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.

Harrisburg Update

It’s the last scheduled week for session in 2023 and I wanted to provide you with some legislative updates!

In the House Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee we voted unanimously for HR 271 which would call on Congress to promptly replenish FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) and explore strategies for prioritizing disaster-related needs. I voted for this resolution because many families within our district have felt the impact of a slow FEMA response after a natural disaster. In fact, local families are still waiting on FEMA assistance after the devastation caused by Hurricane Ida in 2021. This delay is unacceptable, and I urge our Congress to act swiftly to fund the DRF.

In session this week the House has passed multiple bills, including HB 1751 – Strengthening the Construction Workplace Misclassification Act and HB 1417 – Restoring Dental Coverage for Medical Assistance Recipients. HB 1751 would strengthen Act 72 by increasing penalties on contractors who misclassify their workers and expand the purview of the Attorney General and District Attorneys to investigate and prosecute worker misclassification. Worker misclassification occurs when employers intentionally misclassify construction workers as independent contractors so the employer can pay them a lower salary, reduce benefits, and remove important worker protections. HB 1417 would restore dental coverage for medical assistance recipients so everyone can access dental health.

We’re still working to pass more important legislation tonight and I will keep you updated on social media and in next week’s email. If you have questions or concerns about current and upcoming legislation, please reach out to my district office by calling (484) 200-8263 or sending an email to [email protected].  

Last Week for Winter Collection Drive

This is the last week for my Winter Collection Drive!

All donations will be donated to Mitzvah Circle and St. James Outreach House. They are asking for kids’ winter clothes, winter coats, winter boots, gloves, underwear, undergarments, socks, blankets, personal care items, small toys and children’s and baby books. My office will continue to accept donations now and until Friday at 4:30 PM. Thank you to everyone who has donated toys, winter coats, scarves, and blankets so far – the community support has been fantastic!

Museum Grants Awarded

Earlier this week the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission announced the grant winners for their Cultural and Historical Support Grants program with six awards distributed right here in Montgomery County and two within my district. Congratulations to Historic Trappe and National Audubon Society (Audubon MidAtlantic) on receiving these grants to support your organizations.

The goal of the Cultural and Historical Support Grant program is to strengthen Pennsylvania’s museum community by supporting the general operations of eligible museums and official county historical societies that are not supported by other state agency funding programs.

LIHEAP

Do you need assistance paying for your heating bills this winter season? The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is accepting applications for the 2023-2024 season that provide low-income families with cash grants to assist with heating bills.

If your household is experiencing a heating crisis, you also may be eligible for benefits through LIHEAP. For information on this program and how to apply, visit dhs.pa.gov/LIHEAP today!

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 “visit this page to manage your email preferences".

Sincerely,

Rep. Joe Webster
State Representative
150th Legislative District

Pennsylvania House Democrats are committed to ensuring better jobs, better schools and better communities for all Pennsylvanians. More information on these successful efforts is at pahouse.com/deliveringforpa.

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

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