With the General Election fast approaching, there is no question that counties across our commonwealth will be processing a record volume of mail-in ballots. In the June primary, nearly 1.5 million people cast ballots by mail. Read more
UPPER GWYNEDD, Sept. 9 – State Rep. Liz Hanbidge, D-Montgomery, announced that the Upper Gwynedd Township Police Department received a $26,635 grant to help combat underage and dangerous drinking. “Preventing underage drinking and dangerous drinking habits such as public drunkenness or driving under the influence is an essential part of strengthening our community’s public health,” Hanbidge said. “I’m proud to see this funding awarded to our community as it truly benefits everyone by creating a safer environment inside homes, on our roadways and throughout Upper Gwynedd Township.” This funding comes from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and will go toward enforcement patrols, educational efforts, community outreach, training and a Drunk Busters Pedal Kart. A complete list of grant recipients is available online. ### Read more
I am writing to you a day early this week, as the mandated 60-day blackout period prior to Election Day begins tomorrow! Read more
Next week, my colleagues and I will return to session. Our schedule is likely to focus on urgent education, transportation, and election reform initiatives. Read more
LANSDALE, Aug. 26 – State Rep. Liz Hanbidge, D-Montgomery, announced that North Penn and Wissahickon School Districts’ special education programs each received Governor’s Emergency Education Relief grants. North Penn received $151,534 and Wissahickon received $59,610. “It’s crucial that as we commence this academic year, we consider the unique needs of every student,” Hanbidge said. “Students with special needs will need additional support as the districts implement enhanced safety measures to combat the spread of COVID-19, whether learning takes place inside classrooms or online. This funding will ensure that students who depend on these programs can stay on track and continue making progress.” Grants may be used to provide enhanced synchronous (real-time) instruction to bolster remote services and supports for students with complex needs; and provide services and support to students with disabilities who experienced a loss in skills and behavior and/or a lack of progress due to the mandatory school closures. This funding comes from the $15 million in the commonwealth’s GEER fund and $5 million from the Department of Education’s federal funding through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The federal CARES Act authorizes governors to determine the educational use of GEER funds. Click here for a full list of grant recipients. Read more
As school districts across Pennsylvania turn to remote virtual learning to mitigate community spread of COVID-19, thousands of working parents are now left scrambling to find affordable, reliable full-day childcare before the coming school year begins. Read more
While vital election reform continues to stall in the General Assembly, we are counting on counties across the commonwealth to rise to the enormous challenge of managing large-scale mail-in voting in a general election with an expected historic turnout. Read more
Dear Friends, It is undeniable that the COVID-19 crisis has affected every one of us in innumerable ways. It has led to massive unemployment and widespread economic instability. It has magnified the injustices inherent in our economy, our education system, and our health care system. Read more
LANSDALE, Aug. 7 — State Reps. Steve Malagari and Liz Hanbidge today announced that the North Montco Technical Career Center received a $114,471 grant to help them prepare for the upcoming academic year. The money will help the TCC develop health and safety plans to resume operations in the fall. Such work could include purchasing protective equipment, hand sanitizer/cleaning products; equipment or technology to take classrooms online; installation of barriers or other protective devices in building structures; or to purchase health applications that help with contact-tracing operations and health monitoring. “I’m pleased to see this funding awarded to our local TCC, especially because the programs that they offer require a unique hands-on approach to learning,” Malagari said. “Providing these students, faculty and staff with adequate PPE and other safety necessities will ensure that they can continue their studies this fall and go on to work some of the most in-demand jobs in our commonwealth.” “North Montco TCC trains students to work in careers that make up the backbone of our economy. Ensuring that they're able to do so safely is a valuable investment in their future and the future of our community,” Hanbidge said. The grant was funded through the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief program, which is funded by the federal CARES Act. Governor Tom Wolf announced that $10.5 million in Read more
Materials from a House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing held in the Capitol and co-chaired by State Rep. Liz Hanbidge. Read more
NORTH WALES, Aug. 5 – State Rep. Liz Hanbidge, D-Montgomery, announced that the North Wales Area Library received a $4,500 grant to help offset the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant came from the Pennsylvania Humanities Council’s emergency relief grant program. Funding may be used to help the library continue to serve the community, retain staff, shift to an online format and make resources available to those who depend on the library for education. “Ensuring the success of our area’s libraries helps countless people in our community who depend on library services; whether they are there for tutoring, internet access or to print resumes, the libraries of our community house much more than books alone,” Hanbidge said. “With the academic year starting soon, many students are going to need the library to complete their coursework. I’m glad to help bring this funding home and help the North Wales library weather this difficult time.” The PHC announced $780,500 in funding to 140 nonprofits across the state . The recipients include museums, historical societies, libraries and other vital cultural institutions, all carefully selected with emphasis on equity and geographic diversity, the PHC said. Funding for this grant program was earmarked from the federal CARES Act. Questions may be directed to Hanbidge’s office by calling (610) 277-3230 or Read more
HARRISBURG, Aug. 4 – State Rep. Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, announced today that the House Democratic Policy Committee will hold a public hearing on H.B. 2105 , which would provide insurance coverage of hearing aids. The hearing will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 6 in Room G-50 Irvis Office Building in the Capitol Complex. The media and public are invited to watch the live stream at www.pahouse.com/live . The hearing was requested by state Rep. Liz Hanbidge, D-Montgomery, to collect feedback on her legislation. She noted that hearing aids are currently only required to be covered for Medicaid recipients under age 21, leaving many Pennsylvanians in need to pay exorbitant out-of-pocket costs (an average of $2,300 per device) to access hearing assistance. Testifiers and members will participate in person and remotely. Testifiers will include: Neil McDevitt , executive director, Deaf-Hearing Communication Centre. Kay Tyberg , deaf and hard-of-hearing advocate on behalf of Hearing Loss Association of PA and Puget Sound Association of the Deaf. Alexandra Costlow, Au.D., F-AAA , doctor of audiology. Read more
“The pandemic has negatively impacted our economy and educational and career opportunities for many Pennsylvanians. Grants like these will help MCCC and other statewide institutions continue to educate students in a safe and effective manner,” said Hanbidge, whose 61st Legislative District is home to the college’s Central Campus in Blue Bell. “Keeping these classrooms – even virtual ones – running safely and smoothly means so much to our overall recovery efforts and is a direct investment in our commonwealth's and our constituents' futures.” Read more
Last week, the Montgomery County Planning Commission launched RESTART Montco – a new initiative that focuses on how planning can help our communities adjust and recover from the effects of the shutdowns required during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more
We’ve been fighting COVID-19 for four months now, and although we are in the Green Phase of reopening, there is still much work to be done. Millions of Pennsylvanians are still depending on unemployment compensation. Read more
During the past week, we have seen an unsettling resurgence in new COVID-19 cases across our commonwealth. Thus far, COVID-19 cases peaked in Pennsylvania on April 9 with nearly 2,000 new cases. Read more
Said Hanbidge: “This small delay in paying registration fees can help our small business owners who are in need. Legislation like this is important to help protect our workforce and keep struggling businesses afloat.” Read more
Earlier this week, 42 House Democrats signed on to a letter written by Rep. Elizabeth Fielder urging Gov. Wolf to extend Pennsylvania’s eviction and foreclosure moratorium originally set to expire today, July 10. Read more
Our nation is going through a crucial period of reflection and change right now, and Pennsylvania is no exception. Read more
At midnight last night, Montgomery County officially moved from YELLOW to GREEN in our phased reopening. Read more
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