Dear Neighbor,

As we approach the holiday season, I wanted to take a moment to greet both our longtime email subscribers as well as our new ones.

We’ve recently switched to a new email provider, and for those who have received our emails in the past, much of what you see will look familiar. For those new to our updates, welcome! I send periodic emails to keep residents informed about local and state issues that impact our communities.

If you ever need assistance or have questions regarding state or local issues, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can contact my office by email at RepDavis@pahouse.net, call us at (267) 580-2660, or visit us at 3611 Green Lane in Levittown.

Wishing you and your family a joyful and safe holiday season!

Sincerely,

The Pennsylvania Treasury Department has announced that families saving with the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan may be eligible to receive up to $100 in matching contributions on their deposits made by December 31.

Here’s how it works:

• Current or new PA 529 GSP account holders can receive up to $100 in matching funds when they make contributions before the end of the year. The match will be funded by surplus earnings from the GSP fund.
•  If your child was born on or after January 1, 2019, you can also claim a $100 Keystone Scholars deposit for your child’s education savings. Combining this with the $100 match could effectively triple a $100 contribution.

The PA 529 GSP is designed to help families save for future educational expenses. Accounts can be used to cover a variety of qualifying expenses, from community colleges to private universities. Contributions to a PA 529 may also offer state and federal tax benefits, and the assets do not affect eligibility for Pennsylvania state financial aid.

In addition, asset-based fees for PA 529 GSP accounts have been waived for the third consecutive year (from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025), saving families more than $16.5 million across the program.

Keystone Scholars uses no taxpayer dollars.

For more information about the PA 529 GSP and how to take advantage of these opportunities, visit pa529.com or call 800-440-4000.

Newportville Road

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission will begin bridge construction on Newportville Road in Bristol and Bensalem townships starting Tuesday, Dec.  3 and running  through Friday, Dec. 13.

During this time, Newportville Road will be closed and detoured weekdays from 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. between Zimmerman Lane and New Falls Road. Motorists will be directed to use Zimmerman Lane and New Falls Road.

Local access will be maintained up to the work zone.

Expect delays and backups in the area – plan extra travel time.

State Road update

PennDOT announced that PECO Energy will be performing utility construction on State Road in Bristol Township, Bucks County from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. through Tuesday, Dec. 31.

State Road will be closed and detoured weekdays between Cedar Avenue and River Road. During the closure, motorists will be directed to use Cedar Avenue and River Road.

Local access will be maintained up to the work zone. Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling near the work area because backups and delays will occur. All scheduled activities are weather dependent.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has declared a drought watch for Bucks County due to ongoing dry conditions across the state. This announcement is part of a larger declaration affecting 33 counties, with two counties under a drought warning.

As a result of these dry conditions, Bucks County has enacted a burn ban through November 27. This ban prohibits open fires, including the incineration of garbage, leaves, grass, twigs, litter, paper, and other materials, whether in burn barrels, fire rings, or on the ground. Please be mindful of this restriction to help prevent potential wildfires.

While no mandatory water restrictions are in place, residents and businesses are encouraged to voluntarily reduce water usage by 5-10% to help conserve resources. Public water suppliers may also request conservation measures to ensure a steady supply of drinking water.

For more details on drought conditions, click here.

For more details on the burn ban, click here.

As SEPTA faces a $240 million annual budget deficit, it has proposed fare adjustments. Public hearings on these proposed fare changes will be held on Friday, Dec. 13, with sessions at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is an important opportunity for the public to voice their opinions and influence the decision-making process regarding the fare increase.

My colleagues and I in the House passed a bill for additional funding for SEPTA without any new taxes or tax increases.  The Senate never voted on this measure.

The general public is encouraged to attend the fare hearings in person at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19107, or remotely via virtual conferencing. This is your chance to have your voice heard before the fare changes are finalized.

At the hearings, SEPTA will present the proposed fare changes. Those wishing to speak at the morning or afternoon sessions—whether in person or virtually—must register by the start time on the day of the hearing. A sign language interpreter will be available during both sessions.

This is your opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed fare increases and ensure your comments are considered as part of the decision-making process. Public comments can be submitted in the following ways:

• Email: operatingbudget@septa.org
• Voicemail: Call 215-580-7772
• Mail: Director of Operating Budgets, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, 1234 Market St., 9th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107

All comments and testimony will be included in the official public record and forwarded to the Hearing Examiner. To be part of the official record, comments must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13.
 

For more information click here.

Medicare’s open enrollment period runs to Dec. 7, and Medicare-eligible Pennsylvanians can take advantage of the Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight (Formerly APPRISE) program.

MEDI is a free program run by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging that helps older Pennsylvanians choose Medicare supplements based on their income and medical needs.

The Bucks County Area Agency on Aging’s Medi Counselors are available at our Green Lane office for appointments between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. every Tuesday. 

To set up an appointment, call Bucks County AAA at 267-880-5700 and use prompt No. 5.

• SEPTA Key Senior ID Card photos and applications.
• Car registrations, special tags, disability placards, titles, and driver’s license applications.
• Information on financial assistance for higher education.
• Obtaining and completing state forms.
• Unemployment compensation.
• Troubleshooting issues or delays with Department of Human Services (food, medical and income assistance).
• PA state income tax questions or problems.
• Complaints or issues with insurance companies.
• Renewal of state-issued licenses or certifications.
• Property Tax/Rent Rebate forms for qualifying seniors, widows and widowers, and people with disabilities.
• PACE prescription cards for seniors. 
• Liquor Control Board concerns and questions.
• Citations honoring local people for outstanding accomplishments or family milestones.
• Information about any state or local government agency.
• Answers to questions about the Veterans Property Tax Exemption.
• Information about our local communities.

Call my office at (267) 580-2660 or email me for help.

Pennsylvania State Capitol

331 Main Capitol Building

Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-4903

District Office

3611 Green Lane
Levittown, PA 19057

(267) 580-2660

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