Important Updates/Highlights

Winter Collection Drive

Neighbors, my office is hosting our annual Winter Collection Drive now through December 12. We’re collecting canned foods, winter clothing, toiletries, paper products and more. Please check out the list for some of the most needed items. All donations will be delivered to St. James Outreach House, Daily Bread Community Food Pantry and Spring-Ford Project Outreach.

You can drop off donations at my office on 35 Evansburg Rd, Collegeville, PA 19426.

Pennsylvania State Budget Highlight – Education

After passing the state budget last week, I wanted to highlight some of the important education increases/wins that will benefit students all across Pennsylvania!

This includes a $105 million increase for basic education funding and $40 million for special education. Additionally, the cyber charter school funding reform in this budget will save PA schools an estimated $178 million!

HSS Food Donation

I want to thank HSS Kaveri Shakha in Royersford for their generous donation to my 2025 Winter Collection Drive! Watching our community come together is truly incredible. We are extremely grateful for the donations made so far; each one will truly make a difference.

Inclusive Post-High School Resource Fair

Don't forget! My FREE Inclusive Post-High School Resource Fair with The Arc Alliance and a team of local volunteers is on Sunday, January 25, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Hall A of the Greater Philadelphia Expo in Oaks!

We are currently seeking vendors for this event and interested parties can apply here.

Ideal vendors currently serve high school students with IEPs and 504 plans and offer post‑secondary opportunities such as employment, internships, apprenticeships, transitional services, continuing education, or supported living programs. A comprehensive list can be found below.

Post-Secondary Education: Institutions that offer Higher Education programs for IDD/A

Inclusive Employment: Employers championing IDD/A hiring practices

Supported Employment: Organizations that provide job coaching, job finding, and job skill development

Transition & Life Skills: Programs developing social, independent living, and vocational skills

Arts & Recreational: Programs providing opportunities in arts and recreation.

Social and Community: Programs fostering social connections

Legal & Financial Planning: Organizations that support financial planning and benefits management

Community Supports: Providers who work with individuals to involve them in the community

Day Programs: Programs offering opportunities for social interaction, skill development, & activities

Residential Programs: Community living arrangement with 24/7 staff to support

Self-Advocacy Groups: Groups led by individuals with IDD/A to empower others with IDD/A

Transportation: Services offering transportation for individuals with disabilities.

Behavioral Supports: Supports to reduce behaviors that limit independence and community involvement

Health/Medical: Community and In-home health services

There is no cost to participate but all vendors must apply and be approved. For more information, reach out to Nicole at [email protected]

Pennsylvania State Budget Highlight – Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit

The 2025-26 budget also created the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit (WPTC), which is our state’s version of the federal income tax credit (EITC). If you qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, you automatically qualify for this state tax cut. It’s that simple.

The WPTC will deliver $193 million in tax relief to almost 1 million working Pennsylvanians starting next tax season! In Montgomery County alone, $6.3 million will be delivered to nearly 35,000 residents thanks to the WPTC. Check out the graphic to see if you qualify!

Filing for the WPTC will be simple and automatic. When Pennsylvanians file their federal and state taxes, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue will automatically calculate the state credit. Anyone who qualifies for the federal EITC will now automatically qualify for the state credit, helping reduce taxes owed and putting more money back in hardworking Pennsylvanians’ pockets.

LIHEAP Information

Neighbors, please be advised that the opening of the 2025-26 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will be delayed until December 3, 2025, because the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has not received its funding for the program due to the federal government shutdown. LIHEAP provides cash grants to help Pennsylvania families pay their heating bills.

More information can be found by clicking here

PUC Suggestions for Heating Bills

Due to rising costs, weather and uncertainty/delays with federal assistance programs like LIHEAP, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is urging consumers to act now if they are worried about winter heating bills.

Here’s a checklist from the PUC on what you can do to prepare and stay connected to essential utility services:

Review your utility bills. Understand your current rate and usage — and how colder weather can increase demand.

Don’t wait to call. If you’re worried about paying your bill, contact your utility now to ask about assistance programs or payment plans.

Ask about affordability programs. Utilities offer programs like CAPs, budget billing, and hardship funds that can reduce your monthly costs.

Make small energy-saving changes. Lower your thermostat by one or two degrees, check furnace filters, and seal drafts — small actions that add up.

Explore energy-saving tools. Visit PAPowerSwitch.com and PAGasSwitch.com for energy tips, shopping options, and more ways to save.

Wells Fargo Collegeville Opening

It was a pleasure celebrating the grand re-opening of Wells Fargo Collegeville last Thursday. It’s great to see our community continue to grow, and I’m glad to welcome Wells Fargo back into it!

Road Alerts

Heads up, neighbors! The current construction on Ridge Pike is scheduled to last through Friday, January 29, 2027. During this construction, Ridge Pike will be reduced to a single lane in each direction 24/7 between Germantown Pike and Crosskeys Road.

UPDATE: Monday, November 24, and Tuesday, November 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Ridge Pike will be reduced to a single lane with flagging between Germantown Pike and Crosskeys Road.

Drivers are advised to plan accordingly and practice safe driving habits while crews are at work.

Helpful Information/Other Events

SEPTA Senior Pass

If you’re a senior 65 or older, you can ride SEPTA for free!

Stop by my district office at 35 Evansburg Road with a valid form of ID and my staff can help you sign up for a free SEPTA Senior Fare Card. My office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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

American Education Week

We're celebrating American Education Week across the country this week! Educators play an enormous role in the development of our students, allowing every single one of them to dream big and achieve both inside and outside of the classroom.

It’s not just our educators that lead to this success; it’s also bus drivers, staff, counselors, librarians, administrators, cafeteria workers and nurses too. So, thank you for all that you do!

Shoutout to Methacton School District, Norristown Area School District, Perkiomen Valley School District, Spring-Ford Area School District and The Pathway School.

Community Events

Decorate Collegeville’s Christmas Tree

Saturday, November 22, from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

E. Third Ave and Main Street, Collegeville, PA

Pet Photos with Santa from lower Providence Township

Thursday, December 4, from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Eagleville Park (Bocce Courts) – 100 Parklane Drive, Eagleville, PA

17th Annual Community Tree Lighting from Lower Providence Township

Friday, December 5, at 6:30 p.m.

Eagleville Park – 100 Parklane Drive, Eagleville, PA

6th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony from West Norriton Township

Saturday, December 6, at 6 p.m.

1630 W. Marshall St, Norristown, PA

Note: Donations will be accepted for Jefferson Fire Co’s Toys 4 Kids

Blizzard Bash Open House from Upper Providence Township

Friday, December 12, from 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Upper Providence Community Center – 499 Hopwood Rd, Collegeville, PA

Note: Registration required here

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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Sincerely,

Rep. Joe Webster
State Representative
150th Legislative District