Dear Neighbors, 

In this week’s e-newsletter, I’m proud to announce that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has officially banned toxic forever chemicals in firefighting foam. After 15 years, we finally did it! More information is included below.

Friendly Reminder: The General Election is quickly approaching. Don't let your voice go unheard this November 3rd. If you don’t already have a plan to vote, visit here: www.vote.pa.gov.

As always, if you need help with any state-related matter, feel free to reply to this email or call 215-323-6997.

Sincerely,

Brian

After 15 years of inaction, and these last two years of heavy pushing and finally seeing progress on this issue, we were finally able to get our ban on toxic PFOA and PFOS in firefighting foam across the finish line.

When firefighters face the most difficult and severe fires, they have often deployed Class B firefighting foam; and while efficient at extinguishing certain types of fire, it’s laden with the toxic forever chemicals known as PFAS. Legislation was needed to circumvent the damage being caused when these chemicals contaminate firefighting gear, firefighters’ skin, and the ground and water where the foam collects.

House Bill 1261, which I introduced, would have:

• increased the maximum equipment loan for fire and EMS companies from $25,000 to $100,000.
• restricted the manufacture, sale and use of Class B firefighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS, with deadlines in 2027 and 2028.
• exempted foam containing PFAS when its use is required by federal law.
• required the State Fire Commissioner to help firefighting entities transition to PFAS-free foam.
• required the commissioner to develop a plan for the safe disposal, transportation, storage and destruction of unused PFAS-containing foam.
• required a list of vendors authorized to remove and transport PFAS-containing firefighting foam.
• authorized civil penalties of up to $5,000 for a first offense and $10,000 for subsequent offenses.
• required manufacturers to label firefighter protective equipment to disclose whether it contains intentionally added PFAS.
• required manufacturers to notify the last known purchaser and post information online if they discover after a sale that equipment contains intentionally added PFAS.
• established civil penalties of up to $5,000 for a first violation and $10,000 for subsequent violations.
• authorized grants to cover the disposal of PFAS-containing foam and the purchase of PFAS-free replacement foam.
• directed penalties collected for protective-equipment violations toward the Fire Company Grant Program and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program.

Through an amendment introduced by Rep. Jared Soloman, chair of the Veterans Affairs Committee, these protections were added to S.B. 804, introduced by Sen. Gene Yaw, and subsequently signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro.

As a former firefighter and a two-time cancer survivor, I’ve seen firsthand the consequences of allowing these chemicals to be used unchecked. Thank you to Sen. Yaw for his strong advocacy on this issue and Rep. Solomon for all his effort in forwarding this legislation.

For more information, click here.

This week, I toured the New Britain Township Police station alongside Rep. Tim Brennan and staff from Sen. Steve Santarsiero’s office to learn more about the township’s proposal for a standalone police station.

As a former law enforcement officer, supporting our police and ensuring they have the resources they need has always been important to me. During the visit, we discussed the township’s plans and explored potential grant funding opportunities that could help reduce costs for New Britain Township residents.

I also had the opportunity to tour the Chalfont EMS building and had the opportunity to speak with staff and directors about the vital services they provide to our communities.

Having worked as a former volunteer EMT, I fully understand how important it is to keep our EMS squads properly staffed, funded, and equipped to respond when residents need them most. It’s crucial that we listen to our first responders and work to identify ways to better support them and the lifesaving work they do every day.

Special thank you to the Vice Chair of the Chal‑Brit Regional EMS Board Mike Hefferon for the tour.

You're invited to my Senior SEPTA Pass Event! Join my office to apply for a first-time 65+ SEPTA Pass or renew your expired pass. All you need is your photo ID or your old card. 

We look forward to seeing you Saturday, November 14, from 11:00AM to 1:00PM at Ben Wilson Senior Center.

Address: 580 Delmont Ave., Warminster, PA, 18974

If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to email us at RepMunroe@PAHouse.net or call 215-323-6997.

To RSVP: Click here.

If you are 65 or older, a widow/widower 50 or older, or at least 18 with a permanent disability, you may qualify through the state Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program for a rebate on your property taxes or rent paid in 2025.

Applications are now due by December 31. Don't miss this chance to claim what you're owed. Please reference the chart above to know if you qualify. 

PLEASE BE ADVISED: All income from SSA, SSI, SSDI, and survivor benefits only count toward half of the income limit (ex. $16,000/yr from SSA is reduced to $8,000 when calculating returns).

Click here for more information, and don’t forget that my office can assist in filing any applications.

Changes to Medicaid, also known as Medical Assistance in Pennsylvania, are starting January 1, 2027, because of changes to federal law. More information is expected to be released, but here is what you need to know for now:

• Some adults will need to renew their Medicaid Plan every six months instead of annually.
• A new requirement means some adults enrolled in Medicaid will need to participate in work, school, job training, volunteering, or other community activities.

If you receive Medicaid, now is a good time to make sure your mailing address and contact information are up to date with DHS so you don’t miss important notices about these changes.

For more information about the new Medicaid requirements, click here

As we approach the General Election on Tuesday, November 3, remember that:

• Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.
• Voters must be in line by 8 p.m. to cast their ballot.
• Mail-in and absentee ballots must be received by your county election office by 8 p.m.

To find your polling location, update your voter information or for more voter services, visit vote.pa.gov.

Bucks County’s vote-by-mail season is officially underway, with the first mail ballots already being sent to voters. Prefer to handle your mail-in ballot in person? Seven “on-demand” locations are now open across the county.

On-demand voting allows you to go to a designated location, request a mail-in ballot, fill it out on site, and return it immediately. You don’t have to wait for a ballot to arrive in the mail or visit the post office.

On-demand locations include the Board of Elections office, Government Services Centers in Quakertown and Levittown, the Warminster Township Free Library, and Bucks County Community College campuses. Each location also has a secure ballot drop box staffed by a Board of Elections employee during operating hours.

The deadline to request a mail-in ballot was October 27, but completed ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 3.

For more information, click here: www.buckscounty.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/1640

To make our office’s constituent services as accessible as possible, I have established remote office hours at local township buildings throughout our legislative district.

We will be at the following locations from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM on the days indicated:

• • Warrington Township Building: Third Tuesday every month; next is November 17.
  • Warminster Library: Third Wednesday of every month; next is November 18.
  • Warminster Township Building: First Tuesday of every month; next is November 3. (Cancelled due to Election Day, next visit will occur December 1.)
  • Warminster Heights: First Friday of every month; next is November 6.
  • Ivyland Borough: Second Tuesday of every month; next is November 10th.
  • New Britain Twp. Building: Second Wednesday of every month; next is November 11th (Canceled in observance of Veterans Day, next visit will occur December 9th).

To help focus on specific needs, my staff and I have established specialty hours when outside experts come in to guide our residents. An appointment is required for these hours. Please call 215-323-6997 to schedule.

• Veterans Services: 9:30AM to 3:30PM on the second Monday of every month; next session is November 9.
• Advance Care Planning: First Wednesday of every month; next is today, November 4.

District Office

1410A West Street Rd.
Warminster, PA 18974

(215) 323-6997

Pennsylvania State Capitol

104-B East Wing

Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 772-1983