Dear Neighbor,

I want to be sure you are aware of important information from the PA Department of Human Services related to changes to SNAP and Medicaid:

In July 2025, Republicans in Congress passed a bill that will change programs run by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS). President Trump signed that bill into law. The law makes changes to Medicaid (Medical Assistance) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Medicaid has not changed at this time but changes for SNAP started on September 1.

To help those who may be impacted, the Shapiro Administration launched dhs.pa.gov/work, a new website for Pennsylvanians navigating changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work and reporting requirements.

This means that certain SNAP recipients must now report work, education, training, or volunteer hours to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) to maintain benefits. These requirements will continue to expand throughout Fall 2025 – click here for more information about this timeline.

The website provides details on who is affected, how to meet the work and reporting requirements, and which SNAP recipients may qualify for an exemption and how to obtain one. Click here to learn more.

Last Friday, I had the great pleasure of attending the End of Summer Party at the Charles T. Adams Active Adult Center in Wilkes-Barre! The event was full of fun and laughter, and, as you can see below, I even provided a bit of musical entertainment for the attendees.

In addition to celebrating the end of summer, we also celebrated the 90th birthday of constituent Elizabeth G. Tkach, lovingly known as “Betty.” I had the privilege of presenting Betty with a citation from the Pennsylvania House recognizing her many contributions to our community. She has been a pillar of strength, kindness, and unwavering service—both to her family and to our neighbors.

Betty is the proud and devoted mother of four children, a loving grandmother to three grandchildren, and a cherished great-grandmother to two great-grandchildren. She is also an active and beloved member of the Charles T. Adams Senior Center, where she has become affectionately known as the "Head Bingo Caller,” in addition to volunteering monthly at the food pantry at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Plains.

Thank you again for your lifelong commitment to our region, and happy birthday, Betty!

And thank you to the Charles T. Adams Active Adult Center for inviting me to your wonderful celebration!

The Mentor-Protégé Program, launched by the Department of General Services in May 2024, pairs experienced contractors with small, diverse, and veteran-owned businesses to help them grow, compete, and win state contracts.  

Companies that participate in the year-long program become part of a “cohort.” The second cohort began this week and is comprised of vendors approved under PA’s Consulting Services Invitation to Qualify contract.  

Additional cohorts will be added to the MPP soon. Interested firms can learn more and apply online. If your company is not a current ITQ vendor with PA, you should begin the ITQ prequalification process to become eligible. For questions, please contact Charlie White, MPP Manager. 

To be eligible for the MPP: 

• Mentors must be active PA prime contractors in good standing with at least one contract award of $300,000 or more in the past three years. 
• Protégés must be verified as a Small Diverse Business (SDB) or Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE) by DGS and listed on Consulting Services ITQ.

Expanding the MPP is part of the Shapiro-Davis Administration’s broader effort to open doors for businesses of all sizes and backgrounds. Earlier this summer, DGS also launched new Micro and Midsize Business Programs. 

Applications are now open for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Legislative Fellowship Program for the Spring 2026 semester, running from January through early April. This program offers students the opportunity to gain work experience, education, and insight into the people, issues, and politics that shape the legislative process.

Fellows work out of the Capitol Building in Harrisburg and are assigned to House standing committees or leadership offices. They receive compensation (which may also include college credit), draft and present their own legislation, attend meet-and-greets with public officials, and tour some of the Commonwealth’s historic public spaces.

Applications are due Wednesday, October 1.

 Click here for more information and to apply.

Suicide is a national public health crisis that causes immeasurable pain for individuals, families, and communities across our Commonwealth. Pennsylvania is committed to providing resources and promoting safe, supportive environments where families, friends, neighbors, and communities know they can turn for help if they are in crisis.

Every September, we stand together to raise awareness about the critical issue of suicide prevention. Every life lost is a tragedy, and it is essential to remind those in need that help is available. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Trained counselors are available 24/7 to provide support and assistance.

Pennsylvania has twelve 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Call Centers that respond to mental and behavioral health crises. The Department of Human Services continues to work on developing a statewide continuum of care for crisis response so that all mental and behavioral health needs can be met.

By reducing the stigma around discussing suicide and increasing awareness of available resources for those experiencing suicidal thoughts, we can foster a Pennsylvania that promotes and protects the health and well-being of all members of our communities.

The latest grant opportunities from the state have been released and can be viewed here! My office is happy to connect you with government funding opportunities like these, so please reach out if you have a question or would like to request a letter of support.

Let us continue to work together to build a stronger and safer America by searching for the TRUTH and finding the FACTS to guide our words, and our actions. Please, STAY STRONG and SAFE! Our democracy needs us to come together for the good of all.

Sincerely,

Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski

121st Legislative District