Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Budget Update, Star City Boxing Match, Safe Berks Summer Camp at Penn State Berks Recognition

Budget Update, Star City Boxing Match, Safe Berks Summer Camp at Penn State Berks Recognition

PA Representative Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz banner image

Dear Neighbor & Estimado Vecino,?????? 

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

 

Delivering for You in Harrisburg

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

 

We pushed our budget proposal to the Senate (HB 1330). 

 

We're promoting mental health services by creating a public education campaign to raise awareness of the 988 Crisis Lifeline (HB 564).

 

We're expanding flexibility for our educators by broadening age-spans and grade-spans for certain Pennsylvania's teacher certifications (HB 1407). 

 

Budget Update

It’s two weeks past the start of the fiscal year. It’s July 18th and getting the budget to the Governor's desk is well overdue. 

 

The Representatives in the House have been in Harrisburg working diligently for you!

 

We moved a budget plan that reflects a compromise by cutting a BILLION dollars off of the Governor's proposal while still paying for what our communities really need. 

 

We're taking people's lives seriously. We’re taking our responsibility seriously. We must get things done and continue to serve our constituents. 

 

Despite the rhetoric, we need to be honest and recognize that the Commonwealth has the money to get the job done -- we're not borrowing money to do what we need to do, we’re using the money we have to invest in a better tomorrow for all Pennsylvanians.

 

HB 1330 is now in the State Senate awaiting action – please, contact YOUR senator and ask them to pass the budget that supports our communities. 

 

Protecting Your Wallet

While the federal government continues to make life harder for Pennsylvanians, I’m proud to let you know about a few bills that I voted for to make life easier for you and your family.

 

You shouldn’t have to struggle to buy a home, so I made sure you can lower your interest rates and avoid scams when you sign real estate agreements to get your piece of the American Dream here in Berks County. 

 

You shouldn’t go broke just because you get sick or injured. I voted to make sure YOU are informed about financial assistance available to avoid massive amounts of medical debt.

 

These bills are in the State Senate awaiting action – please, contact YOUR senator and ask them to stand up for Berks County’s working families.

 

Want to know more? Visit www.pahouse.com/deliveringforpa

 

Fighting for Your Future

We need more jobs with better wages and real benefits you can raise a family on in Berks County. I’m proud to let you know about how I’m fighting for you and our community.

 

I fought to give more than 1 million working people a raise – making sure employees can afford to be customers, businesses can save money by keeping workers on the job and growing Berks County's economy.

 

You shouldn’t have to work until you die, and with Social Security under attack by federal lawmakers I fought to pass a bill that would give you the power to control your future. Keystone Saves gives you access to a retirement savings plan if the company you work for doesn’t provide access to one of these plans – and makes sure you’re not doing it alone.

 

Americans built the strongest economy and middle class on earth thanks to union labor and workers standing together. I’m working to make sure workers’ rights are not just law, they’re part of our constitution.

 

Public workers deserve the same workplace protections as private workers. I delivered to make sure federal OSHA safety regulations apply to every worker.

 

It’s a lot, but when it comes to protecting workers like you, I don't stop fighting.

 

All of these bills are in the State Senate awaiting action – please, contact YOUR senator and ask them to stand up for Berks County’s working families.

 

Want to know more? Visit www.pahouse.com/deliveringforpa

 

New Grants Available

The state has a handy tool to help you search for grants. Visit this page to search for grants or visit my website for the most recent list of grant programs open for applications.

 

PHMC Cultural & Historical Support Grants Open Now

The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission has opened applications for its 2025 Cultural and Historical Support Grants, aimed at strengthening museums and historical societies across the state. Eligible museums and county historical societies can apply for general operating support through the Commonwealth’s Single Application for Assistance portal. The deadline is Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, at midnight. Full details and guidelines are available on the PHMC website. As always, you can contact my office for assistance with any grant program or application process.  

 

Safe Berks Summer Camp at Penn State Berks

I was excited to join Safe Berks Summer Campers at Penn State Berks and present certificates to the participants. This camp offers the youth an opportunity to learn about social justice and collaborate for positive changes within their communities. It is truly remarkable seeing these youth so involved in their role within their communities, friendships, and schools.   

 

Chef David's Pizza & More Ribbon-Cutting

Chef David's Pizza & More had their Grand Opening this past week, offering Italian and American favorites at 500 Penn Ave. in West Reading. Joining this restaurant’s Grand Opening was truly special and I am proud to see more small businesses opening up in our community. Chef David’s Pizza’s hours will be 10 AM to 3 AM Monday through Friday and 12 PM to 3 AM on Saturday and Sunday.   

 

Reading Dog Park Opening Ceremony

This week my staff joined Mayor Eddie Moran and other City Officials for the grand opening of Caramel and Friends Dog Park. This dog park is named after Caramel, the beloved rescue pup of Mayor Eddie Moran and was made possible thanks to Humane PA and the Humane Society of the U.S. 

 

New Mural at Schlegal Pool

There is a new mural at the Southwest Reading Schlegal Park Pool by artist Jean Esther. My staff was in attendance for the mural’s unveiling with the Executive Director of the Reading Recreation Commission Daphne Klahr, Mayor Eddie Moran, and City Council President Donna Reed to celebrate the local artist’s work.  

 

District Office Visit

Gail Landis visited my office this week on behalf of the West Reading-Wyomissing Rotary Club and presented me with a thank you ornament for participating in the 2025 Berks County Field of Heroes. Thank you, Gail and the West Reading-Wyomissing Rotary Club for the work you do in our community and for creating this beautiful sea of flags to commemorate, uplift and honor all of our local heroes!  

 

Star City Boxing Match

There will be a boxing show and block party this Saturday, July 19 from 3 PM – 8 PM. This is a FREE, fun-filled day with entertainment and a car show. The boxing show will be at 1340 Centre Ave (rear) in Reading.  

 

Voice Up and Mary’s Shelter host a Backpack Assembly Event

VOICE Up and Mary’s Shelter are hosting a Backpack Assembly Event on Wednesday, July 23 from 5-7 PM at Mary’s Shelter at 615 Kenhorst Blvd., Reading. The backpacks will be stuffed with school supplies for families in need through the Maternity & Family Wellness Program and the Olivet Boys & Girls Club. This is a service-learning event for individuals ages 18-24. Drop in anytime, bring a friend, and give back to your community this back-to-school season! Register here: VOICEup Berks | Backpack Assembly "Supplies and Smiles" Event with Mary's Shelter  

 

Cupcake Decorating at the Library

The West Lawn-Wyomissing Hills Library will host a cupcake decorating event on Tuesday, July 29 at 5:30 PM for all amateur bakers ages 14 and up to try their hand at recreating professional cupcake decorations. Materials will be provided. Once decorated, volunteers will be voting for the best cupcakes in various categories. Email communityoutreach@springtwplibrary.org to register and to inform them of any allergies. 

 

Back to School Event at Barbey's Playground

I am co-hosting a Back-to-School event from 12-2 PM on Saturday, August 16 with Reading City Councilor Chris Miller at the Barbey Playground, 200 Schuylkill Ave. in Reading. We will have a backpack and school supply giveaway while supplies last. The rain date for this event is Sunday, August 17. We look forward to seeing our students and families there!!   

 

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.

 

 

 

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