Dear Neighbor, I hope you are well! I wanted to take this opportunity to update you on several happenings in the district as well as Harrisburg. 

As always, I hope you find this informative and useful.

BEFC Announcement

The Basic Education Funding Commission (BEFC), which was appointed last year to review current practices regarding Pennsylvania’s funding of education and recommend changes, has released its findings, which can be viewed here. Approved by an 8-7 vote, the report recommends a substantial update that would see the state invest in a higher percentage of public education funding and reduce the school district’s need to rely on high property taxes to make up state funding shortfalls.

Essentially, Pennsylvania would invest an additional $8 billion over seven years, targeted in a way that will reduce the adequacy gap between school districts and invest in school facilities, our education workforce, and student support programs. Simultaneously, we would see a $1 billion reduction in property taxes across the Commonwealth, providing a much-needed relief for taxpayers.

The report is promising and a good starting point – but the General Assembly must commit to the recommendation as stated in the BEFC if we want to provide our students a better education and ease burdens for taxpayers. In February, as we begin the budget process, the BEFC Report, its findings, and how we should fund public education will be my first priority. I will keep you informed here, in the weekly email, and on social media as progress through the department hearings and budget discussions. If you have any questions, please send an email to [email protected] and my staff will get back to you.

Grants Awarded for $278,000

Yesterday, two projects in our legislative district were approved for significant state grants to rehabilitate outdoor spaces. Upper Providence Township will receive $200,000 for the Anderson Farm Park Loop Trial and the John James Audubon Center will receive $78,000 for their Green Stormwater Infrastructure Project.

When the state funds beautification projects like these, everyone benefits. Making outdoor areas accessible will encourage more people to get outside and explore what our area has to offer. The grants were awarded through the Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program and the Watershed Restoration Protection Program and I am looking forward to their completion.

Congratulations to both awardees!

Montco Code Blue

Montgomery County has extended the Code Blue Cold Weather Emergency that is currently in effect to last until Monday, Jan. 23, 2024, at 8 a.m. During this time, either the temperature or the wind chill is expected to be below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Residents of Montgomery County who need emergency shelter during a Code Blue can call the Your Way Home Call Center at 2-1-1 or text their Zip code to 898-211.

During Code Blue’s it is recommended to check on elderly friends and neighbors and make sure their homes are adequately heated, bring all pets inside, check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, wear appropriate clothing when going outdoors and report power outages directly to your utility company; DO NOT call 9-1-1.

For additional information on the Code Blue Declaration visit here.

Human Trafficking Event with Mission Kids

Last Thursday, I hosted a panel discussion on Montgomery County’s response to human trafficking with Mission Kids, a county-wide nonprofit child advocacy organization at the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office. We had a fantastic group of panelists that included Jalla Atkins of Jefferson Abington Hospital; Sabrina Darwiche MD, MPH, of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Stacy Dougherty MPA, of Laurel House, Gabriella Glenning Esq. of Montgomery County District Attorney's Office, Clare Henderson from Mission Kids; Kristina Kane from Office of Children & Youth Montgomery County; Kathleen Kelly from Montgomery County Detectives Bureau; Heather LaRocca LCSW, Salvation Army, Philadelphia; Lauren Uhl, LSW, CA Victim Services Center of Montgomery County Inc.; and Leslie Slingsby MSW, LSW from Mission Kids leading the discussion.

My colleagues, state Rep. Tim Briggs and state Rep. Napoleon Nelson were in attendance as well as staff from our Leader state Rep. Matt Bradford, and staff from state Rep. Ben Sanchez, state Rep. Mary Jo Daley, state Rep. Liz Hanbidge, and state Sen. Katie Muth.

Thank you to everyone who attended including Ursinus College, Spring-Ford Area School District, Norristown Area School District, and Methacton School District.  

Dog License Event

We held a successful Dog License Event today in my district office! If you weren’t able to make it and you still need your dog licensed, you can call my office at 484-200-8263 or speak with the Montgomery County Treasurer’s Office at 610-278-3066.

Remember, dog licenses are increasing in price starting this February, so make sure to get your license now!

Please continue to stay safe, healthy and well-informed.

And, if you have questions about any state-related issue, please contact my office at 484-200-8263 or email [email protected]. If you wish to unsubscribe to this email, please scroll to the bottom where it says “visit this page to manage your email preferences".

Sincerely,

Rep. Joe Webster
State Representative
150th Legislative District

Pennsylvania House Democrats are committed to ensuring better jobs, better schools and better communities for all Pennsylvanians. More information on these successful efforts is at pahouse.com/deliveringforpa.

PA House of Representatives Democratic Caucus
PO Box 202250 Harrisburg, PA 17120-2250

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