Dear Neighbor & Estimado Vecino,
For Spanish readers, please read the full Spanish-language version of this email here.
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Congratulations, Graduates!!!
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Delivering for You in Harrisburg
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This week, my House Democratic colleagues and I passed important bills that will help our neighbors and improve our communities:
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We passed my bill (HB 1072) to get property tax and rent rebates out faster to senior citizens than current law allows. Right now, seniors and residents with disabilities who qualify for the program must wait until after July 1 to get their rebate, no matter how early in the year they apply.
We’re ensuring access to affordable health care by requiring health insurance coverage for contraceptives (HB 1140).
We’re protecting consumers by banning “speculative ticketing,” a practice that allows unofficial sellers to list tickets for sale even though they do not actually possess – and may never have - those tickets (HB 463).
We’re also fighting for fairness and transparency in education with the Cyber Charter Reform Act, which will ensure that the money spent on cyber charters is spent to educate our kids and that the people paying the bills have a say about how cybers do business. We’re setting standard tuition rates and returning the savings back to the taxpayers and the home school districts and making sure you’re getting what you’re paying for (HB 1500).
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The Tourism, Recreation and Economic Development Committee
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Historic Summit Inn Resort, Farmington PA
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Historic Summit Inn Resort, Farmington PA
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Ohiopyle State Park, Ohiopyle PA
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Youghiogheny River in Ohiopyle State Park, Ohiopyle PA
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Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, Mill Run PA
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Last week I joined the House Tourism, Recreation and Economic Development Committee for 3 adventurous days touring through Western Pennsylvania. In partnership with GoLaurel Highlands and the Western PA Conservancy, the Committee took us on a breathtaking journey through the Laurel Highlands. Pennsylvania is such a beautiful state -- from Berks County to Fayette County, I am in awe of Pennsylvania's landscapes. I was also grateful to learn more about Pennsylvania's tourism in the region, which brings Pennsylvania an incredible amount of revenue in every corner of the state from folks all around the country and globe.
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This week, the High School Democrats of Pennsylvania joined us in the House Chamber as they toured the Capitol and learned more about the legislative process. This group gives young Democrats the confidence and experiences that they need to ensure a bright future for our party and country. Thank you to our students for joining us in the House Chamber!
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My summer intern Jovanny Amoros-Barcero and his friend Julian Ortiz joined me in the House Chamber this week during a visit to my Harrisburg office where they also learned more about how our House voting sessions work. Thank you for the visit, Jovanny and Julian!
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My staff joined the Reading Pride Celebration at the West Reading Borough Hall last week. I am proud to see the LGBTQ+ community celebrated in a way that recognizes their attributions to my district's diverse community.
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Fiesta de la Salud Success
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The Fiesta de la Salud event was a great success! We brought together the community and provided accessible healthcare services right to their neighborhood. Health inequities are prevalent within our underserved communities, and this event was very successful in meeting people where they are at. I am thankful to everyone who made this possible; Dr. Sarah Ramirez, National Hispanic Medical Association, (NHMA), Principal Jasmine Sanchez of Lauer’s Park School and The Reading School District; Mayor Eddie Moran and the City of Reading, Latino Connection, I-Lead Inc., and all doctors, medical staff, students, volunteers and all other organizations who joined us.
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Fall 2025 PA House Legislative Fellowship Program
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The PA House Legislative Fellowship Program is now accepting applications for the Fall 2025 semester. Applications are due on July 1, 2025. If you know of any college students who would benefit from the Fellowship Program, please invite them to visit the website at: www.pahousefellowship.us. Applications can be submitted via email to: pahousefellowship@pabmc.net.
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Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
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Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program
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The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program has made it easier for older friends and neighbors to stay in their homes while affording groceries, medicine, and so much more. Also, don’t forget that thanks to changes I helped to make in 2023, income eligibility and rebate amounts have increased significantly!
And now there's more time to apply! The deadline to apply for a rebate on one's rent or property taxes paid in 2024 has been extended to the end of the year. Please contact my office for more information or to apply.
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Keep an eye on your mailbox -- 40,000 Pennsylvanians are receiving letters as part of the PA Money Match program, which returns unclaimed property worth $500 or less automatically. Confirm your address, and you could receive a check in about 45 days! Visit patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property or contact my office for help searching for other unclaimed funds of yours that PA Treasury may be holding in safekeeping -- the average claim is worth over $1,000!
Every year, the Pennsylvania Treasury helps people claim unclaimed property that is rightfully theirs. Currently, the Treasury has nearly $3.8 billion in unclaimed property it is seeking to return to individuals and businesses.
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Pennsylvania offers a Qualified Tuition Program, which provides a tax-advantaged, flexible college and career savings plan. The Pennsylvania 529 plan is also exempt from Pennsylvania inheritance tax. The more you save today means the less your student will need to borrow in the future. For more information, visit here.
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Pennsylvania offers a compatible tax-free savings program for people with disabilities and their families. It gives eligible individuals with qualified disabilities, and their families and friends, a tax-free way to save for disability-related expenses, while maintaining government benefits (with a limitation for SSI). For more information, visit here.
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Keystone Scholars provides $100 for every baby born to a PA family in 2019 and later. This investment can be used for your child’s post-high school education expenses. Accounts can be claimed approximately 4-6 months after the child is born. For more information, visit here.
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As always, my team and I are here to help you navigate state programs and services. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns, or ideas. If you can't make it into my district office, you can visit one of my satellite offices! Find my office information below:
Centro Hispano Casa Senior Center
25 N. 2nd St., Reading, PA, 19601
every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Spring Township Municipal Building
2850 Windmill Rd., Sinking Spring, PA, 19608
1st and 3rd Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
100 N. Front St., Reading, PA, 19601
1st and 3rd Monday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Glenside/Hensler Homes O'Pake Community Center
880 Avenue A, Reading, PA, 19601
2nd and 4th Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
We also host D.A.V Services (Disabled American Veterans) in my office
1111 Penn Ave., Wyomissing, PA 19610
every other Monday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
104-A East Wing Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 772-1858
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District Office
1111 Penn Ave.
Wyomissing, PA 19610
(484) 577-2756
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