Pennsylvania budget, transit funding remain in the balance

Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El August 22, 2025 | 4:06 PM

PA Representative Ismail Smith-Wade-El banner image

Dear Neighbor,

Upcoming Office Closures

Please note the following office closures due to trainings or community events and plan accordingly if you need our services. We appreciate your understanding!

Friday 8/22, closed all day
Monday 8/25, closed all day
Friday 8/29, closed from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday 9/2, closed all day

State Budget, Transit Funding Remain in the Balance

As you know, Pennsylvania has yet to reach an agreement on this year’s state budget or on funding for mass transit across the state. These impasses create uncertainty for families, schools, commuters, small business owners and community services that depend on timely state funding.

The budget is more than just numbers to agree on – it reflects our shared priorities. It determines how we fund public education, support health and human services, invest in infrastructure, protect our environment and grow our economy. When a budget is delayed, school districts, county governments and local organizations are forced to operate without the resources they need to provide critical services.

I am working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to find common ground and deliver a budget that is responsible, balanced and fair to all Pennsylvanians. While negotiations can be difficult, I remain committed to ensuring that the final budget strengthens our schools, supports working families and invests in the future of our communities.

I will continue to keep you informed as the process moves forward. In the meantime, please know that my office is here to help you with any state-related concerns or services you might need.

Be Prepared for Changes to SNAP

Beginning Sept. 1, more than 230,000 SNAP recipients in Pennsylvania will be newly subject to burdensome work requirements to maintain their benefits. Under the federal changes, SNAP recipients who do not comply will be limited to receiving three months of SNAP in a three-year period. Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services estimates that about 144,000 Pennsylvanians will lose their SNAP once work requirements go into effect. My goal is to minimize the impact of these changes and reverse course in Pennsylvania.

A webpage explaining the new requirements and how to keep your benefits is available here: Work Requirements Are Coming for Many People on SNAP. Take Action to Keep Your Benefits!

In the meantime, you can contact Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senator Dave McCormick and demand that the federal government reverse these harmful cuts.

Government Programs

Every Child Deserves Access to Quality Healthcare

CHIP isn’t only for low-income families. Parents may think their kids can't get CHIP coverage because they make too much money. Not true!

CHIP covers uninsured kids and teens up to age 19 who are not eligible for Medical Assistance. Apply today: chipcoverspakids.com.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate Deadline: Dec. 31, 2025

There is still time to apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, and my office is available to help! If you have questions about the program or need application assistance, reach out to my office.

State Grant Programs Accepting Applications

Click here for state grant programs accepting applications.

Pennsylvania House of Representatives Legislative Fellowship Program

Are you interested in a career in public service? Then you should consider applying to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Legislative Fellowship Program for the Spring 2026 semester. Applications are currently being accepted, and submissions are due on Wednesday, October 1.

The Fellowship Program is based in Pennsylvania’s magnificent Capitol Building in Harrisburg. Fellows are assigned to work in House Standing Committees or House Leadership offices, are compensated for their work (which may also include college credit), and are provided the opportunities to draft and present their own legislation, attend meet-and-greets with various public officials and staff, and tour some of the Commonwealth’s historic public spaces, to name a few. The Spring semester will run from early January through early April. Final dates will be confirmed following the release of the Spring 2026 Legislative Session Schedule.

Qualified applicants will be:

College undergraduate juniors or seniors, graduate students, or law school students;
Enrolled in a Pennsylvania college/university, or a Pennsylvania resident enrolled in an out-of-state institution; and
Pursuing any major with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

If you know of any college students who would benefit from our Fellowship Program, please feel free to invite them to visit the website at: www.pahousefellowship.us. Applications can be submitted to via email at: pahousefellowship@pabmc.net.

PHEAA Webinars

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is offering webinars throughout the end of the year to assist families with student aid and financial assistance.

These courses include how to complete the PA State Grant form, Searching for Scholarships, and Financial Aid 101.

Creating Your StudentAid.gov Account

Wednesday, Sept. 17
Tuesday, Nov. 4

Searching for Scholarships

Wednesday, Sept. 10
Wednesday, Sept. 24

Financial Aid 101

Tuesday, Nov. 18
Wednesday, Dec. 10

Upcoming Events

My and Rep. Rivera’s Small Business Grant Workshop

Are you a small business looking to learn more about local and state grants and resources to support your business? Our offices are hosting a grant workshop on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, from 9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at the Conference Center at IU13. Registration is required and spots are limited. If you are interested in signing up, please email my office at RepSmithWadeEl@pahouse.net.