Dear Neighbor, I hope you are well! I wanted to take this opportunity to update you on several happenings in the district as well as Harrisburg. 

As always, I hope you find this informative and useful.

Budget Update

It’s Budget Month here in Harrisburg and time is almost up! Legislators are mandated to write and pass a state budget by June 30th but if you remember from last year, the process wasn’t completed until early July. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I am hopeful we will be able to pass a fiscally responsible budget, that works for all Pennsylvanians, on time this year.

Thank you to those who have raised your concerns about the budget regarding school vouchers and how much the state funds higher education. Please know, I do not support the use of school vouchers and I strongly support an increase in funding to our higher education institutions.

Between now and next week’s email I will provide budget updates on my Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts. You are also able to follow along with the budget on the House Session Live Feed through YouTube.

Session Recap

HB 78 – Pennsylvania Medical Debt Repayment Program

Would establish the Pennsylvania Medical Debt Repayment Program to equitably provide much needed assistance in medical debt relief for low-income Pennsylvanians. Passed the House 114-89.

HB 1020 – Keystone STARS

Would provide updates to the Keystone STARS (Standards, Training/Professional Development, Assistance, Resources, and Supports) program to better evaluate and rate child care centers throughout Pennsylvania and ensure parents receive guidance on this program. Passed the House 151-52.

HB 1280 – PA State Police Enlisted Compliment Adjustment

Would eliminate the cap on how many PA State Police the state may hire. Currently the compliment is capped at 4,740 troopers and because more municipalities rely on our state troopers for policing after eliminating their municipal police force, PA State Police are stretched too thin. Passed the House 203-0.

HB 1316 – Funding PHARE

Would raise the cap on Realty Transfer Tax revenues which are deposited into the PA Housing and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund (PHARE) administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA). This additional funding of PHARE would enable more seniors, families of low and moderate income, and people with special housing needs to receive assistance. Passed the House 128-75.

We are scheduled to remain in Session until Friday. I will also provide updates on which bills pass on final consideration on my socials throughout the week.

Bucks-Mont PRIDE Festival

This past Sunday my staff and I enjoyed volunteering at the Third Annual Bucks-Mont PRIDE Festival at the Abington Arts Center. Hosted by SAGA, the Montgomery County’s LGBTQ+ community center, this event celebrated inclusivity, acceptance, and being yourself. This largely attended event included live music, food, community resources, and family friendly activities. Happy PRIDE Month!

Eid al-Adha

Eid Mubarak and happy Eid al-Adha to those who celebrate!

Bucks-Mont PRIDE Festival

I hope you all have a wonderful Independence Day!

My district office is scheduled off for a half day on Monday, July 3rd and will remain closed on July 4th in observance of the holiday. However, Session and Budget may alter office closures. Please check my socials for up-to-date information. If you have any state-related or budget concerns, please leave a message at 484-200-8263 or email [email protected].

There are many local events scheduled for July 4th. I will be at the Skippack 4th of July Parade at 11AM where there will be activities for all ages. Lower Providence Township will host their 27th Annual All American Fireworks show, which includes live music and multiple food vendors. Fireworks start at dusk. Skippack Township will also hold a July Fourth celebration at Palmer Park starting at 6PM. Food, activities, and a firework show are included.  

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].

Sincerely,

Rep. Joe Webster
State Representative
150th Legislative District

PA House of Representatives Democratic Caucus
PO Box 202250 Harrisburg, PA 17120-2250

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