State delivers money to Bala Cynwyd, Plymouth Meeting investments

Rep. Mary Jo Daley December 17, 2025

Dear Neighbor,

Happy Holidays to you and yours! I serve because I’m compelled by virtue of my incredible neighbors and community, and the fantastic idea that we all can live where there is peace and harmony. The holidays this time of year – even when it has been the coldest out – remind me of the best in us and of the amazing capacity we possess to love and respect one another, even when life can be difficult.

Speaking of difficulties, I’m relieved to report that since I emailed last month, cooperation won over political gridlock in Harrisburg, and we finally passed the 2025-26 state budget.

Pennsylvania is once again operating under a responsible, balanced spending plan that reflects real compromise and progress for the people we serve.

It continues to boost support for education, and it tackles long-overdue cyber charter school funding reform to ensure greater transparency and fairness for taxpayers. By tying payments to the actual cost of educating students, the plan will save school districts and taxpayers $178 million – money that can now stay in our classrooms and communities, where it belongs.

We also secured a $100 million increase in Basic Education funding and an additional $40 million for Special Education, all without raising state taxes. These investments will help school districts balance their budgets, reduce pressure on local property taxpayers, and help make homebuying and renting across Pennsylvania more affordable.

If you have been following other developments over the course of the budget impasse, you also might recall that Pennsylvania’s victims’ support programs and services needlessly suffered cuts for months. I’m pleased to share with you that once enacted, the budget went right to work funding those services. That doesn’t mean that victims did not go without the promise of services this fall. An impasse is never a responsible way to handle policy or political differences.

I say this often; our state budget is a declaration of your government’s commitment to serve you and the needs of all Pennsylvanians. I’m pleased that the rest of the General Assembly could eventually put people over politics and function over obstruction.

Finally, I’m also proud to report that this month, Pa. Community Economic Development Sec. Rick Siger and I celebrated a state Main Street Matters grant awarded for work along the City Avenue corridor in Bala Cynwyd.

The grant is to help improve travel along City Avenue. The improvements – pockets of walkability, greenery and traffic calming – are more than infrastructure upgrades. They are investments in safety, accessibility and the overall quality of life for our community.

There are three nodes of the district that are part of the Main Street Designation: Bala Avenue, 63rd Street, and 54th Street. These areas will get extra attention over the next five years.

When we make it easier and safer for people to cross the street, when we add thoughtful green space that softens a busy corridor, when we take steps to ease congestion and encourage alternative ways of getting around – we aren’t just changing the look of a roadway. We’re strengthening neighborhoods.

Sincerely,

State Rep. Mary Jo Daley

148th Legislative District

In This Update:

Grants Awarded
Scam Warnings
LIHEAP is Open
Fishing Licenses Available

Holiday Hours

Please note that my office will observe holiday hours this month and for the new year so that my staff can spend time with friends and family.

Office closures:

December 24th - Office Closed
December 25th - Office Closed
December 31st - 9 a.m. - Noon
January 1st 2026 - Office Closed

State investments
into our community

I’m pleased to announce that the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency awarded funding across the state this week. Here, from the 148th Legislative District, I congratulate Montgomery County on bringing home state funding for programs and services for suicide prevention, addiction services, gun locks, victims’ services and so much more.

In particular, I applaud the state budget’s promise to domestic violence survivors, women’s advocacy, and the National Children's Alliance and our county’s Child Advocacy Centers, Mission Kids and staff from all three for their heroic work helping heal unimaginable traumas year-round.

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development yesterday announced the approval of $70 million in Neighborhood Assistance Program grants to help individuals struggling with poverty and to help improve distressed neighborhoods across Pennsylvania. The program, which provides tax credits to businesses that contribute to nonprofit organizations’ efforts to revitalize communities, will support 405 projects across the commonwealth, including one with the Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center in Plymouth Meeting and another for Philabundance.

The Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center in Plymouth Meeting received $22,500 in tax credits to address child abuse in Montgomery County, particularly in vulnerable communities, by building a new Child Advocacy Center. The goal is to expand medical and mental health services to reduce barriers to care for more than 700 victims annually and improve health equity.

Philabundance received more than $2 million in credits for helping feed nearly 550,000 individuals within our five-county service area. Thanks to the tax credits, Philabundance can use more money and in-kind food donations to distribute to food-insecure households across the Pennsylvania service area.

Past Events

Tour of the Montgomery County’s Coroners’ Office

I was honored to visit for a tour and presentation at the Montgomery Coroner’s Office. The visit offered an amazing insight at the essential work they do each day. We sincerely thank all who attended for their time, interest, and commitment to public service.

Maternal & Family Health Services
Annual Community Luncheon

I was awarded the Outstanding Public Service Award at the Maternal & Family Health Services 2025 Annual Community Luncheon in October. Thank you to MFHS. I share this award with the other legislators in the Women’s Health Caucus.

Upcoming Events

December 17th - Satellite office hours in Whitemarsh

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at my satellite office, 616 Germantown Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444

Join us at the Whitemarsh Township building every third Wednesday of the month to meet with my district staff to get your photo taken for a Senior SEPTA Pass, complete a Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program application, discuss a PA Department of State issue, submit an application for PennDOT, and handle many other state-level services.

Message on Scams

Scams are becoming more common and more sophisticated, targeting people through phone calls, text messages, social media, emails, and fake job postings. Phone scams often impersonate government agencies, banks, or utilities to demand immediate payment or personal information. Social media scams may come from hacked accounts or fake profiles offering prizes, investments, or urgent requests for money. Job scams frequently promise high pay for little work or ask for upfront fees or sensitive information before a real interview.

Consumers can protect themselves by never sharing personal or financial information without independently verifying the source and by avoiding suspicious links or attachments. Registering for Pennsylvania’s “Do Not Call” list can reduce legitimate telemarketing calls, making scam calls easier to identify. If you encounter a scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission. Reporting helps track scams, warn others and protect consumers statewide.

Available Programs

Pennie Enrollment Period is Open

The open enrollment period for Pennie, the state’s health insurance marketplace, is open. Shop for plans and enroll in high-quality health coverage at pennie.com.

Please note that due to federal law, Pennie expects changes that impact the cost of health coverage as well as other enrollment requirements. Learn more about those changes here.

If you have questions or need help enrolling, visit Pennie.com/connect or call the Pennie Customer Service Center at 1-844-844-8040.

Food Bank Resource and Services

Food aid locations for Lower Merion Township, Narberth Borough, Whitemarsh Township

Narberth Community Food Bank

201 Sabine Ave2 Fl Narberth PA 19072

Phone: 484-754-6404

Mitzvah Food Program Mainline

345 Montgomery Avenue Bala Cynwyd PA 19004

Phone: 215-832-0815 or 215-832-0627

Fishing Licenses, Permits,
Gift Vouchers Now Available

Never miss an opportunity for outdoor adventure when you purchase your 2026 Pennsylvania fishing license, launch permit, or gift vouchers – available now!

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission reminds anglers and boaters that beginning December 1, 2025, licenses, permits, and vouchers for the upcoming 2026 season can be purchased easily at HuntFish.pa.gov or by visiting one of nearly 700 retail license issuing agents. 2026 licenses, permits, and vouchers purchased now are valid immediately for up to 13 months, from December 1, 2025, through December 31, 2026.

LIHEAP Now Open

The 2025-2026 LIHEAP season is now open through April 10, 2026!

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps families living on low incomes pay their heating bills in the form of a cash grant. Households in immediate danger of being without heat can also qualify for crisis grants. The cash grant is a one-time payment sent directly to the utility company/fuel provider to be credited on your bill. These grants range from $200 to $1,000 based on household size, income, and fuel type.

Apply online using COMPASS or by downloading and filling out a paper application and returning it either in-person or via mail to the Montgomery County Assistance Office at 1931 New Hope Street, Norristown, PA 19401-3191. If you need assistance filling out the application, call the LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095.

Property Tax/ Rent Rebate Program Deadline is Dec. 31

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program supports homeowners and renters across Pennsylvania by providing rebates ranging from $380 to $1,000 for eligible older adults and individuals with disabilities aged 18 and older.

Click here to learn whether you qualify, how much you would receive and to apply online.

The program deadline is coming up fast – Dec. 31, 2025. Reach out to my office if you have questions.

Available Grants

It is important that the 148th Legislative District receives the funding support it needs for public and non-profit services year-round. Below are a few grants available with application deadlines in November.

Please feel free to share this information with an entity, organization, or local group you know that may be interested in applying. Our office can assist you in this process and connecting with other government agencies.

Pennsylvania eGrants Online Portal

Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES:

Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations.

Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania.
Funds: $400 million in funding is available.

Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis.

More information: DCED Website

Department of Community and Economic Development: Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant:

Who May Apply: Technical and trade schools, school districts, post-secondary academic institutions, workforce investment boards, economic development organizations, and non-profit organizations. For-profit entities are not eligible.

Use: Projects must focus on the development and deployment of workforce training programs for individuals with barriers to employment, engage youth or those with barriers in awareness building activities of manufacturing career opportunities, and advance capacity for local or regional manufacturers to meet the needs of local and regional manufacturers that cannot be met through existing programs such as WEDnet and Industry Partnerships.
Funds: Funds are available on an annual basis and vary based on recommendations and constraints set in the annual budget.

Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted and evaluated on an ongoing basis as long as funds remain available.

More information: DCED Website

Department of Community and Economic Development: Pennsylvania First:

Who May Apply: Businesses, Municipalities, Municipal Authorities, Redevelopment Authorities, Industrial Development Authorities or Corporations, Local Development Districts.

Use: Machinery/equipment; Job training; Infrastructure; Land and building improvements; Environmental assessment/remediation; Acquisition of land, buildings, right-of-ways; Working capital; Site preparation.
Funds: Grants and loans are available assuming an applicant can meet the private investment requirement.

Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

More information: DCED Website

Military and Veterans Affairs: Veterans’ Trust Fund

Who May Apply: Eligible non-profit organizations and veterans’ organizations.

Use: To fund new, innovative, and/or expanded programs or services that increase or improve services to veterans in their county, region, or across the Commonwealth.
Funds: Grants up to $40,000 may be submitted by non-profits and veterans’ organizations. County directors of Veterans Affairs/Pennsylvania Association of County Directors of Veterans Affairs can request up to $15,000.

Application Deadline: December 19, 2025

More information: DMVA Website

Labor and Industry: Schools-to-Work Program Round 6

Who May Apply: Any entity (schools, employers, organizations or associations) which is, or will be, registered with the Apprenticeship and Training Office at L&I as a PreApprenticeship program sponsor and which will have the full responsibility for the administration and operation of the program.

Use: To support the establishment or enhancement of workforce development partnerships between schools, employers, organizations, or associations to create employment and training pathways through the building or expansion of PreApprenticeship programs registered with the Apprenticeship and Training Office at L&I.
Funds: Approximately $3,800,000 is available in awards of up to $250,000.

Application Deadline: December 22, 2025

More information: L&I Website

Department of Aging: Senior Community Center Grants

Who May Apply: Pennsylvania Senior Community Centers with an existing, contractual relationship with an Area Agency on Aging.

Use: Enhancements to increase participation and programming, attract a new generation of older adults, and enable Senior Community Centers to provide a safe and healthy environment for their participants.
Funds: $2 million in state funding is available.

Application Deadline: January 9, 2026

More information: Aging Website

Commission on Crime and Delinquency: School Safety and Mental Health Grants

Who May Apply: This noncompetitive, formula-based solicitation is specifically for eligible school entities as defined under 24 P.S. §13-1314.2-B of the PA Public School Code (i.e., a school district, area career and technical school, intermediate unit, charter school, regional charter school, and cyber charter school).

Use: To support physical security enhancements and/or mental health initiatives at schools.
Funds: $100 million in state funding is available to support this program.

Application Deadline: January 28, 2026

More information: PCCD Website

Department of Community and Economic Development: Local Share Account Philadelphia

Who May Apply: Community Development Corporations, economic development organizations and redevelopment authorities, business improvement districts/neighborhood improvement districts, non-profit organizations with a 501(c) designation, the City of Philadelphia, the School District of Philadelphia. Any eligible organization must be located in Philadelphia.

Use: Economic development projects, neighborhood revitalization projects, community improvement projects, projects in the public interest. Any eligible project must be located in Philadelphia.
Funds: Grant amounts will vary based on the specific project requirements but are limited to a minimum request/award of $10,000 and a maximum request/award of $500,000.

Application Deadline: January 31, 2026

More information: DCED Website

Department of Environmental Protection: Small Business Advantage Grant Program

Who May Apply: Pennsylvania-based small businesses

Use: Adopt processes or acquire equipment which results in energy efficiency, pollution prevention, and natural resource protection.
Funds: Funding can range from 50% or $7,500 (whichever is less) up to 80% or $12,000 (whichever is less) and will vary depending on environmental impact and project location. A total of $1 million is available in this round of funding.

Application Deadline: March 13, 2026, or whenever funds are exhausted.

More information: DEP website

Federal Clean Energy Tax Credits: