- Free Admission to Children’s Museum
- SNAP Updates and Food Resources
- Singing Contest at the PA Farm Show
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- Exhibitors Wanted
- Scams on the Rise
- And so much more!
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Please note that my office will be closed on Tuesday, November 11 for Veterans Day.
Thank you to all of our veterans, and to the families who support them, for your service, your sacrifice, and your strength.
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To help inform veterans about the programs and services available to them, the PA Department of Military Affairs has created the PA Veterans Registry. It’s a free electronic registry, and family of veterans and individuals who work with veterans can register to receive this information also.
For more information or to sign up, visit register.dmva.pa.gov.
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SNAP Updates and Food Resources
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After USDA received court orders to release contingency funds to cover the current lapse in SNAP benefits – the Trump administration has agreed to use $4.65 billion in funds to support a partial amount of eligible households' current allotments for November.
With an uncertain timeline of when those emergency funds will reach SNAP recipients, it is critical to share other food resources with our neighbors who are at risk of experiencing hunger this month. Governor Josh Shapiro stated it would take “well over a month” due to bureaucratic hurdles.
Please continue to support our local food pantries during this time.
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"The vast majority of the people who receive SNAP benefits are adults who work. And those who are not working are not working because they can't," Democratic state Rep. Emily Kinkead said.
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What to Know About SNAP:
- Scammers are already using this stressful and confusing time to try to get access to SNAP EBT card information and PINs. Please know that PA DHS will never ask for personal information in an unsolicited text message, email, or phone call.
- SNAP benefits issued before November 1st are still redeemable at SNAP eligible retailers.
- SNAP recipients should continue to complete renewal paperwork and SARs to ensure they receive all benefits they are entitled to when payments resume.
- On November 1, recent federal changes to SNAP went into effect. Even though benefits are not being distributed, recipients must still submit any additional documentation required by that change.
Food Assistance Resources:
- Grow Pittsburgh is offering a $5 off discount at their Braddock Farm Stand on Saturdays 9am-1pm for the remainder of the season. Learn more here.
- PA 211: Call 211, text your ZIP code to 898-211, or go online at pa211.org to find multiple types of resources in your area.
Take Action:
Get up-to-date information about the status of SNAP through Just Harvest, Feeding PA, and the state Department of Human Services.
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Heating Assistance Delayed
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Due to the federal government shutdown, the opening of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance program (LIHEAP) for this season has been postponed until December 3.
If you need help heating your home this winter, here is a list of utility companies’ assistance programs.
Governor Shapiro has announced that the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has secured commitments from utility companies operating in the Commonwealth that they will not turn off heat or electricity in November for LIHEAP-eligible Pennsylvanians impacted by the federal government shutdown.
To help consumers prepare for colder months, the PUC is encouraging everyone to take these simple steps:
- Review your utility bills. Understand your current rate and usage — and how colder weather can increase demand.
- Don’t wait to call. If you’re worried about paying your bill, contact your utility now to ask about assistance programs or payment plans.
- Ask about affordability programs. Utilities offer programs like CAPs, budget billing, and hardship funds that can reduce your monthly costs.
- Make small energy-saving changes. Lower your thermostat by one or two degrees, check furnace filters, and seal drafts — small actions that add up.
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Find additional food, housing, health care, and other resources near you at panavigate.org.
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Thanks for Coming to My Senior Fair
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W?e had an incredible turnout at my annual senior resource fair with Senator Lindsey Williams! We had more than 200 attendees, 44 resource tables, and dozens of seasonal vaccines administered by our friends from Waltmire Pharmacy.
A huge thank you to everyone who came out, our amazing community partners who shared resources, and Ross West View EMSA for providing shuttle services to make sure everyone arrived safely.
It’s always such a joy to connect with the seniors in our community and ensure they have access to the information and care they deserve.
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Farm Show Singing Contest
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Calling all Pennsylvania vocalists! The state Department of Agriculture is looking for submissions for their annual National Anthem Singing Contest. Submit your performance for a shot to sing it live at the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg!
Get all the contest details here.
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Exhibitors Wanted for Disability and Mental Health Summit
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Are you part of an organization working in the disability or mental health arena?
You may now apply to be an exhibitor at the 13th Annual Disability and Mental Health Summit, a free, one-of-a-kind event that brings hundreds of people and participating organizations together.
Visit disabilitysummit.com to get more details.
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If you have questions about anything in this email or need assistance with any state-related matter, my staff and I are here to help! Reach out at RepKinkead@pahouse.net or call 412-321-5523.
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
116-B East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 787-5470
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District Office
658 Lincoln Ave.
Bellevue, PA 15202
(412) 321-5523
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