REAL ID Goes into Effect Wednesday--Are You Ready?

Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El May 2, 2025 | 2:44 PM

Dear Neighbor,

As we prepare to pass another budget — a moral statement of our commonwealth’s priorities — I want to make a case for how important it is for the health and wellbeing of Pennsylvania communities that we continue to fund state investments in Black and brown small businesses.

These state investments have fostered entrepreneurship, created jobs, stimulated economic growth, promoted economic equity and fostered a sense of hope in a brighter future in underfunded communities.

I want to thank Assets CEO Jaime Arroyo and DCED Deputy Secretary for Business Financing Mandy Book for their partnership in securing these funds for our small businesses.

We recognized the following recipients of HDBA grants:

Denise Evans, Village of Love Learning Academy
Jarrod Betts, Mr. Vic's Family Styling
Ole Hongvanthong, Mezcla Ice Cream
Oliver Saye, Homage
Victor Colon, Chevere Cafe
James Baker
Jose Rivera, Torres Family Bakery
Melissa Hernandez, El Jibarito
Michael Wherley, Keystone Claws
Jordan and Shelby Wormley, We & Company
Marcus Richardson, Rich Stitch
Pricilla Torres, Braids by Scilla
Roytel Encarnacion-Guzman, Mateo Grocery Fish Market

We need to keep supporting our minority small businesses so they can achieve economic parity and help Pennsylvania flourish.

Pictured here with ASSET CEO Jaime Arroyo, Deputy Secretary Mandy Book and Bryan, both from DCED.

Public Funds for Public Schools!

Public funds are for public schools - it’s that simple! We should not be giving our tax dollars to unaccountable private businesses, but to schools accountable to our community.

We gathered with about a hundred school board members, school administrators, @psea_org union teachers, neighbors, and friends on Sunday to get after the billions of dollars public schools and their students are owed!

Thank you to our neighbors for telling their stories and to @powerinterfaith for hosting - it was a powerful afternoon, where we moved beyond rallying to strategizing, knowing that the power is in *our* communities.

Public education is how we safeguard the American experiment; the billionaires who want to tear it down are choosing money over the values that have held our country together, even in the darkest of times.

This is how we preserve our democracy - let’s get it done!

Are you ready for REAL ID?

Beginning Wednesday, May 7, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license/photo ID card or another form of federal identification, such as a valid passport or military ID, to board a domestic commercial flight or enter a federal building or military installation that requires ID.

PennDOT will be holding several REAL ID Days in the area to help neighbors apply. Please click here to learn more about the dates and locations for these events. The locations with a star next to them can process and issue REAL IDs all in one visit.

If you don’t have a REAL ID and aren’t planning to fly or visit a federal facility immediately after May 7, don’t worry! You will always be able to apply for a REAL ID, even after enforcement begins.

If you have any questions about REAL ID or need assistance with any state-related matter, please contact my office.

PTRR Deadline June 30

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program has made it easier for older friends and neighbors to stay in their homes while affording groceries, medicine, and so much more. Also, don’t forget that thanks to changes made in 2023, income eligibility and rebate amounts have increased significantly!

Please click here to apply by Monday, June 30. My staff and I are here to assist with applications as well, so stop by the district office.