHEAP program HERE.

At the Capitol

The week before Thanksgiving, I was in Harrisburg for voting session, where I joined my colleagues in supporting several bills to help Pennsylvanians:

HB 1871 – Would modernize security options for businesses across the Commonwealth.

HB 1811 – Would remove the price per acre cap for counties of the first through fifth class, allowing the Pennsylvania Game Commission to purchase additional land for public access and conservation.

HB 1233 – Would establish a statewide portable battery stewardship program to ensure safe disposal of lithium-ion batteries.

HB 1528 – Would support grandparents raising grandchildren by providing grants for short-term emergency care.

CROWN Act Signed into Law

Last week, the governor signed the Pennsylvania CROWN Act, which protects people from discrimination based on natural hair texture, type, and style. This law is an important step forward, particularly for Black Pennsylvanians who have too often faced bias in workplaces, schools, and public spaces simply for wearing their hair naturally.

In the District

Aston’s New Police & Municipal Building

Last week, I had the opportunity to tour Aston Township’s new police station and municipal offices. Chief Ruggieri walked me through the beautiful new station, and Township Manager Bill DeFeo showed me the updated offices and community spaces. The station even includes a police fitness facility equipped with a generous donation from Planet Fitness.

I’m thrilled to see the Aston Township Police Department and municipal staff getting settled into their new home, and I’m proud to have helped secure $1.1 million in state grants to support the construction of this new facility.

I was also joined on tour by Sergeant Giancristoforo, and it was wonderful to see firsthand how these improvements will benefit both the department and the community.

A Look Inside DCCC’s New Southeast Center in Drexel Hill

In late November, I had the chance to tour Delaware County Community College’s new Southeast Center in Drexel Hill. This state-of-the-art campus is being built on the former site of the Archbishop Prendergast High School for Girls and will soon provide students with affordable, high-quality education and hands-on training.

The Southeast Center will offer programs in culinary arts, allied health, early childhood education, biotech, carpentry, plumbing, electrical technology, and more, opening doors to good careers right here in our community.

I was joined on the visit by Senator Tim Kearney and DCCC President Dr. Marta Yera Cronin, who shared the exciting progress being made. The new center is expected to open in January 2026, and it represents a major investment in opportunity for Delaware County students and families.

Meeting The Foundation for Delaware County’s
New President, Michael Kellerman

I recently met with Michael Kellerman, the new President of The Foundation for Delaware County. Michael brings extensive experience as a nonprofit executive and change management specialist, and I look forward to working together to support families and strengthen our community.

Thank You for Supporting our Diaper Drive

As our diaper drive continues, I want to thank Cheryl and Michael Seravello for stopping by to drop off diapers. Their generosity, and the generosity of so many across our community, means a great deal. Our drive runs through December 12, and we’re grateful for everyone who has contributed so far.

Important Programs and Services

TSA introduces new $45 fee option for travelers without REAL ID
starting February 1

The Transportation Security Administration announced yesterday that beginning February 1, 2026, passengers who do not have a REAL ID, passport, or another acceptable form of identification will have the option to pay a $45 fee to fly. This fee covers TSA’s new modernized identity-verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, which can be used for a 10-day travel period.

TSA also noted that travelers will be able to pay the fee online before their trip if they don’t have REAL ID.

Pennsylvania began enforcing REAL ID requirements on May 7, 2025.

If you need help or have questions about obtaining your REAL ID, or what documents are needed, please reach out to my office for assistance.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate Assistance Available

Good news! 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 your annual household income was $46,520 or less and you were:

65 or older as of December 31, 2024.
50 or older and a widow or widower during all or part of 2024.
Permanently disabled and 18 or older during all or part of 2024.

*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.

Did you already apply for your Property Tax or Rent Rebate? You can track the status of your rebate online.

Pennie Open Enrollment

It’s open enrollment season for Pennie, Pennsylvania’s health insurance marketplace. Open enrollment runs from November 1 through January 15. To have coverage start on January 1, you must enroll by December 15. If you enroll between December 16 and January 15, your coverage will begin on February 1.

Starting in 2026, premiums are expected to rise significantly. In Delaware County, nearly 22,000 residents get their health insurance through Pennie and will face an average increase of 61%. One major reason for these increases is that the federal enhanced premium tax credits, which have helped keep costs affordable since 2021, are set to expire on December 31, 2025. Pennsylvanians rely on these credits to afford their coverage.

In Washington, federal lawmakers have said they expect to bring a measure to the floor in December to extend the enhanced premium tax credits. However, there is no certainty that it would pass, and we don’t know what a new plan might look like, or how much it would help Pennie customers.

If you get your insurance through Pennie, 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.

I strongly encourage anyone impacted by these projected premium hikes to share your story with your federal elected officials. Your experiences matter, and you should let them know how these changes will affect you and your family.

Our Events

Upcoming December Mobile Office Hours

Chester Township

Tuesday, December 9

1 PM – 3 PM

DCHA Fairgrounds - Bridgeview Apartments

1301 Peterson St., Chester Township

Woodlyn

Thursday, December 11

1 PM – 3 PM

DCHA Kinder Park – Building 4 Community Room

1857 Constitution Ave., Woodlyn

Upland Borough

Tuesday, December 16

1 PM – 3 PM

MacQueen Hall – 224 Castle Ave., Upland

Crum Lynne

Thursday, December 18

1 PM – 3 PM

American Legion FA Scott Post 777

137 Walter St., Crum Lynne

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.