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Hello Neighbor,
In this newsletter, you will find legislative information and updates from Upper Moreland, Lower Moreland, Bryn Athyn, Hatboro, and Abington, along with information about state-related programs and services.
We have some exciting events coming up around the district, so be sure to stay informed through my newsletter and social media. As always, feel free to call our office at 215-259-5962 for help with state services or send me an email at RepGuenst@pahouse.net. |
Celebrating Black History Month |
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2026 marks a century of national commemorations of Black history. In 1925, Dr. Carter G. Woodson planned an inaugural week-long observance of Black history. I am not sure he anticipated the impact this would leave on the world.
He sought to turn this week into a far-reaching, organized, and sustained effort to transform how Black people viewed themselves and how the world viewed them. Through his hard work and commitment to cause, the week turned into Black History Month.
Black History is not only spread through schools in America, but celebrated at cultural heritage sites, public squares, workplaces, houses of worship, and homes across the country. These places offer sites to discover and learn about African American history and culture and the important role African Americans played in creating and shaping our nation.
This year as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country, it is important to tell not only an inclusive history but an accurate one.
This year's theme, "A Century of Black History Commemorations," urges us to explore the impact and meaning of Black history and life commemorations in transforming the status of Black people in the modern world.
We will be highlighting African Americans from Pennsylvania who made a lasting impact on our state. Be on the lookout for these important figures throughout the month of February on my social media pages. |
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Punxsutawney Phil Sees His Shadow |
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Welp, folks – Phil saw his shadow, so if you believe in the prognosticating groundhog and his predictions, it means 6 more weeks of Winter for us!
I’m not sure about you, but I’m ready for some sunny, warm weather and I really hope Phil is wrong. |
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Check Your Energy Supplier |
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In PA, utility customers have the opportunity to choose their electricity or natural gas supplier. Regardless of who you choose to supply your energy, PECO will continue to serve as your energy delivery company.
But if you are enrolled with a competitive electric generation or natural gas supplier, the rate you are charged could be higher or lower than the rate charged by PECO. You should check PECO’s Price to Compare to see the current rates for PECO customers and how they compare to the rates charged by competitive energy suppliers: https://tinyurl.com/Electric-PTC | https://tinyurl.com/Gas-PTC.
If you are currently enrolled with a competitive energy supplier, you should review your contract terms and conditions and contact your supplier to discuss pricing options. We have many constituents that reach out not realizing that they use a different supplier. Ask the following questions:
More information about understanding a contract with a competitive natural gas or electric generation supplier can be found on the PA Public Utility Commission’s websites: www.pagasswitch.com or www.papowerswitch.com or PECO’s website: https://www.pecoconnection.com/2025/02/28/competitive-energy-suppliers-what-you-need-to-know/. |
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TSA $45 Fee for Flying Without REAL ID |
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Effective February 1, if you don’t have a REAL ID or acceptable form of ID (like a passport!) for domestic flights, you may have to pay a $45 fee to verify your identity through TSA ConfirmID.
Note: The $45 is to confirm your identification - it does not guarantee that your identity will be confirmed and that you’ll be let through the checkpoint.
A passport card or passport book are both accepted REAL ID alternatives for domestic air travel and can help you avoid this fee.
Learn more about the Real ID policy at TSA.gov/real-id.
My office can assist with getting you the documents that you need to get a Real ID. A certified birth certificate is required, and a certified marriage certificate is required to show any name changes. Just give us a call at 215-259-5962 or email us at RepGuenst@pahouse.net. |
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Grant Awarded to Food Bank in the District |
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The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection announced $4,125,923 in grants to nonprofits, such as food banks, food pantries, and soup kitchens, through the Food Recovery Infrastructure Grant (FRIG) Program to help reduce wasted food and fight hunger in Pennsylvania.
We are proud to announce that one of the food pantries receiving grant funding is in our district!
Congratulations to: Willow Grove Seventh Day Adventist Church Food Pantry - $42,481
These funds can be used to reimburse the cost of equipment like refrigerators, freezers, refrigerated and non-refrigerated vehicles, stoves, and microwaves to store, transport, or prepare the recovered safe, fresh, wholesome foods to ensure that the food can be redistributed to the public.
Thank you to Willow Grove SDA Food Pantry for the good work you are doing in the community and congratulations on your grant! |
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Disabled Veterans’ Real Estate Tax Exemption |
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If you’re a PA veteran with a disability, you may be eligible for an exemption on your real estate taxes! Veterans who are eligible must have served during a war or armed conflict, have a 100% permanent or total VA disability rating and discharged with honorable or under honorable conditions from the Armed Forces of the United States. With tax season right around the corner there's no better time to check to see if you are eligible.
Learn more: https://www.pa.gov/.../programs.../financial-assistance/retx
Montgomery County Veterans Services: County Benefits: Giving Back to Veterans | Montgomery County, PA - Official Website |
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Expungement Clinic at the Upper Moreland Library |
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Don't let a prior offense keep you from making a fresh start.
Join me, Senator Maria Collett, and the Montgomery County Public Defenders for our free Expungement Clinic on Wednesday, March 18th, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Upper Moreland Free Public Library. Eligible participants will meet with legal experts who can answer questions and support them through the expungement process.
Appointments are required, and only Montgomery County arrests are eligible. Call Senator Collett's office at 215-368-1429 to secure your time slot before they fill up! |
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Property Tax/Rent Rebate Clinic |
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Do you need assistance in filing your 2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate?
Our office is hosting a free clinic on Saturday, March 14th from 10am-12pm at our District Office – 19 S. York Road, Hatboro, PA 19040.
Please call our office to confirm your eligibility ahead of the event. 215-259-5962
This year’s income eligibility limit is $48,110 for a household. Please see the flyer below for documentation required to file. |
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Veterans Service Hours |
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We are proud to offer Veterans Service Hours every second Thursday of the month to assist veterans with a variety of issues – including but not limited to compensation and pension claims, education benefits, state benefits, and burial and survivor benefits.
A veterans' service officer will be on site. Reach out to our office at 215-259-5962 to make a one-hour appointment. Call to make your appointment today! |
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Pennsylvania State Capitol 105-B East Wing |
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District Office 19 S. York Rd. (215) 259-5962 |
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