During the Council of State Governments (CSG) annual convention this past December, there was a lot of discussion about the impact and opportunities created by the apparent hope of the incoming administration and Congress to shut down parts of the federal government. Some of my counterparts from across the country saw an opportunity to create stronger state governments with more localized control, while others were deeply concerned about what funding losses might mean to certain groups and communities.
We are seeing a lot of changes at the federal level that have left many scared and concerned about their future, their family’s safety and ability to thrive, and their ability to access services like special education, healthcare, home heating help, veterans’ services, Medicaid, and Medicare. My heart is with those who are scared and confused. It cannot be overstated that what is going on at the federal level is not right and it is not normal.
Many of these changes at the federal level are happening quickly, and some are getting immediately reversed or modified, which is adding to the confusion and chaos of the last 19 days. Even things like the funding freeze that are supposed to have been reversed, essential service organizations, like Federally Qualified Health Centers, which deliver essential healthcare to more than 1 million Pennsylvanians, still cannot access funding that has been allocated to them. I believe this chaos is not purely a symptom of incompetence but also seeks to dishearten us and stop us from fighting for what is right.
We will never stop advocating for what is right. I deeply appreciate your continued communication on the local and federal issues that are important to you. I share your concerns regarding what’s happening at the federal level and about funding for vital programs that our communities rely on.
As a State Representative, I cannot intervene directly on things happening at the federal level, but I will continue to communicate with you about how federal changes are impacting Pennsylvanians. I also want to assure you that, at the state level, we will do everything in our power to protect our communities and residents. We are already moving legislation to the Governor’s desk to better protect people, including legislation passed just this week to get more workers trained and available to prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza. As my colleagues from both sides of the aisle commented when we were at CSG, the administration’s efforts to dismantle and privatize federal government create space for state government to step in to help. In the House, we are very aware of the need to help, protect, and serve Pennsylvanians.
The questions I have been consistently asked these last few weeks, by those calling my office or seeing me at the supermarket and at the YMCA are “how can we stop what’s going on” and “what can I do to help?” I am so grateful that we are a community that seeks to serve others and protect our democracy.
I ask you to continue to reach out to your federal representatives; Sen. Fetterman, Sen. McCormick, and Congresswoman Dean.
What you say, and how many times you call, show that you are dedicated to protecting our democracy and those in our community. Those calls, emails – and even faxes – have an impact; don’t give up. I’ll repeat what I’ve said hundreds of times – our government works better when those in power know you’re paying attention and holding them accountable.
I’m also going to repeat what I said to so many of my friends who felt adrift after the 2016 election. Serving and protecting others in our community is one of best ways we can resist, stand together, and preserve our democracy. Working towards the common good reminds us of who we are, the needs of our community, and what we expect of our democracy. For those looking to serve within our community, outlined below are various organizations dedicated to helping others, many of whom are at greater risk now than they were just a few weeks ago.
Thank you for your compassion, for sharing your concerns with me, and your candor. I would love to hear of other organizations you’re aware of which best meet the needs of our community. We will face this together.
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Nonprofit Food Banks & Essential Needs Resources
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Food insecurity continues to impact families in the United States, including those in our own community. The U.S. had the highest rate of people struggling to afford enough food to feed themselves and their families of all G7 countries in 2023. Food security, currently experienced by 86.5% of the US population, is defined as access by all people in a household to enough food for an active, healthy life. Those facing food insecurity, which encompasses households defined as having “low” and “very low” food security, have difficulty providing enough food for all household members because of a lack of resources during at least some portion of the year. Below are organizations that are combating food insecurity in Montgomery County.
- Mattie N. Dixon Community Cupboard: 150 N. Main St., Ambler, PA; (215) 628-3002
- Manna on Main: 606 Main St., Lansdale, PA; (215) 855-5454
- Bethlehem Baptist Church: 712 Penllyn Pike, Spring House, PA 19477; (215) 643-4977
- Garden of Health: 201 Church Rd., Suite A, North Wales, PA 19454; (267) 905-9569
- Montco Anti-Hunger Network: PO Box 1086, Lansdale, PA 19446; (215) 648-2189
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Domestic Violence/Child Abuse Resources
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Essential Clothing & Household Items
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Since I was elected, an organization that continues to inspire me is Mitzvah Circle. Mitzvah Circle is an aid organization dedicated to helping those who have fallen through the cracks and are in crisis, dealing with poverty, homelessness, and illness. Mitzvah Circle is the only aid organization in Southeastern PA that serves the entire family, from infants through seniors, and includes delivery service. Due to the extreme needs in our community, Mitzvah is always seeking volunteers and donations.
- Mitzvah Circle: 435 Doylestown Road, Lansdale, PA 19446; (267) 649-7610.
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Education & Special Education
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Our local school districts and local organizations are always seeking volunteers to help in different capacities. Below are volunteer opportunities with the school districts in the 61st and special education organizations.
- North Penn School District: 401 E. Hancock St., Lansdale, PA 19446; (215) 853-1067
- Wissahickon School District: 601 Knight Road, Ambler, PA 19002; (215) 619-8000
- The Arc Alliance: 3075 Ridge Pike, Eagleville, PA 19403; (610) 265-4700
- Variety, The Children’s Charity: 2950 Potshop Road, PO Box 609, Worcester, PA 19490; (610) 584-4366
- The Peal Center: 520 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd. Suite 602, Philadelphia, PA 19123; (215) 567-6143
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Mental Health & Substance Abuse Resources
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If you or a loved one is struggling, there are mental health and substance abuse resources always available.
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Below are various legal resources available to assist you.
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Volunteer opportunities are available through the housing organizations below.
- Your Way Home Montgomery County
- Family Promise of Montgomery County: 31 South Spring Garden St., Ambler, PA 19002; (215) 628-2334
- Norristown Hospitality Center: 530 Church St., 1st floor, Norristown, PA 19401; (610) 277-1322
- How to Volunteer for Code Blue Shelters in Lansdale (Men’s or Women’s):
- Fill out a free volunteer criminal background check here.
- Email the results with your cell phone number to codeblue@lanan.com.
- Check the scheduler here.
- Shifts: Intake (7:30 PM – 11 PM), Overnight (11 PM – 2 AM & 2 AM – 5 AM), and Breakfast (5 AM – 8 AM).
- Contacts: Mark Lanan (215) 272-4979 or Leslie Johnson (267) 243-6531.
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For additional resources, please view the BucksMont Collaborative’s resource directory here for more organizations that can assist you or your neighbors. My office will continue to be a resource for you so please do not hesitate to write to me at RepHanbidge@pahouse.net or call my Blue Bell Office at (610) 277-3230 between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM.
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Constituent Services Corner
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2024 Tax Forms and the Property Tax Rent Rebate Program
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My office now has 2024 state tax forms. Call or stop by my office today to request copies. For assistance with filing the Property Tax/Rent Rebate, please call 610-277-3230!
Applications are now open for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. This program benefits older adults and Pennsylvanians with disabilities by providing a portion of money back on property taxes or rent paid in the prior year.
It’s quick and easy to apply online at https://pa.gov/PTRR, but my district office can also provide paper applications to anyone interested.
See if you qualify per the income parameters below. Remember, 50% of your Social Security benefit is excluded when determining your income.
Any questions can be directed to my office by calling (610) 277-3230 or emailing RepHanbidge@pahouse.net.
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Do you need a REAL ID? Beginning May 7, 2025, you will need a state-issued REAL ID?-compliant license or identification card, or another acceptable form of ID (such as a U.S. Passport), to fly within the United States.
You can get a REAL ID now or when you renew your driver's license. Learn more about REAL ID at https://www.dmv.pa.gov/REALID/ and feel free to contact my office at 610-277-3230 with any questions.
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Mobile Office – North Wales Library – Feb 11th
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Mobile Office – Towamencin Township – Feb 13th
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PA ABLE SEMINAR – Feb. 20
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Join me for this 30-minute live webinar presented by Pennsylvania Treasury. Learn how PA ABLE is enabling individuals with disabilities and their families to save for financial security without impacting important benefits.
This is a must-attend webinar for people with disabilities, as well as parents, caregivers, and rep payees. Employers can also learn why PA ABLE is gaining traction across the commonwealth as a key component of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs and adding value to employee benefits packages.
Sign up here to attend this informative webinar.
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My office is proudly accepting book donations from Jan. 21 until March 2 (Dr. Suses’s Birthday) for the Ambler Boys and Girls Club. Please drop off your new and/or gently used books for children in grade 1-5 at my district office during normal business hours, Monday -Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
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American Red Cross Spring Blood Drive – March 3
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My office is hosting a blood drive with the American Red Cross on Monday, March 3, from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Montgomery County Community College. To host a blood drive on this day is particularly meaningful for me since I lost my mother to blood cancer on March 3rd of last year. The incredible generosity of blood and plasma donors kept her alive to valiantly fight her cancer for an additional 18 months and I could not be more grateful to everyone who donates blood. By donating, you can save the lives of three people, so please consider donating today! Sign up here!
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Have you been receiving questionable phone calls, text messages and emails and are not sure if they are a scam? If so, please join my office along with the Lower Gwynedd Police Department, PA Office of Banking and Securities, Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, PA Office of Attorney General, AARP Pennsylvania to help you protect yourself from frauds and scams!
Seating is limited, so please RSVP today by calling 610-277-3230.
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Shredding and Electronic Recycling Event – March 22
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Join Reps Ben Sanchez, Melissa Cerrato and my office on Saturday, March 22 for a Shredding AND Electronic Recycling event at Temple Ambler from 10:00 a.m. - Noon!
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Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
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Pennsylvania students in 1st - 6th grade are invited to enter the 2025 Lyme Art Contest to promote awareness of ticks, the types of diseases they carry & how to protect yourself. Entries must be received by March 14, 2025! Learn more about the contest: https://bit.ly/3CmIyBV
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February is Financial Aid Awareness Month! PHEAA has you covered with their free online webinars that tackle every question you may have when it comes to the financial aid process. Click here to register for these incredibly helpful webinars today!
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The Montgomery County Youth Aid Panel, Wissahickon Chapter, is looking for volunteers! Montgomery County's District Attorney's Youth Aid Panel Program (YAP) promotes restorative justice, representing an innovative approach by law enforcement toward juvenile offenders. The YAP provides a second chance for certain first-time juvenile criminal offenders who accept responsibility for their actions and satisfactorily demonstrate both public and private accountability.
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Juveniles and their families meet with trained local volunteer panelists to implement a comprehensive plan that promotes restorative justice for the victim, community, and offender. Panels are staffed by local volunteers who receive specialized training. Panelist must be 18 years or older, a U.S. citizen, a Montgomery County resident (for at least one year), must complete a training program, pass a background check, and must commit to a minimum of one-year of service. If you're interested in applying please submit a written application available at Youth Aid Panel | Montgomery County, PA - Official Website (montcopa.org).
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All Seeing Sky
Saturday, 15 February 2025
The performance opens with Wagner’s jubilant Prelude to Act III of Lohengrin with brass blazing and strings to capture the medieval tale of chivalry and betrayal. Then SPSO presents one of the first performances of Greek-New Zealand Composer John Psathas’ All Seeing Sky, an evocative work for two percussionist soloists and orchestra, featuring world acclaimed percussionists Lynn Vartan and Weichin Lin.
Dvorák’s emotionally profound Seventh Symphony concludes the concert as a personal reflection on grief and joy.
Saturday, 15 February 2025
7:30 p.m.
Calvary Baptist Church
1380 S. Valley Forge Road, Lansdale, PA
Get tickets here
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
28-B East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-4102
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District Office
1098 W. Skippack Pike
Blue Bell, PA 19422
(610) 277-3230
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