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.
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Improving Black Health in our Community
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I was pleased to see so many neighbors come out to my Black Health Matters Community Conversation with Rep. Andre Carroll and leaders from across our region!
As Black History Month comes to a close, it is important to recognize this month as both a time to celebrate contributions that have shaped our nation and confront disparities that continue to impact Black communities. We had a very insightful discussion on how we can improve Black health both in our region and across Pennsylvania, and I am thankful to the guests and speakers who attended!
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Celebrating 100 Years of Black History Month
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I had the opportunity to celebrate a century of Black History Month with Alvernia University at their Black Excellence celebration, where we had the opportunity to uplift the heritage of those who paved the way and celebrate today’s leaders and creatives.
It was an honor to present citations from the House to Dr. Seleda Simons and Adonis Fleming, who both received the Community Champion award.
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It was also great to see the work of artist Jean Esther, who has done so much to advance the arts in our community!
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New Grant Funding for the 129th
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One of my greatest priorities as a lawmaker is ensuring our community gets the funding it needs. That's why I am proud to share that with my support, two local organizations have received new state funding.
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Star City Boxing was awarded $50,000 to support the purchase of new equipment, participation in regional and national tournaments, and the launch of new programming.
I have personally seen the incredible work Star City does to support our community and especially our youth, and I look forward to seeing this funding put to good use!
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I also helped to secure $50,000 for VOiCEup Berks, which serves our community by connecting our neighbors to available volunteer opportunities. This funding will serve to support their Youth Leadership Corps, which fosters leadership skills in our future leaders.
The work our local students do is proof the future is in good hands, and I am honored to continue fostering that growth.
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Moving up at Daisy Daycare
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Daisy Daycare in Reading recently attained a STAR 4 rating from the Keystone STARS Quality Rating System - showing a clear increase in quality for the childcare they provide. It was great to attend their moving up ceremony to recognize this outstanding development and see the incredible work the daycare is doing for our children!
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This week, I am spotlighting Liyah Montas, the vice chair of my Youth Council. They founded the Criminal Justice United chapter at their school and have been able to demonstrate their passion for helping others on the youth council. They hope to use this experience as determination to pursue a career as a criminal justice attorney.
Do you know any high school students who are passionate about public service and engaged in our community? They can apply to join my Youth Council here.
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WARNING: New Scam Impacting our Community
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The Berks County District Attorney has put out a warning that scammers are claiming to be local law enforcement officials and demanding money over the phone.
Berks County law enforcement will never call to demand payment over the phone. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately and never give out personal or financial information.
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Scams can come in many different forms, and it is important you know how to identify them. That is why I will be joining the Department of Banking and Securities in hosting $cam Jam, a free event that will inform you of how to identify and avoid common scams on March 9!
Registration is strongly encouraged, as attendance is limited. You can call my office at (484) 577-2756 or email Jaime at jbaez@pahouse.net to RSVP.
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My Property Tax/Rent Rebate Days
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The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is now accepting applications for payments made during 2025! My staff will be at the Spring Township Municipal Building (2850 Windmill Road, Sinking Spring) every second and fourth Friday of the month ahead of the deadline to help you apply. The next event will be on March 13th.
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Important Election Deadlines
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The deadline to register to vote is approaching! To vote in the Primary Election on May 19, you must be registered by May 4, which can be done here.
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New State Scholarships Available
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The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency has new grant and scholarship opportunities available. You can learn more about the available programs and requirements here.
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House Fellowship Accepting Applicants
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The PA House Fellowship Program is accepting applications from eligible Pennsylvania college students for the Summer 2026 semester. Fellows work in committees or leadership offices at the state Capitol.
The program provides compensation and may also offer college credit. Eligible applicants include college juniors, seniors, graduate students, or law students with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Applications are due by March 2. Visit here to learn more.
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LIHEAP Now Accepting Applications
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The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is now accepting applications! This program provides cash and crisis grants to help families cover their heating bills as we head into winter. Grant amounts range from $200 to $1,000, depending on your income, household size, and fuel type.
You can apply here or contact my office for assistance.
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2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program NOW OPEN
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Applications for Property Tax/Rent Rebates are now open! This gives money back to PA renters and homeowners for costs from 2025 - including seniors, widows and widowers, and those with disabilities.
You can learn more here and contact my office for support with your application. Applications are due by June 30.
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You May Have Unclaimed Property - We Can Help!
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Many Pennsylvanians have unclaimed property - money from dormant bank accounts, insurance payments, uncashed checks - and you may be one of them!
My office can help you receive this unclaimed property. Contact us or go to PATreasury.gov/unclaimed-property to see if there is anything available in your name.
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If you or someone you know needs food assistance, please reach out to my office to find out where you can find help. You can also click here to go to Helping Harvest's website, which has a map of over 350 charitable food program partners in our area.
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Helping Harvest will also be collecting non-perishable food items throughout the year at their programs and events. You can learn more about those and how to ensure our neighbors are fed here.
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The Fairy Godmother Prom Project
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Girls Empowerment Movements will be helping to make prom dreams come true with free dresses, accessories and support for students! The event will be held on March 15 from noon - 4 p.m. at 1011 North Park Road, Suite 300, Wyomissing.
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RIZE Youth Arts will be hosting a free youth dance program on Wednesdays at GoggleWorks (201 Washington St., Reading). Latin dance lessons begin at 5 p.m., and hip hop dance lessons begin at 6 p.m. Registration can be found here.
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Mobile Mammogram Screenings Available
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Routine mammograms are important to find the first signs of breast cancer. Tower Health has started their Mobile Mammography stops for 2026, with stops across our community. You can find what locations they will be at on which days here.
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As always, my team and I are here to help you navigate state programs and services. Please 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
NEW: 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month 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
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
104-A East Wing Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 772-1858
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District Office
1111 Penn Ave.
Wyomissing, PA 19610
(484) 577-2756
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