Serving Our Community: Updates on Housing, Energy, and Honoring Our Veterans

Rep. Melissa Cerrato October 3, 2025 | 9:08 AM

Dear Friends,

I hope this message finds you well.

This week marked our return to Session following the August recess. Typically, I provide a comprehensive summary of the legislation we’ve advanced to the Senate in the week following Session. However, since we are heading into back-to-back Session weeks, you can expect that full update in my October 17th email. This will allow me the necessary time to draft thorough summaries and provide you with a complete and accurate picture of our legislative progress.

In the meantime, I’m pleased to share that my bill, H.B. 1734, was successfully voted out of the Transportation Committee this week and is now advancing to the House chamber for a vote. This is a meaningful step forward, and I’ll be sure to keep you updated as it continues through the legislative process.

House Bill 1734 addresses a practical issue brought to my attention by a constituent. Currently, rental car companies have just 30 days to appeal E-ZPass toll violations incurred by drivers using their vehicles. While the vehicle owner is typically held liable for toll violations, rental car companies are often not the ones behind the wheel. They must act quickly to transfer responsibility to the actual driver but delays in receiving the original invoice can make this difficult.

My bill offers a commonsense solution by extending the appeal window from 30 to 60 days. This change will give car rental companies more time to process violations and ensure that accountability falls on the correct individual. It also provides greater flexibility in cases where invoices are delayed or lost, helping to streamline the process and reduce unnecessary burdens on businesses.

I also want to take a moment to share some recent updates and reflections on the work we’ve been doing together to strengthen our community and improve the lives of those we serve.

Addressing Housing Affordability and Access

I recently joined a Policy hearing hosted by Representative Prokopiak that focused on removing barriers to attainable housing. This issue affects families in every corner of our Commonwealth. Access to safe, stable, and affordable housing is not just about having a roof over one’s head, it’s about building a foundation for opportunity, health, and long-term success.

When families can find housing that meets their needs and budget, children perform better in school, health outcomes improve, and neighborhoods become more vibrant and resilient. Unfortunately, too many Pennsylvanians face challenges such as rising costs, limited availability, and outdated zoning policies that make this basic necessity difficult to secure.

During the hearing, we heard from housing advocates, local officials, and residents who shared powerful stories. I am committed to working with my colleagues in the legislature, community leaders, and policy experts to advance legislation that increases housing supply, supports first-time homebuyers, and ensures that everyone, regardless of income or background, has a fair chance to live in a safe and affordable home.

Lowering Energy Costs for Families and Businesses

I also participated in a policy hearing hosted by Representative Munroe that focused on the rising cost of electricity and its impact on families and small businesses. As a member of the House Energy Committee, I hear from constituents every day who are struggling to keep up with utility bills that seem to climb higher each month.

Energy is a basic necessity, and no one should have to choose between heating their home and putting food on the table. At the hearing, we explored a range of strategies to reduce costs, including expanding access to energy efficiency programs, improving grid reliability, and supporting clean energy initiatives that lower long-term expenses.

I am committed to supporting legislation that makes energy more affordable, transparent, and sustainable. Whether it’s helping seniors on fixed incomes or ensuring small businesses can stay competitive, I will continue to advocate for policies that put people first and ease the financial burden on our community.

Honoring Our Veterans

Finally, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us at our recent Veterans Expo. It was a powerful and moving day filled with connection, support, and gratitude. To every veteran who attended, whether newly transitioned or long retired, we are deeply thankful for your service and sacrifice.

You gave so much to our country, and it was our privilege to create a space where we could give back to you. The Expo featured local organizations offering resources for health care, housing, employment, and more. It was inspiring to see veterans connecting with one another and with the services designed to support them.

Our commitment to veterans does not end with one event. We will continue to work year-round to ensure that those who served have access to the benefits, respect, and opportunities they deserve.

These issues -- housing, energy, and veteran support -- are just a few of the many areas where we are working to make a meaningful difference. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve you and to be part of a community that values compassion, fairness, and progress.

Thank you for staying engaged, for sharing your stories, and for being part of the conversation. Together, we are building a stronger, more informed, and more connected Pennsylvania.

Upcoming Events

?? Join Us at the Montgomery Township Fall Festival ??

The Montgomery Township Fall Festival is almost here and we cannot wait to see you there. Make sure to stop by our table to say hello, share your thoughts, and learn more about the work we are doing together for our community.

Bring your friends and family, enjoy the festival, and let’s celebrate the season and our community spirit.

?? Join us for our Third Annual Family Resource Fair and Trunk O’ Treat! ??????

We’re thrilled to collaborate once again with Rep. Ben Sanchez, Rep. Liz Hanbidge, and the Ambler YMCA to bring you an event filled with laughter, smiles, and endless fun for the young and young at heart.

Get ready to explore a variety of resources and enjoy some sweet treats from amazing providers. We can’t wait to see you there!

Come dressed in your favorite costumes and let’s make this a spooktacular day to remember! See you there! ??????

?? Join Us for the Third Annual Fall Senior Fair Friday! ??

This event is dedicated to senior citizen living and wellbeing.

Stay informed about services and initiatives in the 151st Legislative District. Learn more about programs for seniors, such as:

PACE/PACENET: Prescription assistance programs to help seniors afford their medications.
Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program: Financial assistance for eligible seniors to help with property taxes or rent.
SEPTA Key Card
And so much more…

Have any questions? Contact our office at 267-282-6695.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect and learn more! ??

Ukrainian American Sport Center - Tryzub is hosting a semi-annual blood drive in Horsham on October 6, 2025

The need for blood is constant, and only volunteer donors can meet that need for patients in our community. Nationwide, someone requires a unit of blood every two to three seconds, and most of us will need blood at some point in our lives.