I often speak about the heavy responsibility that comes with winning elections. It’s easy to picture that burden as having to craft solutions to society’s ailments or having to make limited resources stretch as far as possible to do as much good as possible. This week brought us another example of that heavy responsibility that elected leaders face that isn’t often discussed.
This year’s budget was made possible, in no small part, by a vote to abandon Pennsylvania’s role in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). RGGI is regarded by many as the single greatest tool we have in PA to fight carbon emissions in the region. Sadly to myself and many advocates of environmental protection, the decision to walk away from RGGI, even given its difficult legal standing, portends an erosion of political support for an issue that I and many within the Democratic Caucus hold dear.
I don’t write this to virtue signal or to enrage members of this community. I write this post as an acknowledgement of the leadership qualities and executive decision-making structures that our leaders must possess in today’s highest offices. I have great respect for those who can make and stick to difficult decisions, deliver hard truths to their friends, and communicate with both compassion and clarity to those who are impacted.
Today’s civic discourse looks more like something from ESPN, complete with the hot takes and impassioned arguments from insiders, the bite-sized snippets and talking points, and the viral reaction videos from observers. I don’t hate this and believe that it will increase the engagement of the public in the public debates of a generation. It only raises the stakes that those in leadership must face when the toughest decisions must be made. Agree or disagree, vote in alignment or in opposition, the capacity to make these high-impact moves deserves our respect.
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After months of debate, Pennsylvania finally has a balanced and bipartisan state budget. I voted yes on this plan because it protects your family’s bottom line, supports our schools, preserves key services, prevents layoffs, and does not raise taxes.
This budget also keeps more than 11 billion dollars in reserves while making smart investments that help working families, students, seniors, and local governments.
WORKING FOR EVERY CHILD IN EVERY SCHOOL
- Helps every kid in every school by increasing basic education by over 100 million dollars, special education by 40 million, and delivering nearly 600 million dollars to long-underfunded districts.
- Saves taxpayers 178 million dollars by updating charter school payments to reflect actual costs.
- Requires cyber charter students to turn on cameras or complete in-person wellness checks to ensure safety.
- Invests 100 million dollars in school safety and student mental health.
- Strengthens early education through affordable, high quality pre-K programs.
- Helps students afford state colleges so young people can learn and stay in Pennsylvania.
HELPING WORKING PENNSYLVANIANS
- Puts money back in the pockets of working families through a new state Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit equal to 10 percent of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit.
- Delivers anywhere from 200 dollars to more than 1,000 dollars back for working parents.
- Invests 25 million dollars in child care workers and the providers caring for our kids.
HELPING PEOPLE IN NEED
- Invests three quarters of a billion dollars in MA Managed Care and increases pay for direct care workers.
- Invests 150 million dollars more for Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities.
- Provides 40 million dollars to fight hunger and support family farms.
KEEPING PENNSYLVANIA SAFE
- Protects clean air, clean water, and green space by increasing funding to DCNR, DEP, and key environmental projects.
- Supports the Solar for Schools program to create jobs and lower costs.
- Strengthens Pennsylvania’s energy grid by supporting reliable and innovative power sources.
- Adds more State Police Troopers to protect communities.
- Supports rape crisis centers and domestic violence programs so survivors get critical care.
MOVING AT THE SPEED OF BUSINESS
- Invests more than 100 million dollars in job creation, innovation, and support for local entrepreneurs.
- Speeds up state permit approvals to help businesses grow.
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Pennsylvania Resumes Paying Full SNAP Benefits following End of Federal Government Shutdown
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My Veterans Fair is NEXT WEEK!
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I’m proud to invite local veterans to a Veterans Resource Fair on Thursday, November 20th, from 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Grace Presbyterian Church, 444 York Road, Jenkintown. This free event is my way of honoring your service and connecting you with the resources and support you’ve earned.
You’ll have the chance to meet representatives from state, local, and federal agencies for assistance with claims, veteran ID discount cards, employment resources, and more. My team and I will also be on hand to help you navigate state programs and answer any questions. Light refreshments will be provided.
Remember to bring your DD214 to record with the Recorder of Deeds!
To RSVP please follow this link.
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Office Closed for Veterans Fair
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My office will be closed on Thursday, November 20th, while we host our Veterans Fair at Grace Presbyterian Church (444 York Rd.) in Jenkintown. Feel free to visit us at the event if you need assistance, otherwise we will return on Friday, November 21st.
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LIHEAP Opening is Still Delayed
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Despite the end of federal government shutdown, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will not open for applications until December 3. LIHEAP typically helps more than 400,000 Pennsylvanians afford their heating costs each winter.
In response to this delay, Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) and PECO are stepping up to help customers stay connected to essential services through their existing assistance programs.
PGW: Suspension of Service Disconnections
Starting November 1, PGW will suspend service disconnections for residential customers who:
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Are enrolled in PGW’s Customer Responsibility Program (CRP), or
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Have already directed their 2024–25 LIHEAP grant to PGW through early application.
The CRP reduces monthly bills based on income and forgives past-due balances.
To enroll, call 215-235-1000 or visit PGWorks.com.
PECO: Bill Credits and Protections
PECO is encouraging eligible customers to sign up for its Customer Assistance Program (CAP), which offers:
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A fixed, affordable monthly bill based on income, and
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Debt forgiveness for past-due balances.
Additionally, PECO’s Customer Relief Fund provides a one-time $750 bill credit for limited- and moderate-income customers. Learn more at peco.com/help.
Beginning November 1, PECO will not disconnect service for verified low-income customers, including those in CAP or who have used LIHEAP within the last two years. PECO also participates in Pennsylvania’s winter moratorium, preventing disconnections for customers at or below 250% of the federal poverty level from December 1 through March 31.
If you or someone you know needs help enrolling in a utility assistance program, contact our office.
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on township events & updates
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on active state programs
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Teen Craft Fair in Springfield
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Mark your calendars for the fall Teen Craft Fair and come support our local teens at the Free Library of Springfield Township! Enjoy an afternoon at the library shopping with friends and family.
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Montco Recorder of Deeds Holiday Donation Drive
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Our office is participating in the Montgomery County Recorder of Deeds’ Veterans Holiday Drive.
We are collecting hats, shirts, gloves, scarves, new underwear, small hygiene products & women’s hygiene products, laundry detergent pods, non-perishable food items, and individually wrapped snacks through December 31st.
Please consider donating to help local veterans!
Call us at (215) 572-5210 or the Recorder of Deeds at (610) 278-3289 for more information.
You can drop off at our office, 115 E. Glenside Ave., Glenside or at their office in Norristown.
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Montco Prothonotary Holiday Giving Drive
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Our office is partnering with the Montgomery County Office of the Prothonotary and the Victim Services Center of Montgomery County for a holiday giving drive!
Donations are being collected at our office, 115 E. Glenside Ave., Glenside or at their office in Norristown, from November 3rd until December 5th.
Ideas include:
- Stuffed animals
- Dolls and action figures
- LEGO or building sets
- Art supplies like crayons, markers, sticker books
- Board games or puzzles
- Play-Doh or craft kits
- Small sports equipment
- Prevention education supply needs like fidget toys, journals, stickers, or crayons
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Medicaid & Impacts to ID/A Community
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The next Developmental Disabilities Committee meeting is Monday, November 24 at 6:30 p.m. Erin Guay, Co-Executive Director, Pennsylvania Health Law Project, will lead the topic of Medicaid and Potential Impacts to the Intellectual Disabilities/Autism Community.
Registration (Montgomery County HHS will email you a Zoom link)
- annetta.mchale@montgomerycountypa.gov
- 610-278-3644
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Harrisburg Office
325 Irvis Office Building
PO Box 202154
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-1079
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Glenside Office
115 East Glenside Avenue
Suite 8
Glenside, PA 19038
(215) 572-5210
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