Updates on local road projects, SNAP, & more

Rep. Tim Brennan October 31, 2025

PA Representative Tim Brennan banner image

Dear Neighbor,

You’ve likely heard by now that millions of American families will likely not receive SNAP benefits (funding to buy food) in November. It’s deeply frustrating to see the federal government fall short of its most basic responsibilities, especially when it means people go hungry. Programs like SNAP reflect the best of who we are: a community that looks out for one another and ensures that no one is left behind. Nobody, no matter their age or situation, should ever have to worry about where they’ll find their next meal.

Please see the first story below for information on local food banks, and my office's food donation drive that's underway through November 20th, and the Shapiro Administration's responses so far to the situation -- including the announcement he made today in Philadelphia.

While the SNAP situation is a federal one, it still serves as a reminder to vote in the general election next week, on Tues., Nov. 4.

Our office will be closed that day, as well as on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11.

Sincerely,

Harrisburg Update

Shapiro sues over SNAP, releases emergency funding for food banks

Gov. Josh Shapiro announced this afternoon that amid the federal government shutdown and the Trump Administration's refusal to use available emergency funds for food assistance through SNAP, he is releasing $5 million in state funding immediately to Feeding Pennsylvania to distribute through its network of food banks. He also signed a declaration of disaster emergency to expedite the process, giving him more tools to act quickly to address the harm.

Feeding Pennsylvania is the statewide association of PA's nine Feeding America partner food banks, supporting hunger relief efforts, policy advocacy, and resource coordination. Its member food banks serve over 1.5 million people annually.

On Tuesday, Shapiro joined roughly two dozen other Democratic-led states suing the Trump administration to demand emergency funding for critical food assistance for vulnerable families.

The legal action was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts by Gov. Shapiro, along with 25 other states and the District of Columbia, against the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The lawsuit alleges that the Trump administration unlawfully suspended SNAP and argues that existing alternative funds, already appropriated by Congress, must be used to support the program.

This afternoon, two federal judges responded to the lawsuit, ruling that the administration must continue to fund the SNAP food aid program using contingency funds during the government shutdown. Payments are due to be halted tomorrow, and the Trump Administration has not yet responded if it will comply with the order.

In addition to state support, Governor Shapiro has launched a private sector fundraising effort to help food banks meet the expected surge in demand — raising more than $1 million so far for the “SNAP Emergency Relief Fund”.

If you would like to do something to help, please consider donating or volunteering at a local food pantry. Additionally, we’re collecting food donations at our Doylestown office on behalf of Bucks County Opportunity Council.

Addressing the PA Association for Justice

I was recently invited by the Pennsylvania Association for Justice to talk about legislative developments in workers' compensation law and related to injured workers. I will also be updating members of the Bucks County Bar Association who represent injured workers next month at one of their regular meetings.

One of the central topics was a piece of legislation I am working on to increase the burial benefit for workers killed on the job. For many workers who die today, particularly those with no dependents, the only benefit they receive is a $7,000 burial allowance. Whether someone is recently divorced, a young adult without children, or an unmarried individual, their family deserves the opportunity to bury them with dignity. Recent studies show that the full costs associated with a burial are around $20,000.

Justice Christine Donohue, one of seven members of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, spoke at the event about the importance of developing young attorneys. She also emphasized the vital role of our jury system and the everyday people—like you and me—who serve on juries in ensuring the highest quality of justice in our Commonwealth.

In the District

Update on the Bristol Road Extension

Last week, I participated in a stakeholder call hosted by PennDOT regarding the long-awaited Bristol Road Extension project, which will connect Butler Avenue and Park Avenue in New Britain Township and Chalfont/New Britain Boroughs. I’m excited to share that this long-discussed project is getting closer to becoming a reality.

We had productive discussions about projected traffic patterns, construction timelines, and the overall impact on our surrounding communities. I will continue to advocate for transparency and community input as the project moves forward.

You can offer your input, too -- PennDOT will host two public meetings to discuss the project:

Virtual Meeting: Wednesday, November 5 at 7:00 PM. Click here to attend.

In-Person Meeting: Thursday, November 13 at 6:30 PM at Unami Middle School, 160 Moyer Road, Chalfont, PA 18914

Helping the helpers at Big Brothers Big Sisters

I attended the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bucks County Gala last weekend, their annual fundraising event to bring together the community to raise money to benefit local youth mentoring programs.

It was great seeing the community come together to support this exceptional program.

Thank you to all the sponsors and donors for a fabulous night. A special thank you to Dianne MaGee, who works tirelessly on the group’s board of directors and has been a steadfast advocate for these causes. I also had the pleasure of running into our former recorder of deeds, Robin Robinson.

Support for Domestic Violence Awareness

I attended Domestic Violence Awareness Night last weekend at The Doylestown Bookshop; the event honored local author, Meg Groff, who wrote her memoir, “Not if I Can Help It,” about her calling to address domestic violence and service as a Legal Aid attorney.

The event also raised awareness of Kayden’s Law, which improved family court policy concerning children in the custody process to require that the best interest of a child remains the center of any judicial review.

Local advocate Danielle Pollack spoke about her experience as cofounder of the National Safe Parents Organization. She and the network of advocates fought for the law in Pennsylvania and throughout the country after the tragic death of Kayden Mancuso, a seven-year-old girl who was murdered by her father after he was awarded partial custody, despite a history of domestic abuse and violent behavior.

Additionally, I recently worked with the Governor’s Office to help release bridge funding for A Woman’s Place so they can keep their doors open and their mission going during the budget impasse. A Woman’s Place provides safety, support, and hope for survivors of domestic violence. These programs are too important to be left in limbo, and I’ll continue advocating to make sure vital community services like this are protected.

Renaming the 13th Street Bridge in honor of Rep. Prendergast

Yesterday, we unveiled the sign officially renaming the 13th Street Bridge in Easton after the late former State Representative James Prendergast. Joining me were members of Prendergast’s family, PennDOT officials, and Rep. Robert Freeman.

From 1958-78, Prendergast served 20 years as state representative for the 136th District, a seat currently occupied by Freeman.

Before earning his law degree from George Washington University Law School in 1951, Prendergast served our country as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He was awarded the Navy Cross for his valor during the Battle of Saipan and was a two-time Purple Heart recipient for injuries sustained in battle, including the loss of his right arm.

After opening his own law practice in Easton in 1953, he was first elected in 1958 to represent the 136th Legislative District. His constituents would go on to reelect him for nine consecutive terms, culminating in a total of 20 years as a state representative, during which he held several leadership positions.

Plans to celebrate America’s 250th are well underway in Doylestown

My family and I had a wonderful time kicking off celebrations for the 250th anniversary of our country with the Doylestown Historical Society and the Borough of Doylestown at their fun and informative event earlier this month. It’s always a pleasure to spend time with Mayor Noni West, former Mayor Ron Strouse, and Councilperson Larry Browne!

The event outlined the regional plans for celebrating our semiquincentennial. We got to enjoy a barbershop quartet, an exhibit from the Lenni Lenape Tribe, an appearance by a town crier (yes, we have them!), and a display of an authentic 1770’s era ball gown. Best of all, Ben Franklin appeared and led a discussion about his exploits and the history around the country's founding.

It is always hard to follow one of our House Speakers, but it is especially challenging to follow one of the very best from the provincial assembly. I updated the crowd on what we are doing at the state level to prepare for this historic event, which I have been involved in as a member of the House Tourism and Economic Development Committee and the Appropriations Committee.

CBCC Emergency Services Awards

I was honored to attend the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Emergency Service Awards to recognize the outstanding individuals who serve our community as first responders. These men and women represent the very best of our community, putting themselves on the front lines to keep us safe.

The awards honor heroic individuals volunteering for our local ambulance squads and fire companies. Honorees are nominated by their squad, and the dinner is meant to show that their courage and commitment to our community does not go unnoticed! Founded by the W. Atlee Burpee family, the awards have been an integral part of the community for over five decades.

Celebrating Diwali

My team and I had a wonderful time celebrating Diwali with the Desis of Doylestown at their 5th Annual Diwali Celebration! People of all ages, genders, races, identities, and abilities joined us to take part in this festival of lights, traditionally observed by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists.

I’m grateful to the Desis of Doylestown for their outstanding community support and for always ensuring that all our neighbors are invited to experience the joyful celebrations of our local Desi community.

I also got to attend the Diwali celebration in the Capitol. Recognizing Diwali as an official state holiday upholds and celebrates our commonwealth’s rich cultural diversity.

Honoring Lt. Will Moffett

Belated congratulations to Lt. Will Moffett on his well-earned retirement after 35 years with the Buckingham Township Police Department.

Thank you for more than three decades of dedicated service to Bucks County!

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FYI

Could you have Unclaimed Property?

You might not realize it, but the Pennsylvania Treasury may be holding money that belongs to you. One in ten Pennsylvania residents have unclaimed property, with the average claim exceeding $1,000. The Treasury receives billions of dollars in unclaimed property, often due to misspelled names or incorrect addresses.

Head to the Treasury’s website to see if you have unclaimed property waiting for you!