Community Updates: Support, Celebration, Advocacy, and Resilience Across Our District

Rep. Melissa Cerrato May 1, 2026

Dear Friends,

I hope you are well. I wanted to share several meaningful moments from across our community over the past few weeks. Each one reflects the strength, compassion, and resilience that make our district so special.

We began by “painting” Ambler teal in solidarity with survivors during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. It was powerful to see local leaders, organizations, and neighbors unite with one purpose: supporting healing, amplifying voices, and reminding survivors that they are never alone. My heartfelt thanks goes to Victim Services Center of Montgomery County, Mayor Jeanne Sorg, Ambler businesses, and the many volunteers who helped spread information, resources, and hope.

If you or someone you know needs support, the Victim Services Center free helpline is available at 888-521-0983. Confidential assistance is offered with interpreter services in more than 240 languages, and you can also request a staff callback at https://www.victimservicescenter.org/get-help.

At the State Capitol, I was thrilled to welcome the KV Chamber Orchestra and their director, Natalie Trach, for a special performance in the East Wing as part of Music in Our Schools Month. As a parent of two young HHSD musicians, watching these talented Keith Valley students fill the building with music was truly joyful. I remain proud of our students, our music educators, and the essential role of the arts in public education. Keep shining, KV.

I also had the honor of joining the Upper Dublin community for a moment that symbolizes far more than the opening of a new building. After the tornado from Hurricane Ida struck in 2021, this township displayed remarkable resilience. Neighbors supported neighbors, first responders worked tirelessly, and local leaders refused to let devastation define their future. From the start of our terms, Senator Maria Collett, Representative Ben Sanchez, and I committed to walking beside this community through every recovery meeting, funding effort, and rebuilding plan. This new facility stands as a testament to perseverance and unity, and I am grateful to all who helped turn tragedy into renewal. Upper Dublin continues to move forward stronger, and I will remain by your side in the years ahead.

Recently, I met with Ashley DeLaurentis, a parent whose nonverbal autistic child was seriously injured at 18 months old while in daycare. Ashley shared her story and her proposal for legislation that would require surveillance cameras in special education classrooms. She emphasized the unique vulnerability of nonverbal students, who may be unable to report abuse or neglect, and explained how cameras could serve as an objective tool to confirm or disprove allegations and protect both students and educators.

This issue is deeply important but also complex. Families and educators have raised concerns about privacy, potential misuse, and conflicts when parents disagree about recording. There are significant legal considerations as well, including federal laws such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and state laws such as the Wiretapping Act and the Right-to-Know Law. I am grateful to Ashley for sharing her experience and helping to guide an ongoing, thoughtful conversation about how we can best support and safeguard students with disabilities.

My colleagues across Montgomery County and I also visited the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board in King of Prussia to learn how Visit Valley Forge and Montco will use state budget grant funding to support this year’s America 250 celebrations. The team shared upcoming initiatives that will highlight our region’s rich history, strengthen local tourism, and engage both residents and visitors as we approach this milestone anniversary. You can explore their work at valleyforge.org.

Finally, I stood with legislators and advocates at a Capitol rally in support of House Bill 630, which is designed to ensure equal pay for equal work regardless of gender, race, or ethnicity. The House passed the bill in May, and it now awaits action in the Senate. In Pennsylvania, women still earn an average of only 82 cents for every dollar paid to men. Equal pay strengthens families and supports a stronger and fairer economy for all. For more information, you may visit the United States Department of Labor website at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/wb/data/earnings.

Thank you for staying engaged and for continuing to build a community grounded in fairness, resilience, and care for one another. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve you.

Upcoming Events

?? You’re Invited to Our Annual Spring Senior Resource Fair! ??

Join Rep. Nancy Guenst, Rep. Ben Sanchez, and me for a fun, friendly, and informative afternoon at the Operating Engineers Hall on Friday, May 15th from 11 AM to 1 PM.

This yearly event brings together an incredible range of local, county, state, and federal resources designed to support seniors in our community. Whether you’re looking for helpful programs, health and wellness information, or simply want to connect with neighbors and local organizations, there’s something here for everyone.

Expect a lively atmosphere, plenty of opportunities to learn, and a welcoming space to explore services that can make a real difference in your day-to-day life. We’d truly love to see you there.

?? For more information, call 215-517-6800.

Come discover, connect, and enjoy! This is an event you won’t want to miss!

SEPTA Senior Key Card Event

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming SEPTA Senior Key Card event, created to make it easier for residents who may not be able to visit our office during the workweek to apply for or renew their Senior Key Card.

Through our continued partnership with SEPTA, we are proud to provide this convenient opportunity for seniors in our community. The SEPTA Senior Key Card is available to residents aged 65 and older and offers free rides on all SEPTA transit routes, including buses, trolleys, subways, and regional rail. Seniors traveling to Delaware or New Jersey can also enjoy a 50 percent discount on fares when using their Senior Key Card.

Important Notes:

SEPTA currently takes about four weeks to process and mail new cards.
If you prefer not to wait, you may renew your pass directly at SEPTA Headquarters, 1234 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, by scheduling an appointment at (215) 580-7145.
Please note that duplicate cards cannot be issued at this event. To replace a lost or stolen card, you must mail a $5 check or money order payable to SEPTA to: SEPTA, P.O. Box 824833, Philadelphia, PA 19182.

We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to apply for or renew your Senior Key Card in a convenient and supportive setting. Please spread the word to friends and neighbors who may benefit from this program.

Summer Open House

Come and explore our “home away from home” at our Summer Open House! Get to know me and my wonderful team in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. We’ll be serving light refreshments and look forward to an afternoon filled with great conversations and connections. We can’t wait to see you there!