PA Representative Joe Ciresi banner image

Dear Neighbor,

This week, we recognized public servants in Lower Pottsgrove Township as we look forward to new satellite office hours at the township building.

Also in this update:

Energy assistance programs
My bill to ban Non-Disclosure Agreements for data centers
Property Tax/Rent Rebate reminder

For 67 years and in various capacities – including Fire Marshall – Mr. Lew Babel helped keep Lower Pottsgrove Township safe. It was an honor to recognize him with a House citation.

My office also recognized the public service of Ray Lopez and Earl Swavely, two former township commissioners who have contributed greatly to emergency management and law enforcement, respectively. It is up to the next generation to continue serving the community, and these men are both worthy examples.

Retired Fire Marshall Lew Babel is pictured here at the commissioners April 6, 2026, meeting.

Satellite office at MCCC is moving down High Street

In an effort to serve more constituents, we are moving our Tuesday and Thursday mobile office hours from the North Hall of Montgomery County Community College to the new Lower Pottsgrove Township building at 1963 E. High Street, which is accessible via SEPTA Route 93.

This takes effect Tuesday, April 21.

Please note that the hours are slightly different (12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.) to accommodate tax collector hours in the same office on the 2nd floor. Stop by soon! Our hours at TRAAC remain unchanged (Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

LIHEAP is open until May 8

The 2025-26 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) season has been extended from April 10 to May 8, 2026.

Income-eligible individuals who are behind on or having trouble paying home heating bills are encouraged to apply for LIHEAP Cash and Crisis benefits before the new May 8 deadline. Eligible households can receive between $200 and $1,000 based on household size, income, and fuel type.

The cash grant is a one-time payment and does not need to be repaid. The grant will be sent directly to your utility provider or fuel company to be credited on your bill.

My office can help you apply or you can learn more here: https://www.pa.gov/.../apply-for-the-low-income-home...

In addition, PECO is still offering assistance to households up to 150% of the federal poverty line. More information here.

Data center legislation

This week, I introduced legislation to require transparency in data center development.

Many developers in Pennsylvania and across the country are requiring local governments to sign non-disclosure agreements to prevent discussion about controversial aspects of data center development and operation. These NDAs prevent officials from sharing data centers’ impact on the environment, zoning issues, and community life, ultimately misleading the public and limiting Pennsylvanians’ active and informed participation in their self-governance.

My legislation would ensure transparency and accountability, the foundations of good governance—by prohibiting state and local government agencies from entering into NDAs with data center developers. My bill follows the House passage of House Bill 1834 that would establish PA’s first ever data center regulations, which now awaits action in the Senate.

Read more: https://www.pahouse.com/Ciresi/InTheNews/NewsRelease/...

Property Tax/Rent Rebate reminder

Local residents can apply for rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2025. Through the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, eligible older adults and people with disabilities 18 and older can receive up to $1,000.

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Application period is open through the end of June, check the image below for income requirements and click here for more information. You are encouraged to call our office to verify that you have all paperwork to complete your application with a member of my staff. Walk-ins are also welcomed.