Important Updates/Highlights

Patriot Day - September 11

Tomorrow is September 11, a day of remembrance in our country. 24 years ago, we tragically lost 2,977 people from terror attacks in New York City, Washington D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Being in the Pentagon that day, I saw firsthand how quickly and efficiently first responders and service members acted to help those in need. While the fact that it was unfolding on American soil was shocking and unexpected, their professionalism and expert training has always remained at the forefront of my memories from that day. It's appropriate and important to honor those who died on 9.11 and in the days that followed from their injuries.

It's also imperative to remember those who ran into the chaos and did everything they could to provide aid and support to those impacted. Many of those first responders still suffer from long term health complications due to their bravery. May we never forget those lost, those injured, and those who sacrificed their health and safety to come to the aid of their fellow Americans on 9.11.2001.

Mass Transit Update

Friends, here's an update on the SEPTA funding situation. It was announced that Gov. Shapiro directed PennDOT to approve SEPTA’s request to use $394 million in capital assistance funding to continue daily operations and reverse service cuts. While this is an important fix for SEPTA, it’s still only a short-term patch—two years to be exact.

Our entire Commonwealth remains without a long-term solution for all mass transit systems. This does little for the big goal of making both Philadelphia and Pennsylvania world-class destinations in 2026 and leaves the door open on the issue of financial certainty, which any large organization needs to plan operations and future expenditures. This short-term fix will keep our trains and buses running in Southeastern PA, our economy stable, get kids to school and workers to their jobs—for now—but we’re still in need of a sustainable answer.

That means Senate Republicans still have to do their part and pass a funding bill that adequately funds transit agencies across all 67 counties. If they don’t or choose to wait for the next deadline and take a near-month long recess while our state is without funding for mass transit and without a full state budget—as we currently are—we will run into the same exact issues. Please reach out to your state senator and ask them to offer their support for funding a full, appropriate state budget!

Mitzvah Circle

Mitzvah Circle Foundation, a Montgomery County nonprofit that partners with hundreds of schools, charities, faith groups, agencies, organizations and individuals to provide relief to families in crisis throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania, recently suffered a fire. Damage was sustained to a significant number of donations that were set to be distributed throughout the region. Members of the PA House and PA Senate have offered to be donation drop-off points for the most immediate critical needs to be replenished.

- Sneakers, all sizes, women's, men's and children's (can be new or gently used)
- Women's, men's, and boys' underwear (new)
- Toiletries (new)
- Baby items (new)

Please contact my office with any questions, and feel free to stop by with donations Monday through Friday between 9:30 am and 4:30 pm at 35 Evansburg Road.

International Underground Railroad Month

September marks International Underground Railroad Month in Pennsylvania, honoring the courageous network of men and women who united to help enslaved people find freedom—a vital chapter in our nation’s history. The graphic above highlights the stories, history, and important events of the Underground Railroad that happened right here in Pennsylvania.

House Fellowship Program Applications

The Pennsylvania House Fellowship Program is now accepting applications for the Spring 2026 semester (January–April). This program is based in the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg, and fellows will be assigned to work in House Standing Committees or House Leadership Offices.

Qualified applicants include:

College undergraduate juniors or seniors, graduate students, or law school students;
Students enrolled in a Pennsylvania college or university, or Pennsylvania residents enrolled in an out-of-state institution; and
Students pursuing any major with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Applications are due by Wednesday, October 1, 2025, and can be emailed to:

[email protected]

More information can be found at http://www.pahousefellowship.us/.

Helpful Information

Victim Services

The Victim Services Center of Montgomery County is offering free virtual support groups for Fall 2025. The groups include adult survivors of child sexual abuse (18+), adult survivors of sexual assault (18+), survivors of homicide loss (18+) and young adult survivors of sexual assault (16-24).

You can sign up and find out more information by visiting their website at www.victimservicescenter.org/groups.

PHEAA

PHEAA is offering more financial aid webinars in September. Check out the list below and click the link to PHEAA’s website to sign up! www.pheaa.org/tools-resources/financial-aid-webinars

Searching for Scholarships – Wednesday, September 10, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Creating Your StudentAid.gov Account – Wednesday, September 17, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Searching for Scholarships – September 24, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.

QPR Training

QPR: Suicide Awareness is an upcoming seminar presented by the Upper Providence Township Police Department and the Montgomery County Department of Human Services and Health.

This free, 18+ program will teach you skills to identify and assist someone showing suicidal warning signs.

When: Thursday, October 23, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Where: Upper Providence Township Meeting Hall

Property Tax/Rent Rebate

Reminder! The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program deadline has been extended to December 31, 2025. This program, which is available to older adults and people with disabilities aged 18 or older, provides support to homeowners and renters across Pennsylvania, with rebates ranging from $380 to $1,000.

Forms are available for pickup at my district office! If you need assistance completing an application, please call ahead to schedule an appointment.

For more information, additional 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!

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]

Observances

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month – September

September is recognized as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death from disease among children.

Throughout this month, we each have the opportunity to raise awareness, advocate for further research, and support those currently battling cancer, as well as survivors and their families.

National Suicide Prevention Month – September

National Suicide Prevention Month is observed in September, and National Suicide Prevention Day falls on September 10. It’s important to let our friends know that help is always available and that they are not alone.

Together, we can take action, share resources—such as the free 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—spread hope and positivity, and support one another, not just this month, but every day.

Community Events

Arts Montco Jazz Fest Kickoff from Ursinus College

Tuesday, September 16, from 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Berman Museum – Front Lawn, 601 E Main Street, Collegeville, PA

Rowdy Raccoons from Upper Schuylkill Valley Park

Friday, September 19, at 11 a.m.

1615 Black Rock Road, Royersford, PA

Household Hazardous Waste Collection from Montgomery County

Saturday, September 20.

Spring-Ford 9th Grade Center, 400 South Lewis Road, Royersford, PA

Upcoming Community Days

Upper Providence Township Community Fall Fest

Saturday, September 20, from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Black Rock Park, 1286 Black Rock Road, Phoenixville, PA

Trappe Community Day

Saturday, September 27, from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Water Works Park, 220 W. First Ave, Trappe, PA

Lower Providence 37th Annual Community Fall Festival

Saturday, October 4, from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Eagleville Park, 100 Parklane Drive, Eagleville, PA

West Norriton Annual Fall Festival

Saturday, October 11, from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Centennial Park, 2050 W. Marshall Street, Jeffersonville, PA

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, “Update Email Preferences.”

Sincerely,

Rep. Joe Webster
State Representative
150th Legislative District