New requirements for nutrition programs in Pennsylvania took effect last month. The changes to SNAP benefits, mandated by the omnibus federal tax and budget legislation, became effective on September 1. Many recipients of nutrition assistance will now have to work, attend school, or volunteer for 20 hours a week to continue receiving benefits. There are certain exceptions to this requirement, but overall, as many as 140,000 people in Pennsylvania—672 in our district alone—could lose food assistance because of the federal law. This change has a significant impact on older Pennsylvanians who are not yet considered "seniors," as many have struggled to find suitable employment since the pandemic.

An additional provision in the bill passed by Congress in July would require states to pay an increased share of administrative costs and possibly some food assistance costs out of state budgets rather than federal funds. This could lead to larger cuts in 2027 and beyond, as states like Pennsylvania could lose hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding.

Congress is making it harder for people who need food assistance and harder for the states that provide it. I believe these cuts should be reversed.

Please share the flyer above with any SNAP recipients you know and visit this website to learn more.

Great news for the Lehigh Valley: Governor Josh Shapiro joined B. Braun leaders and local officials to announce that the company — a global leader in infusion therapy and pain management — will invest $20 million to expand and modernize its medical device manufacturing facility in the region.

The project is expected to create at least 200 new full-time jobs over the next three years while retaining 1,704 existing full-time positions.

The Commonwealth is supporting the project with $1.5 million in state funding.

PA ABLE offers tax-advantaged savings options for people with disabilities. Saving with PA ABLE does not affect eligibility for important benefits such as Supplemental Security Income and Medical Assistance. PA ABLE allows contributions of up to $19,000 annually. With ABLE to Work, this limit may be higher for employed individuals who do not contribute to an employer-sponsored retirement plan.

Funds saved with PA ABLE are easily accessible and can be used for a wide range of disability-related expenses—from everyday costs like groceries and rent to larger expenses such as assistive technology, vehicle adaptations, and more. No federal or state income tax is owed on PA ABLE account growth or withdrawals when funds are used for qualified expenses.

Currently, to save with PA ABLE, a person’s disability must be onset prior to the age of 26. Starting in 2026, this age will rise to 46, expanding eligibility to include millions more Americans, including one million veterans.

To learn more about PA ABLE, visit www.paable.gov, or call 855-529-ABLE (2253).

As a proud graduate of Lehigh University, I was delighted to help the school celebrate 100 years of its art galleries with Light Up LUAG (Lehigh University Art Galleries). Citations from the City of Bethlehem and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania recognized the gallery’s lasting impact and the opening of Here & Now: 100 Years of LUAG, 100 Local Artists. The celebration will continue throughout the year, and the exhibition at Zoellner Arts Center will remain open through May.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating the first anniversary of Bethlehem and Patillas, Puerto Rico, as sister cities. It was an afternoon filled with Puerto Rican culture, live music, authentic food, and community spirit.

Remember, you can always contact my office if you have questions about anything in this email or other state-related issues. Give us a call at 610-867-3890, email RepSamuelson@pahouse.net, or stop by and see us at 104 E. Broad St. in Bethlehem.

District Office

104 East Broad Street
Bethlehem, PA 18018

(610) 867-3890

Pennsylvania State Capitol

209 Irvis Office Building

PO Box 202135

Harrisburg, PA 17120-2135
(717) 705-1881