Dear Neighbor,
Last week, House Democrats made progress on the state budget, but we need more agreement in Harrisburg to finalize it. The House approved a compromise state budget plan, a scaled-back version of Gov. Shapiro’s budget proposal, and sent it to the GOP-controlled Senate. Despite scaling back some lines in the governor’s budget, the House budget still adds money for schools and other critical programs without raising taxes. This is in addition to the transit funding bill that was sent to the Senate in June.
We moved this spending plan forward because the state budget is overdue, and we understand that people have been waiting eagerly to find out how much the state will invest in schools, transit, non-profits, and other critical services. We stayed for three unplanned session weeks in July to work on the budget and now await the Senate’s action. I will continue to share updates as the budget is finalized.
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Speaking with Marple Civic Youth
Last week, I had the honor of joining the Marple Civic Youth for their Teen Leadership Summit. It was great to see their enthusiasm for civic engagement and share my experience with them in Harrisburg as a younger member of the PA House of Representatives.
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Seniors: We can help renew your SEPTA senior fare card
You might have seen an Inquirer story this week about why SEPTA senior fare cards expire—SEPTA says the cards have a shelf life from the manufacturer. It might be a hassle, but the good news is we’re here to help. Give my office a call at 610-544-9878 and a member of my staff will assist you. We may even be able to renew it over the phone.
The senior fare cards allow those 65 and older to ride SEPTA routes free in PA, so make sure you get one or renew if you qualify!
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Reimagining the Swarthmore Public Library
Rose from my staff had the chance to join Senator Kearney for a visit to Swarthmore Library and learn more about their plans for the library. You can see the plans as well as everything the library has going on by visiting https://swarthmorepubliclibrary.org/
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Cover grocery costs for children with SUN Bucks
Summertime should not mean empty stomachs. Pennsylvania’s SUN Bucks program provides $120 per eligible child on a prepaid EBT card to help families cover grocery costs when school is out. Children already on SNAP are automatically enrolled, and households not currently receiving SNAP may still qualify.
Visit dhs.pa.gov/SUNBucks to apply or learn more. Benefits for Summer 2025 began issuing in mid-July. Applications are due by August 31.
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PA veterans in need can apply for financial help
If you know a veteran who’s struggling to make ends meet, the Veterans Temporary Assistance (VTA) Program might be able to help. Eligible PA veterans and their families can take advantage of the program that provides up to $1,600 per year for essential needs like rent, groceries, utility bills, and clothing during times of financial hardship.
Eligible applicants include veterans with honorable or general discharges, those with service-connected disabilities, and surviving dependents of eligible veterans or service members who died in the line of duty. To apply or learn more, visit www.dmva.pa.org or contact our county Veterans Affairs office.
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Celebrating Katherine and the Eagles!
This week, Brad, Katherine and I had the opportunity to visit the Eagles training camp and hang out with Swoop. It was even more special because Thursday was Katherine’s third birthday! It was a wonderful day to celebrate my favorite girl before she becomes a big sister.
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PennDOT warns of REAL ID scam
Scammers have been sending fraudulent text messages involving REAL ID, according PennDOT, which is warning people to be aware. The messages are being sent to customers claiming to be from the DMV or the federal Department of Homeland Security asking people to click on a link and provide personal and payment information.
PennDOT does not have a process for customers to pre-scan and upload REAL ID documents, and the agency will never ask for any identity documents online. So do not click on these fraudulent links.
To learn more about this scam or report it, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website or report it to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.
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National Night Out
National Night Out is a nationwide event that encourages residents to get out of their homes and meet their neighbors and police officers. Its goal is to heighten crime awareness and strengthen the bond between the police and the community.
This year, Springfield and Marple are having events hosted by their police departments. Marple’s starts at 5 p.m. in the field behind Cardinal O’Hara High School and Springfield’s starts at 6 p.m. in the Springfield Country Club parking lot. Members of my staff will be there with information on how our office can assist so make sure you stop by and say hello!
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Upcoming Events:
Dining Under the Stars
Weekly on Wednesdays, starting at 5 pm
State Street in Media
Swarthmore Farmers Market
Weekly on Saturdays, 9 am to 12 pm
Swarthmore Borough Parking Lot
Media Farmers Market
Weekly on Sundays, 10 am to 1pm
Edgemont Avenue, between State and Front streets
Rose Tree Summer Festival
Weekly from Wednesday-Sunday, 7:30 pm
Rose Tree Park
Media Outdoor Movie Night
Friday, July 11 at dusk
Community Center Lawn, adjacent to Monroe between 3rd and 4th streets
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
217 Irvis Office Building
P.O. Box 202165
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2165
(717) 783-4090
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District Office
26 E. 4th Street
Media, PA 19063-3042
(610) 544-9878
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