The 23rd Annual Giveback Community Festival at Nicetown Park is happening today and Saturday. Yesterday I joined in the preparations for today and had the chance to discuss the importance of this community event with organizers, fellow elected officials and local media.

Stop at our 198th District resources table for information on a variety of state programs and the services my office provides. We'll also be participating in the Walk for Peace on Saturday. Hope to see you there!

Earlier this week, SEPTA set a deadline of Aug. 14 for the Pennsylvania Senate to act to avoid its planned 20% service cut due to lack of funding. As I’ve discussed with you before, these service cuts are the direct result of PA Senate Republican inaction on legislation I voted for in the House to fund transit systems across Pennsylvania.

To emphasize the urgency, our House Transportation Committee on Wednesday voted for the fifth time for legislation that would fund SEPTA and also included measures the Republican Senate said were pre-conditions for any state funding – like security, cleanliness and efforts to clamp down on fare evasion.

All of these things are supported by House Democrats. We have continually shown Senate Republicans that we are on that page.

The only issue remaining is whether the Senate Republicans who represent SEPTA will continue to allow their leaders to hold Pennsylvania’s economy hostage and leave millions of people stranded.

These GOP Senators who represent SEPTA have until Aug. 14 to act and they need to hear from you!

Sen. Joe Picozzi: 215-281-2539

Sen. Frank Farry: 215-638-1784

Sen. Tracy Pennycuick:215-541-2388

The House will be back in session Sunday and Monday to continue our work.

Kids and families from across our 198th District got back-to-school planning off to a great start at Sen. Art Haywood’s All Youth Are All Stars Celebration at the Lonnie Young Rec Center on Saturday. We had a resource table full of information to help families in our community.

The School District of Philadelphia’s Back-to-School Bus Tour stops in our area on Tuesday! Take advantage of free back-to-school supplies, sweet treats and important resources for you and the student in your life.

Come to Marcus Foster Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, Aug. 12 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. for a day of fun.

Our 198th District state resources table was hopping Monday evening at Olney’s National Night Out at the Aspira Bilingual Charter School. We’re frequently at events like this to bring state government closer to you…but always remember my office at 1335 W. Tabor Road is here for you.

I’m partnering with fellow state and local leaders to vibe and thrive with our senior neighbors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23 at Plymouth Hall. We’ll have free food, free health screenings, live music and dancing, information on state and local government services and much, much more. Save the date!

Is your organization or business looking for funding? You may find an opportunity using this resource page on my website. My website is updated as state-related grant programs open or come online, so check in often!

Did you know the state might be holding money that belongs to you?

Every year, the Pennsylvania Treasury helps people find and recover unclaimed property that is rightfully theirs. Currently, the Treasury has some $4 billion in unclaimed property it is seeking to return to Pennsylvanians.

Follow these steps to see if you have unclaimed property:

1. Visit www.patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property
2. Enter your name in the search box
3. If you see a match, follow the simple instructions to file a claim.

Even better, the Treasury Money Match returns unclaimed property worth $500 or less automatically directly to their owners! Keep an eye on your mailbox -- 40,000 Pennsylvanians are receiving letters as part of the PA Money Match program, which returns unclaimed property worth $500 or less to its rightful owner automatically. Confirm your address, and you could receive a check in about 45 days!

Click here to learn more about Money Match or contact my office if you need help searching for property the PA Treasury may be holding in safekeeping -- the average claim is worth over $1,000!

Applications are now available for PECO’s Customer Relief Fund. Qualifying customers will receive a grant of $500 toward a past-due balance on a residential electric or natural gas bill from PECO. There are other eligibility requirements. Click here or the image above to learn more.

The Department of Human Services recently launched a survey to collect information from Medicaid enrollees about their work experience and challenges or barriers to obtaining work. The survey is in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh’s Medicaid Research Center.

Text messages will be sent from 1-844-655-2300.

All responses will be fully anonymous and have no impact on a person’s current or future coverage.

If you need assistance with any state government-related program, please don't hesitate to contact my office.

Pennsylvania State Capitol

116 A East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2198
(717) 787-7727

District Office

1335 West Tabor Road, Suite 109
Philadelphia, PA 19141
(215) 849-6426