Dear Neighbor & Estimado Vecino,
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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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REMINDER: Spring Your Clocks Forward!
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As we approach the spring season, don't forget to spring your clocks forward an hour on Saturday night! The actual time will change at 2 a.m. on Sunday morning.
After this, sunrise will go from 6:26 a.m. to 7:24 a.m. in our community, and sunset will go from 6:03 p.m. to 7:04 p.m.
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Celebrating Dominican Independence Day
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I was proud to see my resolution, HR 387, to recognize February 27th, 2026 as Dominican Republic Independence Day adopted by the House with overwhelming bipartisan support, and it was incredible to celebrate the day with our community!
It was an honor to join leaders from across our community to attend the raising of the Dominican flag and the celebration recognizing the impact that the Dominican community has had in our state.
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Commemorating Mar?i?or with our Romanian Community
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I was honored to meet with Simona Florea, the Romanian Consul General, whose leadership continues to strengthen the bonds between our communities.
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It was wonderful to meet with Consul General Florea and Cornel Costea, the President of the Berks County Romanian Community Center
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I was honored to participate in the 3rd Annual Romanian Community Center Mar?i?or Ball — an evening filled with beautiful traditions, vibrant culture, and an incredible spirit of community.
Mar?i?or, held on March 1st, is a Romanian and Moldovan celebration that reminds us how after every winter comes spring — bringing renewal, hope, and new beginnings.
Every time I am with the Romanian community, I feel at home — through the delicious food, joyful dancing, and the genuine fellowship that fills the room. That sense of warmth and belonging is what makes celebrations like this so special. Mar?i?or fericit!
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Standing with our Local LGBTQ+ Community
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This week, I had the honor of presenting a $50,000 grant award to the LGBT Center of Greater Reading! The LGBT Center is one of the most important cornerstone organizations of our community, serving hundreds of underserved and vulnerable LGBTQ+ community members, especially youth.
It is crucial that they continue to be able to provide this essential work, and I will continue working to ensure they have the funding they need. If you or someone you know needs support, you can learn more about the LGBT Center here.
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How We Can Expand Housing Access
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I am proud to support Governor Josh Shapiro's Housing Action Plan, which establishes a clear statewide strategy to increase housing supply, preserve existing homes, support renters and first-time buyers, remove barriers that slow responsible development and improve affordability across Pennsylvania.
It was great to join Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger, Reading Mayor Eddie Morán and Senator Judy Schwank for a walking tour through Reading to see housing development projects that show how these reforms will come to fruition right here in our community.
You can learn more about the Governor's Housing Action Plan here.
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Welcoming New Local Businesses
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I am proud to support our local small businesses, and it's always exciting to see a new one open! Deep Roots Café recently opened in West Reading, offering a farm to table experience.
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I also had the chance to tour MedSurg Urgent Care, which recently opened their second location, based in Wyomissing. It was very insightful to learn about the work they do and discuss how I can continue to support their needs as a legislator.
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Honoring Many Years of Service
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Jeannie Rubero, the Senior Center Director of Operations at Centro Hispano, recently retired after 25 years of dedicated service to our community. She transformed
Casa de la Amistad into a second home and extended family for thousands of older adults, providing nutrition, health and wellness programs, social engagement, case management, and resources to those experiencing isolation and hardships.
Jeannie's unwavering advocacy for the well-being of elderly community members has undoubtedly made a profound impact on their quality of life. Thank you for your outstanding service and have a wonderful retirement!
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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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Working to Protect Homeowners
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This week, I joined my colleagues on the House Commerce Committee to learn more about HB 2120, which looks to regulate shared appreciation agreements - contracts where a third party can own a share of the equity of your home in exchange for upfront payment.
You can find video of the full hearing here. Video of all House floor activity and committee meetings are live streamed on the House of Representatives website, and you can watch the work we do for you here.
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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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LIHEAP Still Accepting Applications
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The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) continues accepting applications! This program provides cash and crisis grants to help families cover their heating bills. 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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Penn State Berks Holi Celebration
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Penn State Berks International Klub will be hosting a free community celebration for Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colors, on Friday, March 27 from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. on Perkins Lawn (1801 Broadcasting Road, Reading). Attendees are encouraged to register in advance.
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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 locations and 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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