Fighting for Funding for Fire and Emergency Services

Rep. Nikki Rivera October 15, 2025 | 2:14 PM

Dear Neighbor,

Last week, I was in Harrisburg passing the third bipartisan budget since June and advocating for—and working to pass—legislation that will improve our lives in Pennsylvania. I want to keep you up to date with information that I hope you will find helpful:

Upcoming Events
Legislative Update: More Than 100 Days Without a Budget
Delivering for You in Harrisburg
State Grant Program Funding
Community Resources
Student Opportunities

Upcoming Events

Medicare Open Enrollment Events

Medicaid Town Hall October 28^th

My office and Rep. Izzy’s office will be co-hosting a Medicaid Town Hall on Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the J.P. McCaskey High School Cafeteria, 1051 Lehigh Ave, Lancaster, PA 17602.

Join us to learn about changes to benefit programs, share your concerns, and brainstorm community solutions! Please RSVP by signing up at tinyurl.com/49-96-TownHall, calling our office at 717-295-3157 or emailing us at RepRivera@pahouse.net.

Property Tax/ Rent Rebate Office Hours

at Lancaster Public Library Nov. 6^th

The Dec. 31 deadline to apply for the 2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is approaching quickly. My office and Rep. Izzy’s office are co-hosting an office hour to help individuals complete their applications on Thursday, Nov. 6, from 2:00–3:00 p.m. at the Lancaster Public Library, 151 North Queen Street, Lancaster, PA 17603.

If you are unsure of what documents may be needed or have questions about the PTRR application, please feel free to contact our office at: reprivera@pahouse.net or (717) 295-3157.

Veterans Day Breakfast

My and Senator Malone’s offices are hosting a Veterans Day Breakfast on Monday, November 10^th from 8 a.m.- 10 a.m. at Calvary Homes by TANDEM LIVING. We invite all veterans and active-duty military for this gathering in honor of their service.

Attendees must pre-register at RepRivera@pahouse.net, 717-295-3157 or here The Veterans Breakfast RSVP as space is LIMITED.

In the District

Our $cam Jam last week was a huge success! Attendees learned how to spot scams and protect themselves from fraud. A big thank you to the PA Department of Banking and Securities for a wonderful, interactive presentation, and to Calvary Homes by Tandem Living for hosting!

Many thanks to International Paper, which has a plant in Manheim Township, for inviting me to join their table at the annual PA Chamber dinner. Guest speakers General David Petraeus, who provided an extensive and fascinating assessment of current national and global events, and the legendary Shaquille O’Neal, whose most important legacy is being remembered as a genuinely nice person, were truly riveting. Leadership styles vary, but respect and empowerment resonate with both gentlemen. It was a pleasure to get to know them better.

And renowned painter Cody Sabol did a fast finger painting of Shaq for the duration of about 2 songs! INCREDIBLE !

If I weren’t already scheduled for my annual mammogram next week, I would have signed up to get it here! Dr. Roberts and Kim shared a wealth of information about how the WellSpan Health mammogram mobile has raised awareness of how breast cancer affects EVERYONE—women and men alike. Be vigilant about your health!

In the Capitol

My colleagues and I joined the PA Breast Cancer Coalition for the “Turn the Fountain Pink” Kickoff at the Capitol!

Speaker McClinton highlighted the many ways our state government is supporting preventative screenings and treatments for women and men—because breast cancer affects everyone in our Commonwealth.

Cheers to my mom, a breast cancer survivor for the past 22 years!

It’s organizations like PosiTiff, founded by the remarkable Tiffiney L. Hall, that help survivors of domestic violence escape abusive situations and begin transforming their pain into power.

Wishing you and yours an informative Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The PA House Latino Caucus welcomed local elected Latino officials to the Capitol to discuss top legislative priorities affecting our Latino communities. It’s always a pleasure to connect with those whose passion is serving all Pennsylvanians.

Legislative Update

Fighting for Funding for Fire and Emergency Services

My bill to allow first-class townships to increase funding to support financially struggling local fire and emergency services was reported out of committee last week and will now head to the full House for consideration. This legislation would help modernize funding for our first responders and positively impact their ability to deliver life-saving services when every second counts.

Rivera bill allowing first-class townships to increase funding for fire and EMS reported out of committee

More than 100 Days without a Budget

After 100 days of Senate Republicans putting politics ahead of people and refusing to negotiate in good faith on a state budget, House Democrats have had enough.

To demonstrate our true commitment to Pennsylvanians, I was proud last Wednesday to once again cast my vote for a state budget that clearly reflects an ability to govern through thoughtful compromise.

The first bipartisan budget plan the House sent to the Senate (H.B. 1330) on July 14 was met with silence. Last Wednesday, we in the House again raised our voices and votes, demanding that Senate leaders take this seriously.

And it is serious. Schools, counties, and organizations—like rape crisis centers and Head Start programs—are all feeling the effects of Senate inaction and have been forced to cut services or take out loans to cover expenses normally funded by the state.

What the Senate is doing isn’t governing—it’s weakness.

Please join me in calling on Senate Republican leaders to end their political games and pass the House state budget, which funds schools and services, does not increase taxes, and is rooted in thoughtful compromise and a commitment to govern.

Delivering for You in Harrisburg

Last week, my House colleagues and I passed important bills that will help our neighbors and strengthen our communities:

We protected workers by allowing them to collect unemployment compensation benefits if their unemployment results from a work stoppage due to a labor dispute (HB 145).
We’re supporting safe school infrastructure by creating a school facilities inventory within the Pennsylvania Department of Education (HB 1701).
We’re modernizing state liquor laws and supporting businesses by allowing licensed establishments to offer premixed cocktails on tap, just like beer (HB 1702).

State Grant Program Funding Available

The latest grant opportunities from the state have been released! My office is happy to connect you with government funding opportunities like these, so please reach out if you have any questions or need a letter of support.

Community Resources

Coats for Kids

The Salvation Army will be hosting its "Coats for Kids" program in partnership with WGAL. Please visit their Facebook page or scan the QR code on the flyer for registration and more information.

The Salvation Army will begin accepting in-person and online applications for their Christmas Assistance program starting in November. If you have any questions about this program, please contact the Salvation Army directly at (717) 397-7565.

Registration for Toys for Tots is NOW OPEN!

Families who need a little extra help this holiday season can sign up today to receive toys for their children. Register early to secure your spot!

Please make sure you read the updated information about applying before you register.
Click here to register: https://lancaster-pa.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/local-toy-request-single-form.aspx or contact our office to sign up.

Help us spread the word by sharing this post so that every child has the chance to experience the joy of Christmas morning.

Our office is one of many Toys for Tots drop-off locations throughout Lancaster County. Toys can be dropped off at our office Monday–Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you’re looking for a location closer to you, please visit the following website Home - Toys for Tots for other locations.

Student Opportunities!

America250PA Semiquincentennial Scholarship Program

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.

National Civics Bee Applications Available!

The Lancaster Chamber of Commerce is proud to once again serve as a regional host for the National Civics Bee®, an initiative that encourages middle school students to explore the importance of civic engagement and deepen their understanding of how our government works. This competition offers a unique opportunity for students to become more active, informed members of their communities and potentially earn recognition and cash prizes, including $100,000 in a 529 education savings account—along the way.

The National Civics Bee® is open to all 6th-, 7th-, and 8th-grade students across Pennsylvania. To enter, students must submit a short essay responding to a civics-related prompt. The application portal is now open, and the deadline to submit is February 3, 2026. Participation is free.

Finalists from the Lancaster regional competition will advance to the 2026 Pennsylvania State Finals, with the opportunity to compete nationally in Washington, D.C.

Students ready to participate can submit their application here!

Interested in volunteering as an essay judge, supporting a student project, or giving as a corporate sponsor? Contact Kat DeSantis at kdesantis@lancasterchamber.com!