Dear Neighbor, I hope you are well. This week, I have information on my upcoming Veterans’ Breakfast, SNAP resources, LIHEAP’s start date and winter heating bill resources, as well as major road work that begins in our area tomorrow and more. As always, I hope you find the information below useful. | Important Updates/Highlights | My annual Veterans’ Breakfast is 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! | Despite two federal judges ordering that SNAP be funded during the current Republican federal government shutdown, the Trump Administration agreed to only partially fund the program. That means SNAP continues to remain without full funding as we enter November and to date no funding has been released. The reduced funding itself may even take weeks to arrive due to complex USDA direction, all while millions of Pennsylvanians feel the daily impact of food insecurity. Here’s what you should know about new November requirements and other important information: - 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 beginning in September, 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. You can reach out to Pennsylvania’s U.S. and Senators and Representatives by clicking their name as listed and urge them to stop hurting the people of Pennsylvania. 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.
| 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 | PUC Suggestions for Heating Bills | Due to rising costs, weather and uncertainty/delays with federal assistance programs like LIHEAP, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is urging consumers to act now if they are worried about winter heating bills. Here’s a checklist from PUC on what you can do to prepare and stay connected to essential utility services: - Review your utility bills. Understand your current rate and usage — and how colder weather can increase demand.
- Don’t wait to call. If you’re worried about paying your bill, contact your utility now to ask about assistance programs or payment plans.
- Ask about affordability programs. Utilities offer programs like CAPs, budget billing, and hardship funds that can reduce your monthly costs.
- Make small energy-saving changes. Lower your thermostat by one or two degrees, check furnace filters, and seal drafts — small actions that add up.
- Explore energy-saving tools. Visit PAPowerSwitch.com and PAGasSwitch.com for energy tips, shopping options, and more ways to save.
| 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] | SCHEDULE CHANGE: Heads up, neighbors! The scheduled construction on Ridge Pike will now begin tomorrow, November 6, through Friday, January 29, 2027. During this construction, 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. | November Mobile Office Hours | If you’re unable to make it to my district office for state-related assistance, my staff is available for mobile office hours next week. Check out the November schedule below: 📅Wed., November 12 🏢W. Norriton Township Building 🕙10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | | 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. | Strong Minds, Safe Bodies: A Victim Services Center Event | The Victim Services Center of Montgomery County is hosting a free community wellness event for youth and families called Strong Minds, Safe Bodies. This event will feature wellness workshops, creative activities and community resources! Safe Minds, Strong Bodies is on Saturday, November 15, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at The Ricketts Center (640 Beech Street, Pottstown, PA 19464). You can RSVP here | 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. | 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] | 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 | District Office 35 Evansburg Road Collegeville, PA 19426 (484) 200-8263 | Pennsylvania State Capitol 125-B East Wing P.O. Box 202150 Harrisburg, PA 17120 (717) 787-0419 | |