Weekly update for Aug. 1: Times Up – Pass the Budget and more…

Rep. Ben Sanchez August 4, 2025 | 1:59 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. Monday-Friday. 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

Budget Update
Back to School Supply Drive
Free Paper Shredding and Electronics Recycling Event
Rising Summer Energy Costs
PECO Customer Relief Fund
PA Veterans Registry
PennDOT Job Fair in Montgomery County
Upcoming Community Events

Time’s up – Pass the State Budget

Enough is enough. Time is running out and our patience in the House is running thin. There are 2.5 BILLION reasons the PA Senate Majority needs to get back to work and pass a budget now. The House of Representatives sent the PA Senate a budget in June that would fund Public Transportation throughout PA as well as many other state budget necessities, and they have yet to send us back anything to work with and finalize. There have been talks by leadership, deals and compromises put on the table, and yet nothing is coming out of our commonwealth’s Senate Majority leaders to get closer to bringing it to the Governor’s desk for signing.

In less than a month, SEPTA won’t have the funds they need to keep all their buses and trains running and hundreds of thousands of people who utilize public transportation for work, school, healthcare and personal use will suffer. I didn’t want us to get to this point, but we need your help to put pressure on those in the Pennsylvania Senate who are playing games with people’s livelihoods. Pennsylvania is waiting for the Senate Majority to do their job.

There are 3 Senators in the majority who represent SEPTA. It’s no longer enough to just say they’re supportive of SEPTA funding, it’s time to take action.

Call them today & urge them to force their leadership to get to work:

Sen Picozzi - (215) 281-2539

Sen Farry - (215) 638-1784

Sen Pennycuick - (215) 541-2388

Back to School Backpack & School Supply Donation Drive

My office is once again partnering with local organizations to collect school supplies for children in need in Montgomery County this back-to-school season.

We are collecting donations through Friday, August 15th, at my district office, 1175 Old York Rd, Abington, during regular walk-in hours, (M-F, 10a.m.-3p.m.)

For more information please call: 215-517-6800 or email RepSanchez@pahouse.net. See below for a list of suggested items.

FREE Paper Shredding & Electronics Recycling Event

Join my office, along with Representative Napoleon Nelson's office, for a free document shredding and electronics recycling event! Clear your clutter and protect your identity at the same time.

We ask that you limit your shredding items to 3 brown paper bags or boxes. Our offices will be collecting non-perishable food items for local food banks at this event.

Date: September 6

Time: 1-3p.m.

Where: Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel's Parking Lot, 8339 Old York Rd., Elkins Park

** We cannot accept LARGE household appliances, light bulbs, monitors, TVs or any products that contain freon. Please see the flyer for a more extensive list. **

PUC Advises Consumers to Manage Rising Summer Energy Costs

The recent heat waves across Pennsylvania have caused electricity use to reach levels not seen in over a decade. As a result, many households may see higher electric bills in the coming weeks.

Whether you live in a small apartment or a larger home, the added use of air conditioners, fans, and dehumidifiers can increase energy costs. It’s a good idea to review your bill carefully, especially if you have a contract with a competitive energy supplier.

If you are struggling with bills or past-due balances, consider contacting your utility company to explore assistance programs. These may include payment plans, customer assistance programs, and referrals to other local or national aid. Reaching out early can help you avoid larger balances later.

You can still reduce your energy use by:

?? Raising your thermostat a few degrees and using fans to circulate air
? Limiting appliance use during peak hours (5–7 PM)
?? Closing blinds or curtains during sunny hours
?? Avoiding extra lighting or electronics that generate heat
?? Sealing windows and doors to keep cool air inside

For more tools and tips, visit PAPowerSwitch.com.

PECO is offering $500 grants to help customers pay off overdue bills

Beginning August 4, 2025, the PECO Customer Relief Fund (CRF) will be available to eligible customers located in the PECO service area. To qualify for the CRF program, applicants must meet the following conditions:

Be a current PECO residential electric and/or natural gas customer
Have a past-due balance of no more than $2,000 or, along with a customer co-payment, can bring the balance down to $2,000
Not have received a grant from this program previously
Have no theft-of-service charges on the PECO account in the past 12 months
Have a household annual income between 151% and 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

To learn more about the program, click here.

PA Veterans Registry

If you’re a veteran who has misplaced important paperwork, the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) can help. They can assist veterans who have lost their DD Form 214 or other military documents which verify your military service and are necessary to access benefits, retirement, employment opportunities, and veterans’ organizations.

DMVA’s accredited veteran service officers are ready to help. Call toll free at 1-800-547-2838 or email RA-REQ@pa.gov. For more information or to sign up for the DMVA Veterans Registry, visit www.register.dmva.pa.gov.

PennDOT Job Fair in Montgomery County

Looking for work in the transportation field? PennDOT is holding a job fair in Montgomery County on Tuesday, August 5th in Norristown. See the flyer below for more information.

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.