It’s August. Still no budget. I’ve spoken prior about the lack of progress and the newspapers are now documenting the impasse and the implications for mass transit across the state. I am beyond frustrated, but I am also using this time to push my leadership team to prioritize just, fair, and responsible investments in this budget while I still can.
This week, I want to give you some homework. If you’re a parent or guardian of a school-aged child that might qualify for free or reduced-priced lunch, please sign up now. Don’t wait to see the lunch menu. There is a bunch of federal funding that our schools are able to benefit from when families are signed up for the free and reduced lunch program, and if we’re not counting the entire student population that qualifies, we miss out on more than some additional chicken nuggets. We miss out on meaningful financial support. If you aren’t sure if you qualify, call your school district or contact my staff. We’d be happy to help.
Second, if your school days are long past you and you’re now a senior, our annual senior fair is coming up in September! PLEASE RSVP NOW. We not only want to be ready to see you (and have enough pretzels for you!), but we want to keep an eye on the parts of the district that seem to be missing the message.
Finally, for our dog parents, our dog licensing event is coming on Wednesday, August 20th. Please come on out to the Curtis Dog Park and make sure your furry loved one is licensed and get the info that we have for the entire family.
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Bark in the Park Rescheduled
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Sorry for cancelling the previous date, folks. The heat was too intense this week for pets or people. Let’s try this again!
My office is hosting a “Bark in the Park” Dog Licensing Event on Wednesday, Aug. 20 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Curtis Dog Park | 1250 W Church Rd, Wyncote, PA 19095.
Did you know that Pennsylvania law requires all dogs 8 weeks and older to be licensed? Representatives from the Montgomery County Treasurer’s Office will be on site to help with the process. Please make sure to bring the following items, along with your ID:
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Permanent Identification Verification Form signed by your veterinarian for permanent licenses (print from the link or stop by our office to pick one up!)
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Proof of your dog’s rabies vaccination
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Check/money order made payable to “Montgomery County Treasurer” OR cash
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An annual license costs $8.70, and a permanent license costs $52.70
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Senior citizens (65+) and disabled individuals receive a discount: $6.70 for an annual license and $36.70 for a permanent license. If you’d like to receive this discount, please bring proof of age/disability
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Only dogs who are microchipped or tattooed can receive a permanent license
Park rules prohibit dogs under six months old and dogs in heat. Please make sure your dog has been properly trained and is on a leash while attending.
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Don't Forget – You Can Still Apply for a 2024 Rebate
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ICYMI: The Property Tax/Rent Rebate application deadline has been extended from June 30 to Dec. 31, 2025.
But why wait to apply? PTRR supports homeowners and renters across Pennsylvania by providing a rebate ranging from $380 to $1000 to eligible older adults and people with disabilities age 18 and older. If you make under $46,520 a year (only counting half of any Social Security benefits received), you may qualify!
Call my office at (215) 572-5210 with any questions or for assistance applying.
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Click on the image below for information on township events & updates
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Click on the image below for information on active state programs
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PECO Customer Relief Fund
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PECO will be offering limited to middle-income households the chance to apply for assistance through their temporary PECO Customer Relief Fund (CRF). $10 million dollars in individual grants of $500 will be available, and funds will provide relief in the form of credits to customers’ heating and cooling bills, including electricity and natural gas.
This program will be available from Aug. 4 through Dec. 31 or until available funds are exhausted. Applications will be online and processed in the order they are received. Go to PECO’s webpage for more information.
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PSA For Pennie Health Insurance Enrollees
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You may have received or will soon receive a mailer from Pennie alerting you that you could end up paying more or full price for your health plan beginning in 2026.
The enhanced premium tax credits offered by the federal government that help make health insurance cheaper for Pennie enrollees are set to expire at the end of 2025.
Keep an eye out for and read all information you receive from Pennie and/or your health insurance company. You'll learn more about these potential impacts as 2026 Open Enrollment (starting Nov. 1, 2025) approaches.
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Looking for work in the transportation field? Drive your career forward with PennDOT and join them at their upcoming job fair! There will be opportunities to learn about available positions, network with hiring managers and other PennDOT employees, and potentially even receive an on-the-spot interview.
This event will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 5 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at PennDOT’s Montgomery County Maintenance Office | 2005 Swede Rd, Norristown, PA 19401. Be sure to bring two forms of ID, a valid CDL, and a Medical Certificate for operator interviews and road testing.
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Donors are needed for an American Cross Blood Drive on Monday, Aug. 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Curtis Hall | 1250 Church Rd, Wyncote, PA 19095.
For an appointment, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter “Cheltenham Community” as the sponsor code.
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Virtual Trauma Support Group
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Did you know that PA has an Office of Victim Advocate that will soon start offering virtual trauma support group sessions? If you or someone you know has experienced trauma, these meetings offer a safe, judgment-free space to listen, learn, and share at your own pace.
The sessions will begin on Monday, Aug. 25 from 3 to 4 p.m. and will be held weekly for eight weeks. Contact Liz at (717) 756-9844 to sign up.
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
325 Irvis Office Building
PO Box 202154
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2154
(717) 783-1079
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District Office
115 East Glenside Avenue
Glenside, PA 19038
(215) 572-5210
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