Webster, Montgomery County Democrats demand Senate Republicans return to Harrisburg to pass critical transit funding bill
Rep. Joe Webster August 6, 2025 | 2:21 PM
NORTH WALES, Aug. 6 – State Rep. Joe Webster, D-Montgomery, will join state Rep. Liz Hanbidge, D-Montgomery, and Democratic members of the Pennsylvania House and Senate at the SEPTA North Wales Station, 605 Beaver St. at the corner of Wissahickon Avenue, for an urgent news conference at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 8. Webster and his colleagues will demand that PA Senate Republicans return to Harrisburg and pass the public transit funding bill that the House approved nearly two months ago.
“I’m calling on my Senate Republican colleagues to end their recess, return to Harrisburg to do their job and pass a full state budget that includes the critical needs for our transit systems,” Webster said. “This is the backbone of our economy and daily life. Every day without this funding is another day our communities risk service cuts, fare hikes and unsafe equipment. Our duty is to work for each and every Pennsylvanian. The House did its part to fulfill that in June -- now it’s time for the Senate to act.”
The House-passed bipartisan funding package, approved on June 17, would secure investments to maintain SEPTA’s operating budget, fund critical infrastructure repairs, and expand evening and weekend service in underserved areas. Crafted with input from transit agencies, labor unions, and municipal leaders, the plan delivers a fiscally responsible solution that safeguards reliable, affordable transit.
Despite broad support, Senate Republicans have left the bill bottled up in committee, leaving SEPTA and other regional authorities to face imminent service reductions and fare increases. These cuts would disproportionately impact low-income riders, seniors, students, and essential workers who depend on public transit every day.
During Friday’s news conference, Webster and his colleagues will share firsthand accounts from commuters, small-business owners, and community advocates, all of whom are already feeling the strain of funding delays. They will call on Senate Republicans to reconvene in Harrisburg immediately and approve the House-passed funding bill to keep SEPTA operating in a safe and accessible manner for every Pennsylvanian.
The news conference will be streamed live via the following link: https://www.youtube.com/live/uWBSyufxDFo.