Dear Neighbor & Estimado Vecino,

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

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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.?

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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.   

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This October, let's recognize the strength of those who have battled breast cancer and renew our commitment to awareness and prevention.

Mammograms save lives by finding breast cancer early. Make time for your routine mammogram and encourage the women in your life to get screened. 

My House colleagues and I are passing important bills that will help our neighbors and improve our communities:

We protected consumers by requiring disclosure of flood-related risk factors during the homebuying process (HB 1704); requiring companies that collect personal information electronically to take steps to protect that data from breaches (HB 997); establishing the Landslide and Sinkhole Insurance Program (HB 589); and giving consumers rights when it comes to their personal data and requiring certain businesses to protect consumer privacy and limit the collection of consumer data (HB 78).

We protected communities by closing loopholes in our law by expanding background checks for purchases of long guns (HB 1593).

Last week I had the privilege to stand in for House Speaker Joanna McClinton and preside over the House chamber as Speaker Pro-Tempore. It was an honor to guide the chamber during our legislative session, special thank you to Speaker Joanna McClinton for giving me the gavel.  

The Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus attended an interagency celebration for Hispanic Heritage Month. Norman Bristol Colon, Commonwealth Chief Diversity Officer, reflected on the countless contributions of Hispanic Americans across the nation. Of these contributions, he noted the following:

• Latinos are the largest minority ethnic group of approximately 68 million people.
• By 2029, the US Latino economy is projected to become the fourth largest globally, reaching $5.7 trillion. Latino GDI is growing 2.5 times faster than that of non-Latinos.
• The growth rate of Latino educational attainment is 2.4 times higher than that of non-Latinos. 

Norman said it best; Latinos are not just a part of Pennsylvania’s story — they are central to it.  

Thank you to Norman, the GACLA Commissioners, Governor Shapiro, and everyone who came together to represent our gente and for all of your hard work for the Hispanic populations across the Commonwealth. Together we are stronger. 

I joined my colleagues in the PA House Policy Committee for a hearing on acetaminophen, autism, and the dangers of misinformation. The misinformation coming from the federal government has done real damage, and I am grateful for the testimonies and discussions that we had with medical professionals at this hearing. It is essential that accurate information is presented to the public and informs our policymaking.

This week, my House colleagues and I returned to session, but our PA Senate counterparts have not made any progress in passing a budget. This budget is critical so that we can put dollars into our communities – from providing valuable education resources to keeping our communities safe, it is critical that we pass a budget so that we can start getting money out to everyone who is 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 and tell them it's time to pass a budget!

• 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

The Youth Advisory Council is vital to our communities. It  provides essential advice and actions for our community’s youth populations. Their advocacy ensures our attention goes to more than just one place. This council elevates the critical perspectives of those within our communities, making sure the youth have a voice and impact in not just Harrisburg but the legislative District as well.

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 above or click here. 

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

Last week, I joined the VSP Vision Mobile Clinic team in Harrisburg, where children and families received free comprehensive eye exams and prescription glasses. The event brought together healthcare volunteers and local leaders to remove barriers to essential vision care – helping neighbors see more clearly so that they can thrive at school, work, and in their daily lives. Many need glasses who are unable to get them, and this statistic particularly hurts our students. I have introduced HB 1077, which will ensure that all children who need glasses in the Commonwealth can receive them. Thank you to everyone who showed up for their community and to the organizers who made this event possible!

My team recognized the incredible group of R3 graduates who completed a comprehensive pre-apprenticeship initiative in the construction trades, which is designed to transform participants’ lives by improving employment outcomes and reducing recidivism through hands-on training and mentorship. Since its inception, an average of 65% of R3 graduates have maintained stable employment for one year post graduation, highlighting its effectiveness in preparing individuals for successful careers in the construction industry. Congratulations to all graduates of this successful program!

This festival brought together the soul of our community – in a world intertwined by invisible threads, the need to feel seen, heard, and valued has grown deeper over time. The festival brought together voices, cultures, and customs, allowed stories to flow, traditions to soar, and strangers to come together on a common ground by honoring their communities. The event was a great success. Congratulations to Margo Levin and Debbie Goldberg on receiving this year’s Cultural Titans Award for their hard work building bridges across our community and thank you for everyone who attended the event!

As we continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15- October 15), I would like to thank Palo Magazine for hosting the historic Inauguration of the first Puerto Rican Mural in Berks County last weekend! I loved hearing the various group’s presentations, seeing the decorations from the local creators, and trying authentic Boricua food. The Mural was beautiful and highlights the Hispanic heritage in our community during our month. Juntos somos mas fuertes, pa’lante siempre! Gracias de nuevo!

Congratulations to Gage Talent & Business Solutions for 40 years of empowering businesses and building meaningful careers! My staff presented Kristi Gage-Linderman, Chief Operating Officer with a citation recognizing their four decades of service, leadership, and community development. 

Last week I visited Berks Barber School, a state-licensed barber and cosmetology institution serving Reading's community with affordable services to the public. Thank you for all you do, Berks Barber School!

I was honored to be invited to the unveiling of the Lauer’s Park Neighborhood Plan, a meaningful initiative developed in partnership with the local school, residents, and the Wyomissing Foundation. I had the privilege of joining a roundtable discussion with fellow elected officials and members of the Neighborhood Task Force. It was a valuable opportunity to reflect on the progress we’ve made in the community's development and to discuss the developments to come.

I’m grateful to be part of these efforts and look forward to continuing to support initiatives that uplift and empower our neighborhoods. 

Cultural Coalition presents Latinos Unidos (collective heritage) honoring the past and inspiring the future. This event will be held on Friday, October 10 from 5 PM - 7 PM at Alvernia University in Francis Hall. 

There will be a Haunted House and Hayrides at the West Reading Pavilion on Saturday, October 11th and Sunday, October 12th. There will be concessions, smores, games, prizes, and fun for the entire family! Come out this weekend for a night of Fall fun in the Pavilion!

The 3rd Annual LGBTQ+ Art Exhibition in recognition of LGBTQ+ History Month will be on a gallery display the entire month of October in Mi Casa Su Casa Cafe. The gallery's opening night is October 11 from 6 PM - 8 PM at the Cafe, we look forward to seeing you there!

FaithCare’s Health Center at Life Church is a free clinic available to anyone at the FaithCare PA Health Center on every third Saturday of the month from 1 PM – 4 PM. Their licensed healthcare clinicians provide health screenings, physical examinations, and general care for individuals, children, families – particularly those without insurance. You can review the services available in the flier above. DO NOT seek emergency treatment at the clinic; call 911 for emergency care. Please call 484-388-9631 to make an appointment.

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 Noon

Spring Township Municipal Building

2850 Windmill Road, Sinking Spring, PA, 19608

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

We also host DAV 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