Cyber charters are public schools paid for by tax dollars, yet taxpayers have no say in how these schools spend that money. Last week in the PA House, we took steps to change that by passing the Cyber Charter Reform Act.

The bill would bring billions of dollars back to public schools and taxpayers through commonsense reforms like setting standard education tuition rates, capping how much money cyber charters can accumulate, and banning them from offering enrollment incentives like gifts and vacations.

I also voted for – and the House passed – bills that would:

• Encourage better eating with the Pennsylvania Food Bucks Program.
• Reduce barriers to contraceptive health care.
• Support research on neurodegenerative conditions.
• Improve access to social work services and professional counseling.
• Prohibit dangerous asphalt sealants.
• Allow eligible Property Tax/Rent Rebate claimants to get their rebate earlier.
• Increase Lottery revenue to serve older Pennsylvanians.
• Combat blight with contact information for property owners.
• Help incarcerated people about to return to their community.
• Ban the deceptive sales practice of “speculative ticketing.”

Visit this page to read more about these and other bills we passed this week.

My talented staff is taking their services on the road this week, with three different mobile offices, including a table at the Wilkinsburg Library Summer Community Meet & Greet! If you are seeking help filing for a Property Tax/Rent Rebate, please be sure to bring the items listed above.

Seniors: please note that the original date for farmers market voucher distribution has been changed. The new distribution date is Tuesday, June 24. Visit this page to find a list of distribution sites and this page to learn more about the program and eligibility requirements.

Jobseekers should mark their calendar for the Summer Job Fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, June 13 at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Main Branch (4400 Forbes Ave.). The event will feature hiring professionals from different industries as well as career and personal development resources. For questions, please contact sknox@jfcspgh.org.

In related news, I recently toured the new site for Consumer Fresh Produce, a large produce repackaging and distribution company that is relocating their operations to the former Fifth Season building in Braddock. The move means new jobs for our area, and the notice above is posted at the new site. Anyone interested in applying should send a resume to Consumer Fresh Produce, 1 21st St., Pittsburgh PA 15222 or visit this page.

PennDOT has received reports about scammers trying to impersonate the agency or DMV to obtain personal data through a tactic known as smishing. The scam messages claim that the recipient’s failure to pay an outstanding fee could result in additional fines, a suspended vehicle registration, or suspended driving privileges if not acted on immediately.  Please be aware that PennDOT does not send texts about traffic violations or fines. You can read more here.

This is a reminder that the state has a handy tool to help search for grants. Visit this page to search, or this page for a list of all the latest programs.

Also, please remember that my talented staff can help you with many state-related matters, from filing for a Property Tax/Rent Rebate to obtaining a disability placard or senior bus pass – to name just a few. Contact us or stop by to see how we can help!

You can read my e-newsletter in a way that’s preferable to you by visiting my legislative website here and clicking on the accessibility icon in the lower right corner.

Pennsylvania State Capitol

123-B East Wing Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 783-1914

District Office

501 Braddock Ave.
Braddock, PA 15104

(412) 273-3400