For Spanish readers, please read the full Spanish-language version of this email here. 

I hope you are well. I would like to share important information about my ongoing work. As always, please feel free to reach out to my office for help with any state-related issues. And don't forget, to stay informed, visit my official page. You also can check your preferences to make sure you're signed up for my emails. 

Espero que se encuentren bien. Me gustaría compartir con ustedes información importante sobre mi trabajo. Como siempre, no duden en ponerse en contacto con mi oficina para cualquier asunto relacionado con el estado. Y no lo olviden, para mantenerse informados, visiten mi página oficial. También puedes comprobar tus preferencias para asegurarte de que estás suscrito a mis correos electrónicos. 

This week I welcomed my House colleagues to Reading for a public policy roundtable on the economic impact of arts and culture in Reading and throughout the Commonwealth. Our discussion focused on how the arts and culture sector is a powerful economic engine that breathes economic and creative life into our communities. 

I also joined my colleagues this week for a Policy Committee Hearing addressing increased resources and funding needed for these natural disaster events. Our communities are suffering from incredible damage to their homes, businesses, and schools and they need increased protections – saving lives and protecting households. We need to protect our communities from these disasters, and the key will always come from partnerships.

I joined my colleagues Representative Manny Guzman, Senator Scott Martin, Senator Judy Schwank, and Mayor Eddie Moran on Monday to celebrate the official ribbon cutting of Tec Centro’s newly renovated facility. Thank you to Tec Centro for the invitation to celebrate a milestone for growth, opportunity, and strength within our community.

This past Saturday, April 26th, I attended the United Labor Council’s 65th Anniversary. Since being founded in 1960, the United Labor Council has been a central organizing force in the labor movement in Berks County. Thank you, Bob Hoffmaster, President of The United Labor Council of Reading and Berks, for the invitation. My colleagues and I commend The United Labor Council on their unwavering commitment to serving the working people of Berks County.

On Thursday, May 1st, I attended the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance State Legislative Breakfast at the Reading Hospital Medical Campus with my colleagues Senator Schwank, Senator Pennycuick, Rep. Rusnock, Rep. Weaknecht, and Rep. Zimmerman. I stressed the need to work across party lines and chambers to ensure that we work together on legislation that will help small business sustain, thrive, and grow. 

I attended the Keystone Military Families luncheon that honored Wilson School District student Anthony Fiore, who received the President’s Volunteer Service Award for over 500 hours of community service with the organization. I also acknowledged S Kyle Lord’s commitment to serving veterans and their families. Congratulations to Anthony and his family! What an incredible achievement!!

I celebrated Reading Public Museum's 100 Years this Thursday, May 1. I was a member of the Time Capsule Committee. It was a pleasure to see so many neighbors in attendance to celebrate the 100 years of the establishment of the Reading Public Museum. In addition, there was a moon tree dedication, a presentation by a Senior NASA Earth Science Specialist, former Wilson High School graduate Brian A. Campbell, and various educational activities. 

I was super excited to reconvene with the students who form my Youth Council -- from Wyomissing, Wilson, Reading, and Exeter School Districts.  I decided to create a youth group to empower our students to have a seat at the table and a voice in Harrisburg! Our youth are a group of young, socially active, and politically engaged students whose goal is to work with their peers and students across the various school districts to identify concerns and challenges that they face in all corners of our communities and work on policy change and legislation that addresses their needs. I am looking forward to working on legislation that will protect our youth communities and provide them with the resources that they need to thrive.

This is a friendly reminder that the federal enforcement of Real ID goes into effect next Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

After this date, Pennsylvanians will need a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or photo ID card—or another form of federally acceptable identification, such as a valid passport or military ID—to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Optional: Real ID is not mandatory, but it is required for specific situations like air travel and accessing federal buildings.

• How to Apply: Visit your local PennDOT Driver License Center or use PennDOT’s Real ID online wizard to organize your documents.

• Cost: A one-time fee of $30, plus the standard renewal fee for your license or ID.

Visit Pennsylvania’s REAL ID website for more information: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv/driver-services/real-id.html

On May 31st from 10 AM – 2 PM, the National Hispanic Medical Association will be hosting Fiesta de la Salud at Lauer’s Park Elementary School at 251 North 2nd Street, Reading PA 19601. There will be free glucose meters, free food, free massages, and MORE! I look forward to seeing more members of our community at the event.

Come out on May 17th to support Reading Local Fire Department 1803's Pet Adoption Event! Dogs, cats, and other pets will be on-site and up for adoption. The Fire Department also will be accepting donations of money, dry pet food and other pet supplies. There will be calendars, apparel and more for purchase. Check out more inventory via the QR code below.

Every Thursday, my team staffs our remote office at Centro Hispano (The Hispanic Center) located at 25 N. 2nd Street in Reading. However, since their Health Resource Fair is on May 8, my team will be staffing Centro Hispano that week on May 7.

To stay in the know with all of our work within the Pennsylvania House, I encourage you to subscribe to the Pennsylvania General Assembly and watch us at work. Subscribe following this link: https://www.legis.state.pa.us/login/Form.cfm

Pennsylvania State Capitol

104-A East Wing Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 772-1858

District Office

1111 Penn Ave.
Wyomissing, PA 19610

(484) 577-2756