I am a political observer, lawmaker, and long-time resident of this community. As I type this, I am following the news coverage of the federal budget legislation as it prepares to pass through the House, thinking about how the state budget could help plug the gaps in food and medical assistance if at all possible, and trying to see if I can shoehorn a few more Springfield Little League games onto my calendar for the coming weeks.  

The challenges I wrestle with are not unique to those in government. We must compartmentalize. Legislative setbacks coincide with community funding. Stories of tragedy are mixed with the beautiful affirmations of the potential of our children and the lived experiences of our elders. Both joy and pain show up in our work and in our daily lives and such a perverse “work-life balance” seems to be inescapable.  

I love the movie Love Actually. It’s one of those movies featuring multiple intricate but redeeming personal story arcs that seem unrelated to one another but are pulled together by the main characters all arriving at an airport terminal at the same time. The opening monologue speaks specifically to the many diverse personal stories that might fill a common gathering space and the comforting sense that humanity’s tendency for compassion and love is greater than our seemingly incessant appetite for conflict.

As the political world keeps spinning, perhaps this is the perfect time for a parade, fireworks, a little barbecuing, and some Little League sports (where I have the luxury of just being a spectator and not a nervous parent)! As I walk the parade routes on this July 4th holiday, I am looking forward to celebrating not just the shared story of these United States, but will greet you with the full appreciation of your own story of progress and setback that is known by only a few but is shared amongst the masses. As I face my own work-life balance, it is these moments that unite us that gives me strength. God only knows what I’d do without you!  

Happy Independence Day! I hope to see you soon. 

The General Assembly is required to pass a budget each year by June 30. I’ve been in Harrisburg every week since the beginning of June, with 14 voting days since June 1 and 39 voting days since the beginning of the term. The Senate Leader, Joe Pittman (R-Indiana County) who had the Senate in Harrisburg for just five days in the last three weeks, announced the budget would be late a full two weeks BEFORE the deadline, and has held 25% fewer voting days this year. A budget deal could be imminent, but I am not feeling the urgency. 

Here are a few more bills that have become law in the flurry of positive bipartisanship that I mentioned last week. 

HB 1103 by Rep. Morgan Cephas allows mortgage borrowers to pay down their interest rate, thereby lowering their monthly payments. This bill aligns PA with over 45 other states that do not restrict lenders from charging points or offering discounted points, establishing important consistencies for lenders and borrowers in the state. This bill was unanimously voted out of the House on May 12 and unanimously voted out of the Senate on June 26. On June 30, Gov. Shapiro signed it into law, and it is now Act 16 of 2025. 

SB 89 by Sen. Doug Mastriano add EMS providers as required reporters to the state’s overdose mapping system. This will “vastly improve how our Commonwealth tracks, maps, and responds to overdose incidents.” This bill was unanimously voted out of the Senate on June 3 and unanimously voted out of the House on June 26. On June 30, Gov. Shapiro signed it into law, and it is now Act 18 of 2025. 

Over the course of six weeks beginning Monday, July 7, SEPTA’s third-party contractor will make structural repairs to SEPTA’s bridge over Easton Rd., including concrete repairs to the abutment walls, center pier support, and bridge superstructure.  

Easton Rd., between Mt. Carmel Ave. and Glenside Ave., will be closed Monday, July 7 through Friday, Aug. 15. Motorists will be directed to use Mt. Carmel Ave., Keswick Ave., and Glenside Ave. as a detour. Vehicles over 13 feet should follow the truck detour: Rices Mill Rd., Glenside, Ave., Limekiln Pike, and Mt. Carmel Ave.  

Work will be done Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hours may vary, but no nighttime or overnight work is expected. Train service will not be impacted.  

Access to local businesses and residences will be maintained throughout the construction. At least one sidewalk will always be open under the Easton Rd. bridge, and efforts will be made to allow pedestrian access to the platform stairs at Glenside Station. If not feasible, a pedestrian detour will be put in place.  

SEPTA’s bus route 22 will also be impacted. See the below map for the detour.  

Independence Day is here! I hope everyone has a safe and joyful holiday weekend. My office will be closing at noon, Thursday, July 3 and reopening Monday, July 7 in observance of the Fourth.  

Read below for information on how you can celebrate this Fourth! 

• The Jenkintown Fire Department is sponsoring the Borough’s annual 4th of July celebration, starting at 9:30 a.m. and featuring a parade of local fire trucks, the Color Guard, musical performances, and decorated bikes contest for children (with prizes!) The parade will begin on Leedom St. and Greenwood Ave. in Town Square. 

• The Oreland Lions Club 4th of July parade is returning for another year, starting at 10 a.m. with many exciting attractions and performances for residents to enjoy. The parade will begin at Twining Rd. and Wischman Ave. in Upper Dublin Township but cross into Springfield at Bridge St. approximately 30 minutes later. It will conclude at around 11:30 a.m. at Marlow Field with refreshments and awards.  

• The East Cheltenham 4th of July parade kicks off at 11:30 a.m. at Berachah Church (400 Ashbourne Rd.), will wind its way through the neighborhood, and finish in Rowland Park. Come at 1 p.m. for games and snacks on the soccer field!  

• The Glenside 4th of July parade begins at 4 p.m. at the North Penn VFW Post 676 and will patriotically make its way into Downtown Glenside, finishing at Easton Rd. and Waverly Rd. Earlier in the day, residents can head to Renninger Park at 10 a.m. for a children’s event, and after dark, fireworks will be displayed at Abington Junior and Senior High Schools.  

Shannon from my office ordered one of the new license plates and got it within just about 10 days. If you would like to switch to the new plate, stop by my office with a check or money order for $14, and we will send your request up to Harrisburg!  

If you already have a personalized plate and want to switch to the new design, there is no fee! Stop by my office for the form.  

If you have a specialty plate (military, special fund, or organization plate) and switch to the new design, you will receive a standard registration plate – PennDOT has not yet converted non-standard or vanity plates into the new design. 

Keep in mind that PennDOT will send you a new registration card with the new plate, so don’t forget to sign it and replace your old one with it.  

PA voters can now apply to vote by mail-in ballot in the municipal election on November 4, 2025. Submit your request online at www.vote.pa.gov/ApplyMailBallot.  

If you already asked to be on the annual mail-in ballot request list, you do not need to apply again! Check your voter registration online to find out: Voter Registration Status.  

The Office of Attorney General is urging consumers to use caution when purchasing a new car or selecting contractors for potential home improvement work following flooding and other damages caused by recent storms. 

You can take proactive steps to protect yourself from potential home improvement scams by: 

• Contacting your insurance companies, prior to agreeing to a contract, to ensure that improvements are covered under your policy.

• Arranging with your bank or credit union for a Certificate of Completion – the bank will pay the contractor for each stage of the job after the bank has approved the work.

• Being wary of any unsolicited sales pitches, such as from door-to-door salespeople.

• Keeping in mind that legitimate contractors will not ask for large sums of money before signing a contract or agreement and will provide written estimates prior to beginning work. 

Consult the Office of Attorney General’s website for more information at www.attorneygeneral.gov.  

The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services is collecting gift card donations for children and families in need. Gift cards (physical or electronic) for grocery stores, restaurants, or even delivery services can be accepted.  

This drive ends July 11. Please mail your physical gift cards to Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services | Office of Children & Youth | Attn: Veronica Hilghman | PO Box 311, Norristown, PA 19404. Please email e-gift cards or questions to veronica.hilghman@montgomerycountypa.gov.  

The ASPIRE Home Visitor Program helps families reduce asthma attacks and trips to the ER by teaching simple ways to manage asthma at home. 

Learn how to use medications safely, cut down on triggers like dust, smoke, & pet dander, and improve indoor air quality with better airflow & less humidity. You may also qualify for free home repairs.  

Fill out the online referral form to see if you can take advantage of these services and reach out to asthma@montgomerycountypa.gov if you have any questions.