Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Around the 53rd District - October 9, 2025

Around the 53rd District - October 9, 2025

PA Representative Steve Malagari banner image

Dear Neighbor,
 

Over the past several weeks, I’ve been hard at work in Harrisburg and here at home advancing policies that make our communities safer, stronger, and more connected, and my focus remains on practical solutions that improve everyday life for our residents.

 

Here in our community, it’s been a season of celebration and collaboration—from honoring decades of service by our local water authority to joining community partners in revitalizing public spaces and supporting local nonprofits in times of need. Whether it’s protecting your privacy, ensuring access to mental health care, or fostering innovation and economic growth, I’m proud to represent a community that continually demonstrates what’s possible when we come together.

 

State Budget Status

Yesterday afternoon, for the third time in the past 100 days, my colleagues and in the House sent a balanced budget that doesn’t increase taxes – one that earned bipartisan support in our chamber – to the Senate, specifically addressing its leaders' concerns.  

 

We amended the Senate’s own bill to deliver the state support that Pennsylvanians like you have told us you rely on, especially in the face of federal budget cuts and program shutdowns.

I hope, of course, the Senate decides to join us in compromising so we can finally deliver the state budget so many organizations are waiting on. After the first two budget we sent them, the Senate didn’t respond meaningfully, except to demand cuts to public school funding that would go against Commonwealth Court orders and force school districts into actions like laying off teachers or raising local taxes. 

 

We’re consistently demonstrating responsible governance in the House by balancing fiscal discipline with compassion. Pennsylvania has $10 billion in reserves, our budget doesn’t raise any taxes, and it sets us up for a stable future where we won’t have to scramble in the face of an emergency. The commonwealth has the money to fund the programs and services our communities, schools, and first responders depend on.

 

HB 1593: Universal Background Checks

Gun violence has claimed the lives of far too many Americans, and recent events have underscored the critical need for us to act. Gun deaths are approaching an all-time high, and the incidence of mass shootings has risen sharply in the last decade (source). But this is not a foregone conclusion: states that enact common-sense firearm laws have significantly lower firearm injury rates than those without these laws (source).

 

That’s why I joined my colleagues in the House in voting for this measure that would subject all gun buyers, regardless of barrel length, to background checks. This measure would protect all Pennsylvanians from the very real threat of gun violence, while respecting the 2nd Amendment rights of responsible firearm owners across the Commonwealth.

 

This bill now awaits consideration in the Senate, where I hope my counterparts will act, as I have, to keep our communities safe.

 

HB 78 & HB 997Protecting Your Personal Information

In our online world, consumers today have their personal information harvested from every digital interaction. These bills would put measures in place to ensure that your personal info remains safe.

 

HB 78 would require businesses to limit the data they collect about consumers. Consumers would have the right to view, correct, and delete data collected about them or even opt out of data collection entirely.

 

HB 997 would require companies that collect your data to take action to protect it from hackers. It would also mandate them to compensate you if your data is breached, and gives consumers the right to sue to recover losses sustained from a data breach.

 

 

Big Happenings in Souderton

Rotary Park

Recently, I joined local leaders in celebrating the rejuvenation of Souderton’s newly renamed Rotary Park.

 

I'm proud to have helped secure a state grant that, along with the incredible generosity and work of Souderton-Telford Rotary, has helped this park grow into a gathering place for all ages and abilities. Click here to learn more!

 

IVPL Educational Gardens

It was my pleasure to help Indian Valley Public Library celebrate the 15th anniversary of their Educational Gardens.

 

Not only is it a beautiful place to read and reflect, but it provides a valuable home for butterflies and pollinators while teaching children about the important role they play in our ecosystem.

 

Thank you to all the volunteers who made it happen and keep it going!

 

 

Celebrations in North Penn

NWPA turns 60!

The North Penn Water Authority just celebrated its 60th anniversary, marking 6 decades of delivering pure, safe drinking water to our community. Running water is something we often take for granted: we expect that it will be there every time we turn on the tap. At this celebration, we got to recognize the folks who work tirelessly to make this remarkable service possible.

We also marked a bittersweet moment: bidding farewell to Executive Director Tony Bellitto. He has led NPWA with dedication, vision, and compassion since 1998, and has been at the heart of their growth into an award-winning, nationally recognized organization. Under his leadership, NPWA has remained steadfast in its mission to provide a safe, reliable, and affordable water supply to more than 36,000 customers across 20 municipalities.

 

We congratulate Tony on an extraordinary career and thank him for more than two decades of service and leadership to the NPWA family and our community. 

Tony's legacy will continue to shape NPWA

for years to come!

 

North Penn Mosque Community Day

As always, Community Day at the North Penn Mosque was full of fun, food and warm hospitality. The vibrancy of our community was on full display as we browsed the vendor booths, played games and spoke with members of the community. Thank you for having me!

 

 

PA's Healthcare Leadership

Ensuring access to mental health care

Recently, I joined fellow members of the PA House Democratic Policy Committee for a tour of the Norristown State Hospital and roundtable discussion on mental health.

 

The visit offered an important look at the historic hospital’s facilities and led to an insightful conversation with judicial and mental health experts about the ways in which mental health treatment has evolved, and how we can take on the challenges Pennsylvanians face in accessing care.

We are grateful to all who shared their expertise and experiences. By continuing these discussions, we can work toward policies that strengthen mental health services and ensure that every Pennsylvanian has the support they need.

 

Innovation in our community

I had the opportunity to tour Pfizer’s local campus and hear from community stakeholders on the current state of the life sciences and technology sectors in Pennsylvania. The overview highlighted the industry’s significant economic impact and the opportunity we have to position ourselves as a leader in these burgeoning industries.

I also joined a roundtable discussion with industry stakeholders to examine strategies to attract investment, support startup businesses, and strengthen university research. These conversations are critical as we look to ensure Pennsylvania remains a leader in innovation and job creation.

 

I am grateful to Pfizer and Life Sciences PA for hosting these discussions and for their ongoing partnership in shaping the future of this vital industry.

 

 

Upcoming Events

Is your license plate peeling, faded, or hard to read? Don't risk a ticket!


My office has one more FREE License Plate Restoration Event to go this fall to help you get a new plate, featuring PA’s new Liberty Bell Design. My staff will on hand to process the paperwork for you and make this process hassle-free. You can catch us on:

?? Wednesday, Oct. 15

? 5 PM – 7 PM

?? Franconia Twp PD

(671 Allentown Rd., Telford)

 

We're teaming up with PA CareerLink to connect you with job opportunities and professional development resources right here in my office! Please sign up at bit.ly/RepMalagariOTR.

 

If you have old documents piling up, this upcoming event is for you! Senator Collett and I are hosting a FREE Shred Event to keep your personal information safe and your home clutter-free. You can bring up to 3 boxes or bags of documents to be securely shredded on-site. Protect your identity, help the environment, and get information on state services—all in one quick stop:

?? Saturday, Nov. 1

? 10 AM – 12 PM

?? Pennfield Middle School

(726 Forty Foot Rd., Hatfield)

 

Giving Back to Our Neighbors

Mitzvah Circle, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides clothing and other necessities to so many of our neighbors, suffered a devastating fire last month and lost two truckloads full of supplies.

My Lansdale office is continuing to accept donations to help them make up for what was lost, in partnership with my colleagues in the PA House and Senate.

 

Pennsylvania State Capitol
G-11 Irvis Office Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 783-8515

District Office

100 West Main St., Suite 110
Lansdale, PA 19446

(267) 768-3671