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Eight Things to Know This Week...

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

 

 

  • Mattie N. Dixon Community Cupboard Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 
  • National Pre-Night Out Thank You
  • Back to School Supply Drive
  • Free Paper Shredding and Electronics Recycling Event
  • Upper Dublin Pool Closing Early for the Season 
  • Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission Lunch & Learn
  • Pennsylvania Insurance Department 2026 Rate Increases
  • Upcoming Community Events
 

Mattie N. Dixon Community Cupboard Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

 

I had the privilege of attending the Grand Re-Opening of the Mattie N. Dixon Community Cupboard’s full choice food pantry last Thursday. They also moved their clothing boutique next door, offering a convenient one-stop shop for both clothing and food. 

 

For 52 years, the Cupboard has been serving the larger Ambler community, and now with the new space, are enabling residents who utilize their services the ability to shop in a grocery store environment. A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated individuals who manage and volunteer their time and effort to ensure the pantry’s success. Their work and the respect they extend to those in need are crucial for ensuring everyone feels supported. Their ongoing efforts to enhance our community are deeply appreciated! 

 

For more information click here or on the picture below.

 
 

National Pre-Night Out

 

Many thanks to Abington Township Police Department for hosting another great National Pre-Night Out. Our community celebrated first responders and community partners. It was a pleasure chatting with neighbors and constituents who visited our table. 

 
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. ** 

 

Upper Dublin Pool Closing Early for the Season

 

The Upper Dublin Community Pool will close early this season on August 17 due to staffing shortages, as many college-aged staff members are returning to school.

 

The Parks & Recreation team explored options to keep the pool open but couldn't secure enough staff for safe operations. They acknowledge the disappointment and aim to improve staffing for 2026.

 

If you have questions, please contact Derek Dureka, Parks & Recreation Director, at 215-643-1600 x3239 or DDureka@upperdublin.net. Please click here or the image below, for more information. 

 

Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission: Lunch & Learn 

 

Happening Next Week! Join the PHRC, Monday for their next PHRC Virtual Lunch & Learn!
 
They're honored to welcome Dr. Valerie A. Arkoosh, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, for a powerful session titled: “Medicaid Matters – Helping Pennsylvanians with Disabilities Have Choice and Achieve Independence.”
 
Sec. Arkoosh will share how the Department of Human Services (DHS) is working to ensure people with disabilities have the support they need to live with dignity, independence, and self-determination.
 
Date: August 11, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM
Location: TEAMS Webinar
 
Let’s talk access, equity, and empowerment. Don’t miss this important conversation!
 

Proposed 2026 Health Insurance Rate Increases

 

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department announced Tuesday that the proposed 2026 health insurance rate increases for individual and small group plans are now available. Public comment is encouraged through September 2.
 
Insurers are requesting a significant increase in premiums due to rising health care costs, higher use of benefits, and the end of the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits in December.
 
As always, consider shopping around. Find the best plans to meet your individual needs at a price that makes sense for your current financial situation.
 
Read more here. Public comments can be emailed to ra-in-comment@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. 
 

Pennsylvania State Capitol
311 Irvis Office Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-7619

District Office

1175 Old York Rd.
Abington, PA 19001
(215) 517-6800