Congratulations to all graduates! Wishing all of our students a happy, safe, and restful Summer ahead!

Thank you to Mayor Eddie Moran of the city of Reading for visiting us in Harrisburg this week and for advocating on behalf of the City of Reading.   

This week I met with students from the Garage Youth Center to discuss the importance of state government and how they can make a difference in their communities. The Garage Community and Youth Center was a vacant car garage until 2001, when a local business leader and youth pastor envisioned its roof sheltering something far more valuable than vehicles. The renovated building now is home to services for middle and high school students.

This week I stood with AFL-CIO and union members for the right to organize and fight for fair wages and working conditions for all working people.  

Our childcare system is broken. This week, I stood with the Pennsylvania Child Care Association urging my colleagues to adequately fund our childcare workforce.  We must invest in the professionals who invest in our kids every single day.

In the Commerce Committee this week we voted to establish the Right to Repair Act, which would give consumers and small businesses access to diagnostic tools and parts for repairs of their digital equipment (H.B. 1512), as well as a bill that would address deceptive financial fees by establishing uniform and comprehensive overdraft protection policies for banking customers (H.B. 1553).  

I joined my colleagues this week as the Chair of the Legislative Latino Caucus to celebrate Cultural Day. I am proud to celebrate diverse cultures within our Commonwealth.  

The PA Black Maternal Health Caucus will be hosting PA MOMNIBUS Day 2025 this Monday, June 16, 11 AM-6 PM, in the Capitol as we continue to advance the legislative package of bills and increased investments in maternal health.

Please register for PA MOMNIBUS Day 2025 using this link:
https://www.pahouse.net/BMH/Form/?id=1743. 

Centro Hispano hosted their Amigo Award gala last weekend celebrating the organization’s commitment to the community and their partnerships. This year’s Amigo Award was presented to Albright College. Congratulations, Albright College!  I also enjoyed the youth performances from Wanda Holdren’s Academy and the opportunity to connect with the community. 

Last week, I went to the 31st Annual World War II Mid-Day Parade hosted by the City of Reading. This Parade hosted our local businesses, reenactors, and WWII vehicles. It led into a weekend full of activities hosted by the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum at the Reading Regional Airport – including air shows, vendors, and more. I had an amazing time amongst these local vendors with Chris Miller, City Councilman for District 6 in Reading.  

I was proud to stand alongside community members for the Reading Pride Flag Raising at City Park this year. This flag reminds us of the courage of those who came before us- from the Stonewall trailblazers to our neighbors right here in the district who live openly, love fiercely, and fight every day to be seen and respected. As a legislator, I am proud to stand for equality and justice for ALL. 

The Berks History Center Historical Society Museum and Henry Janssen Library will host a community conversation on the theme of “Across the Diaspora: Unity, Liberation, and the Global Ties That Bind Us” on Friday, June 13 at 2 PM. The conversation will be hosted at the Museum at 940 Centre Ave., Reading. Following the conversation, Sister Elta Jackson-Henry and Seventh Day Rehoboth SDA Church will host an Announcement of Freedom celebrating the History of Juneteenth at the Berks History Center Historical Society Museum. This event will be on Friday, June 13 at 5 PM. They will be recognizing local unsung heroes and sharing community member’s personal Juneteenth experiences.

The Holy Trinity Church of God at 130 W. Buttonwood St. in Reading is hosting a Community Prayer Walk on Sunday, June 15 following morning worship starting at 10:15 AM.  

The Reading Public Museum & Planetarium at 500 Museum Rd. in Reading will be offering free admission on Thursday, June 19.  

Berks Lodge #47 at 237 Walnut St. in Reading will be hosting a Community Family Barbecue on Saturday, June 28 at 12 PM. The barbecue will feature an overview on the History of the Haitian Revolution, a Black business history tour, a resource information circle, and a variety of conversations on resources within the community such as financial literacy and health and wellness.  

The Neag Planetarium and Reading Public Museum are hosting The Bear Prince Jazz Opera on July 16, 17, 19, and 20. Please see the flier above for more information. The event is free to the public.   

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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.  

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