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.   

The Pennsylvania Latino Caucus and the Majority Policy Committee hosted a discussion on workforce development and immigration in Hazelton, PA.  The Latino Community makes over 50% of the population in Hazelton. The roundtable provided an important opportunity to highlight the vital role immigrants play in powering Pennsylvania’s economy.  It also emphasized the need for higher wages for childcare workers, the need for language access, workers compensation expansion, the need for more ESL for the workforce. The event was held at the Hazleton Integration Project’s community center, which is a hub for the community-based effort to unite the different cultures found in Hazleton. Through youth development, community outreach, and other initiatives, the center showcases diversity as a true community strength. It was truly inspiring to see and to celebrate the contributions of Latinos to their communities, particularly during Hispanic Heritage month.

As the fall season begins, I wish I could say that we have already passed a state budget that is improving lives, providing valuable education resources and keeping our community safe. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Next week, my PA House colleagues and I will return to session and I hope our PA Senate counterparts can bring themselves to close this budget so we can start getting money out to all those dependent on state funding.

You can help by telling the Senate Republicans to show up for you and act now. Ask your family, your friends, your coworkers, your employees and your program's participants to reach out to these GOP Senators. 

• 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

Tell them it's time to pass a budget! 

In July, Republicans in Congress passed a bill that makes changes to SNAP and President Trump signed it into law. Some SNAP recipients now must meet work requirements and report that they are meeting this requirement to the Department of Human Services. SNAP recipients who are not meeting this requirement could be limited to three months of SNAP benefits for a three-year period.

There are exemptions in the law that allow some people to maintain their benefits, and PA’s Department of Human Services can help you navigate these changes. For more information, visit the DHS Website or call them at 800-692-7462.

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

The Borough of West Reading is now accepting applications for a part-time position as a Public Works Laborer working up to 24 hours per week through November 30. Qualified candidates must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License with no driving violations at the time of applying. Duties will include building and ground maintenance and street and utility repairs. Interested candidates should submit an application to West Reading Borough Hall, 500 Chestnut Street, West Reading, or via email to info@westreadingborough.org. Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. All positions are subject to completing a background and medical examination.

My Youth Council was created to ensure that young voices have a seat at the table in shaping the future of our politics. This week, I'm excited to highlight one of our outstanding members: Evan Nagle, a student at Wilson High School.  Evan is a 15-year-old taking charge in contributing new ideas to the Council and helping to lead the creation of our Youth Council newsletter. He’s an active member of the Berks Civic Table, a black belt in karate, and highly involved in his school community. Evan is a part of a dynamic group of youth members who come from all across the Legislative District with a clear mission: to make a real impact on our community. If you or someone you know is interested in joining my Youth Council, I am now accepting applications for additional members. You can apply through the QR code on the flier above or click here.

I was proud to join Senator Judy Schwank for the official dedication of the new BCIU Learning Center at the Helping Harvest Annex in the GoggleWorks Center. This Learning Center will be a vital hub for education, family engagement, and community connection. I look forward to seeing it empower youth and shape brighter futures across our region. Senator Schwank and I helped secure them $700,000 in funding to make this project a reality.

To kick off Hispanic Heritage Month, Centro Hispano hosted “Taste of the Caribbean Night,” bringing community members together to celebrate and enjoy the rich, diverse flavors of the Caribbean. Thank you, Centro Hispano, for the invitation! I’m looking forward to all the events to come as we continue honoring Hispanic heritage and culture throughout the month.

Last week, the Reading Area Community College celebrated 50 years of nursing education. For half a century, RACC has offered a wide range of programs that prepare students for meaningful careers in healthcare. I’m grateful for the college’s continued commitment to student success, academic excellence, and community engagement through its many health-focused programs. Congratulations on this incredible milestone!

The Sin Fronteras Jeep Club held their 5th Annual Autism Awareness event at City Park in Reading last week filled with music, games, prizes, and community resources. Thank you to everyone who came out!

The Berks County Latino Chamber of Commerce held a Gala last week, hosting an evening of elegance for the Latino business community in the county. This event brought together business owners, community leaders, and allies united in their commitment to the growth and success of Latino businesses in our region.

Congratulations to those who were honored at the gala:

• Gary Seibert, chief executive officer of the Small Business Resource Association, Wyomissing – Community Partner of the Year
• Luis Cintron, The Go 2 Guys – Small Business of the Year
• Omar Peralta – Emerging Entrepreneur

Thank you to the Berks County Latino Chamber for organizing such a meaningful celebration. 

I had the pleasure of hosting the Panel Discussion “Let’s Talk Mammograms” this week with Reading Health medical experts at the GoggleWorks Center.  Thank you to panelists Michele Baum, BSRS, RT – Manager, Mammography and Breast Health Center, Reading Hospital, Anita Wilhelm – Cancer Genetics Nurse Practitioner, Reading Hospital, Kendra Winter, MD – Breast Surgical Oncologist, Tower Health Medical Group, and Sherri Wunderlich – Oncology Nurse Navigator, Reading Hospital.

Breast cancer impacts roughly one out of every eight women in the U.S. According to Reading Hospital's 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment, more women in Berks County are getting mammograms than the rest of the state and nation, but in Reading, the 4th largest city of the Commonwealth, those numbers are much lower. Too many women are not taking advantage of this simple diagnostic test.

Look, I get it. Life gets busy, but the fact remains, early detection saves lives. It's time to stop delaying or postponing. If you're due for a mammogram, schedule it. Remind the women in your life to get theirs. If you face a barrier to getting one, speak up. Commit to making breast health a priority. We can't stop breast cancer by talking about it, but we can by acting.

See below for information on a free breast screening program and register today.

Berks County Planning Commission wants YOUR input to help them update the Berks County Comprehensive Plan. Fill out the survey through the QR code above or via this link.

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! 

The inauguration of the first Puerto Rican Mural in Berks County will be on Sunday, September 28 at 1 PM. The Mural will decorate the door and outer walls of the Puerto Rican Civic Club. There will be presentations, decorations, DELICIOUS food, and more! Come celebrate with us, dress in Puerto Rican colors, and bring your flag!! I look forward to seeing everyone there and celebrating this historic moment in our community!

You’re invited to the Land Use and Housing Forum at the County of Berks South Campus Activity Center on 400 E. Wyomissing Ave., Mohnton on Wednesday, October 8 from 2 PM – 5:30 PM. You can register by scanning the QR code above or by following this link.

Downtown Reading will be hosting a Glow Fest on Saturday, October 25 on the 600 Block of Penn Street. Be sure to mark your calendars and keep an eye on our upcoming newsletters for more details about this exciting event.

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