Around the 53rd District | Legislative Win for Consumers

Rep. Steve Malagari November 7, 2025 | 5:23 PM

PA Representative Steve Malagari banner image

Dear Neighbor,

On Tuesday, local elections were held across the Commonwealth, and many of our communities saw record turnout. No matter who or what you voted for, thank you to those who came out and cast their ballot. Our democracy functions best when you make your voice heard. Of course, none of this would be possible without the volunteers who staff our polling places, and I thank those who put in the long hours to keep things running smoothly.

As we look toward the holiday season, here’s a look at the work my office has been doing to support our neighbors: strengthening consumer protections, holding community events, and stepping up for families affected by federal funding uncertainty.

Legislative Update

It’s time to celebrate a big win for Pennsylvania consumers, as my bill to ban grinch bots recently passed the PA House of Representatives. From concert tickets to the latest gadgets, bad actors use these computer tools to automatically buy up in-demand items to resell at inflated prices.

This bill would prohibit the use of Grinch Bots to circumvent security systems or purchasing limits, and update our existing laws to make it clear that bots can’t be used for bulk purchasing. As the holiday season draws near, the need for this change is clear, and it will ensure the rest of us have a fair shot to make popular purchases at reasonable prices.

I want to thank all my colleagues who joined me in supporting HB 1063 to protect consumers' rights, and I hope that the Senate will join us in supporting this measure to give Pennsylvanians the protection they need during the holiday shopping season.

To read more about this bill and how it protects PA consumers, click here.

NEW Shred Event: A Win for Security and Sustainability

On Saturday, Senator Maria Collett and I hosted our Shred Event at Pennfield Middle School! In the US, over half of the paper and cardboard waste is sent to landfills, which means events like this don’t just keep your personal info safe—they also help the environment by making sure your old paperwork is disposed of responsibly.

With the help of our hardworking staff and the amazing team at Richter Mobile Shredding, we processed hundreds of cars (and one bike!) full of old personal documents, helping you clear out clutter while protecting sensitive information from prying eyes. Thank you to everyone who showed up and made this event such a success!

Important Changes to Federally Funded Benefits

While the federal government is shut down, it will not make SNAP (food stamps) or LIHEAP (energy bill assistance) payments for states to distribute to the millions of people who depend on them – including many families in our own community. While a court recently ruled that the federal government must use the money it already has to fully fund SNAP, appeals are still ongoing, meaning that benefit payments are still subject to delay.

Community organizations are here to help fill this gap the best they can, and are accepting food and financial donations from those who are able. My office is here to help connect you with additional state and local resources that can help.

You may still submit your applications to both the SNAP and LIHEAP programs. SNAP applications will be processed, but most LIHEAP applications cannot legally be processed until the program funding is disbursed (only pre-season cash grant applications will continue to be accepted for processing). Pending federal funding, LIHEAP applications will open on December 3. In the meantime, those affected should contact their utility company to learn about available assistance programs:

PECO

PPL

Lansdale Electric

Your voice on this issue can make a difference. Here are the lawmakers you can call on to demand they find a solution to fully fund these programs:

Senator Dave McCormick: (215) 405-9660

Senator John Fetterman: (215) 241-1090

Congresswoman Madeleine Dean: (202) 225-4731

Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick: (202) 225-4276

What We’re Doing to Help Our Neighbors

While court battles over federal funding continue, the folks in our community who rely on SNAP need our immediate support in the face of this uncertainty. To deliver immediate food aid to those who need it most, Governor Shapiro recently signed a disaster declaration to expedite the delivery of state funding to food banks. In conjunction with this, $5 million in state funding is being distributed to a network of food banks across the Commonwealth, including in our community.

Action is also being taken on the local level to help mitigate the effects of these federal funding cuts. Recently, I joined our Montgomery County Commissioners and local stakeholders at Manna on Main Street, where county officials announced $500,000 in assistance to local food banks. I’m grateful to all our county officials for their decisive action in the face of this funding crisis, and the responsible financial management that enables this agility.

If you’d like to help out, my office is collecting food to support Manna’s mission of ending hunger in the North Penn area. We’ve already seen an incredible outpouring of support in the past week, and I’m so proud of the way this community comes together in times of need. Thank you, as always, for your kindness and generosity.

Upcoming Events

Come get in the holiday spirit at my annual Holiday Open House! This year, you can look forward to:

Holiday treats and refreshments ?
Staff cookie bake-off ????
Learning about state benefits and services ??
A visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus (4pm-6pm) ????
Toy drive benefitting Victim Services Center of Montgomery County. ??

We can't wait to see you there!

More Ways to Give Back

My office is proud to partner with Montgomery County Prothonotary Noah Marlier and Victim Services Center for their annual Holiday Giving Drive. From now through December 5, we’re accepting new toy, books, art supplies, sporting goods, and other gift donations to be distributed to our neighbors this holiday season. These items will support vulnerable youth in our community, and you can drop them off Monday-Friday, 9am-4:30pm at my Lansdale office.