Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility RSVP to My Small Business Grant Workshop, Sept. 11

RSVP to My Small Business Grant Workshop, Sept. 11

PA Representative Nikki Rivera banner image

Dear Neighbor,

Upcoming Office Closures

My office will be closed on these days:

  • Friday, August 29th: Closed 12 p.m.-4:30 p.m. for Labor Day
  • Monday, September 1st: Closed All Day for Labor Day
  • Wednesday, September 3rd: Closed 9 a.m.-12 p.m. for office training
 

Upcoming Events

Calling all small business owners & entrepreneurs!

Whether you’re just starting out or already running your business, this is YOUR chance to connect with powerful local & state resources that can help you grow!

Join Rep. Izzy and me for our Small Business Grant Workshop on Thursday, September 11th, from 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM at the Conference Center at IU13!

  • Learn about tools & programs designed to support your business
  • Network with fellow entrepreneurs
  • Enjoy complimentary breakfast & refreshments

Don’t wait—spots are limited! Secure your seat today by emailing RepRivera@pahouse.net or RepIzzy@pahouse.net.

Let’s build stronger businesses, together!

 

State budget, transit funding remain in the balance

Pennsylvania has yet to reach an agreement on this year’s state budget or on funding for mass transit across the state. These impasses have created uncertainty for families, schools, commuters, small business owners and community services that depend on timely state funding.

The budget is more than just numbers to agree on – it reflects our shared priorities. It determines how we fund public education, support health and human services, invest in infrastructure, protect our environment and grow our economy. When a budget is delayed, school districts, county governments and local organizations are forced to operate without the resources they need to provide critical services.

I am working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to find common ground and deliver a budget that is responsible, balanced and fair to all Pennsylvanians. While negotiations can be difficult, I remain committed to ensuring that the final budget strengthens our schools, supports working families and invests in the future of our communities.

I will continue to keep you informed as the process moves forward. In the meantime, please know that my office is here to help you with any state-related concerns or services you might need.

 

Be prepared for changes to SNAP

As a result of the Trump budget, beginning Sept. 1, more than 230,000 SNAP recipients in Pennsylvania will be newly subject to burdensome work requirements to maintain their benefits. Under these federal changes, SNAP recipients who do not comply will be limited to receiving three months of SNAP in a three-year period. Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services estimates that about 144,000 Pennsylvanians will lose their SNAP once work requirements go into effect. As your legislator, I will fight to minimize the impact of these changes and reverse course in Pennsylvania.

A webpage explaining the new requirements and how to keep your benefits is available here: Work Requirements Are Coming for Many People on SNAP. Take Action to Keep Your Benefits!

In the meantime, you can contact Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senator Dave McCormick and demand that the federal government reverse these harmful cuts.

 

State grant programs 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 a question or need a letter of support. Learn more here.

 

Community Spotlight

The USA gained a new citizen last week- my daughter! As a mom and a state representative, I am OVER THE MOON with joy for her! Many thanks to Rep Izzy for joining us to support his constituent during her naturalization ceremony.  Gov. Shapiro’s congratulatory note was a lovely and welcome surprise!

I was honored to visit the staff at STR Behavioral Health in Lancaster! Tiffany Rodick, the executive director, and her team specialize in adults experiencing substance/alcohol use disorder and/or mental health disorders. Their commitment to lasting recovery is exactly what struggling folks seek and need.

Thank you, STR, for the tour and for all you’re doing for Lancaster!

Mental Health America of Lancaster County is our one-stop shop in the Lancaster area. With programs like Compeer, Family and Child Advocacy, Prison Advocacy and Education, customized training for companies, schools, and organizations, and many more, MHA has our back here in Lancaster County.

I thoroughly enjoyed MHA’s visit to the Capitol and our conversations about impactful and relevant legislation. Brook, Kim, Christina, and Richard - thank you for all you do for our neighbors.

Many of our seniors want to be able to age comfortably at home and interact with their peers. Albright Life Center on W. Frederick St. in Lancaster makes that happen for our neighbors throughout the county. Their all-inclusive Medicare/Medicaid programming for people over 55 provides an interdisciplinary team (transportation, doctor’s office, physical therapy, social activities, meals, and many resources) that meets regularly to assess a participant’s ever-changing healthcare needs. Living independently is achievable thanks to organizations like Albright.

WHAT AN ASSET! Assets, an organization that provides guided mentorship and lends money to locals with entrepreneurial drive, employs superstars like Jaime Arroyo (CEO), Lisa Weaver-González (Director of Programs), and Lindsay High (Business Development Officer). Have a business idea? Reach out to Assets to see how they can help!

It’s BACK TO SCHOOL time! I got my back-to-school fix (my first year out of the classroom in 30 years!) by wishing East Pete Elementary students a great first day - so happy to have a Hempfield school in our district! The new principal, Mrs. Amanda Calhoun, and her amazing staff were revved to welcome students. It was a pleasure to join Superintendent Mike Bromirski, School Board President Mike Donato, and Hempfield Education Foundation Board Member Kevin Filgrove in the welcome-back greeting line.

Have a great year, East Pete Elementary!!!

Manheim Township School District’s 4th annual Read With The Blue Streaks Literacy Fest and Fall Kickoff brought together student performance groups, athletics, and clubs, along with our elementary and middle school level learners, to read together under the high school stadium lights and to explore the activities that our “big kids” participate in.

Many thanks to Lancaster Sunrise Rotary for sponsoring the event!

Wishing all our district’s students and staff a great start to the year!

Resources

Career Ready Lancaster! makes Work-Based Learning (WBL) come alive by connecting classrooms with careers. Through resources like apprenticeships, career pathways, business tours, and easy-to-use guides, they help students gain real-world skills, support educators in creating hands-on learning, and give local businesses direct access to the next generation of talent—building tomorrow’s workforce today. Work-Based Learning Resources - Career Ready Lancaster!

The Literacy & Learning Success Centers, a program of the Literacy Council of Lancaster-Lebanon, offer free adult education across Lancaster and Lebanon counties, including essential instruction in reading, writing, math, and critical digital literacy; English language learning; GED/HiSET high school equivalency exam prep; career awareness, exploration, and planning with advising support; customized workplace education in partnership with employers; and a specialized program to help internationally trained healthcare professionals reclaim their careers—all supported by trained volunteer tutors and ongoing professional development for volunteers. Home | The Literacy Council of Lancaster - Lebanon