Dear Friends,
This week, my staff and I want to take a moment to highlight the services our office provides to you Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. We are here to serve you answering questions, resolving issues, and helping you navigate state programs. I asked my staff to share highlights of their work and what services they think benefit constituents the most. For my part, I want to highlight that this office represents every person living in the 61st. Everyone is welcome and we are grateful for the opportunity to serve you!
If there are services not mentioned in this newsletter that you need assistance with, please reply to this email or contact my office at (610) 277-3230. We are always happy to help.
Outreach to the Community
While our office is centrally located within the district, we’ve expanded our outreach to ensure we are as accessible as possible to you.
Since taking office, I have prioritized bringing our services directly into the community. Each month, we host multiple mobile offices at locations across the 61st District, including senior communities, community centers, and municipal buildings. We also offer extended office hours one Saturday per month to better accommodate your schedules.
Meg, one of my Constituent Services Advisors, shares why community outreach matters:
“I love meeting and helping people! As a member of the Representative’s staff since taking office, I have had the privilege of visiting each of the various senior communities across the district through our mobile office program. At our mobile offices, we bring our services to you! Aside from assisting with state, local and county issues, I value the relationships I have made with our senior residents and enjoy conversing about local happenings, hearing their stories, and learning from them. It’s wonderful to return month after month and see familiar faces as well as new ones.”
You may also have received a birthday call from Maureen, another Constituent Services Advisor, sharing information about the services we provide from notarizing documents to helping secure a SEPTA Senior Key card or locating unclaimed funds.
Here’s what Maureen has to say:
“I enjoy assisting constituents with several services, including SEPTA senior fare cards, notarizing documents, or getting feedback from constituents when making birthday calls.”
Each week in this email and on our social media Facebook, Instagram and BlueSky pages, we share updates on upcoming mobile offices and extended hours (including the rare occasions our office is closed). Please see the events section below for details.
Addressing Affordability Needs
We know that rising costs continue to place pressure on families across our community. Our office is committed to helping residents access the benefits and support they need.
We can assist you with completing applications for programs such as Medical Assistance, SNAP Benefits, LIHEAP, and more.
We also provide support for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, which has delivered more than $7.1 billion in relief to eligible Pennsylvanians since 1971. For the 2025 rebate, income must not exceed $48,110, and applicants must be:
- Age 65 or older
- A widow or widower age 50 or older
- A permanently disabled individual age 18 or older
If you are eligible for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program and live in the North Penn or Wissahickon School District, you would be automatically eligible through their rebate program.
Please contact our office to schedule an appointment with my team.
Kevin, my District Office Director, shares why this work is so meaningful:
“I take great joy in helping people continue to live with dignity in the 61st District. Whether it is getting someone covered for healthcare, getting them food benefits, or getting money back through our Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, I see the direct impact of these programs and benefits in our community. Sometimes, helping folks get these benefits, involve a strong amount of advocacy through our office and achieving the end result is rewarding. Since late-January, our office has worked to get $10,894 back in Property Tax/Rent Rebate Funds.”
Unclaimed Property
In partnership with the Pennsylvania Treasury, our office can help you locate and claim money that belongs to you.
Stop by during office hours or visit Treasury’s website to see if you have unclaimed funds waiting.
Sarah, our newest team member, shares her experience:
“As the newest member to the office, I’m constantly learning about the many opportunities to help constituents. My favorite aspect isn’t necessarily a specific program but rather the immediate impact and connection we have in our local community. Whether it’s a shredding event, license plate restoration, or a mobile office, the work can be a rewarding experience. One program that instantly makes a positive impact is working with constituents to recover unclaimed property from the Pennsylvania Treasury. Reuniting people with the money that rightfully belongs to them is gratifying and welcome. It’s part of the work of connecting people to resources and programs that they might not otherwise know about. Providing that connection is meaningful and I feel lucky that I get to see it every day.”
Notary Services
Our office offers free notary services to help make important paperwork simple and stress-free.
Joyce shares:
“Do you need a document notarized? Our office is here to make it fast, easy, and stress-free. Serving the residents of District 61 is one of my greatest privileges. Our office has multiple certified notaries available Monday through Friday, ready to witness signatures, authenticate documents, and complete a wide range of common administrative tasks, quickly, securely, and at no cost to you. Whether you need a power of attorney, affidavit, or any other official document notarized, we are here to help you get it done without the hassle. Stop by during office hours or call ahead to schedule a convenient time because your time matters.”
Care and Commitment to You
If you are facing an issue and aren’t sure where to turn, please reach out. Often, by the time someone thinks about reaching out to our office, they’ve expended a lot of effort searching for answers elsewhere. My hope is that by better understanding the services my office can provide, you’ll come to us sooner with issues you are facing! Our team is committed to helping resolve problems and connecting you with the right resources.
Melanie shares what she values most about her work:
“One thing I love about being a Constituent Services Advisor for Rep. Hanbidge is that I learn something new every day. When someone calls our office and feels they are at a standstill, I listen to their concerns, help break down the problem, and work with them to find a solution. We’re proud to help with State Services, but we also guide people through local, county, and federal agencies. If you need help with anything, please reach out to our office. That’s what we’re here for."
"I also enjoy hearing directly from you and learning your thoughts on legislation. Your calls, letters, and emails help us stay connected to what matters most to the people we serve. Please keep sharing your ideas by emailing RepHanbidge@pahouse.net."
"Most of all, I value the relationships we build with our constituents. I enjoy working with all of you and hope you see our office as a place where you can find services, resources, and support, as well as a sense of community and kindness.”
As ever, I am grateful to my incredible staff who work so hard each day to serve the citizens of the 61st! Last week, some of my staff were able to come to the Capitol for a ceremonial bill signing of one of my bills. It was wonderful to spend some time with them in our beautiful Capitol building and to be able to recognize them for all of the work that goes into passing a bill into law!