News Center

Masks are mandatory; Rent/mortgage assistance update

(Jul 07, 2020) Rep. Joe Webster

On July 1, Health Secretary Rachel Levine signed an order mandating mask wearing, expanding on a prior order that required masks in businesses. Now, wearing a mask is mandated in all public places, including outdoors if it is not possible to maintain social distancing. Read more

 

VIDEO: Webster Discusses Reopening Schools Safely

(Jul 02, 2020) Rep. Joe Webster

Amid COVID-19 concerns, Pa. state Rep. Joe Webster participated in a House Democratic Policy Committee hearing about ways to reopen schools safely ahead of the upcoming school year. Read more

 

District Office Reopening Information, Small Business Grant Funding, PHFA Rent and Mortgage Relief

(Jun 30, 2020) Rep. Joe Webster

Relief for small businesses and assistance for renters and homeowners affected by COVID-19 is available. This email provides details on those. We are also happy to announce that our district offices are reopening! Read more

 

Moving to the green phase; update on Commissioner Gale impeachment resolution

(Jun 23, 2020) Rep. Joe Webster

At the end of this week, our region moves into the green phase of reopening. In addition to some details on that good news, I have an update on my legislation to impeach Commissioner Gale, as well as a reminder that the spotted lanternfly remains a nuisance in this area. Read more

 

State legislators: PCCD grants will help at-risk parents and children

(Jun 10, 2020) Rep. Joe Webster

HARRISBURG, June 10 – The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency awarded two Montgomery County programs a total of $247,007 to meet the needs of Montgomery County children and parents affected by domestic violence, substance abuse and crime. Family Services of Montgomery County, in partnership with the Montgomery County Reentry Initiative, was awarded $147,010 in Violence and Delinquency Prevention Program funding to expand the Positive Parenting Program helping parents who are recently released from incarceration. Montgomery County Children’s Advocacy Center’s Mission Kids program will receive $99,997 to continue family advocacy work, particularly to accompany children to medical evaluations court appearances. “In addition to providing direct support to returning parents, this money also supports a key position at Mission Kids,” said state Rep. Steve Malagari, D-Montgomery. “With the increased demands for these services, Mission Kids needs a family advocate who can appropriately support the needs of our communities.” "In my role as a state representative – specifically with regard to my position on the Children and Youth Committee – and most importantly in my role as a parent, the safety and wellness of children and families will always be my top priority,” said state Rep. Ben Sanchez, D-Montgomery. “That is why I am grateful for this opportunity to improve Read more

 

Webster calls for impeachment of Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Gale

(Jun 10, 2020) Rep. Joe Webster

WEST NORRITON, June 10 – State Rep. Joe Webster will soon introduce a House resolution calling for the impeachment of Montgomery County Commissioner Joseph C. Gale, following the commissioner’s June 1 statement claiming Black Lives Matter was responsible for looting and rioting in Philadelphia. Webster circulated a co-sponsorship memo for the resolution on Wednesday. “Commissioner Gale’s use of public office to disparage a large number of our community members – his constituents – and his contempt for those marching for racial justice make him unsuitable to represent a diverse county and its interests,” said Webster, D-Montgomery. “Citizens who exercise the rights guaranteed them by the U.S. and Pennsylvania constitutions should not be met with such disdain from their own government officials.” Gale issued a statement, using the county’s seal and masthead, groundlessly accusing Black Lives Matter of "urban domestic terror" and of seeking the “lawless destruction of our cities and surrounding communities.” He has been censured by his fellow Montgomery County commissioners. “Impeachment is the only constitutional mechanism to hold Commissioner Gale accountable, and I’m introducing this resolution to ensure that he is,” Webster said. “ I hope that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will join me in Read more

 

Break Your Silence

(Jun 10, 2020) Rep. Joe Webster

The events of the past few days echo and amplify the struggles of centuries, and I am here to state in the strongest possible terms that justice for people of color in this commonwealth is not optional, and that black lives matter. In speaking with my friends and neighbors in the African-American community, two things are clear. First, that the African-American experience is like the larger American experience, in that there is a great diversity of examples of it, and it is not "one size fits all." Second, that African-Americans - regardless of background or status or associations - are all at equal risk of being dismissed or marginalized or fetishized or objectified by a majority culture that neither recognizes their invaluable uniqueness nor holds to its own supposedly color-blind ideals. That, it seems to me, is why the face of racial injustice takes on so many aspects, from cultural appropriation to harassment to outright murder. In the face of all of these, I feel an anger that I know can only be a fraction of what you must feel. I cannot and will not speak with your voice - it would be both unnecessary and presumptuous - but I will speak with mine, especially as the representative of EVERY resident of our district. From the very first day, I have said that while debate in politics is a good thing, there are some things that are not up for debate. Among these are the basic liberties and rights and dignity every human being is Read more

 

Summer 2020 Newsletter

(Jun 04, 2020) Rep. Joe Webster

Read about what's been happening in Harrisburg and our community. Read more

 

2020-21 Budget Update

(May 27, 2020) Rep. Joe Webster

I want to keep you updated on the status of Pennsylvania’s 2020-21 state budget. On Tuesday, a surprise budget proposal, H.B. 2387, passed the House despite vocal concern about the majority caucus's harmful spending cuts. This legislation shouldn't have been passed without full language, numbers, and time to review the details. It creates shortfalls for property tax relief and departments like Labor & Industry. And, except for education, our government funding ends in November. It is up to the Senate now to right the wrongs that the House could not fairly fight. I encourage the Senate to exercise good governance and work in a bipartisan manner to address the concerns expressed by Democrats and a couple of Republicans Tuesday night. Click here for a story from the PA Capital Star. Read more

 

Resuming real estate activity - safely

(May 20, 2020) Rep. Joe Webster

Latest on limited real estate activity allowed during COVID-19 Read more

 

Norristown Area School District awarded grant to support learning during COVID-19

(Apr 22, 2020) Rep. Joe Webster

WEST NORRITON, April 22 – State Rep. Joe Webster announced today that Norristown Area School District was awarded a $291,000 state grant to help ensure all students have access to educational resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Norristown district was awarded a Continuing of Education Equity Grant by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The grants are designed to help provide access and inclusion for all learners by bridging the gap for students who are currently limited in their ability to participate in continuity of education. “With school buildings closed because of COVID-19, it’s critical that our schools have the resources and equipment needed for students to continue their learning,” said Webster, D-Montgomery. “I’m proud that the Norristown Area School District is working to reach all of its students and pleased that state funding will support that work.” The grants may be used to purchase computer equipment, such as laptops, tablets, and internet hot spots, or used towards providing instructional materials, such as paper lessons and coursework. Schools with the highest percentages of students lacking access to resources were given priority. More information on resources for schools is available on the Department of Education’s COVID-19 page. Read more

 

Health insurance options for those losing insurance

(Apr 06, 2020) Rep. Joe Webster

Please find a list of resources for individuals who have lost health insurance due to the COVID-19 crisis. Read more

 

COVID-19 support for PA business

(Apr 03, 2020) Rep. Joe Webster

COVID-19 SUPPORT FOR PA BUSINESSES FEDERAL Contacts: Visit: https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/find/?type=SBA%20District%20Office&pageNumber=1 to find your local Small Business Administration (SBA) District Office Programs: Coronavirus Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources Information Visit: https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) – Loan Program and Forgiveness to help eligible businesses cover the costs of payroll, health care benefits, rent, mortgage interest, and utilities during COVID-19. Loan has a maturity of 2 years and interest rate of 1.0%. Open to small businesses, restaurants, hotels, tribal businesses, non-profits, independent contractors, and gig economy workers. Contact your local lender to see if they participate in this program! Loan period: February 15, 2020 through June 30, 2020. Visit: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/paycheck-protection-program-ppp . Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Advance Loan – Loans up to $2 million for small businesses (3.75% interest rate) and private, nonprofit organizations (2.75% interest rate) suffering as a result of COVID-19. Loans for fix debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills. Advance of up Read more

 

Miss my COVID-19 Tele-Town Hall with Commissioner Arkoosh? Listen to the discussion here.

(Apr 02, 2020) Rep. Joe Webster

Get the facts you need and find out what our friends and neighbors had to say during this challenging time. Read more

 

Webster to host COVID-19 Telephone Town Hall

(Mar 30, 2020) Rep. Joe Webster

WEST NORRITON, March 30 – State Rep. Joe Webster will host a telephone town hall on April 1 with Dr. Valerie Arkoosh, Montgomery County Commissioners Board chair to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents of the 150 th Legislative District will receive a call to their home phones at 7 p.m. Those who want to participate can simply stay on the line. “It’s important for community members to receive updates on how this health crisis is affecting our community, and I want to make sure they have easy access to accurate information,” said Webster, D-Montgomery. “I urge anyone with questions to join in our discussion.” Anyone with questions should contact Webster’s office at 484-200-8263 and leave a message. Read more

 

Pennsylvania Supreme Court Closes Courts to the Public Statewide, Halts Evictions

(Mar 20, 2020) Rep. Joe Webster

I wanted to share the following news release from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court: Pennsylvania Supreme Court Closes Courts to the Public Statewide March 18, 2020 In an effort to further restrict potential COVID-19 exposure within the courts, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court today announced that all Pennsylvania courts – including trial and intermediate appellate courts – are closed to the public for non-essential functions through at least April 3, 2020. The statewide court closure also includes magisterial district courts, Philadelphia Municipal Court, and Pittsburgh Municipal Court, Arraignment Division. In addition, the Court has suspended all time calculations and deadlines relevant to court cases or other judicial business through April 3, 2020. The Court has also authorized and encouraged the use of advanced communication technology to conduct emergency court proceedings. In the Courts of Common Pleas, the Order outlines essential functions as: Emergency bail review and habeas corpus hearings; Gagnon 1 hearings; Bench warrant hearings pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Criminal Procedure 150; Juvenile delinquency detention; Juvenile emergency shelter and detention hearings; Temporary protection from abuse hearings; Emergency petitions for child custody; Emergency petitions for guardianship; Civil mental health reviews (50 P.S. §302) Any pleadings or motions relating to public health concerns and involving immediate and Read more

 

Coronavirus information and resources

(Mar 09, 2020) Rep. Joe Webster

Tweets by RepJoeWebster Information for the 150th Legislative District As the COVID-19 situation continues to develop, my office will be closed but remain accessible through phone and email. Walk-in constituent services will not be available as we try to reduce person-to-person contact. If you need assistance, contact my office at 484-200-8263 or email RepWebster@pahouse.net . Below, find information on how services my office offers have been affected. Services Suspended Due to COVID-19 Office Closures Services that require in-person interaction have been suspended out of an abundance of caution for the health and welfare of our community. These include: SEPTA Key Senior ID Passes Notary Services for State-Related Documents Services Partially Available Other services are partially available; however, due to an inability to provide notary services for example, completed application packages are not able to be processed at this time. These include: Property Tax/Rent Rebate Applications Unclaimed Property Checks PennDOT/Vital Record Requests Services Unaffected by COVID-19 Office Closures Many services can be offered electronically and are unaffected by the COVID-19 office closures. These include: Online Department-Related Forms Legislative Inquiries & Information Requests Department Checks on Applications and Constituent Cases Stay Up to Date Click here for the state's Guide to COVID-19 This Read more

 

School safety grants awarded around Montgomery County

(Feb 26, 2020) Rep. Joe Webster

HARRISBURG, Feb. 26 – Montgomery County state representatives today announced school safety and security grants awarded to school districts throughout the county. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s School Safety and Security Committee awarded a total of $53.7 million in school safety grants. Montgomery County awards are as follows: Abington School District: $455,550 Agora Cyber Charter School: $143,226 Cheltenham Township School District: $45,000 Colonial School District: $45,000 Hatboro-Horsham School District: $45,000 Jenkintown School District: $30,000 Lower Merion School District: $45,000 Lower Moreland Township School District: $40,000 Methacton School District: $221,370 Norristown Area School District: $467,756 North Montco Technical Career Center: $150,000 North Penn School District: $45,000 Perkiomen Valley School District: $45,000 Pottsgrove School District: $40,000 Pottstown School District: $490,000 Souderton Area School District: $460,437 Springfield Township School District: $40,000 Spring-Ford Area School District: $45,000 Upper Dublin School District: $45,000 Upper Merion Area School District: $45,000 Upper Moreland School District: $40,000 Upper Perkiomen School District: $40,000 Western Montgomery Career & Technology Center: $72,994 Wissahickon School District: $45,000 Below are reactions from Democratic state Read more

 

Modernizing the Vote

(Feb 19, 2020) Rep. Joe Webster

Act 77 of 2019 made changes to make voting more convenient and secure. Read more

 

Miss my Feb. 11 Telephone Town Hall? Listen here.

(Feb 12, 2020) Rep. Joe Webster

Telephone Town Hall - February 11 Read more

 

Masks are mandatory; Rent/mortgage assistance update
Jul 07, 2020

VIDEO: Webster Discusses Reopening Schools Safely
Jul 02, 2020

District Office Reopening Information, Small Business Grant Funding, PHFA Rent and Mortgage Relief
Jun 30, 2020

Moving to the green phase; update on Commissioner Gale impeachment resolution
Jun 23, 2020

State legislators: PCCD grants will help at-risk parents and children
Jun 10, 2020

Webster calls for impeachment of Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Gale
Jun 10, 2020

Break Your Silence
Jun 10, 2020

Summer 2020 Newsletter
Jun 04, 2020

2020-21 Budget Update
May 27, 2020

Resuming real estate activity - safely
May 20, 2020

Norristown Area School District awarded grant to support learning during COVID-19
Apr 22, 2020

Health insurance options for those losing insurance
Apr 06, 2020

COVID-19 support for PA business
Apr 03, 2020

Miss my COVID-19 Tele-Town Hall with Commissioner Arkoosh? Listen to the discussion here.
Apr 02, 2020

Webster to host COVID-19 Telephone Town Hall
Mar 30, 2020

Pennsylvania Supreme Court Closes Courts to the Public Statewide, Halts Evictions
Mar 20, 2020

Coronavirus information and resources
Mar 09, 2020

School safety grants awarded around Montgomery County
Feb 26, 2020

Modernizing the Vote
Feb 19, 2020

Miss my Feb. 11 Telephone Town Hall? Listen here.
Feb 12, 2020