During my time as an intern, I was thoroughly educated on the state legislative processes and overall bureaucratic functions of the government. I went into this experience completely blind: unaware of what to expect and, most importantly, not knowing the path that lay ahead, as I was more familiar with the operation of the federal level than with the state level.

As such, this has been an incredibly intellectually stimulating and fulfilling journey. I have learned so much about the world around me, the importance of advocating for your community, and what it means to be a good leader. Interacting with the residents of our district through constituent advocacy has been a consistent highlight of my day.

There are so many stories and lessons I have learned through these encounters -- such as what it means to dream and hope for the future of our country, and what it truly means to live through the American experience. Before this internship, I was passionate about my field of political science -- yet, after this internship, my passion has grown even greater. It has been an honor to have an impact on the community around me, especially having grown up as a child in this very district. But to have the opportunity to give back to our community through constituent advocacy has ultimately been the greatest blessing of all.

As I continue with my journey, I look forward to the future ahead, and I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday. Thank you so much for allowing me to help out and meet all of you in this district -- and most importantly, don't forget to stay warm during this chilly December!

-Cheyanne

However you spell the holiday, Happy Hanukkah from my office to you. We wish you a holiday full of light and happiness! 

The first candle we light for Chanukah this year is the night of December 14, and Hanukkah ends the night of December 22.

Some cool Chanukah Facts!

?? Hanukkah has been celebrated in SPACE! In 1993, Astronaut Jeffrey Hoffman (NASA's first Jewish astronaut), brought a menorah and a dreidel, which he played on a televised broadcast in celebration of Hanukkah. 

?? Hanukkah moves around the calendar: Hanukkah and other Jewish holidays will often move dates from year to year because the Jewish calendar is lunar, whereas the American calendar is based off of a Gregorian calendar. 

?? Chanukah has traditional foods: The traditional foods to eat on Hanukkah are mainly fried foods, to commemorate the miracle of oil lasting eight days. These fried foods include latkes (these days they are potato-based, but in the past, they were made of CHEESE!), and jelly-filled donuts called sufganiyot. 

?? The US is home to largest menorah in the world! The biggest menorah in the world was built and lit in New York City at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 59th Street for Hanukkah in 2017. They continue to light the menorah every year. 

And lastly, one of my favorite facts is about the dreidel:

?? The letters on the dreidel are an anacronym: The Hebrew letters on the dreidel—nun, gimmel, hay, and shin—actually represent more than just the rules of the traditional top-spinning Hanukka game. The acronym is for “nes gadol hayah sham,” or “a great miracle happened there.”  

In fact, the dreidels in America are different than the dreidels in Israel. The dreidels in Israel have the letter peh on them. So, the acronym has changed in Israel. Instead of "a great miracle happened THERE", it is changed to "a great miracle happened HERE". 

To learn more Chanuka facts, click here.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), referred to as the Marketplace or Pennie in Pennsylvania, is set to expire at the end of this month. Enacted in 2010, the ACA has helped millions of Americans gain health coverage without lifetime limits and has provided protections for those with preexisting conditions.

The ACA provides access to essential health services such as preventive and rehabilitative care, prescription medications, wellness visits, contraceptives, as well as mental health and substance use treatments.

The federal government voted yesterday and rejected two health care bills. If they do not vote again and pass protections by the end of the year, ACA subsidies will end, risking the coverage of over 500,000 Pennsylvanians. Medical bills are the leading cause of bankruptcy in America. No one should hesitate to call 911 in an emergency due to concerns about affording the ambulance ride.

ACA subsidies are vital for keeping people insured, ensuring hospitals continue operating, and preventing families from falling into healthcare-related debt. Pennsylvania cannot sustain these subsidies on its own—federal support is essential to maintain coverage, protect jobs, and ensure healthcare accessibility across the state.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU:

• Premiums are rising: Without the enhanced tax credits, Pennie enrollees will see their monthly health insurance costs increase by about 102% statewide in 2026 compared to 2025.
• Coverage may become unaffordable: Pennie estimates that many enrollees could find coverage unaffordable and may drop their plans or see large increases in what they pay out-of-pocket. 
• Some tax credits remain: There are still some federal tax credits for people who qualify based on income; however, they are smaller than the enhanced credits, and higher-income enrollees may no longer qualify.
• Pennie still offers quality coverage: The Open Enrollment period for 2026 coverage remains the key opportunity to shop and compare plans. 

WHAT HAS CHANGED FOR 2026:

• Cost changes: Monthly payments for plans purchased through Pennie are increasing for many people in 2026 because the enhanced federal support ended.
• Eligibility updates: Some enrollees may see changes in who qualifies for financial help based on federal rules. For example, certain immigration statuses or income levels may affect eligibility for savings.
• Income updates matter: If your income or household size changes, make sure your Pennie account is up to date — this affects the amount of financial assistance you may receive.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

• Review your Pennie account: Update income and household information so Pennie can calculate the right amount of financial help available to you. 
• Shop for plans: Open Enrollment for 2026 coverage is underway — compare plans and costs to find the best option for your needs and budget. If you are considering your health plan options outside of Pennie, click here for a cheat sheet with the questions to ask before you enroll elsewhere.
• Get help: Pennie offers customer support, certified assisters, and local brokers who can walk you through your options. For help, visit pennie.com/connect or call 1-844-844-8040.

Pennie continues to provide support and information to help you understand your options—be sure to read all communications from Pennie and your insurer and review your plan choices for 2026.

Have you applied for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program yet?

Don’t miss out on the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, which delivers rebates to eligible seniors (65 years and older) and Pennsylvanians with disabilities, or widows and widowers (55 years and older).

The deadline to apply for a 2024 rebate is December 31, 2025. Learn more about the program and file online today at pa.gov/PTRR or call my office at 215-572-5210 to learn how to apply if you have not yet done so for this year. 

If you would like our office's assistance with your application, please contact us to schedule your appointment BEFORE December 23rd

Join us for a No Hate in Our State Town Hall in Philadelphia on Thursday, December 18, 2025!

??Penn Asian Senior Services (PASSi), 6926 Old York Road, Philadelphia
? 6–8 p.m.

Speakers include:
? Rep. Napoleon Nelson, 154th Legislative District, Montgomery County; Chair, Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus

? Amber Harris, Philadelphia Regional Director, PHRC
? Rep. Darisha Parker, 198th Legislative District, Philadelphia; Vice Chair, Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus
?Stan Straughter, Mayor's Commission on African & Caribbean Immigrant Affairs
? Ken Yang, Chief Executive Officer, Penn Asian Senior Services.

Moderated by: Sheryl Meck, PHRC Civil Rights Outreach Division

No Hate in Our State town halls create space to voice concerns, learn about rights, and foster healing. Hate has no home in Pennsylvania. Register to let us know you'll be there: https://forms.office.com/g/VtzSPmB8E8.

Harrisburg Office

325 Irvis Office Building

PO Box 202154

Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-1079

Glenside Office

115 East Glenside Avenue

Suite 8
Glenside, PA 19038
(215) 572-5210