Because the federal government failed to pass a budget, causing the federal government shutdown, November 2025 SNAP benefits cannot be paid. Starting October 16, SNAP benefits will not be paid until the federal government shutdown ends and funds are released to PA. The PA Department of Human Services (DHS) will notify SNAP recipients when payments can resume and will let them know when to expect SNAP payments. 

 

 If you are receiving SNAP, please remember that you are still responsible for completing renewals and reporting any changes to your income, contact information, or the people living in your home during the shutdown. SNAP recipients should also remember changes mandated by the federal government that will take effect November 1 and report their work, schooling, or volunteer participation to DHS. 

 

If you are in need of food assistance, see the list of local food pantries or click here - Feeding Pennsylvania - to find food resources everywhere in PA.

Do you need a mail-in or absentee ballot?

 

The deadline to apply for an absentee or mail-in ballot is October 28. Be sure to check your registration on vote.pa.gov and see the important dates for the 2025 Municipal Election below.

 

Here in Montgomery County, there are multiple secure dropbox locations to return your completed mail-in ballot. See all locations here:

Returning Your Mail-In Ballot | Montgomery County, PA - Official Website

 

Voting in person on Election Day?

Polls are open 7 AM-8 PM on November 4. Check your polling location here:

Polling Place Information.

It’s Medicare Open Enrollment time!

 

Between now and December 7, you can join, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plans. Any changes you make will take effect on January 1, 2026.

 

Questions? Contact the PA MEDI Helpline, M-F, 8 AM - 5 PM: 1-800-783-7067, or call your local PA MEDI program.

 

Learn more: pa.gov/pamedi?123.

Last Tuesday, I joined members of the PA Fish and Boat Commission and their Waterways Conservation Officers to stock trout along the Pennypack Creek and in Lorimer Park.

 

Being an avid angler myself, it's always a pleasure to help stock the local rivers and lakes so that those who love to fish can continue to do so throughout the winter as conditions allow. The stockings also help to replenish popular fishing spots.

 

Click on this link to search trout stocking by county as well as seasonal stockings:

https://fbweb.pa.gov/TroutStocking.

 

Good luck on the waters!

Last Thursday, state Sen. Maria Collett and I held a joint SEPTA Senior Fare Card Clinic at the Huntingdon Valley Library. We had over 50 seniors show up to apply or renew their SEPTA Senior Fare Cards!

 

We are always happy to be out in the community, meeting residents, and assisting them in any way we can. Holding outreach events like this makes it easier for all residents to utilize programs available to them.

Keep an eye out for more events like this in the future!