Nikki's News-May 13

Rep. Nikki Rivera May 13, 2025 | 9:38 AM

Dear Neighbor,

Get Ready to Vote!

The 2025 MUNICIPAL PRIMARY is next Tuesday, May 20, and this Tuesday, May 13 is the last day to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot.

If you need to update your voter registration, apply for a mail-in ballot or see where you vote, you can visit here.

NOTE: If you plan to vote using a mail-in or absentee ballot, your completed application must be received by your county election office by 5 p.m. this Tuesday. The deadline to return your completed mail-in or absentee ballot is 8 p.m. on May 20.

May 20 - Election Day. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. vote.pa.gov/polls.
May 20 - Completed mail ballots must be received by 8 p.m. vote.pa.gov/returnballot.

For more information on voting in Pennsylvania, call the Department of State’s year-round voter hotline at 1-877-VOTESPA or visit vote.pa.gov.

In the Capitol

My bill to promote recovery-oriented language passes the House

Words matter. I'm working with Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs to replace outdated and stigmatizing terms with more meaningful, understanding, recovery-oriented and person-first words to promote dignity for those seeking help and greater access to care. My bill passed the House 201-1 and now goes to the Senate for consideration.

Click on the image below to see my remarks before the House vote.

Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit

Last week, my House Democratic colleagues and I began to help cut costs for working Pennsylvanians by passing the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit (HB 820), a 30% refundable state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit would help nearly a million people who already claim the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit and give them up to $2,300 back. It’s a big win that gets even bigger for working people facing tariffs, corporate price gouging and supply chain disruptions.

May 7 was Philadelphia Eagles Day, according to the House Resolution we passed. Fly Eagles Fly!

What a pleasure to meet actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, who is currently known for her role in Abbott Elementary and is married to Pa. state Sen. Vincent Hughes. Her advocacy for literacy inspires!

Government Programs

PTRR Deadline Extended to Dec. 31

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program has made it easier for older friends & neighbors here in Lancaster County to stay in their homes and afford groceries, medicine, and so much more.

This program supports eligible homeowners and renters across Pennsylvania with a rebate ranging from $380 to $1,000.

The deadline to apply for your Property Tax/Rent Rebate has been extended to December 31, but don’t wait!

Apply here: https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/revenue/incentives-credits-and-programs/ptrr.html

If you’ve already applied, you can track the status of your property tax or rent rebate here: myPATH - Property Tax/Rent Rebate Status

You can also track the status of your PA income tax refund here: myPATH - Personal Income Tax Refund Status

Government Grant Programs Accepting Applications

Please click here for the latest government programs accepting applications.

In the District

Some of my kids’ favorite people at school are the cafeteria and food service staff!

It was an honor to be invited to speak at this year’s School Nutrition Association of PA’s Spring Banquet about the needs facing food services in our school districts. Local farm-to-table products from Kauffman Orchards, Harvest Lane, and more give our kids a great sense of local crops and fresh produce. Many thanks to Kelly Price of Manheim Township and Michelle Dombach of Warwick for inviting me.

Outdoor Fun at Our State Parks and Forests

From hiking to biking, fishing to hunting, hang gliding to snowmobiling, Pennsylvania has a wide diversity of recreational opportunities in our state parks and forests during all seasons.

Learn more: What to Do | Department of Conservation and Natural Resources| Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Upcoming Events

14th Annual Back to School Event

The 14^th Annual Back to School Event is BACK & Pre-registration is LIVE through August 4! This event serves students grades K-8 from schools within the 96^th and 49^th Legislative Districts within the School District of Lancaster, Manheim Township School District, Hempfield School District and Penn Manor School District. Students will receive FREE clothing, shoes, backpacks, school supplies, reading books, haircuts and MORE! My staff will also be available onsite to answer questions about state-related matters. You can register at https://www.pahouse.net/Rivera/backtoschoolregistration

If you are interested in volunteering this year, visit the following link and sign up for volunteer opportunities: 14th Annual Back to School Event: Volunteer Sign Up

Public Safety Fair

Our office is hosting a Public Safety Fair on Saturday, June 7 at Manheim Township Fire Rescue – 1399 Fruitville Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601 from noon to 3 p.m. Safety information related to traffic, fires, bikes, mental health, fall preventions and emergency preparedness will be available along with FREE safety items while supplies last!

Participating groups include Manheim Township Fire Rescue, Penn Medicine LGH, PA Fish & Boat Commission (with animal demonstrations), Mental Health America and others. Register for this event via RepRivera@pahouse.net (include name and home address) or call 717-295-3157.

Lancaster Hispanic Summit on Alzheimer's & Dementia

We are partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter to host The Lancaster Hispanic Summit on Alzheimer’s & Dementia on Tuesday, June 10 at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology Multipurpose Activity Center (MAC) at 750 E. King St., Lancaster, PA 17602 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. This is a community conversation about health disparities in the Hispanic community, Alzheimer’s prevention and the importance of early detection and diagnosis. Complimentary lunch will be provided and registration is required https://action.alz.org/mtg/702871627.

Local Senior Resource

Senior Citizens Free Ride Program - Red Rose Transit Authority

If you are age 65 or older, you can ride free through the Senior Free Ride Program, which is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Lottery. Eligible seniors may ride the bus for FREE any time, on any route.