Temperatures are dropping, bringing increased burdens for many families who are already stretched too thin. In our district, we look out for one another and work to ensure that every household has what it needs to get through the season safely.

That’s why I wanted to make sure you know the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program opened for applications this week. You can submit your application for energy assistance here.

LIHEAP benefits help approximately 300,000 Pennsylvanians stay warm each year. The program provides cash grants ranging from $200 to $1,000 to help cover heating bills, with amounts based on household size, income, and fuel type.

Grants are one-time payments sent directly to your utility provider and will appear as a credit on your bill statement.

Visit the LIHEAP webpage for information on who qualifies. If you need help understanding the program or applying, please call my office—we’re always happy to assist you.

Las temperaturas están bajando, lo que supone una mayor carga para muchas familias que ya están al límite de sus posibilidades. En nuestro distrito, nos cuidamos unos a otros y luchamos para garantizar que todos los hogares tengan lo necesario para pasar la temporada de forma segura.

Por eso quería asegurarme de que supieran que el Programa de Asistencia Energética para Hogares de Bajos Ingresos ha abierto el plazo de solicitud esta semana. Pueden presentar su solicitud de asistencia energética aquí.

Las prestaciones del LIHEAP ayudan a aproximadamente 300,000 habitantes de Pennsylvania a mantenerse calientes cada año. El programa distribuye subvenciones en efectivo de entre $200 y $1,000 para ayudar a pagar las facturas de calefacción en función del tamaño del hogar, los ingresos y el tipo de combustible.

Las subvenciones son pagos únicos que se envían directamente a su proveedor de servicios públicos y aparecerán como un crédito en su factura.

Eche un vistazo a la página web del LIHEAP para obtener información sobre quién puede optar a ellas y, si necesita ayuda para comprender el programa o presentar la solicitud, llame a mi oficina. Estaremos encantados de ayudarle.

Pennie’s Open Enrollment period is officially open. If you or your family need health coverage for 2026, visit https://pennie.com/learn/how-to-enroll to compare plans and enroll through Pennsylvania’s official health insurance marketplace.

Important dates and details:

• Enroll by Dec. 15 to have coverage begin Jan. 1.
• Pennie offers high-quality plans and resources to help you choose the right coverage for your needs.

If you need assistance getting enrolled in a quality health plan, a Pennie Certified Pro can help. Call 1-844-844-8040 or visit https://pennie.com/connect/ to find free local assistance and additional resources.

With open enrollment for insurance in full swing, please be extra cautious of unsolicited offers online or over the phone. If you didn’t initiate the contact, it could be a scam—hang up immediately if something feels suspicious.

How to protect yourself:

• Verify licensing: Confirm the agent and company are properly licensed before buying a policy by clicking here.
• Watch for impersonators: Be wary of callers claiming to be from Medicare, Social Security, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, or any government agency. Medicare and the Pennsylvania Insurance Department will never call to sell you a product.
• Protect your information: Never give payment details, Social Security numbers, or bank information to unsolicited callers.

Please share this information with family and friends who may be vulnerable during open enrollment and save official contact details so you can verify offers quickly.

My office is joining Rep. Joe Hohenstien’s free Know Your Rights Workshop on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 5:30 p.m. This workshop will provide community-based legal education to empower individuals with disabilities, as well as their caregivers and family members, by informing them of their legal rights and protections under civil law.

Voice of Praise Worldwide Ministries hosts their weekly soup kitchen on Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m., serving between 100 and 120 individuals each week.

If you need a hot meal, stop by 3509 Old York Road in Philadelphia on Wednesday for some soup and support.

Don’t miss this festive night! Esperanza Housing and Economic Development is hosting Parranda En La Cinco on Dec. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Marz Auto Central. Enjoy free food, live entertainment, lechón asado, and festive music.

A free coat will be given to the first 200 attendees!

Pennsylvania State Capitol

106 Irvis Office

P.O. Box 202197
Harrisburg, PA  17120-2197
(717) 772-2004

District Office

635 W. Erie Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19140
(215) 223-1890