I joined the City of Reading for their Juneteenth Flag Raising event this past weekend. The legacy of Juneteenth demands that we use our power-from whatever platform we have- to advance equity, protect human rights and stand with communities who are being targeted. Freedom is not a moment-it is a mission, a movement to ensure that justice reaches every corner of our commonwealth and country without exception.  As we commemorate Juneteenth, let us re-commit to its purpose. Happy Juneteenth!

I toured the Gettysburg battlefield, a pivotal turning point in the Civil War, this past week. Here I am pictured with my colleagues at Little Round Top and in front of the Pennsylvania monument. 

This week, my House colleagues and I passed important bills that will help our neighbors and improve our communities:

We are investing almost $300 million into mass transit across PA (H.B. 1364) to get Pennsylvanians to where they need to go, without raising taxes. 

We're eliminating nonprofit filing fees for volunteer fire companies (H.B. 1084) to save volunteer fire companies the financial burden as they provide an essential public service. 

I joined the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus this week in Harrisburg to celebrate Juneteenth. I proudly joined my colleagues who shared their personal stories and commitment to diversity and equity throughout our great Commonwealth.

I also joined the Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus this week to rally for the MOMNIBUS 2.0 legislative package to ensure better birthing outcomes for mothers of color. We spoke about our commitment to ensuring all mothers get the services that support them and ensure safe births. According to the CDC, the maternal mortality rate for black women was 50.3 per 100,000 live births, which was over double the rates for white, Hispanic, and Asian women. Data shows that 93.5% of maternal mortality could have been prevented. In previous years, we have passed insurance coverage for doulas and midwives and allocated funding to research on why the mortality rate for black women is so much higher than that of their counterparts.

The MOMNIBUS 2.0 legislative package will advance targeted solutions to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality, especially for black birthing people. This legislation includes: 

• HB 432: Establishes maternal care access zones in health deserts
• HB 526: Expands pumping protections under the Freedom to Breastfeed Act
• HB 707: Ensures nursing parent or lactation rooms in state buildings
• HB 1088: Requires private insurance to cover blood pressure monitors
• HB 1192: Creates diversion courts for mothers impacted by substance use
• HB 1212: Uplifts fathers through the PA Dads Matter Act
• HB 1234: Expands Medicaid coverage for blood pressure monitors
• HB 1240: Creates the Maternal and Newborn Supply Kit Pilot Program
• HB 1251: Promotes innovation in midwifery practice

This week I was joined by my summer interns:  Jovanny Amoros-Bracero, a Temple student, and Natalia Figueroa, a student at Millersville University.  They both have a strong passion for public service and community engagement. I also welcomed my Constituent Service Advisor Jamie Baez Jr. Thank you all for joining me in Harrisburg this week!

The Pennsylvania Board of Pardons has launched a fully online clemency application, making it easier for people seeking a second chance to access the process. The new application system is designed to be faster, more accessible, and user-friendly.

Key features of the new system include:

• A fully digital clemency application available on the Board’s website.
• A Spanish-language application, with translation support available for 17 additional languages.
• A fillable PDF version of the application for those who prefer a downloadable form.
• Use of AI technology to streamline review of handwritten applications.

This initiative removes common barriers—like the need to print or mail documents—and is part of Pennsylvania’s broader commitment to justice reform and second chances.

To access the online application or learn more, visit the PA Board of Pardons website.

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!

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