Important Updates/Highlights

Pennsylvania State Budget Update

Neighbors, this morning my colleagues and I in the Pennsylvania House voted on and passed our long overdue state budget (SB 160), which the governor also signed. This is a budget with bipartisan support that doesn’t raise taxes, supports disability services and our health care systems, sparks growth for our businesses and honors the education fair funding formula, which the Commonwealth is constitutionally obligated to do in PA after years of underfunding our schools.

While this budget doesn’t meet all of the goals I and the majority of my colleagues in the House have been working toward, the real disappointment is how long it took to finalize in the Republican-led Senate. I’m glad we are finally able to get Pennsylvania back on track, paying our local businesses who hold state contracts, removing the worry from school districts and municipalities who were contemplating loans to operate, and ensuring that projects in need of funding are eligible for completion.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll provide more detailed summaries on what the PA budget means for its residents via email and social media. Please reach out to my office at [email protected] with any direct questions.

Winter Collection Drive

Neighbors, my office is hosting our annual Winter Collection Drive now through December 12. We’re collecting canned foods, winter clothing, toiletries, paper products and more. Please check out the list for some of the most needed items. All donations will be delivered to St. James Outreach House, Daily Bread Community Food Pantry and Spring-Ford Project Outreach.

You can drop off donations at my office on 35 Evansburg Rd, Collegeville, PA 19426.

H.B. 886 Passes House Judiciary Committee

I’m pleased to announce that my bill, H.B. 886, unanimously passed the House Judiciary Committee this afternoon.

H.B. 886, titled “Supporting Veterans Exiting Incarceration”, requires that veterans who are incarcerated in a State Correctional Institution (SCI) are to be given a "veterans benefits briefing" before they are released. Among the topics to be discussed are state and federal benefits available to the veteran and their family as well as how to access and apply for them.

While they are often able to get some or all their earned benefits back upon release, very few veterans who serve time in a correctional facility know what benefits they are entitled to, how to apply for them, and where to get help or ask questions.

Read more about it here

H.B. 416 Passes in Senate

I’m also excited to share that Representative Khan’s House Bill 416, which I’m a proud co-sponsor of, passed the Senate on third and final consideration with a 43-6 vote. The bill has passed both the Senate and the House and now heads to Governor Shapiro’s desk for his signature.

This legislation will exempt reparation payments and court judgements for stolen property for victims of the Holocaust for the personal income tax. As a result, this will allow victims of the Holocaust to retain 100% of their reparation payments and restitution awards.

If you’d like to read more about it or track its progress, click here: palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb0416

Veterans’ Breakfast

My annual Veterans’ Breakfast is next 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!

Parkhouse Visit to Honor Veterans

On Monday, I had the pleasure of visiting Parkhouse Nursing & Rehabilitation Center with Senator Katie Muth to honor and recognize each resident who is a veteran. We presented them with a certificate, a pin and thanked them for their bravery, commitment and service to our country.

It’s important that we thank our veterans whenever we have a chance, small acts of kindness like this can mean a whole lot, and it shows that we truly appreciate their service. Expressing your gratitude for their service could be as simple as inquiring about their experiences while they served, where they were stationed, and which branch they had the privilege of representing.

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

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 the 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]

Road Alerts

Heads up, neighbors! The current construction on Ridge Pike is scheduled to last 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.

Helpful Information/Other Events

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

Tonight 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.

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 this 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

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]

Community Events

Decorate Collegeville’s Christmas Tree

Saturday, November 22, from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

E. Third Ave and Main Street, Collegeville, PA

Pet Photos with Santa from lower Providence Township

Thursday, December 4, from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Eagleville Park (Bocce Courts) – 100 Parklane Drive, Eagleville, PA

17th Annual Community Tree Lighting from Lower Providence Township

Friday, December 5, at 6:30 p.m.

Eagleville Park – 100 Parklane Drive, Eagleville, PA

6th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony from West Norriton Township

Saturday, December 6, at 6 p.m.

1630 W. Marshall St, Norristown, PA

Note: Donations will be accepted for Jefferson Fire Co’s Toys 4 Kids

Blizzard Bash Open House from Upper Providence Township

Friday, December 12, from 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Upper Providence Community Center – 499 Hopwood Rd, Collegeville, PA

Note: Registration required here

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]. 

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Sincerely,

Rep. Joe Webster
State Representative
150th Legislative District