PA Representative Joe Webster banner image

Dear Neighbor, I hope you are well. This week, I have a few important updates for you.

 

My recently postponed Inclusive Post-High School Resource Fair will now be held on Saturday, March 28, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. More details can be found below. I also have comments on Gov. Shapiro's budget address from Tuesday, information on my bill that passed the House and resolution that cleared committee, an important road work advisory and more! 

 

As always, I hope you find the information below useful. 

 

Important Updates/Highlights

Governor’s Budget Address 

Yesterday, Gov. Shapiro delivered his annual budget address to both the Pennsylvania House and Senate. I’m proud to stand alongside the governor’s vision to move Pennsylvania into the future, to finally raise our minimum wage, to fund our transit systems, to invest in our schools and children, our families and Main Street, energy, childcare, nurses, teachers, disability services and so much more.  

 

There’s still a lot of work ahead of us, and we owe each and every Pennsylvanian a budget that’s delivered on time. We’re only months removed from passing the previous one, and we saw firsthand how an overdue budget process, which was entirely avoidable, affected our Commonwealth. School districts and municipalities suffered and contemplated operating off loans, local businesses who held state contracts stalled, state-funded projects that were already underway had to halt production. While there are real goals my colleagues and I hope to accomplish with this budget, we need to ensure we come together and pass it by the June 30 deadline. 

 

This isn’t a finished product; it’s the groundwork for what we want to achieve and what we can achieve in our great state. Pennsylvania has the people and resources to meet today’s problems and build toward the future. I’m ready to help make that happen. 

NEW DATE - MARCH 28: Inclusive Post-High School Resource Fair 

NEW DATE: Caregivers of children and young adults with IEPs and 504s, do you know about the Inclusive Post-High School Resource Fair to help your child plan their future after graduation? Good news, we have a new date!  

 

On Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., stop by Hall A of the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks as my staff and I, The Arc Alliance and a team of local volunteers help connect you with over 100 organizations who offer post-secondary opportunities such as employment, job coaching, day programs, transitional services, continuing education, supported living programs and more. This event is open to all. 

 

If you pre-registered for the original date, no need to sign up again! We’ll contact you with new information. If you did not pre-register and would like to attend, please sign up here

My Bill Passed the PA House 

I’m pleased to announce that my bill, which supports veterans exiting incarceration, passed the PA House unanimously. H.B. 886 would require that veterans who are incarcerated in a State Correctional Institution (SCI) be given a "veterans benefits briefing" before they are released. This would outline the state and federal benefits that are available to a veteran and their family, how to access them and how to apply.  

 

Many Veterans who are released after serving time in a correctional facility are unaware of the benefits they are entitled to. They served our nation, protected our freedoms and each of them deserve our assistance as they transition back to society and become contributing members of our communities. This bill helps bridge that gap.  

 

H.B. 886 now heads to the PA Senate for consideration. You can follow its journey here.

My Resolution Cleared Committee 

I was glad to see my resolution clear the State Government Committee on Tuesday and look forward to its consideration on the House floor. Our voting process in Pennsylvania should be as efficient and secure as possible. We can do better.

 

That’s why I introduced H.R. 56 to study and identify legislative and administrative recommendations to minimize the time needed to vote. This will look at the current utilization of poll workers, polling places, and voting machines. 

 

You can follow this resolution here

Utility Construction on U.S. 422 Scheduled for Feb. 8 

Heads up, neighbors! PennDOT announced that due to scheduled utility construction on Sunday, Feb. 8, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., there will be two 10-minute full stoppages on U.S. 422 in BOTH directions between the Route 363 (Trooper Road) and Route 23 (North Gulph Road) interchanges. 

 

Drivers are advised to use an alternate route, allow for extra time when traveling and practice safe driving habits while crews work to improve the road.  

PA House Fellowship Applications 

The Pennsylvania House Fellowship Program is accepting applications for the Summer 2026 semester (June–August)! This program is based in the PA Capitol Building in Harrisburg, and fellows will be assigned to work in House standing committees or House leadership offices. 
 
Applications are due Monday, March 2, 2026, and can be emailed to [email protected].  
 
Requirements & additional information can be found at www.pahousefellowship.us

SEPTA Senior Cards 

If you’re a senior 65 or older, you can ride SEPTA for free! 
 
Stop by my district office at 35 Evansburg Road by 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday with a valid form of ID and my staff can help you sign up for a free SEPTA Senior Fare Card! 

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 on the first and second Wednesday of each month. Check out our upcoming February schedule below: 
 
📆 Wed., Feb. 11 
📍 W. Norriton Township Building 
🕙 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. 

LIHEAP Information 

Applications for the 2025-26 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) are officially open until April 10, 2026! LIHEAP provides cash grants to help eligible Pennsylvanian families pay their heating bills.

 

Please visit the website below to learn more about the program and apply! 

pa.gov/services/dhs/apply-for-the-low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap 

 

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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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