Around the 53rd District - July 3, 2025

Rep. Steve Malagari July 3, 2025 | 1:40 PM

PA Representative Steve Malagari banner image

Dear Neighbor,

We’re still working on the state budget up in Harrisburg, and I’m looking forward to an agreement as negotiations between House and Senate leadership continue. I'm hopeful that our colleagues in the Senate will join us in our commitment to funding mass transit, health care, and education — investments that will benefit working Pennsylvanians and strengthen our communities.

Meanwhile, we have not slowed down in the House and are focusing on staying productive. We continue working for you, advancing legislation to move our Commonwealth forward, and I'm proud of the progress we've made.

Here’s what you can look forward to, if the Senate approves the following bills we sent them in June:

Ending Junk Fees (H.B. 1216): This bill would ensure that PA consumers aren’t taken advantage of by retailers that advertise artificially low prices, then jack those prices up with surcharges and fees. It requires all mandatory fees be included in the displayed or advertised price, making it easier for you to compare prices and shop smart.

Restoring Dental Care to Medicaid Recipients (H.B. 583): This legislation would expand the dental care covered by PA’s Medical Assistance (Medicaid) program to include treatments like root canals and crowns. This would give more options to low-income patients and is an important pillar of our efforts to improve public health.

Protecting Your Accounts (H.B. 1553) This bill would cap overdraft and non-sufficient funds fees charged by financial institutions at $15. Studies consistently show these fees disproportionately impact low- and moderate-income customers, exacerbating financial difficulties and compounding cycles of poverty. This fee cap ends the practice of profiting off of low-income customers and ensures that bank fees reflect their real-world processing costs.

Expanding Maternal Blood Pressure Monitoring Coverage (H.B. 1234) Part of the MOMNIBUS legislation package, this measure would make it easier for mothers across the Commonwealth to obtain health care and start a family. Unfortunately, high blood pressure (hypertension) is increasingly common during pregnancy, and is a leading cause of maternal, neonatal, and fetal mortality. This act allows Medical Assistance (Medicaid) recipients to obtain coverage for blood-pressure monitors during pregnancy, aiding in the early identification and treatment of gestational hypertension.

Fun, Games, and Community Gains at Family Fest ????

Senator Maria Collett and I recently hosted our second annual Family Fest, and it was a blast! There was face painting, balloon animals, music and games.

The amazing volunteers at North Penn Goodwill Service helped us out by serving snacks, and dozens of local organizations and agencies connected with attendees of all ages. We even tried our hand at archery with the PA Game Commission!

It was such a pleasure to see so many familiar faces, and we can’t wait to see you all again next year.

Upcoming Events

Get smart about scams at my Scam Jam with the PA Department of Banking and Securities! This fun and educational event is designed to help you spot and avoid frauds targeting our community, from identity theft to online tricks!

?? Date: Thursday, July 17, 2025

? Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

?? Location: Hatfield Township Municipal Building

(1950 School Rd., Hatfield, PA 19440)

Snapshots with Steve

Souderton Area For All hosted their 3rd Annual Pride Picnic! Even though we had some stormy weather, we still got the chance to gather celebrate our LGBTQ+ community

This week, I joined our Bangladeshi community in Hatifield for the annual Bangladeshi-American Cultural Festival! I also had the opportunity to present an official House Resolution that recognizes March 26, 2025 as Bangladesh Day in PA.

Stepping Up for Our Neighbors

Recent cuts to federal social programs have left many members of our community vulnerable. To fill this critical need, my office is taking part in two local resource drives: North Penn Education Foundation’s Build-A-Bag Drive and Mitzvah Circle’s Period Product Drive. My office is a drop-off location for both, so please consider donating if you are able. See images below for details.