Downtown Improvements; Upcoming Office Closures

Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El August 1, 2025 | 4:13 PM

Dear Neighbor,

Government Grant Programs Accepting Applications

Click here for more information.

Upcoming Office Closures

Please note the following office closures and plan accordingly if you need our services. These dates represent times that office staff will be in training or are preparing the materials for 3,000+ families to participate in the 14^th Annual Back to School Event. We appreciate your understanding!

Friday 8/8, closed from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Monday 8/11, closed from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

PA winemakers explore how to grow local industry

This week, I attended a roundtable co-hosted by the House Majority Policy Committee and Central PA House Delegation about the Pennsylvania winemaking industry.

Regulation, climate change and unfair out-of-state competition were some of the topics discussed with growers and producers.

Lancaster County has a strong tradition of family-owned businesses. Winemakers have a reasonable concern that Pennsylvania is doing its utmost to support winemaking and Pennsylvania agriculture. It will need to be a group effort if we hope to continue to grow the industry.

Learn more: PA winemakers explore how to grow local industry

The District Office Team in the Field: Downtown Improvements

On Tuesday, our office participated in a walking tour co-hosted by the House Majority Policy Committee and Central PA House Delegation about spurring investments and improvements in downtown areas.

City Revitalization and Improvement Zones (CRIZ) designations, public-private partnerships, food security, and the role of university students in local economies are all factors in Reading's efforts to revitalize Penn Street and beyond. State investments pave the way for the city to bring in new businesses, restore and renovate historic spaces for modern purposes, and create opportunities for college student-residents to engage with and contribute to the community.

Learn more: State investments transforming PA cities, hometowns

Budget Update

While budget talks continue, we do not yet have a deal with the State Senate about this year’s state budget. Last week, the State Senate gutted the budget bill we sent them two weeks ago in their Appropriations Committee and zeroed out almost every line item. Instead of sending back a counteroffer, they left the Capitol right after that and are not currently scheduled to be back in session until September, although Senate Leadership could call them back sooner.

My colleagues and I in the House are ready to pass a compromise budget, but we need the State Senate to participate in negotiations in order to get there. I’ll continue to keep you posted in this weekly e-newsletter.

This story from City and State gives a succinct summary of where things stand right now: What we now know – and don’t know – about the Pennsylvania budget - City & State Pennsylvania

Protecting Your Wallet, Cutting Your Costs

While the federal government continues to make life harder for Pennsylvanians, I’m proud to let you know about bills I delivered to make life easier for you and your family.

You shouldn’t have to struggle to buy a home, so I made sure you can lower your interest rates and avoid scams when you sign real estate agreements to get your piece of the American Dream here in Lancaster County. I also protected seniors by requiring face-to-face counseling with an approved financial counselor before signing a reverse mortgage.

The cost of living is already high enough and I’m protecting YOUR wallet from sneaky fees and subscriptions that start to add up.

I voted to ban junk fees on concert tickets so that you only pay the price you see, ban “speculative ticketing” - a practice that allows unofficial ticket sellers to list tickets for sale that they don’t even have - and cap ticket resales at no more than 5% of the original ticket price.

I also voted to make it easier for you to cancel subscriptions and memberships as well as clearly opting IN to a service rather than having to opt OUT – these quiet automatic renewals and subscription services can add up and cause additional strain on bank accounts and credit cards.

I also voted to tell banks those outrageous overdraft fees must end -- capping your overdraft fees at $15 or the actual cost of processing your transaction – whichever is lower.

And lastly – you shouldn’t go broke just because you get sick or injured. I voted to make sure YOU are informed about financial assistance available to avoid massive amounts of medical debt.

All of these bills are in the State Senate awaiting action – please, contact YOUR senator and ask them to stand up for Lancaster County’s working families.

Want to know more? Visit www.pahouse.com/deliveringforpa

Make Your Voice Heard

The last day to register to vote in the municipal election is October 20!

Voting takes place on November 4. If you need to update your voter registration, apply for a mail in-ballot or see where you vote, you can visit here.

The last day to register to vote in the municipal election is October 20!

Voting takes place on November 4. If you need to update your voter registration, apply for a mail in-ballot or see where you vote, you can visit here.

Mark Your Calendar!

Back to School Event

The 14^th Annual Back to School Event is BACK & Pre-registration is LIVE through Aug. 4! This event serves students in grades K-8 from schools within the 96^th and 49^th legislative districts -- 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 to answer questions about state-related matters. You can register at state Rep. Nikki Rivera | Back to School.

If you are interested in volunteering at the event, visit the following link to sign up: 14th Annual Back to School Event: Volunteer Sign Up