Affordability

District 131 has one of the highest median household incomes in the region — $115,409 — but rising property taxes, housing costs, and healthcare expenses are putting a real squeeze on families.

The Affordability Challenge in District 131

The communities in Pennsylvania House District 131 span Lehigh, Montgomery, and Northampton counties. Median household income is roughly 1.5 times the Pennsylvania average — but that number can obscure real financial pressures. Property taxes are high. Housing prices have climbed significantly. Healthcare costs continue to rise. And the cost of putting three children through school or caring for an aging parent can overwhelm even a middle-class income.

District 131 also includes rural and exurban communities in the Upper Perkiomen Valley where economic conditions are more precarious than the district average suggests. Small businesses in the district face competition, rising rents, and workforce shortages.

Meriam Sabih grew up in a family that understood what it meant to stretch a paycheck. As a mother of three and a community leader, she has heard directly from families across District 131 about the costs that are hardest to manage. She will bring that perspective to Harrisburg.

Property Tax Relief

Property taxes are the most visible financial burden for homeowners in District 131 — and disproportionately affect seniors on fixed incomes, who may own their homes outright but still struggle to pay taxes that seem to rise every year. Meriam supports meaningful property tax relief for working families and seniors, with priority given to those most burdened by the current system.

Housing Affordability

The Lehigh Valley has seen significant housing price increases over the past decade. Young families trying to buy their first home face a difficult market. Renters face rising costs with limited affordable options. Meriam supports smart land use policies, workforce housing investments, and incentives for the kind of development that creates affordable housing options without overriding local community character.

Healthcare Costs

Healthcare costs are a major driver of financial insecurity for families and small businesses in District 131. Meriam supports policies that expand access to affordable healthcare, protect coverage for pre-existing conditions, and reduce prescription drug costs. She will work in Harrisburg to leverage Pennsylvania's purchasing power to lower costs for families.

Supporting Small Businesses

The towns and boroughs of District 131 — from Coopersburg to Green Lane to Pennsburg — depend on small businesses for their economic vitality. Meriam supports reducing regulatory burdens on small businesses, improving access to capital for new entrepreneurs, and creating a tax environment that helps local businesses grow and hire.

What Meriam Will Fight For