The Wall That Heals in Montgomery County and More...

Rep. Ben Sanchez July 11, 2025 | 2:11 PM

PA Representative Ben Sanchez banner image

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I hope you find this week’s News and Events email helpful as we look at what’s coming up in and around the district. As always, my team and I are here to help you with any state-related matter and are happy to provide as much information as we can.

Whether you need a service, want to share your concerns, offer ideas or drop off a donation for one of our drives, we’d love to see you at my district office during our walk-in hours of 10 a.m.-3 p.m. daily. Alternatively, feel free to reach out at (215) 517-6800 or via email at RepSanchez@pahouse.net.

Wishing you and yours a good week ahead.

Sincerely,

State Representative Ben Sanchez

Disability Pride Month
Independence Day Parades in District ??
Mitzvah Circle Donation Drive
The Wall That Heals
Targeting Aggressive Drivers Across PA
State Police Are Hiring
NEW Scam Alert: REAL ID
PA DEP Public Hearings
Upcoming Community Events

Disability Pride Month

We recognize Disability Pride Month throughout the month of July, shedding a light on the invaluable contributions and unique perspectives that people with both visible and invisible disabilities bring to our world.

Know that as a legislator, I’ll always advocate for a more inclusive and accessible commonwealth, and to create safe and welcoming environments for residents of all abilities here in Pennsylvania.

Thank you Rockledge and Glenside for another year of incredible 4th of July parades! The energy was electric as we walked each route getting to see so many friendly faces throughout.

I’m grateful to the organizers of both events and to the many people who come out to enjoy the festivities each year. Happy 4th of July!

Donation Drive

Join my office in helping our friends at Mitzvah Circle collect period products for the people they serve, including many within our legislative district.

In addition to providing free menstrual products to families in need, Mitzvah Circle’s Period Supply program also provides free menstrual products to local libraries, prisons, community centers, colleges and more than 345 partner organizations.

Their work is crucial, and unfortunately, the most recent federal budget didn't include grant dollars that our friends at Mitzvah Circle depend on to keep their program going. In an effort to support an organization whose sole focus is supporting vulnerable families in our area, we are participating in this Southeast-delegation wide donation drive now through July 18th.

You can drop off donations at my office, 1175 Old York Rd, Abington.

The Wall That Heals

The Wall That Heals, a 3/4 scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial honoring our veterans, is coming to the area from July 10th to July 13th and is open 24 hours a day and free to the public. The touring replica, along with a mobile education center, will be located at Windlestrae Park – 1147 Kenas Road in North Wales, PA 19454.

The Wall That Heals began touring in 1996 and has been displayed in almost 800 communities across the United States. This year, the replica will visit 30 communities across the country, including right here in Montgomery County!

You can learn more about the replica here: The Wall That Heals® - Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that over 80 municipal police departments from several counties will join the Pennsylvania State Police in an aggressive driving enforcement wave.

This effort, part of a statewide mobilization until August 17, aims to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities. The wave will target heavy truck violations, pedestrian safety, red light running, speeding, and tailgating. Law enforcement will use various strategies to identify and cite aggressive drivers. The initiative is part of Pennsylvania's Highway Safety Program, funded by federal funds.

If you encounter an aggressive driver, PennDOT offers these tips:

Get out of their way and don't challenge them.
Stay relaxed, avoid eye contact, and ignore rude gestures.
Don't block the passing lane if you drive slower than most traffic.
Do not attempt to follow or pursue the vehicle. You or a passenger may call the police. But if you use a cell phone, pull over to a safe location.

In 2024, there were 1,608 aggressive driving crashes, with 43 fatalities in the targeted counties. The goal is to reduce aggressive driving-related incidents statewide, and any aggressive driver stopped will receive a ticket.

To learn more about PennDOT's highway safety efforts, visit?www.penndot.pa.gov/safety.?

State Police Are Hiring

Those interested in a career in law enforcement have an opportunity to apply for the position of Liquor Enforcement Officer Trainee with the PA State Police's Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement. Applications will be accepted through August 29.

For more information and to apply, visit www.employment.pa.gov. Details about the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement can be found at www.LCE.pa.gov.

New SCAM Alert: Regarding REAL IDs

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) alert – New Texting Scam involving REAL ID:

Fraudulent text 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. This is a scam!

PennDOT will never ask for nor accept any identity documents over the internet, via text message nor email for any reason.

To learn more about this scam or report it, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website: https://consumer.ftc.gov/.../yes-going-dmv-only-way-avoid... or report it to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.

PA DEP Public Hearings to Improve Air Quality

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is accepting public input on a proposed rule to reduce methane pollution from oil and gas operations. The rule is aimed at improving air quality and addressing climate change.

Upcoming hearings include:

Wednesday, July 16, 2025, 6:30 PM – College Hall 144/148, Montgomery County Community College, Blue Bell Campus, 340 Morris Road, Blue Bell, PA 19422
Tuesday, July 22, 2025, 6:30 PM – Virtual Hearing: bit.ly/3FXWJ2t

If you cannot attend a hearing, you can submit comments online at eComment or by email at ecomment@ pa.gov .

HELPFUL INFORMATION AND LINKS:

Abington Township is maintaining and regularly updating a dedicated webpage on the SPS Technologies Fire. There, you can find the latest press releases, recordings of past press conferences, road closure updates, and more.
SPS Technologies has a dedicated and regularly updated website to provide updates and resources. You can contact them here with questions and concerns.
The EPA and DEP are continuing to monitor air and water conditions to ensure public safety. According to DEP, as of right now, the area surrounding the fire has been deemed safe. If conditions change, the public will be notified immediately of protective actions to be taken. Their dedicated webpage is being kept up to date as well.
For environmental health-related questions you can complete the Environmental Health Concern Form or call DEP at 717-787-3350.
Please make sure to sign up for emergency notifications via Ready Montco at readymontco.org if you have not already done so.