The state budget impasse has hurt many people and also many agencies across our commonwealth, especially those that provide vital resources to women and children.
I was recently reminded by Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence Executive Director Susan Higginbotham that her organization doesn’t get money for the heroic services it provides to the commonwealth during the impasse, and we talked about what going without it means for people trapped in homes facing violence.
She said that domestic violence programs are struggling to borrow funds to keep operations afloat, and many have furloughed or laid off counselors, advocates and other essential personnel.
Each day without state funding means approximately 247 additional domestic violence victims and their children do not receive the lifesaving supports they need. In Pennsylvania, one person dies every three days in an act of domestic violence.
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State Rep. Mary Jo Daley
148th Legislative District
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My office is here to serve you
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Amid the federal government shutdown and the ongoing state budget impasse, thousands of families in Pennsylvania are suffering from the loss of jobs, food assistance, and vital government services. People are in need now more than ever.
Political challenges will not stop me from holding my colleagues accountable and advocating for a state budget that ensures funding for education, healthcare, and transportation. My district office will also continue providing resources and assistance during this time. We are open Monday through Friday, and we can help with:
- Issues or questions with PennDOT: Disability placards and license plates, Vehicle registrations, specialty plates, titles and driver license applications
- Filling out state forms: Property Tax/Rent Rebate
- Locating Unclaimed Property
- Unemployment compensations issues
- Senior citizen free fare cards for SEPTA
- Pennsylvania income tax issues
- Birth and Death certification applications
- Applications for business tax ID numbers
- Pennsylvania Department of State Issues and more
No matter what, my team and I are here to support all the constituents of the 148th Legislative District!
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October 24 Gratz College Groundbreaking
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Gratz College officially breaks ground on their Bala Cynwyd campus on October 24th. Shovels ready, from left to right: Zev Eleff, Gratz President; Jonathan Mandell, member of Board of Governors; David Brawer, Chair of Board of Governors; David Weinstein, Board Chair Emeritus; myself; Gilda Kramer, Lower Merion Township Ward 13 Commissioner. Back row:?Michael Bierds,?Caritas Construction Superintendent.
As the oldest independent and pluralistic college for Jewish studies and the first to admit women on the same basis as men, Gratz College stands as a true pioneer in education and equality.
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In October in the Capitol, we supported the work of midwives across our commonwealth, which is personal to me. I will never forget their kindness and confidence. Midwives provide safe, compassionate and local care to families who might have to otherwise travel hours for such care and so many other people.
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License Plate Restoration Event in Whitemarsh
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I would like to thank the Whitemarsh Police Department again for their help and partnership with us during our License Plate Restoration Event last month. Over 30 constituents arrived to begin the process of replacing their old, worn license plate with a new one.
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November 11th – Happy Veteran’s Day
This coming Veterans Day, we thank the brave service members who have sacrificed for our country with courage and dedication. Their sacrifice deserves our deepest gratitude – not just on Veteran’s Day, but every day.
To those looking to support veterans this year: you can learn more about veterans and homelessness in Montgomery County and Southeast Pa. by checking out work being done by the Veterans Multi-Service Center. VMC helps by offering food, housing, job placement, addiction referrals and more to help veterans build up their lives.
To all veterans: thank you for your service. Thank you for your courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to protecting the freedoms we cherish every day.
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November 12th – Meet The Rep event in Bala Cynwyd
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Bala Cynwyd Library, 131 Old Lancaster Rd, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
The Meet The Rep event that was originally scheduled for last month has now been moved to November 12th. Come meet me and my staff at the Bala Cynwyd library to discuss state government concerns and to receive information about state programs and available services. RSVPs are required for this event. To RSVP, please call our office at 610-832-1679 or email us at RepMaryJoDaley@pahouse.net.
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November 19th - Satellite office hours in Whitemarsh
Wednesday, November 19, 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.??
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PennDOT to Host Virtual Meeting for Belmont Avenue and St. Asaphs Road Intersection Improvement on Nov. 18
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation invites you to attend a live virtual public meeting on Tuesday, November 18, for the upcoming project to reconstruct and improve travel and safety through the Belmont Avenue and St. Asaphs Road Intersection in Lower Merion Township.
This project includes the evaluation of alternatives for safety improvements along the St. Asaphs Road corridor and review of alternatives at the intersection of Belmont Avenue and St. Asaphs Road in Lower Merion Township.
The alternatives that are being reviewed by PennDOT include a road diet along the St. Asaphs Road corridor from Conshohocken State Road (Route 23) to Monument Road, as well as two intersection control alternatives at the Belmont Avenue and St. Asaphs Road intersection, including a traffic signal and a hybrid roundabout.
As part of PennDOT's public outreach program, the department encourages the public to attend the live virtual public meeting on Tuesday, November 18, beginning at 6:30 PM, by clicking on this Microsoft Live Teams meeting link prior to the presentation start time. The department’s design team will deliver a project presentation before answering questions using the platform’s Q&A feature.
Please note that internet access and a computer or mobile device are required to view the virtual meeting. Anyone with special needs or requiring special aid is requested to contact PennDOT Project Manager Nathan Parrish.
Members of the public who are unable to attend the meeting can view the meeting recording and copy of the project materials on the project webpage. An online comment form will also be available to submit questions or feedback.
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PA Health Care 2025 Virtual Career Day
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The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) and I wanted to make you aware of a unique opportunity to connect high school students in your districts with real-world health care career opportunities through HAP’s inaugural Virtual Healthcare Career Day on Thursday, November 13, 2025.
The program will be opened with a message from Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen, underscoring the commonwealth’s commitment to building a strong and sustainable health care workforce—a needed investment as more than half of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties are designated health professional shortage areas.
This interactive online event will feature “day in the life” videos and live Q&A sessions with clinicians and hospital leaders from across Pennsylvania helping students explore in-demand careers such as:
- Registered Nurse
- Surgical Technologist
- Radiologic Technologist
- Respiratory Therapist
- Cybersecurity/IT Specialist
Students will gain insight into each role’s daily responsibilities, education and training pathways, and how they can begin preparing now for their future careers in health care.
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Pennie Enrollment Period is Open
The open enrollment period for Pennie, the state’s health insurance marketplace, is now open. Shop for plans and enroll in high-quality health coverage at pennie.com by December 15th to get coverage starting on January 1, 2026.
Please note that due to federal law, Pennie expects changes that impact the cost of health coverage as well as other enrollment requirements. Learn more about those changes here.
If you have questions or need help enrolling, visit Pennie.com/connect or call the Pennie Customer Service Center at 1-844-844-8040.
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Food Bank Resource and Services
Food aid locations for Lower Merion Township, Narberth Borough, Whitemarsh Township
Phone: 215-832-0815 or 215-832-0627
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Our Closet In Your Neighborhood (OCIYN) is bringing free groceries and clothing, along with access to a qualified social worker?for benefits and resources, to the JFCS Brodsky Enrichment Center. This mobile program meets basic needs with dignity and respect, right in the community.
What:?Free clothing (up to 10 items/adult) and groceries (up to 10 items/adult) + social services support First-come, first-served; sizes/styles not guaranteed.
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 • 1–3 PM
Tuesday, November 25, 2025 • 1–3 PM
Where: JFCS Brodsky Enrichment Center,?345 Montgomery Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
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The start of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program has been delayed to Dec. 3 due to the federal shutdown and Republican inaction in Washington, D.C.
Gov. Josh Shapiro and the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission have secured commitments from utility companies across the state to ensure that heat and electricity will not be shut off in November for LIHEAP-eligible Pennsylvanians affected by the federal government shutdown.
This commitment will protect residents who receive federal home-heating assistance and help bridge the gap until the regular moratorium on utility shutoffs begins in December.
Visit PAPowerSwitch.com and PAGasSwitch.com for energy tips, shopping options and ways to navigate the costs of home heating if you have trouble paying your bill.
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Property Tax/ Rent Rebate Program Deadline is Dec. 31
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The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program supports homeowners and renters across Pennsylvania by providing rebates ranging from $380 to $1,000 for eligible older adults and individuals with disabilities aged 18 and older.
Click here to learn whether you qualify, how much you would receive and to apply online.
The program deadline is coming up fast – Dec. 31, 2025. Reach out to my office if you have questions.
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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 November.
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.
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
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.
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.
Department of Agriculture: Farm-to-School Grant Program:
Who May Apply: A school district, school, charter school, private school or center with prekindergarten classes, kindergarten classes, elementary classes or middle school classes through the eighth grade that participates in a Federal child nutrition program
Use: To educate prekindergartners through eighth graders and their families about the importance of choosing healthy, locally produced foods and to increase awareness of agriculture in this Commonwealth
Application Deadline: November 14, 2025
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.
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.
Federal Clean Energy Tax Credits
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
225 Irvis Office Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 787-9475
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District Office
312 Old Lancaster Rd.
Merion Station, PA 19066
(610) 832-1679
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