PA Representative Joe Webster banner image

Dear Neighbor, I hope you are well. I’d like to remind you that there’s still time to register for my License Plate Restoration event taking place THIS Friday, October 16. Below, I also have details about what I was up to in Harrisburg last week, election reminders and helpful information. 

 

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

 

UPDATES: 

Bills Signed by Governor Shapiro 

I’m excited to announce that two of my bills, House Bills 852 and 853, were signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro last Thursday. Thank you to my colleagues for supporting these bills on their journey through the legislative process.

 

H.B. 852, titled Modernizing the Local Tax Enabling Act to Address Delinquent Tax Collection, improves the efficacy and efficiency of our local tax collections. Currently, a tax collector or Earned Income Tax officer may recoup the reasonable costs incurred to provide notices of delinquency or collect delinquent individual taxes. However, the act does not presently permit the tax collector to impose and collect these costs incurred to collect delinquent business taxes. My legislation closes this loophole and permits the tax collector to recover costs of collection from delinquent taxpayer-businesses that owe business privilege/mercantile taxes or admission/amusement taxes. This bill strikes the costly certified notification requirement to the delinquent taxpayer before demand can be made to the taxpayer’s employer to collect delinquent taxes. 

 

H.B. 853, titled Consistency in Local & County Tax Collections, creates consistency across tax collecting entities in our Commonwealth. This legislation permits counties that levy per capita and occupation taxes to collect their costs of collection directly from the delinquent taxpayer in the same manner as municipalities. It emphasizes the “user pay” concept in the Local Tax Enabling Act, where the delinquent taxpayer must “foot the bill” for the additional collection remedies the taxing body and its collector must undertake to recover unpaid tax monies. 

License Plate Restoration Event on Friday  

My free License Plate Restoration event at Anderson Farm Park is THIS Friday, Oct. 16, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. If you have a license plate that's deteriorating and hard to read, my staff and I can help replace it!

 

Call my office at 484-200-8263 and a member of my staff will help you sign up. Please ensure you have your driver’s license number, title number, VIN, license plate number, registration plate style (standard, personalized, military, special fund, special organization), and registration expiration date ready to share over the phone.

 

After the event, we will notify you when your restored plate is ready to pick up at our office! 

Office to Open at Noon on Friday 

Heads up, neighbors. Due to our License Plate Restoration event, my district office will be opening at 12 p.m. (noon) on Friday, October 16. 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month 

I joined my colleagues by the Capitol fountain last week as we continue our recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Harrisburg and across Pennsylvania. I previously spoke about the importance of early detection, and how vital it is to take a proactive approach to your healthcare.  

 

You know your body best, and while yearly screenings are important, so is visiting your doctor when something else seems different. Early detection can mean better prognosis and quicker access to treatment. But early detection doesn’t always mean that there will be fewer treatments, impact or trauma from breast cancer. Many women (and men) who did catch their diagnosis early still live with its aftermath.

 

Breast cancer, at any stage, changes lives forever. So, while it’s critical that routine screenings take place and that the public is educated about breast cancer, it’s just as important that we emphasize efforts to fund research to find a cure and end this disease. To the survivors and those living with metastatic breast cancer, we have not forgotten about you.  

Celebrating Libraries in Harrisburg 

Last week in Harrisburg, my colleagues and I gathered on the steps of the Capitol Rotunda with the Pennsylvania Library Association to celebrate our libraries, librarians and acknowledge the vital role they serve in our communities.

 

The story of my life includes librarians and libraries, specifically the Free Library of Philadelphia. Literacy opens up a breadth of opportunities in life, and my own experience ignited a lifelong love for reading that led me into the Air Force Academy, higher education, and onto my career path. It’s our duty to make sure that readers of all ages continue to have access to books and libraries so they, too, can find that spark.  

 

I’m pictured here with Rep. Steve Malagari, Director of the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library Karen DeAngelo, Director of the Lansdale Public Library Mindy Lee Lipsky, PA Library Association President Richard Ashby Jr. and PA Library Associate Executive Director Christi Buker. 

Important Election Dates 

As we get ready to turn the calendar to October, keep in mind that Pennsylvania voters have until this upcoming Monday, October 19, to register and be ready to vote in the Tuesday, November 3rd General Election. 

  

You can register, check your status and update your voting information today by visiting vote.pa.gov! Below are a few more key dates. 
  

  • Monday, Oct. 19: Last Day to Register to Vote 
  • Tuesday, Oct. 27: Last Day to Apply for Mail-In/Absentee Ballot 
  • Tuesday, Nov. 3: Election Day 

Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program  

Reminder! The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program deadline has been extended until December 31, 2026. This program, which is eligible to older adults and people with disabilities 18 years or older, supports homeowners and renters across PA with rebates ranging from $380 to $1,000. 
 
The forms are available for pick up in my district office! If you need assistance filling out an application, please call ahead to schedule an appointment. 
 
For more information, other ways to apply, and to check your eligibility please visit: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/revenue/incentives-credits-and-programs/ptrr.html  

My Office Can Help You! 

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]. 

UPCOMING OBSERVANCES:

Domestic Violence Awareness Month 

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence impacts millions of people every year in our country. Here in our community, help is available.

 

If you or someone you know is experiencing or at risk of domestic violence, please share/call the National DV Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text "BEGIN" to 88788. You can also call my office at 484-200-8263 and my staff can assist you with finding local resources. 

U.S. Navy Birthday 

Yesterday, October 13, the United States Navy celebrated its 251st birthday! These sailors have protected our seas since the Navy was officially established in 1775, and I want to thank all who’ve worn the uniform for their service, sacrifice and dedication to our country. 

 

COMMUNITY EVENTS: 

Fall Festival & Craft Fair from The Pathway School 

Saturday, October 17, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 

The Pathway School, 162 Egypt Road, Jeffersonville, PA 

 

By the Light of the Moon from Upper Schuylkill Valley Park 

Friday, October 23, and Saturday, October 24, at 6 p.m.

1615 Black Rock Road, Royersford, PA

Note: Pre-registration required by sending an email to [email protected]. In your email, please include the name of the program, the number of adults/children, ages of children, and the best way to contact you.

 

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