Dear Neighbor,

As Pennsylvania enters its third month without a finalized state budget, the ripple effects are becoming impossible to ignore. Schools have reopened with uncertainty hanging over their finances, and local officials are scrambling to plug the gaps left by the stalemate in Harrisburg. Meanwhile, riders and commuters struggled as SEPTA continues to operate without state help in its budget – a plan passed by House Democrats five times now.  

 

Philadelphia city leaders and SEPTA had struck temporary deals to restore bus service for school students by reallocating some of the city’s transit funding. At the same time, SEPTA announced a one-off sponsorship with FanDuel – an $80,000 arrangement that covered the cost of running trains to last week’s Eagles game.

 

Then, a Philadelphia judge ordered SEPTA to immediately restore all services cut last month but stayed the fare hikes. Those orders have gone into effect, with SEPTA being forced to use its capital budget (for building and maintaining infrastructure) to supplement its operating budget.

 

These patchwork solutions highlight just how fragile the broader picture remains: a long-term compromise on mass transit funding is necessary but nowhere in sight. Meanwhile, the budget gridlock will only hit schools harder as time goes on. Many districts are burning through reserves and delaying critical expenditures.

 

Until Senate Republicans can agree to a compromise, schools, transit riders and communities across Pennsylvania will remain caught in the middle.

In Solidarity,

State Rep. Mary Jo Daley

148th Legislative District

In This Update: 

• COVID Vaccince Updates
• Changes to SNAP Benefits
• Past Community Events: Liberty Bell Visit
• Upcoming Events
• Seasonal Programs
• Grants Spotlight: DCED Grant   

COVID Vaccines Available After Government Vote 

Due to a recent vote by the Pennsylvania Board of Pharmacy, providers are now authorized to follow guidance from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to administer the COVID-19 vaccine.

 

This change will make pharmacies like CVS and others now provide it after they initially were hesitant to. 

 

The COVID-19 vaccine is one of the most effective tools we have to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities. It dramatically reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death, while also helping slow the spread of the virus. Vaccination not only safeguards your own health but also protects vulnerable people around you, like young children, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems who may not be able to fight off infections as easily.

 

Thanks to vaccines, we’ve been able to reopen schools, keep businesses running, and move closer to normal life. Choosing to get vaccinated is an act of care for both yourself and the greater good.

Changes to SNAP

Due to the “Big, Beautiful Bill” passed by Republicans in Congress and signed by Donald Trump, SNAP now has work benefit requirements. What does this mean? 

Starting September 1, 2025, if you are:? 

• Between 18-54 years old; 
• Do not have a dependent child under 18; and? 
• Are considered physically and mentally able to work.? 

You need to have a job, volunteer, or be enrolled in school or a job training program.? 

• If you’re working, you must work an average of 20 hours each week or earn $217.50 per week before taxes. 
• If you’re in school or a training program, you must have total class and study time of 20 hours each week or be enrolled at least half-time. 
• If you’d like to meet the work requirement through community service, your caseworker can let you know how many hours each week you need to volunteer. 

If you do not meet this requirement, you will only be able to get SNAP benefits for three months over a three-year period. You must report that you are meeting the requirement to keep your SNAP benefits.? 

 

In addition, starting November 1, 2025,?some Pennsylvanians who were formerly exempt will now also have to meet work requirements to continue to receive SNAP benefits unless they meet a different exemption. This new group includes SNAP recipients who are: 

• Aged 55-64 years old; 
• Parents whose youngest child is 14 or older; 
• Considered physically and mentally able to work; 
• Veterans;? 
• Homeless; 
• Current or former foster children on their 18th birthday. 

You will have to meet requirements for work, volunteering, education, or training to be eligible for SNAP benefits. 

 

How do I report work, volunteering, or participation in an education or training program?  

Individuals with questions about how to report work, education, training, or volunteering activities can?contact their caseworker?at DHS’?County Assistance Office?or call the?Customer Service Center at 877-395-8930?(or 215-560-7226 if you live in Philadelphia). Pennsylvanians should also keep their address up-to-date with DHS by calling the Customer Service Center or updating their address through?COMPASS, and with the United States Postal Service so they don’t miss any important mailings about their benefits. 

 

Who is exempt from SNAP work requirements? 

You are exempt if you are:? 

• Living in a SNAP household with a child under 18 (***Note: this exemption will lower to age 14 starting on 11/1/2025); 
• Unable to work because of a physical or mental health condition, whether or not you qualify for disability benefits; 
• Pregnant; 
• Needed in the home to care for an ill or disabled person; 
• Receiving (or applied for) Unemployment Compensation (UC); 
• Unable to work because of domestic violence; 
• Participating in a drug or alcohol treatment program; 
• Homeless, living in a shelter or halfway house, or staying with family or friends for 90 days or less??(***Note: the federal government will end this exemption on 10/31/2025); 
• A veteran of any branch of the U.S. Military, National Guard, or reserves, regardless of type of discharge (***Note: the federal government will end this exemption on 10/31/2025); 
• Someone who aged out of the foster care system and is currently under age 25 (***Note: the federal government will end this exemption on 10/31/2025); or 
• Temporarily unemployed and expect to return to work in the next 60 days.

Past Events in Our Community 

Reflecting on Our Nation’s Legacy in Philadelphia  

Earlier On Monday, August 18th, I had the privilege of joining my colleagues on the House Majority Policy Committee for a roundtable and tour of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, hosted by the National Park Service. Walking through Congress Hall and the Assembly Room, where so many defining moments of our nation’s history took place, was a powerful reminder of the responsibility we carry as legislators. One of the most moving parts of the day was holding a copy of the Constitution—an experience that connected me even more deeply to the work I do on behalf of Pennsylvanians. 

 

We also had the rare opportunity to visit the second floor of Independence Hall, engage in thoughtful conversation with the National Park Service, and learn about the upcoming America 250 celebrations. Historical landmarks like these are essential to preserving our nation’s story and passing it on to future generations, and I am grateful to the National Park Service for their dedication to making history accessible, engaging, and meaningful to our communities. This experience reinforced for me just how monumental the history made in Philadelphia truly is, and how important it is that we honor that legacy through our service and commitment to the people we represent. 

Images: I had the privilege of joining my colleagues on the House Majority Policy Committee for a roundtable and tour of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, hosted by the National Park Service. 

Valley Forge

On Friday, August 22nd, I had the honor of joining community leaders, colleagues, and park advocates at Valley Forge to celebrate the National Park Service’s birthday and reflect on the legacy of this sacred site. Valley Forge is not only a cornerstone of the American story—where the Continental Army endured the winter of 1777–1778 with unity and resilience—it is also a living reminder of the sacrifices that shaped our democracy. 

 

As we look ahead to both the 250th anniversary of our nation and the 50th anniversary of Valley Forge’s designation as a national park unit in 2026, I was reminded of how invaluable our national parks are to our communities. They preserve our shared history, provide powerful educational opportunities, and serve as vital economic and cultural resources. I am grateful to have joined speakers like Molly Duffy of the Valley Forge Park Alliance, Vice Chair Commissioner Jamila Winder, Superintendent Rose Fennell of Valley Forge National Historical Park, and Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, in celebrating the past while looking toward the future. 

 

This event was not just a commemoration—it was a call to continue protecting and uplifting the spaces that tell America’s story, so future generations can walk these grounds and feel the history that lives here. 

Image: I joined community leaders, colleagues, and park advocates at Valley Forge to celebrate the National Park Service’s birthday and reflect on the legacy of this sacred site. 

Upcoming Events for Our District

September 17th - Satellite office hours in Whitemarsh  

Wednesday, September 17, 2025  

10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at my satellite office, 616 Germantown Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444 

 

Join us at the Whitemarsh Township building every third Wednesday of the month to meet with my district staff to get your photo taken for a Senior SEPTA Pass, complete a Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program application, discuss a PA Department of State Issue, submit an application for PennDOT, and handle many other state-level services.?? 

Hope to see you there!? 

October 11th - License Plate Restoration Event  

Saturday, October. 11th 2025 

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 616 Germantown Pike, Lafayette Hill PA 19444?

 

Our office will be partnering with the Whitemarsh Police Department this fall to host a License Plate Restoration event. This event will allow residents of the 148th Legislative District to apply for a new license plate onsite for FREE! An officer will inspect the damaged or illegible plate.?After?the officer inspects your plate, we will assist you in filling out PennDOT paperwork for a replacement license plate. The process is being done through PennDOT, you will NOT be receiving your new plate during the event. Instead, it will be mailed to our district office, and we will contact you when we receive it 

Available Programs

Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency Grant Program 

Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency offers numerous grant programs to students of all ages to pay for high education and certificate programs.  

 

Grow PA Scholarship Program – this program helps in-state students pay for school and builds the workforce in PA for in-demand occupations. Qualifying Programs and Majors for Grow PA Grant Program & Grow PA Waiver Program.

 

$2,500 No Essay College Scholarship – this scholarship is for students who are enrolled or planned to be enrolled in college for the 2025-26 academic year. $2,500 No Essay College Scholarship Survey.

2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Application Deadline Extended

The deadline to file Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications, for rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2024, has been extended to December 31, 2025. The state will begin to issue rebate checks on July 1, so the sooner you file, the sooner you will receive your rebate if eligible!  

 

Thanks to changes passed in 2023, more people are eligible, with income limits adjusted to keep pace with Social Security cost-of-living adjustments. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program has made it easier for seniors in Montgomery County to stay in their homes and afford groceries, medicine, and so much more. 

 

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians ages 65 and older, widows and widowers ages 50 and older, and people with disabilities age 18 and older. 

 

Please call or stop by my office to find out if you’re eligible and get assistance applying for your rebate. We’d be glad to answer any questions and set up an appointment to help you complete your application online!

September is Suicide Prevention Month 

Montgomery County Emergency Service (MCES) takes calls to 988 from Montgomery County 24/7. 988 helps people in crisis and struggling with thoughts of self-harm but also assists people of all ages with a wide range of problems. All calls are confidential and identifying information is only asked when needed to arrange a referral to services. MCES 988 staff are trained counselors familiar with resources in the county and elsewhere. More information about 988 and MCES is available at www.mces.org. 

Available Grants

It is important that the 148th Legislative District receives the funding support it needs for public and non-profit services year-round. Below are a few grants available with application deadlines in August and September. 

 

Please feel free to share this information with an entity, organization, or local group you know that may be interested in applying. Our office can assist you in this process and connecting with other government agencies.  

 

Pennsylvania eGrants Online Portal  

 

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Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES: 

Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. 

Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. 
Funds: $400 million in funding is available. 

Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis 

More information: DCED Website 

 

Department of Community and Economic Development: Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant: 

Who May Apply: Technical and trade schools, school districts, post-secondary academic institutions, workforce investment boards, economic development organizations, and non-profit organizations. For-profit entities are not eligible.  

Use: Projects must focus on the development and deployment of workforce training programs for individuals with barriers to employment, engage youth or those with barriers in awareness building activities of manufacturing career opportunities, and advance capacity for local or regional manufacturers to meet the needs of local and regional manufacturers that cannot be met through existing programs such as WEDnet and Industry Partnerships. 
Funds: Funds are available on an annual basis and vary based on recommendations and constraints set in the annual budget.  

Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted and evaluated on an ongoing basis as long as funds remain available. 

More information: DCED Website 

 

Department of Community and Economic Development: Pennsylvania First: 

Who May Apply: Businesses, Municipalities, Municipal Authorities, Redevelopment Authorities, Industrial Development Authorities or Corporations, Local Development Districts. 

Use: Machinery/equipment; Job training; Infrastructure; Land and building improvements; Environmental assessment/remediation; Acquisition of land, buildings, right-of-ways; Working capital; Site preparation. 
Funds: Grants and loans are available assuming an applicant can meet the private investment requirement. 

Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. 

More information: DCED Website 

 

Office of the Budget: PA Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP): 

Who May Apply: A project is eligible for RACP funding only if that project has been itemized in a PA Capital Budget Project Itemization Act, and such itemizations have remaining “Project Allocation” amounts and have not been statutorily “sunset.” 

Use: The design, acquisition, and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects. 

Application Deadline: Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. 

More information: Budget Website 

 

Department of Education: Keystone Grant for Public Library Facilities: 

Who May Apply: Counties, municipalities, municipal authorities, economic development agencies, redevelopment authorities, land banks, or councils of government. Non-profits may partner with an eligible applicant to apply on their behalf. 

Use: To help fund projects such as educational programs, work force development programs, eligible seminars and field trips, agricultural safety training programs, capital projects, equipment purchases and special projects, as approved by the Board 

Application Deadline: October 10th, 2025. 

More information: DOE Document 

 

Department of Agriculture: Agriculture and Youth Organization Grant Program: 

Who May Apply: Agriculture and youth organizations, which is an organization composed mainly of youth, or an organization with programs that benefit youth, and organized to promote development in the areas of agriculture, community leadership, vocational training and peer fellowship. This includes a school district. 

Use: To help fund projects such as educational programs, work force development programs, eligible seminars and field trips, agricultural safety training programs, capital projects, equipment purchases and special projects, as approved by the Board. 

Application Deadline: October 10th, 2025. 

More information: Grant Info Link 

 

Department of Environmental Protection: 2026 DEP Environmental Education Grant Program: 

Who May Apply: Schools, non-profit organizations, colleges and universities, county conservation districts, businesses, and other eligible entities. 

Use: Delivery of meaningful environmental education projects to improve understanding of natural resources and cultivate critical thinking and environmental stewardship for sustainable resource management. 

Application Deadline: November 14th, 2025. 

More information: Grant Info Link 

 

 

Department of Community and Economic Development: Local Share Account Statewide: 

Who May Apply: Grant applications are required to be submitted by a municipality on behalf of the project library. 

Use: Projects in the public interest. Projects that improve the quality of life of citizens in the community. Eligible projects must be owned and maintained by an eligible applicant or a nonprofit organization. 

Application Deadline: November 30th, 2025. 

More information: DCED Website 

 

PECO Green Region Open Space Program: 

Who May Apply: Municipalities, and Philadelphia non-profit organizations.  

Use: Natural area improvement projects. 

Application Deadline: The application period closes at 5:00 PM on Friday, October 31, 2025. 

More Information: www.natlands.org/peco?. 

 

Federal Clean Energy Tax Credits: 

Pennsylvania State Capitol

225 Irvis Office Building

Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 787-9475

District Office

312 Old Lancaster Rd.
Merion Station, PA 19066

(610) 832-1679

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