Dear Neighbor & Estimado Vecino,

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. To stay informed, visit my official page. You can also check your preferences to make sure you're signed up for my emails.

Para los lectores en?español, lea una versión completa de este boletín electrónico?en su idioma aquí.

Espero que estén bien. Me gustaría compartir información importante sobre mi trabajo en curso. Y no olvides visitar mi página oficial para mantenerte informado. También puede verificar sus preferencias para asegurarse de que está registrado para recibir mis correos electrónicos. 

This week, we remember the tragedy of September 11, 2001, as yesterday marked 24 years since that fateful day. We honor the innocent lives lost, the bravery of first responders, and the families who still carry the weight of that day. As we reflect, let us also recommit ourselves to unity, compassion, and service to one another. 

Progress has been made towards finishing the overdue budget in Harrisburg this week. Now is the time to tell the Senate Republicans to show up for you – that the time to act is now. Ask your family, your friends, your coworkers, your employees and your program's participants to reach out to these GOP Senators. Tell them to pass a budget that works for YOU!

• Joe Picozzi (PA-5): 215-281-2539
• Tracy Pennycuick (PA-24): 215-541-2388
• Frank Farry (PA-6): 215-638-1784
• Joe Pittman (PA-41): 724-357-0151

There are new grants available. Visit my website to see current funding opportunities.

This week I joined my colleagues in the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and Energy Committees to discuss sustainable agriculture and anaerobic digesters. Brett Reinford gave us a tour of his dairy farm on which he built an anaerobic digester. He combines cow manure and food waste to produce energy and fertilizer for the crops he grows on his farms that also feeds his cows. This creates a sustainable cycle for waste management and energy production. I was fascinated by this process and experience. Thank you to the Reinford Family for informing us of the work you do and for allowing us to tour your farm.  

I was also able to join the Policy Committee for a roundtable this week hosted by Rep. Prokopiak that addressed the barriers to attainable housing for our families. Some of these barriers include varying zoning regulations and permitting process per municipality, lack of housing stock, lack of prevailing wages, and more. It was a fruitful conversation, and I will continue to work on addressing these barriers to make housing more attainable and accessible for everyone.

I also joined the Policy Committee in Warminster to identify the reason behind increasing electricity rates and discuss what can be done to save you money on your electric bills.

This past week I joined my colleague Representative Gillen in his district at the Owatin Creek Elementary School in Exeter School District for their announcement and celebration in receiving a Solar for Schools grant. The solar grant is intended to provide 100% of the School District’s energy needs during daylight hours. I am delighted that this award is being distributed in our community and look forward to the savings that this will bring to taxpayers.   

Congratulations to my constituent Hiromi Jalil, mother of Sophia Jalil – a member of my Youth Council, who has opened a Japanese food stand “Mission Washoku” in the Shillington Farmers’ Market. I wish you success in your endeavors and urge the community to go out and support the Jalil family!

Mayor Moran and the City of Reading held a press conference announcing a leadership transition in the Police Department as Deputy Chief Javier Ruiz, the department’s longest tenured officer, will once again step into the role of Acting Chief after Police Chief Elias Vazquez’s resignation. Congratulations, Chief Ruiz!

I will be attending the 6th Ward’s upcoming Block Party at Lauers Park Elementary, 251 N. 2nd St. in Reading this Saturday, September 13 from 12 PM – 5 PM. My staff and I will have state resource information available for the community. There will also be food, music, vendors, and more! I look forward to seeing you all there!

The Animal Rescue League of Berks County and Wyomissing will host a vaccine and microchip clinic for dogs and cats at the Wyomissing Fire Department at 1259 Penn Ave. in Wyomissing on September 18 from 4 PM – 6 PM. For more information or to register a pet, visit berksarl.org/vaccineclinic.

The Reading Public Museum will host a Hispanic Heritage celebration on September 20 from 1 PM – 4 PM at 500 Museum Rd. There will be FREE museum admission, local community groups, educational activities and demonstrations.

West Reading’s Annual Fall Fest will be on September 20 from 11 AM – 7 PM, spanning the 400-700 blocks of Penn Avenue. The streets will be closed so festival goers can indulge in 200 craft and retail vendors, including a wide array of food and beverage choices, and there will be live music on three stages!

I will host the Panel Discussion “Let’s Talk Mammograms,” complete with mocktails and candid conversations with Reading Hospital medical experts, on Tuesday, September 23 from 4:30 PM – 8 PM at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, 201 Washington Street in Reading. There will be a photobooth, crafts, free gift bags, and more! I look forward to seeing you there!  

The Sixth Annual Berks Cultural Diversity Festival will be in Reading City Park at Washington Street and North 11th Street on Saturday, September 27 from 12 PM – 6 PM. There will be live music, performances, food from all around the world, information on available resources, and more!

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 Road, Sinking Spring, PA, 19608

1st and 3rd Friday from 9 a.m. to Noon  

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 Noon 

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