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.

The 2026 Primary Election is this Tuesday, May 19!

Polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m., but if you’re in line by 8 p.m., you will still be permitted to cast your vote.

Completed mail-in and civilian absentee ballots must be received by your county election office no later than 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19.

If you plan to vote in person, you can find your polling location here.

My office will be closed on Tuesday, May 19 in observance of the Primary Election. We will reopen on Wednesday, May 20 at 9 a.m.

Ensure your voice is heard by voting in this year’s primary!

Are you a first-time filer of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program? Maybe you aren’t but it’s been a bit since you applied? Regardless, this tipsheet from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue is an extremely helpful resource. Remember that you are always welcome to contact my office as we can help you complete your application.

Veteran Service Officer (VSO) Eric Medei will be in my Whitehall office this coming Monday, May 18.

READY Communities Funding Collaborative is Accepting Applications.

A first-of-its-kind public-philanthropic pilot program is offering grants of $10,000, $25,000, or $50,000 to support innovative projects that strengthen communities for older adults, people living with dementia, and caregivers.

All projects must align with Pennsylvania’s Multisector Plan on Aging, Aging Our Way, PA.

Eligible applicants include nonprofits, local and county governments, and coalitions with a fiscal sponsor.

Learn more and apply: www.giaging.org/ready-communities

Explore Aging Our Way, PA: pa.gov/AgingOurWay

Would you like to give some input on the transportation priorities that you feel planning officials should consider as part of their decision-making process? The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission is looking for individuals who want to share their opinions on traffic congestion, mass transit, light rail, highway maintenance, and bike trails - just to name a few issues.

You can complete the questionnaire online.

The Lehigh County Office of the Public Defender is hosting their Community Outreach Day on Saturday, May 30, 2026 from 9 a.m. to noon. The flyer above may include some useful information if you are interested in attending this event.

I support the Coalition of Graduate Employees of Penn State’s efforts to unionize. Over 90% of the graduate assistants voted to form the CGEs Penn State-UAW. Now the university needs to respect the graduate assistants’ decision and drop any further legal challenges to the inclusion of students in the bargaining unit.

I have received a number of complaints from individuals who live in the area of Spray-Tek located on Avenue B in Bethlehem regarding odors coming from the business.

After a series of discussions and meetings with representatives from DEP, I sent a letter to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s regional director asking for answers to the questions that residents had brought to me. I want to thank DEP’s Northeast Regional Office Director, Joe Buczynski, for his response.

Specifically:

Are there any known health risks from the odors being emitted by Spray-Tek?

What is the best way for the people in the community to notify the DEP when the plant is emitting odors?

What actions may be taken against a company that continues to wrack-up malodor complaints?

Please see the answers to these questions in the DEP’s letter to me.

If you are a resident and you contact the DEP regarding a malodor complaint related to Spray-Tek, please let me know.

Additionally, if you are a constituent and you are facing a similar problem, please reach out to my office.

I had the chance to meet some amazing students from Whitehall-Coplay Middle School in Harrisburg last week. They and their advisors were visiting to promote smoking cessation and to advocate for Lung Health for All.

They were very good advocates for their cause and they made my day!

A few days later, I had a great meeting with some groups of students who came to Harrisburg for PA Schools Week, along with other advocates. These students are among the generation of our future leaders, and we must ensure that we do everything we can to fund their schools to help set them up for success.

My office can help with a plethora of different services including unemployment or the PUA system, FREE notary service (excluding title transfers), and more. Refer to the graphic above and if you find any services on the list that would be helpful to you, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office.

District Office

1080 Schadt Avenue
Whitehall, PA 18052

(610) 266-1273

Pennsylvania State Capitol
38A East Wing Main Capitol

PO Box 202133

Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 772-9902