I am thrilled to report that Governor Shapiro has signed a bipartisan, balanced budget that invests in the future of all Pennsylvanians – without raising taxes or drawing from PA’s Rainy Day Fund.

Historic investments were made in public education, including a $565 million increase to address adequacy and help kids, schools, and taxpayers, and a more than $50 million increase in basic education funding and special education funding to ensure every child succeeds.

Mental health funding was expanded - including $5 million for mental health walk-in centers to provide timely and accessible options to those who need support outside of regular business hours and for the first time ever – dedicated funding of $10 million for the 988-crisis hotline.

A long-awaited COLA for retired teachers, firefighters, and police officers was included as well as continued investments in the state workforce and the expansion of career and technical education programs. Funding for public safety, law enforcement, and violence prevention were all increased to make our communities safer and reduce crime.

Pennsylvanians deserve a budget that makes life more affordable, strengthens communities, and invests in our future. I am proud to deliver this budget to residents of the 152nd District and to all the people across the state of Pennsylvania.

You can read more about the budget and details here:

Governor Shapiro Signs Bipartisan 2026-27 Budget, Securing Major Priorities | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services announced that help is available for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients affected by severe weather and extended power outages following the recent storms. SNAP households may be eligible for replacement SNAP benefits if their food was destroyed as a result of the extended power outage caused by a natural disaster or severe weather event.

SNAP households that experienced an extended power outage or are still without power can immediately request a replacement in person or by phone with their County Assistance Office and must apply within 10 days of the incident.

Our office has the affidavit needed to request the replacement and can submit the form to the County Assistance Office on your behalf.

Please reach out or stop by within 10 days of the incident that caused the power outage in order to be considered for reimbursement of benefits.

Montgomery County is hosting their first-ever Black Author & Business Expo on Saturday, August 22, at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks. Register to attend for a day of networking, collaboration, and economic empowerment. 

To learn more about the event, click here: Montgomery County Black Author & Business Expo | Montgomery County, PA

The Montgomery County Human Relations Commission has also officially opened its complaint process. This provides county residents, workers, and visitors who believe they have experienced unlawful discrimination with a new, local avenue for recourse.

For more information on this process and to learn how to file a claim, please visit this website: Montgomery County Human Relations Commission Opens Complaint Process for Discrimination Claims | Montgomery County, PA

All are invited to attend the mural unveiling at A Place to Play playground at Roychester Park on Saturday, July 25 at 10 am. 

Please note, the playground will be tentatively closed on Thursday, July 23 and Friday, July 24 for the installation of the mural. 

New Regional Rail schedules went into effect Sunday, July 5, 2026. SEPTA updates its Regional Rail schedules four times per year to improve reliability and adjust for capital projects and infrastructure improvements. 

The new July 5 Regional Rail schedules include some notable improvements that will translate to more predictable and reliable service, and more capacity to major destinations. Additionally, as SEPTA continues to increase the number of train cars available for service, trains will be longer and provide more space for riders.

For more information on these changes, check out SEPTA’s website:

Earlier this year, the Upper Moreland Township Code Enforcement office went live with their new, self-serve online permit application portal.  In-person applications were still accepted as a convenience to their applicants.

This change to the self-serve online portal allows applicants (property owners, business owners, and contractors) to submit applications for construction permits, bulk permits, and zoning use permits 24/7.  

Effective August 1, 2026 - the Code Enforcement office will transition to

an online only submission of permit applications!

(No in-person applications or mail-in applications will be accepted.)

If a property owner, business owner, or contractor is unable to utilize their online portal, they may schedule a date and time to meet with a Code Enforcement Office representative to submit their permit application in person.

For any questions, please feel free to contact the Code Enforcement office at:  215-659-3100 x 1032, 1033 or 1034.

Mark your calendars for the Abington Township Police Pre-Night Out Block Party taking place on August 3 from 5 pm - 8 pm at the Abington Town Center

(Target parking lot).

National Night Out is designed to celebrate and strengthen the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement.

This is an event that is fun for the whole family! Presentations will include Abington Tactical Unit, Abington K-9 Unit, Fire Equipment, County Forensic Unit, and more…

Our office will be there to help with any state-related issues or questions you may have! Be sure to stop by and say hello!

SFMNP provides eligible low-income seniors with access to locally grown fruits and vegetables in Pennsylvania. Eligible participants will receive five $5 vouchers (totaling $25) to use at authorized farmers markets and produce stands across the state.  

The Montco office will be distributing vouchers both by mail and at select pop-up events across the county. Once the distribution event schedule is finalized, it will be posted on the Montco Share page.

Our office WILL NOT be a distribution site this year.

Completed applications can be submitted by mail or email to infomhs@sharefoodprogram.org. We also have paper applications available in our office.

• June 1, 2026: First day seniors could redeem SFMNP checks for fresh produce purchased from approved farmers.
• September 15, 2026: Last day to mail SFMNP applications.
• September 30, 2026: Last day to issue SFMNP checks (in person and by mail).
• November 30, 2026: Last day for participants to use their 2026 SFMNP checks.

Please contact the Montco Share team with any questions at 215-223-2220 ext. 138.