Important Updates/Highlights

SNAP Information

As a result of the current Republican federal government shutdown, SNAP funding will run out by the end of October and benefits will not be delivered in November. What does this mean specifically to the people in Pennsylvania? Two million will go without food aid, more than half of which are families with children.

While Governor Shapiro took legal action to insist that the USDA use the billions of dollars available to pay for SNAP benefits and help the millions of Pennsylvanians who will be affected, here’s what you can do about it:

If you receive SNAP benefits, please visit my LinkTree for links to find your local food pantry or contact my office to find out where to go for help. Your SNAP card will continue to work past November 1, but will not be reloaded.

It’s also important to note that SNAP recipients must now meet work, education or volunteer requirements in order to receive full benefits. And starting in November, additional requirements will be added. You can find a comprehensive breakdown of the new requirements and what to do by visiting this website.

Please be aware of scams too. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services recently shared that SNAP clients are receiving calls from numbers asking them to share personal information in unsolicited text messages, emails and phone calls. The scam phone numbers you should be aware of are 1-888-238-7710, 1-888-272-8720 and 1-888-737-6551. Please note that the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services will never ask for this information, and that you should report any suspicious messages regarding benefits to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services fraud tip line at 1-844-DHS-TIPS (1-844-347-8477).

I also recommend letters, emails and phone messages—sent frequently—to make our Republican leaders in Washington and in Harrisburg pay attention to their constituents instead of exorbitantly wealthy corporations. Click the names below to contact Pennsylvania’s federal lawmakers and urge them to stop harming Pennsylvanians. U.S. Senator Dave McCormick and Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick, Ryan McKenzie, Rob Bresnahan, Dan Meuser, Scott Perry, Lloyd Smucker, John Joyce, Guy Reschenthaler, Glenn Thompson, and Mike Kelly.

LIHEAP Information

Neighbors, please be advised that the opening of the 2025-26 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will be delayed until December 3, 2025, because the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has not received its funding for the program due to the federal government shutdown. LIHEAP provides cash grants to help Pennsylvania families pay their heating bills.

More information can be found by clicking here

Veterans’ Breakfast

I'm excited to host my annual Veterans’ Breakfast on Thursday, November 20, at Chadwick’s Restaurant & Bar from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Be my guest as I share updates on legislative matters involving Pennsylvania veterans.

Registration is required and space is limited! To reserve your spot, you can call my office at 484-200-8263!

Road Alerts

Heads up, neighbors! My office and Lower Providence Township were notified by PennDOT last Friday that beginning Tuesday, November 4, through Friday, January 29, 2027, Ridge Pike will be reduced to a single lane in each direction 24/7 between Germantown Pike and Crosskeys Road.

Drivers are advised to plan accordingly and practice safe driving habits while crews are at work.

Key Election Dates

Election Day is next week, neighbors! Polls will open at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, November 4, and close at 8 p.m. Any mail-in ballot must be completed and received by 8 p.m. on election night. And as a reminder, there are 18 ballot drop box locations open across Montgomery County! Ballot drop boxes are open 24/7 and serve as secure locations for eligible voters to return their ballot.

Visit this website to find your nearest ballot drop box!

Office Hours

My district office will be closed all day on Tuesday, November 4, in observance of Election Day. We will reopen on Wednesday, November 5, at 12 p.m. (noon).

If you need state-related assistance during this time, please call my office at 484-200-8263 or email [email protected] and a member of my staff will reach back out to you.

Celebrating Our Businesses

Our community continues to grow! Last week, I celebrated with Chateau on Main to mark their first year in business and had the pleasure of attending the grand opening of Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Greater King of Prussia.

It was great to see the community come together in support of both businesses, and I wish them continued success!

Inclusive Post-High School Resource Fair

Save the date, neighbors! My FREE Inclusive Post-High School Resource Fair with The Arc Alliance and a team of local volunteers is on Sunday, January 25, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Hall A of the Greater Philadelphia Expo in Oaks!

We are currently seeking vendors for this event and interested parties can apply here.

Ideal vendors currently serve high school students with IEPs and 504 plans and offer post‑secondary opportunities such as employment, internships, apprenticeships, transitional services, continuing education, or supported living programs. A comprehensive list can be found below.

Post-Secondary Education: Institutions that offer Higher Education programs for IDD/A

Inclusive Employment: Employers championing IDD/A hiring practices

Supported Employment: Organizations that provide job coaching, job finding, and job skill development

Transition & Life Skills: Programs developing social, independent living, and vocational skills

Arts & Recreational: Programs providing opportunities in arts and recreation.

Social and Community: Programs fostering social connections

Legal & Financial Planning: Organizations that support financial planning and benefits management

Community Supports: Providers who work with individuals to involve them in the community

Day Programs: Programs offering opportunities for social interaction, skill development, & activities

Residential Programs: Community living arrangement with 24/7 staff to support

Self-Advocacy Groups: Groups led by individuals with IDD/A to empower others with IDD/A

Transportation: Services offering transportation for individuals with disabilities.

Behavioral Supports: Supports to reduce behaviors that limit independence and community involvement

Health/Medical: Community and In-home health services

There is no cost to participate but all vendors must apply and be approved. For more information, reach out to Nicole at [email protected]

Helpful Information/Other Events

Free VA S.A.V.E. Suicide Prevention Course

Coming up on Wednesday, November 12, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Coatesville VA will be hosting VA S.A.V.E. Suicide Prevention Course, a free event for service members, veterans and their families. Stop by the VFW Post 9788 at 324 Sawmill Lane in Horsham, PA, and learn about how to assist someone who is experiencing a crisis and options for firearm storage.

Please contact Shardae Wescott at 484-744-3269 to RSVP by November 7.

SEPTA Senior Pass

If you’re a senior 65 or older, you can ride SEPTA for free!

Stop by my district office at 35 Evansburg Road with a valid form of ID and my staff can help you sign up for a free SEPTA Senior Fare Card. My office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

My Office Can Help!

If you need state-related assistance, my office can help you! Please feel free to contact my staff with any questions by calling 484-200-8263 or emailing [email protected]

Observances

First Responders Day – Oct. 28

Yesterday, we celebrated National First Responders Day, and I want to take a moment to highlight that again and thank all first responders for their dedicated service to our communities and unwavering commitment to helping those in need.

Halloween – Oct. 31

Happy Halloween, neighbors! I hope you all have a fun and safe night trick-or-treating tonight. Remember, if you’re out on the roads, please be mindful of all the children and adults walking.

Community Events

Collegeville Rotary Halloween Fest

Wednesday, October 29

Little Goblins Gathering: 4:30 p.m., Collegeville Community Park

Fest Marketplace: 4:30 p.m. - 9 p.m., Collegeville Community Park

Parade: 6:45 p.m., Main Street at Clamer Ave to 325 Main Street

Boo Boulevard: 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., Collegeville Community Park

More information: https://collegevillerotaryhalloweenfest.org/page/halloween-fest-information

Story Time & Spooky Parade from Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library

Thursday, October 30, at 10:30 a.m.

Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library, 1700 Markley St, Norristown, PA

Note: For ages 2-5, no registration required

Tween/Teen Loop Group from Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library

1st Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. (Next meeting is Saturday, November 1)

Note: For ages 10-14

Medicare Info Workshop from Lower Providence Township

Monday, November 3, from 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Lower Providence Township Building Auditorium – 100 Parklane Dr, Eagleville, PA

Walk with a First Responder from Upper Providence Township

Tuesday, November 4, from 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Anderson Farm Park – 499 Hopwood Rd, Collegeville, PA

Community Open House from Montgomery County Coroner

Friday, November 7, from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Montgomery County Coroner’s Office – 56 Eagleville Rd, Eagleville PA

Turkey Toms from Upper Schuylkill Valley Park

Saturday, November 8, at 11 a.m.

1615 Black Rock Rd, Royersford, PA

Note: For children ages 3-7. Pre-registration is required.

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, “Update Email Preferences.”

Sincerely,

Rep. Joe Webster
State Representative
150th Legislative District