| Dear Neighbor, I hope you are well. This week, I’d like to update you on important legislation that is passing in Harrisburg, election information, and other happenings in the district.
As always, I hope you find the information below informative and useful.
| | | Closures
|  | | In observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, my office will be closed Monday, Oct. 14. If you need state or county related assistance, please send an email to [email protected] or leave a message at 484-200-8263.
In addition to our closing, PennDOT announced all driver’s license and photo centers will be closed from Saturday, Oct. 12 through Monday, Oct. 14 in observance of the holiday. Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications, and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website.
| | | Legislation Updates
| | H.B. 269—Protecting Veterans’ Records of Discharge
|  | | I’m pleased to announce that my legislation, H.B. 269, passed unanimously in the PA Senate yesterday afternoon. This bill extends the seal of DD-214s to 85 years rather than the previous 75 years due to the increase in life expectancy. Previously, DD-214s, which grant veterans access to an array of benefits, were accessible to anyone who requested to review them after 75 years. The form includes personal information, such as Social Security numbers and birthdates, making veterans susceptible to fraud and identity theft. Veterans bravely served our country, and they deserve privacy and reassurance that their personal information is safeguarded.
| | | H.R. 548—Military Sexual Trauma Survivor Week
|  | | On Monday, I spoke during our PA House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. My colleague, state Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, introduced legislation to signify Oct. 13 through Oct. 19 as “Military Sexual Trauma Survivor Week.” My office joined Montgomery County in declaring Sept. 18 to Sept. 26 as 2024 Veterans Suicide Prevention Week, and I recognize sexual assault of military personnel as trauma and as a cause of veteran death by suicide that must be prevented. As a co-sponsor of this resolution, I’m proud to support H.R. 548 and to see it advance out of committee. We must listen to, protect, and support our veterans.
| | | H.B. 2536—A Vehicle for Property Tax Relief
|  | | Yesterday, state Rep. Christina Sappey’s H.B. 2536, of which I am a proud co-sponsor, passed the PA House by a unanimous vote. This is the first step in authorizing LOOPs (Longtime Owner Occupant Programs) across the commonwealth. LOOPs give municipalities the ability to provide property tax relief to long-time homeowners to ensure people can stay in their homes and the communities that they love. Currently, LOOPs are restricted to first- and second-class counties in Pennsylvania.
| | | S.B. 801—Improved Reading Education for PA Students
| |  | | Senate Bill 801 passed yesterday in the PA House by a unanimous vote. This bill introduces evidence-based reading programs in schools to help improve student reading proficiency. Educating our younger generation is critical, and we need to make sure we’re doing it correctly. A student's development is reliant on the guidance and teaching methods we offer. Education is at the forefront of issues I am passionate about, which is why I recently introduced legislation that would require all Pennsylvania schools to have a library or information center. Literacy is the foundation for all learning in all subjects and for students of all abilities. Senate Bill 801 will ensure that evidence-based practices, curriculum and professional development will improve instruction in our schools and classrooms. I am grateful to the educators and advocates in House District 150 who took the time to meet with me over the past few months to deepen my understanding of the Science of Reading. With the House’s support today, the bill now goes to the governor’s desk as its final stop to becoming law.
| |  | | I have some helpful information for those who are voting by mail in Montgomery County. In addition to returning the ballot by mail, voters are now able to drop off mail-in and absentee ballots at 18 secure ballot drop boxes throughout Montgomery County. Please follow all directions to ensure that your ballot is counted.
For locations and more information on returning your mail-in ballot, please visit Returning Your Mail-In Ballot | Montgomery County, PA - Official Website (montgomerycountypa.gov).
|  | | As we approach Election Day, those who have applied for mail-in ballots in Montgomery County are now receiving them in their mailboxes. If you receive a mail-in ballot, it will include important information to ensure you recognize the ballot is two-sided. After filling it out, it must be returned sealed in the secrecy envelope, and that envelope must be signed and dated with the date of your signature.
General Election Key Dates:
Monday, Oct. 21: Last Day to Register to Vote
Tuesday, Oct. 29: Last Day to Apply for Mail-In / Absentee Ballot
Tuesday, Nov. 5: Election Day
If you have any questions, please call our office at 484-200-8263 or visit Montgomery County Voter Services.
| | | Perkiomen Mapping & Flood Mitigation Study
|  | | The Perkiomen Mapping & Flood Mitigation Study is a collaboration among county planning commissions and conservation districts, local municipalities, the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy, my office, and other organizations to help address flooding issues throughout the entire Perkiomen Creek watershed, which includes Montgomery, Bucks, Berks, and Lehigh counties.
The study is currently underway and looks to identify flooding locations, model parts of the watershed that experience severe flooding, integrate solutions, and engage with the community to help guide a future that informs and better prepares for flooding events.
The first public meetings are listed below:
Tuesday, Nov. 12 at Upper Providence Township Building
Tuesday, Nov. 19 at Pennridge North Middle School
Thursday, Nov. 21 at Upper Perkiomen High School
Stay tuned for weekly updates as the study progresses. For more information, please visit www.perkiomenwatershed.org.
| | | Upcoming Observances
| | October 11 – Yom Kippur
|  | | Friday is Yom Kippur, one of the holiest days in Judaism. The day is observed through rest, prayer, reflection, and fasting. Wishing each person who celebrates a good and meaningful holiday.
| | October 14 – Indigenous Peoples’ Day
|  | | Next Monday is Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This is a day where we celebrate Native Americans, their rich culture, and the contributions they have made all throughout history, including the creation of baby bottles, lacrosse, and numerous medical discoveries. It’s important we acknowledge the resilience and strength of the Indigenous Peoples of America in the face of both persecution and oppression. Attached is a traumatic history, and it’s up to us to reflect and continue to work toward a future that promotes acceptance.
In observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, my office will be closed. If you need state or county related assistance, please send an email to [email protected] or leave a message at 484-200-8263.
| | October – Italian-American Heritage Month
|  | | Italian American Heritage Month is also recognized in October. We honor and celebrate the Italian American community and their achievements.
| | | Community Days
|  | | It was a beautiful day on Saturday for Lower Providence’s Community Day. We had a great time sharing valuable resources and speaking with constituents. The food was excellent and the performances from Elite Toma Karate and Macrina Dance Academy were fantastic.
|  | | Make sure you stop by my table at West Norriton's Community Day this Saturday, Oct. 12 from noon to 5 p.m. at Centennial Park. We hope to see you there!
| | | | 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 available at pahouse.com/deliveringforpa.
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