News & Events from State Representative Greg Scott

Hi neighbor!

Welcome to this week’s edition of “Get Updated with Greg”!

FREE TAX PREPARATION SERVICE TOMORROW!

Join me and my team tomorrow, Tuesday, March 11th, at my March Satellite Office at Greater Plymouth Community Center (2910 Jolly Rd., Plymouth Meeting) from 10 AM – noon, where we are offering free tax preparation services with CADCOM.

Families earning less than $56,000 per year and local business owners with less than $5,000 in expenses qualify. Spots are limited so make sure to save your spot at www.RepGregScott.com/Events.

You can also RSVP by sending an email to [email protected] or calling my office at 484-685-3494.

To make sure your appointment runs smoothly, it is important you bring all necessary tax-related documents. That includes:

W-2s. 1099s, 1098s, 1095s, etc.

Social Security cards or itins for all individuals on the return

Photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)

Bank account and routing number for direct deposit

If you are unable to make it tomorrow, you have another chance on Thursday, March 20th! We will be offering all the same services. More info is on my website, www.RepGregScott.com.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to my office, and I hope to see you there!

As always, you can also follow me on socials, Facebook, Instagram, and X (previously Twitter), to keep up to date on when I post legislative, community, PennDOT, and weather updates. Please feel free to pass this update along to friends throughout our community, so they can keep in touch, too.

Warmest regards,

Greg Scott

PUBLIC HEALTH UPDATE: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT MEASLES

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has confirmed that one case of the measles has been identified in Montgomery County. The case is related to international travel and not a domestic outbreak.

While there is no immediate risk to the general public, we want to make sure everyone understands what the disease is and how to stay healthy.

Public health officials are monitoring the situation closely and have processes in place if more cases are confirmed in Pennsylvania. Individuals can also play a part to keep communities healthy and safe.

According to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)

What is measles?

Measles is a highly contagious, viral respiratory illness. Measles can cause:

Cold-like symptoms, such as runny nose/congestion, cough or fever

Red, watery eyes, also known as pink eye (conjunctivitis)

Small white spots, known as Koplik’s spots, inside the mouth that develop about two to four days before rash onset but quickly disappear after rash appears

A distinct blotchy, red rash that appears two to four days after the first symptoms (though this can vary) and starts on the face and neck and spreads downward

Some people with measles may experience complications, such as pneumonia, swelling of the brain, seizures and — in extreme cases — death.

What can I do to protect myself and my family from the measles?

Make sure all children and adults in your household are up to date on their recommended vaccinations. Vaccines save lives.

Take precautions with children who are under 12 months and cannot be vaccinated, have weak immune systems, or who cannot get the vaccine for medical reasons. Consider keeping these individuals away from anyone with a fever, cough, or other respiratory symptoms.

Wash your hands regularly

Can my child get vaccinated before they’re 12 months old?

According to CHOP:

A mother who has been immunized with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine or previously had measles passes on antibodies to her unborn baby. These antibodies provide protection for up to six months, and possibly longer. Babies are not routinely recommended to get the vaccine before 1 year of age because the antibodies they’re getting from their mom might interfere with how well the vaccine works before that time.

This recommendation has not changed. Your providers will continue to monitor guidance for vaccination recommendations. If an official outbreak comes to Pennsylvania, providers may recommend that children younger than 12 months get the vaccination.

Keep in mind, the MMR vaccine is still recommended for children 6 months and older at least two weeks prior to any international travel.

What should I do if I think me, or my child has the measles?

If you suspect you or anyone in your family has the measles, contact your healthcare provider before you go to a doctor’s office or hospital. They will give advice on precautions to take before entering any facility to avoid potentially exposing others. 

For more information, refer to the Pennsylvania Department of Health or Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania.

Do Something! Town Hall – Thank You for Taking Action!

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

To everyone who joined us for our Do Something! Town Hall this past Saturday, March 8. The speakers were incredible, but the real power came from you—the engaged, passionate community members who showed up ready to take action!

The purpose of this town hall was to educate and empower people on how to push back against harmful policies and protect our freedoms. Local and county government officials shared how they are fighting back against the Trump Administration’s attacks on DEI and immigrant communities, while state officials discussed legislative efforts to support working families impacted by these policies.

Attendees also learned actionable steps to get involved, including:

Attending local council and school board meetings

Running for office

Organizing protests and advocacy efforts

This was just the beginning—we’re building a movement, and there’s more to come. Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to get off the sidelines and into the game!

Policy Committee Discussion on Strengthening Pennsylvania’s Economy

On March 5, I had the opportunity to attend a House Majority Policy Committee hearing focused on keeping Pennsylvania’s economy moving forward. Hosted at IBEW Local 98’s Training Facility in Philadelphia, this discussion brought together state lawmakers and Philadelphia City Council members to address the investments needed to ensure residents have access to jobs, healthcare, and education.

The southeastern region of Pennsylvania plays a critical role in our state’s economy—though it makes up only 5% of the commonwealth’s land, it generates 41% of our economic activity and 38% of total tax revenue.

Testifiers from SEPTA, the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, and other key organizations made it clear: our state must prioritize strong infrastructure, reliable public transit, and economic protections for workers, small businesses, and public services.

With the uncertainty in Washington, it’s more important than ever for us to take action at the state level. I appreciate the opportunity to be part of this important conversation, and I look forward to working toward real solutions that will keep Pennsylvania’s economy strong.

For more information about this hearing and future discussions, visit pahouse.com/policy.

HB 829 to Expand Full-Day Kindergarten in Pennsylvania

I am proud to introduce House Bill 829, legislation that would make full-day kindergarten a formal part of basic education in Pennsylvania. Every child deserves access to a positive, structured learning environment that supports their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development—and research has shown that full-day kindergarten programs provide significant benefits in reading, math, and independent learning compared to half-day programs.

Under HB 829, school districts would be required to establish full-time kindergarten programs for children ages three to five. To support this transition, the Department of Education, in collaboration with a newly created Full-Day Kindergarten Advisory Committee, would develop a statewide plan to provide guidance, technical assistance, and resources to school districts.

This is a crucial step toward ensuring that every child in Pennsylvania has the foundation they need to succeed. Investing in early education means investing in our future workforce, stronger communities, and better opportunities for all families. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and help give every child in Pennsylvania a head start on learning.

Women’s History Month- Mary Ann Shadd Cary

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we recognize Mary Ann Shadd Cary, a trailblazing educator, activist, and journalist who left a lasting impact on Norristown and beyond.

In the 1840s, Shadd became the first recorded Black teacher in Norristown, educating African American children at the segregated “Colored School” long before integration. At a time when opportunities for Black educators were rare, she broke barriers to provide vital learning opportunities for students who had been excluded from public education. Her dedication to education was just the beginning of her groundbreaking work—she later became the first Black woman in North America to publish a newspaper and was a fierce advocate for abolition, civil rights, and women’s suffrage.

Shadd’s legacy is a powerful reminder of the importance of education and equal opportunity. Her work helped lay the foundation for progress in both Norristown and across the country, and we honor her contributions as we continue striving for equity and inclusion today.

Statewide PA LGBTQ Youth Listening Session

The Governor’s Advisory Commission on LGBTQ Affairs has identified expanding protections for LGBTQ youth as a priority and will host LGBTQ Youth Listening sessions virtually on Tues., March 11th and Wed., March 19th from 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. The commission would like to hear from youth about any issues that they are having in school or elsewhere in their lives.

This invitation is open to any Pennsylvania LGBTQ+ youth in middle and high school. The commission also encourages local organizations to host an in-person gathering so local youth can participate online as a small in-person group. The commission would like to hear from youth about any issues that they are having in school or elsewhere in their lives.

This survey is for individual youth to indicate their interest; responding will result in an official invite with the Zoom link. If you are part of a community group or center that would like to host a hybrid gathering, please fill out this survey.

March Satellite Office Hours

I’m excited to offer FREE tax preparation services through CADCOM’s VITA program at my Satellite Office! Appointments are limited; make sure you save your spot now at RepGregScott.com/events!

Who Qualifies?

Families earning less than $56,000/year

Small business owners with less than $5,000 in expenses

Join me at one of these locations:

March 11 | 10AM-12PM – Greater Plymouth Community Center

March 20 | 1PM-3PM – Conshohocken Free Library

Don’t miss this opportunity to get your taxes done for FREE!

Calling Young Inventors!

The George Washington Carver Community Center invites you to the Young Inventors’ Fair—a fun and educational event for aspiring innovators!

Date: March 22
Time: 10 AM – 1 PM
Location: 249 Jacoby Street, Norristown, PA 19401

Learn About:

Building a Personal Computer

Tending Bee Hives

Advanced Plumbing

Engineering Scholarships

Have Fun Interacting With:

Outer Space Engineers

Software Developers

An Author & Retired Disney Imagineer

Radio-Controlled Model Airplane Enthusiasts

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to spark curiosity and creativity! For questions, call Rich at 610-202-4988.

Conshy GreenFest 2025

I’m excited to invite you to a FREE Community Shredding Event hosted by my office in partnership with the Plymouth Township Police Department. This is a great opportunity to securely dispose of old documents and protect yourself from identity theft!

Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (or until trucks are filled)
Location: Central Montco Technical School – Parking Lot
821 Plymouth Road, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462

Important Details:

Limit of 4 boxes or 4 bags per household (standard storage box/bankers box or grocery bag)
On-site mobile shredding trucks for secure disposal of sensitive documents
First-come, first-served – event ends when trucks are full!

Take advantage of this free, secure, and convenient way to declutter and protect your personal information. I look forward to seeing you there!

Conshy GreenFest 2025

The Conshohocken Environmental Advisory Council (Green Conshy) is excited to host GreenFest this year! The event will include an e-waste recycling drop-off (Small items only. No monitors, TVs, or batteries.). There will be kids’ crafts and family-friendly activities to help all members of our community learn and explore important topics like composting, climate change, green energy, sustainable gardening and landscaping, and more.

There will be electric vehicles and e-bikes to check out! Biking and walking to the event are encouraged!

Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025 (Rain Date: Sunday, April 27, 2025)

Time: Noon to 3 p.m.

Location: Mary Wood Park, 515 Harry Street, Conshohocken, PA (Indoor and Outdoor)

Additional Event Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/601940039276242

Free Legal Services for Seniors!

Looking for assistance with important legal documents? The SeniorLAW Center, in cooperation with Montgomery County, is offering free legal services for seniors on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM at the Montgomery County Senior Adult Activities Center (Norristown, PA).

Attorneys and staff will be available to help with:

Simple Wills

Financial Power of Attorney

Healthcare Power of Attorney

Living Wills

Eligibility: Services are prioritized for low-income seniors (60+), and registration is required by April 23.

To register or for more info, call Michael Prendergast at 215-716-5079. Take advantage of this opportunity to plan for your future and protect what matters most!

REAL ID Days

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will begin enforcement of REAL ID requirements beginning May 7. This means that to board a domestic flight, enter a military base or a federal facility that requires identification at the door, one will need a REAL ID unless they have a U.S. passport, military ID or other federally acceptable identification. If you have any questions concerning REAL ID, visit PennDOT.pa.gov/REALID or contact my district office at 484-685-3494.

To help ensure residents in our area can secure a REAL ID by the deadline, PennDOT will open its Driver License Centers for Real ID Days.

Norristown Driver License Center: 1700 Markley St., Suite 30, Norristown

Monday, April 14, 10 AM – 2 PM

Monday, May 5, 10 AM – 2 PM

King of Prussia Driver License Center: 143 S. Gulph Rd., King of Prussia

Monday, April 14, 10 AM – 2 PM

Monday, May 5, 10 AM – 2 PM

You can find more information here.

2025 Fishing Season

The 2025 trout season will open officially on Saturday, April 5. There will be a preview Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day on Sat., March 29. Click here for the entire 2025 schedule.

For Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day, youth under the age of 16 can join a mentor (adult) angler who has a current fishing license and trout permit. Youth anglers must obtain a free PFBC-issued permit, or a voluntary youth fishing license. Both are available online, through the Montgomery County Treasurer’s office, or at a retail license issuing agent.

PA House Scholarship and Fellowship Program Now Open!

The PA House of Representatives Scholarship Program is now open for applications. The award includes the value of one semester of tuition at the State System of Higher Education for each of four years. Please see the eligibility requirements above. You can learn more here.

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives Legislative Fellowship Program is based in the state Capitol in Harrisburg and gives participants a chance to work on committees or in House leadership offices, draft and present their own legislation, attend meet-and-greets with public officials and staff, tour historic places, and more. Fellows receive a biweekly stipend, and credits are set by the academic institutions. To qualify, applicants must be:

a college junior or senior, graduate student, or law school student.

enrolled in a PA college/university (or a Pennsylvania resident enrolled in an out-of-state institution).

pursuing any major with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Visit this page to learn more.

State Services

2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Open!

Eligible seniors and residents with a disability: you can now apply for a rebate on property taxes or rent you paid in 2024!

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program benefits income-eligible seniors 65 or older, widows or widowers 50 or older, and residents with a disability 18 or older. The program has been expanded to provide larger rebates and a higher qualifying income threshold. (The limit is now $46,520 for both homeowners and renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded for income calculation purposes.)

Please remember that my office can help you apply!

LIHEAP Application Reminder

I want to share a reminder that the 2024-25 LIHEAP application session is currently open through April 4, 2025. If you need help heating your home this winter, please visit the website below to learn more about the program and apply!

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) | Department of Human Services | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Request a Review of Denied Health Insurance Claims

If you believe your health insurer wrongly denied a claim, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department may be able to help.

Pennsylvania consumers with commercial health insurance can now ask for a review of denied health insurance claims. The Independent External Review allows you to share why your request should be covered. If the independent review organization decides the care should be covered, the consumer’s health insurer must cover the care.

For more information, email or call me or click here.

SEPTA Senior Key Cards and Card Renewals

We can renew your SEPTA Senior Key Card at my office if it has expired or will expire in the upcoming month. Please stop by my district office or any of the satellite locations to renew your card before it expires. You also can call to schedule an appointment.

In addition, my office can process applications and take photos for new SEPTA Senior Key ID Cards, which grant free rides on all SEPTA Regional Rail and transit routes inside Pennsylvania to seniors 65 or over. Simply come into one of my offices with a form of identification bearing your date of birth, such as a birth certificate, U.S. passport, or driver’s license issued in Pennsylvania. After we quickly snap a photo and enter your information into SEPTA’s online system, SEPTA will ship your new card to you directly.

Click here for my office locations.