Nov. 22 e-mail: Major news for SEPTA

Rep. Ben Sanchez November 22, 2024

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Our office will close at Noon on Wednesday, Nov. 27 and remain closed through the Thanksgiving Holiday. We will reopen for walk-in hours at 10 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 2. Thank you for understanding and Happy Thanksgiving!

Gov. Josh Shapiro Provides Critical Funding to SEPTA
Ensures continuity of service level, prevents price hikes

Today, Gov. Shapiro announced the redirection of $153 million in federal highway capital funds to SEPTA, maintaining essential transit services. This funding addresses an urgent need caused by the state Senate's inaction on legislation to increase transit funding, despite bipartisan bills passing the Pennsylvania House three times in 2024. By reallocating these funds, the governor's action prevents immediate service cuts and delays significant fare increases until July 1, 2025, ensuring SEPTA can continue serving our region without disruptions.

I applaud this decisive action to secure funding for SEPTA. I’ll always support reliable, affordable public transit that connects communities and helps people of all ages and abilities safely get around.

Click here to learn more about today’s announcement.

DHS Scam

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh this week informed Pennsylvanians of a potential text message scam targeting individuals who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits that claims that a user’s EBT card has been deactivated and directs the user to call a number to reactivate it.

This is a scam — DHS will never text an individual to say that an EBT card has been deactivated.

“DHS will never ask for personal information in an unsolicited text message, email, or phone call. If someone is claiming to be from or affiliated with the Department and they are asking you for your personal information, it is a scam,” said Secretary Arkoosh. “Please do not fall victim to identity theft. If you ever receive a suspicious text asking you for information about your benefits or for your financial information, please inform the DHS fraud tip line immediately so the proper authorities can investigate.”

Please report any texts or calls about DHS benefits that seem suspicious by calling the DHS fraud tip line at 1-844-DHS-TIPS (1-844-347-8477).

Sheriff’s Office Scam

Authorities warn the public to stay alert to the scammers, who identify themselves as "sergeant" and threaten arrest.

Callers typically say that the warrant has been issued because the individual did not show up for jury duty. They are then told that they can avoid arrest by depositing cash at a local Bitcoin ATM for the "sheriff's department."

Calls come from spoofed 610 area codes, so they appear legitimate, and scammers, who identify themselves as "sergeant," usually have personal information on their potential victims.

If you are concerned that you are the victim of a scam or unsure if the call is legitimate, call the main Courthouse phone number of 610-278-3000 and ask for the Sheriff’s Department. Victims should report scams to the Montgomery County Detective Bureau at 610- 278-3368.

What's That Smell? Aqua Working to Fix Abington's Water

My office received several reports of unpleasant smelling/tasting water in Abington. Township Commissioner John Spiegelman (Ward 11) shared that Aqua has traced the chemical taste/smell in our drinking water to the Neshaminy Treatment Plant, which supplies water to a significant portion of Abington Township and the entire region. This is in part due to the county-wide drought, which historically causes higher concentrations of elements contributing to the water’s current odor and taste. However, please be assured that while this water isn’t what we’re used to, it is potable. Aqua is currently working to fix this issue. Within a few days, our water should return to its usual taste/smell. Thank you for your patience as Abington Township officials and Aqua work together to resolve this issue.

Apprenticeship Opportunities

In Pennsylvania, there are over 1,550 registered apprenticeship programs in diverse fields, including information technology, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, and the building trades. These opportunities are key to addressing workforce shortages and empowering veterans in your district.

To help veterans in your community explore these programs:

Visit the PA CareerLink Registered Apprenticeship website.

Download the Department of Labor Apprenticeship for Veterans quick guide.

Contact Jeanette Coleman, Job Seeker Liaison with the PA Department of Labor and Industry’s Apprenticeship and Training Office at jeancoleman@pa.gov or (717) 836-3050

Winter Clothing Drive

My office is participating in the Montgomery County State Representative Coat Drive Challenge. We will be collecting winter clothing donations that will benefit Mitzvah Circle. They’re in need of new or gently used warm coats, hats, gloves, scarves, etc. – anything to help folks stay warm this winter. Help me out-collect my fellow MontCo state representatives! Donations can be brought to my office, 1175 Old York Road in Abington, during normal business hours. Anything helps and would make a significant, positive impact on someone’s life.