Here's how I'm WORKING FOR YOU - the latest from your State Representative!

Rep. Steve Samuelson July 22, 2025

PA Representative Steve Samuelson banner image

I'm excited to be reaching you through this eNewsletter -- the first of what I plan to be a bi-weekly communication tool from me to those of you who have signed up for electronic updates. Here you'll learn about how my office and I can help with the latest programs and services available to you. I'll also highlight some of the latest events and state initiatives happening both here at home and in the state Capitol.

Please know my office is always available to help with questions or problems with state government, including PennDOT, the departments of Human Services and Revenue, Unemployment Compensation, consumer issues and requests for literature.

I hope you find this email useful -- share it with your friends and neighbors and encourage them to sign up for updates!

First and Foremost: What's Happening with the Budget?

We in the state House of Representatives passed a comprehensive budget bill last week and are urging the Senate to return to Harrisburg to do the same. In the meantime, budget negotiations are continuing between the House, Senate and the Governor regarding a final budget agreement for the 2025-26 fiscal year. I am working with my House colleagues to ensure our schools are adequately funded, that public transit needs are addressed, that environmental protections remain strong, and our taxpayers have the health care they need.

Out and About in the District: Advocating for public transportation, Celebrating Morningstar Living anniversary

With fellow Bethlehem state Rep. Jeanne McNeill at the Transit for All news conference.

On July 10 I joined with the Coalition for Appropriate Transportation (CAT) and local elected officials from across the Lehigh Valley to advocate for Transit for All here and throughout our Commonwealth.

Transit is essential for people getting to work, people getting to school, for commerce, for people getting to their jobs, going shopping. Transit really is a link that binds our communities.

In the House, we have passed a bipartisan plan to invest $292 million per year for public transit, but the Senate has not taken up the legislation. Without additional transit funding, LANTA will be forced to make severe cuts to services and increase fares, which will not only adversely affect commuters who access transit but also the entire economy of our region.

I’m flanked by Mollie Santee, executive director of the Morningstar Senior Living Foundation, and Susan Capobianco, Morningstar Living executive director.

I was pleased to recognize five years of Morningstar Living's Memory Cafe this month. Begun during the pandemic, a group of individuals with memory issues meet every other Thursday at Advent Moravian Church. Now between 40 and 50 people regularly get together in a stigma-free (and cost free!) environment to bond and enjoy time together. The cafe also offers programming, entertainment and resources.

Rebate deadline extended until end of year

Call us for updates

My office is always busy processing Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program applications for our constituents! Ours is one of the busiest offices in the commonwealth, and we are fast approaching having completed 1,000 rebates in our office already this year. The deadline for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program has been extended until Dec. 31, and my staff is ready and able to assist you with filling out the necessary forms and scanning and attaching the required documentation. When calculating your annual income, know that only half of your Social Security income counts; we also can help you confirm eligibility when you call the office.

Additionally, if you've filed your rebate but haven't yet received your check or direct deposit, my office can follow up with our Revenue Department to address any issues that may be holding up your payment. We can also follow up for you if you've received a letter from Revenue asking for additional documentation to process your rebate. Just let us know!

Birth Certificates/REAL ID applications

My office continues to process requests for PA Birth Certificates. Whether one is needed for travel, employment, or other reasons, the requirement to include them for REAL ID applications have affected turnaround times, which now sit at about 5 weeks for processing.

You can apply for a birth certificate online, but there is an additional $10 charge. Beware: There are many sites that are NOT affiliated with the official Department of Health application and there is potential to be scammed for additional charges without ever receiving the birth certificate you thought you signed up and paid to get.

Call my office to make an appointment - the application for a birth certificate is just one page and the cost to apply is $20 which can be paid by check or money order.