Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility The World Cup Coming to Reading, Spotlighting our Future Leaders, and more...

The World Cup Coming to Reading, Spotlighting our Future Leaders, and more...

PA Representative Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz banner image

Dear Neighbor & Estimado Vecino,

 

I hope you are well. I want 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.?

 

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.   

 

 

Good Friday and Easter

I would like to wish a blessed Good Friday and Easter to all who celebrate!

 

Please note that my office will be closed for Good Friday on April 3. If you need assistance during that time, please contact my office at (484) 577-2756 or RepCepedaFreytiz@pahouse.net, and my staff will follow up once regular hours resume on April 6.

 

 

In the District

 

Preparing for the World Cup

With Philadelphia as one of the host cities, the World Cup is expected to bring millions of dollars and hundreds of thousands of people to Pennsylvania. That energy will also be reaching our community, as Governor Josh Shapiro announced that Visit PA will be hosting a free fan zone in Reading during the World Cup!
 
On July 3, 4, 18, and 19, fans will be able to watch matches for free at Santander Arena and attend a block party along Penn Street with live entertainment, interactive games, kid-friendly activities, vendors, and many different food options.
It was wonderful to meet Carlos Eduardo Espina at the announcement of the World Cup fan zones! Carlos has used his online presence, with over 14 million TikTok followers, to inform and uplift the Latino, migrant, and refugee communities.
It's exciting to see this significant economic investment happening right here in our region, and I look forward to seeing what the World Cup brings to our community!
 
More details on the block parties and games screening at Santander Arena will be available as the World Cup gets closer.
 

 

Recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility

This Tuesday marked Transgender Day of Visibility, and I joined leaders from across our community in recognizing this important day that celebrates the strength, resilience and contributions of transgender people here in our district and across Pennsylvania.
 
Everyone deserves to live authentically and be seen for who they are. This recognition is about visibility, affirmation, and respect - while also remembering the ongoing fight for equality and safety.
 

 

Youth Council Spotlight

This week, I would like to spotlight Kat Wengrowski, who is the current media chair of my youth council. Her time on the council has shown her different ways on how to make change in her community, and she hopes to contribute to the conversation about how youth can have a voice regarding legislation.
 
Do you know a high school student who is passionate about shaping the future of our community? They can apply to be a part of my Youth Council here.
 

 

My Free Shredding Event

I will be joining with Senator Judy Schwank to host a FREE paper shredding event on Saturday, April 11 at the Masonic Lodge in West Reading (400 South Seventh Avenue).

 

We can help you safely dispose documents that might have personal information, such as Social Security, credit card, or bank account numbers. You can bring up to three boxes of paper to be securely shredded and recycled.

 

 

My Property Tax/Rent Rebate Days

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is accepting applications for rebates on taxes paid in 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 April 10.
 

 

In Harrisburg

 

Get Money Back in Your Pocket This Tax Season!

As part of the 2025-26 state budget, I voted to give a tax break to nearly a million Pennsylvania families.

 

It’s called the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit – because working people deserve a break! If you qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, you automatically qualify for an additional 10% tax break on your state taxes. That’s money back in your pocket to help pay for groceries, childcare, or other everyday expenses.

 

You could earn up to $805 in a tax credit. Click here to learn more and estimate your credit!
 

 

Learning about the Horse Racing Industry

I had the opportunity to join my colleagues from the House Agriculture and Gaming Oversight Committees to tour Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania Casino in Wilkes-Barre to learn more about our state's horse racing industry.

 

The industry is facing impacts from other developing forms of gaming, which can also impact our agriculture industry. It was very insightful to learn more about the industry, and I am thankful to Agriculture Chairman Pashinski for the opportunity to join him in his district!

 

 

Important Election Deadlines

The deadline to register to vote is approaching! To vote in the Primary Election on May 19, you must be registered by May 4. You can register to vote here.

 

The final day to request a mail-in ballot is May 12, which can be done here.

 

 

New Grants Now Available

New grants focusing on community and economic development, transportation safety, and fresh food are now available! You can learn more here.

 

 

Apply now for 2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program

Applications for Property Tax/Rent Rebates are available! This program gives money back to PA renters and homeowners for the taxes they paid in 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.

 

 

You May Have Unclaimed Property - We Can Help!

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.

 

 

Community Events

 

Local Food Resources

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.

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.

 

 

The Art of Dance

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.

 

 

Mobile Mammogram Screenings Available

Routine mammograms are important to find the first signs of breast cancer. Tower Health has started its Mobile Mammography stops for 2026, with stops across our community. You can find locations and days here.

 

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

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

 

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

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