Dear Neighbor,

It was great to welcome Governor Josh Shapiro to the CEO Weinberg Food Bank in Luzerne County yesterday.

With the federal government shutdown still ongoing, many families who rely on SNAP benefits are struggling, and we want to make sure their voices are heard. We discussed just how important SNAP is—not only for families, but also for our local farms, grocery stores, and the economy.

I also got to pitch in and help load supplies and meals alongside the incredible team at the Weinberg Food Bank, the Governor, and my colleagues in the legislature.

We’re all in this together—and you can count on me, the Shapiro Administration, and my fellow legislators to keep fighting for hardworking families, so that no one ever has to choose between putting food on the table and keeping a roof over their head.

I am proud to partner with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program to help bring joy to children and families in need this holiday season.

Now through Dec. 12, community members are invited to drop off new, unwrapped toys, books, or handmade items at any of Pashinski’s district offices during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

My offices are located at 152 S. Pennsylvania Ave. in Wilkes-Barre and the Tuft-Tex Complex, 1325 N. River St., Suite 106 in Plains Township.

The holidays are magical, and every child should get to experience that magic. Toys for Tots is a wonderful program that helps struggling families ensure their children can still wake up on Christmas morning full of excitement.

If you need more information, please contact my office at (570) 301-6158.

The state Treasurer’s Office recently announced a special November incentive for Pennsylvania families. Parents who claim their child’s $100 Keystone Scholars scholarship this month and open and link a PA 529 College and Career Savings account will receive an extra $50—bringing the total to $150 in education savings to start!

Every child born in Pennsylvania since 2019 is eligible for Keystone Scholars. These funds grow over time and can be used after the child’s 18th birthday for college, community college, technical training, apprenticeships, or credential programs.

Families are encouraged to keep saving with the tax-advantaged PA 529 program.

To learn more or claim a child’s scholarship, visit pa529.com/keystone or contact my district office for assistance.

There’s still time to apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate!

The deadline for applying is December 31, 2025.

You may be eligible for a Property Tax/Rent Rebate for claim year 2024 if you meet the requirements:

• You were 65 or older as of Dec. 31, 2024
• Widow or widower during all or part of 2024 and were 50 and older
• Permanently disabled and 18 or older during all of part of 2024
• Total eligible annual household income - $46,520 or less

*Note: when calculating total income, exclude one-half of your Social Security benefits.

Pennie, Pennsylvania’s official health insurance marketplace, is now open for open enrollment. You can visit https://pennie.com/ to enroll in health coverage, renew your plan, or compare options to find what best fits your needs.

Be sure to enroll by December 15 to ensure your coverage begins Jan. 1, 2026.

To commemorate America’s 250th anniversary and honor Pennsylvania’s strong commitment to education, America250PA 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 college or university in Pennsylvania for the 2026–27 academic year is eligible to apply. Twenty-five scholarships of $10,000 each will be awarded.

Applications are due January 31, 2026. More details, including matching opportunities from partner institutions, can be found here.

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