Around the 53rd District - August 1, 2025

Rep. Steve Malagari August 1, 2025 | 4:05 PM

PA Representative Steve Malagari banner image

Dear Neighbor,

As we reach the month of August and look forward to a slight reprieve from the heat, we are reminded that time is running out for our counterparts in the Senate to act. Our state is still without a budget, and we can expect to feel the effects of the ensuing funding disruptions in the coming weeks.

While we passed a balanced budget in the House, Senate Republicans have not made progress on reaching a final agreement with our chamber. Now, the time has come to move from conversation to final passage.

Here’s what you need to know about what’s at stake:

SEPTA SERVICE CUTS

As many of you know, SEPTA faces a $213 million budget deficit this fiscal year due to the loss of state Act 89 funding and federal COVID relief funds.

SEPTA has implemented austerity measures that have reduced this figure by some $38 million from the original sum, but this massive funding shortfall cannot be made up by austerity alone. The numbers are clear: there is nothing left to cut but service.

We understand the importance of mass transit in the House of Representatives, in this district and beyond. In recognition of how many folks rely on SEPTA, we passed a bill that would provide them and other mass transit agencies across the state with a fair and sustainable funding source through our state sales tax. This proposal has yet to be considered in the Senate chamber, which means that major fare hikes and service cuts are now just over the horizon:

On August 24th, SEPTA will implement service cuts or elimination for 136 routes.
On September 1st, SEPTA fares will spike by 21.5%, making them among the most expensive in the nation.

Senate Republicans have introduced their own proposal to "save" SEPTA from this funding crisis, which you can read more about here. It would implement new reporting and oversight requirements for SEPTA – which it largely already takes -- but does not include any funding increase above current levels.

I am committed to achieving a sustainable funding solution for our region’s mass transit, and I believe in the ability of our legislators to come together to solve this problem. But to make this possible, Senate Republicans must come to the table in good faith, and I urge them to join us in working toward a sustainable solution.

In the absence of this, and without a clear path forward, we must prepare for these cuts and plan for their impacts to our collective mobility. To learn more about these changes including how they’ll impact individual lines, click here.

When important decisions like this one are made, it’s important that we take a moment to listen and learn from those affected. Regardless of whether you ride SEPTA personally, these changes will impact our community, from the traffic patterns on our roads to the quality of the air we breathe.

Given what’s at stake, I urge you to call these Senate Republicans that represent our region and tell them to fund our public transit systems and keep PA moving:

?? Sen. Tracy Pennycuick: (215) 541-2388

?? Sen. Joe Picozzi: (215) 281-2539

?? Sen. Frank Farry: (215) 638-1784

A Helping Hand for Our Neighbors

My staff paid a visit to Mitzvah Circle along with some of our other PA House Southeast Delegation staff to deliver donations from our period product drive!

This is part of our longstanding commitment to women’s health and ending period poverty.

Thanks to the efforts of the Shapiro Administration, schools across Pennsylvania provide period products free of charge for students. But with federal funding for other programs like this on hold, we’re working to fill this critical need for all of the women and girls in our region. Thank you to everyone who dropped off a donation or helped spread the word.

NEW GRANT FUNDING: Keeping us connected

I'm proud to announce Senator Maria Collett and I have secured grant funding that will provide 240 laptops to Keystone Opportunity Center and Indian Creek Foundation.

In the 21st century, internet access is no longer a luxury--it's a necessity. Especially for those with disabilities or limited access to transportation, the internet breaks down barriers and shrinks distances.

For these community organizations and the people they serve, these devices will be a tool to access healthcare, find employment opportunities, and connect with others.

Upcoming Events

Break out those calendars, seniors! Join us in September for my 6th annual Senior Fair!

You don't want to miss it, and we’d love to see you.

This FREE event includes:
- Health screenings
- Vaccinations
- Information on state & local services available to seniors and caregivers
- Light refreshments

?? Date: Thursday, September 4, 2025

? Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

?? Location: Trinity Lutheran Church

(1000 W. Main St., Lansdale, PA 19440)

I'm partnering with Senator Collett to host our first ever Pet-A-Palooza event! This fun and FREE event is designed to connect you and your furry friends with local resources, keeping our beloved companions healthy and happy.

We're hosting great pet-themed vendors, including:
- Local vets ??
- Delicious treats ??
- Rescue organizations ??
- State resources ??

Stick around afterward for the Hatfield Pool’s Dog-A-Poolooza and let your pup take a dip in the pool! (proof of immunizations required)

?? Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025

? Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

?? Location: Hatfield Aquatic Center

(2500 Chestnut St., Hatfield, PA 19440)

Stepping Up for Our Neighbors

My office is proud to take part in North Penn Education Foundation’s Build-A-Bag Drive to help ensure that all members of our community have access to the necessary tools to do their best in school. As back-to-school season comes around, please consider picking up something extra for those who are struggling to make ends meet.

Donations will be accepted at my office through the end of August.

New Beginnings for Kyle!

Goodbyes are always bittersweet, and this one is no different. Since he began as an intern at my office, Kyle has been a bright, kind, and hardworking member of my team. We’ve been so lucky to have him as part of the team, and I’m sure many of you have seen the care he has put into his work.

While we’re sad to see him leave Team Malagari, we’re so excited to see him start a new chapter as he continues his education at UCLA School of Law. Good luck, Kyle!