Disability and Mental Health Resource Fair cancelled, and more

Rep. Jeanne McNeill October 3, 2025 | 4:27 PM

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For Spanish readers, a full language version of this email may be found by clicking here.

Para los lectores en español, para una versión completa de este correo electrónico, haga clic aquí.

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this email finds you well.

I want to share with you some valuable information on state programs and services and exciting updates from around the district. My staff and I are available to assist you with your concerns and access to state-related programs and services at my Whitehall office, located at 1080 Schadt Ave., so please stop by or call 610-266-1273.

You can also send me an email by clicking here.

And thank you for allowing me into your inbox to keep you informed of what’s happening in Harrisburg and our legislative district.

Disability and Mental Health Resource Fair cancelled

My upcoming annual Disability and Mental Health Resource Fair, scheduled for October 31, has been cancelled. It will be rescheduled, and information will be provided as soon as the new date is available.

Upcoming hazardous waste recycling event

Lehigh County will hold a household hazardous waste recycling event on November 1. Open to county residents only. Limits apply on waste types and amounts, and registration is required. For details and to sign up, visit this website.

Higher prices, other changes coming to Pennie

If you receive health insurance through Pennie, the state’s health insurance marketplace, I want you to be aware of the serious impact that a new federal law may have on your coverage. Unless Congress acts soon, this law could raise the cost of your insurance and require you to take extra steps to stay covered.

All Pennie enrollees must update their information and shop for plans during the 2026 Open Enrollment Period, which begins on November 1. Be sure to read all communications from Pennie and your insurance company.

You can learn more about the upcoming price increases here. The PA Insurance Department will also host free sessions to help you prepare. Learn more about the sessions here.

2026-27 FAFSA form now available

The 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is now online and available to everyone. Click here to start the form now.

Free helpline for grandparents raising grandchildren

With approximately 83,000 grandparents caring for grandchildren in Pennsylvania, the state now offers a free, statewide helpline for grandparents to connect with services and obtain legal advice. The PA Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Legal Line can be reached at 1-877-727-7529. It provides assistance with legal proceedings and information about caregiver support groups.

For more information, visit the Department of Aging website.

College scholarship opportunities for PA students

To honor Pennsylvania’s long-standing commitment to education, the state commission planning America’s 250th anniversary celebration will award $250,000 in scholarships to deserving Pennsylvania students attending in-state colleges next school year. Any Pennsylvania high school senior planning to attend a Pennsylvania college for the 2026–27 academic year may apply. Twenty-five scholarships, each worth $10,000, will be awarded by the America250PA Commission.

Applications are due January 31, 2026. More details can be found here.

Beware of this text scam

Scammers are sending fake texts pretending to be from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, trying to steal your personal and financial information by promising a refund. Don’t reply or click on any links.

The Department of Revenue does NOT send unsolicited text messages asking for your banking info or Social Security number. To safely check your refund status, visit myPATH or call 1-888-PATAXES. If you have questions or want to report a scam, contact the Department of Revenue at 717-425-2495, Ext. 72267.

Upcoming recycling can swap

Coplay Borough will hold a recycling can swap on Wednesday, Oct. 8 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the garage behind the Municipal Building.

Bring your old rectangular bin and trade it in for a new 25-gallon round bin with a lid. These cans are being provided through the 902 grant received by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the borough’s mandated recycling program.

High schoolers: Tap your creativity for youth suicide prevention

The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, in partnership with Prevent Suicide PA, is hosting a contest for high school students to create public service announcements raising awareness about suicide prevention. Groups can submit either an 18" x 24" poster or a 30–60 second video. Winning groups will receive $500, with an additional $500 awarded to their school to support student wellness and mental health initiatives. Visit this page to learn more.

Catasauqua marching band placed first

Congratulations to the Catasauqua Marching Band for placing first in their division at the Cavalcade of Bands Competition hosted at Boyertown High School! The band also received awards for High Percussion, Music, and General Effect. Way to go, everyone—keep making the music!

Visiting the south side of Bethlehem

Always happy to visit the South Side of Bethlehem, where I grew up. My grandfather, cousin, and uncle worked at the steel mills, and my dad’s childhood home was literally across the street.