Dear Neighbor & Estimado Vecino,
I hope you find my weekly emails to be informative and helpful. I strive to keep the residents of our community up to date about what's going on in Harrisburg and at home.
If someone you know would be interested in the material I share, they can sign up on this page. They can also receive my weekly updates on:
- Updates on legislation
- News and events in the district
- Government programs and services
|
Protecting Against Common Scams
|
Scams are ever-changing, always finding new ways to develop to secure your personal or financial information. That's why it was great to be joined by so many of our neighbors for my Scam Jam - where several local and state offices were able to educate our neighbors on how to identify and avoid common scams.
|
You can find an explanation of common scams below. If you or someone you know has been impacted by a scam, you can report it to the Attorney General's Office here.
|
Celebrating our County's History
|
2027 will mark the 275th anniversary of Berks County - and it was wonderful to kick off the yearlong celebration in the lead up to that anniversary this week!
|
There will be many events throughout the next year to celebrate both Berks County's 275th anniversary and our nation's 250th anniversary. You can learn more here, and on the Berks 275 website, which will be available at a later date.
|
I will be joining state Senator Judy Schwank for a town hall on Wednesday, March 18 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. at the West Reading Fire Department, Station 64 (223 Playground Drive, West Reading).
We will be discussing and answering questions on state issues, and Mayor Samantha Kaag and officials from West Reading will join us to discuss local issues. I hope to see you there and to be able to answer your questions!
|
My Property Tax/Rent Rebate Days
|
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is now accepting applications for payments made during 2025! My staff will be at the Spring Township Municipal Building (2850 Windmill Road, Sinking Spring) every second and fourth Friday of the month ahead of the deadline to help you apply. The next event will be on March 27th.
|
Important Election Deadlines
|
The deadline to register to vote is approaching! To vote in the Primary Election on May 19, you must be registered by May 4, which can be done here.
|
New State Scholarships Available
|
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency has new grant and scholarship opportunities available. You can learn more about the available programs and requirements here.
|
LIHEAP Still Accepting Applications
|
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) continues to accept applications! This program provides cash and crisis grants to help families cover their heating bills. Grant amounts range from $200 to $1,000, depending on your income, household size, and fuel type.
You can apply here or contact my office for assistance.
|
Apply now for 2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program
|
Applications for Property Tax/Rent Rebates are available! This program gives money back to PA renters and homeowners for costs from 2025 - including seniors, widows and widowers, and those with disabilities.
You can learn more here and contact my office for support with your application. Applications are due by June 30.
|
You May Have Unclaimed Property - We Can Help!
|
Many Pennsylvanians have unclaimed property - money from dormant bank accounts, insurance payments, uncashed checks - and you may be one of them!
My office can help you receive this unclaimed property. Contact us or go to PATreasury.gov/unclaimed-property to see if there is anything available in your name.
|
Upcoming Discussion on Entrepreneurship
|
Penn State Berks will be hosting a luncheon conversation with Justin Rosenberg, the founder of the restaurant chain Honeygrow on how he developed his company.
The event will be held at the Perkins Student Center Lion's Den (2080 Tulpehocken Rd., Reading) at 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25. Attendees must pre-register.
|
Penn State Berks Holi Celebration
|
Penn State Berks International Klub will be hosting a free community celebration for Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colors, on Friday, March 27 from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. on Perkins Lawn (1801 Broadcasting Road, Reading). Attendees are encouraged to register in advance.
|
If you or someone you know needs food assistance, please reach out to my office to find out where you can find help. You can also click here to go to Helping Harvest's website, which has a map of over 350 charitable food program partners in our area.
|
Helping Harvest will also be collecting non-perishable food items throughout the year at their programs and events. You can learn more about those and how to ensure our neighbors are fed here.
|
The Fairy Godmother Prom Project
|
Girls Empowerment Movements will be helping to make prom dreams come true with free dresses, accessories and support for students! The event will be held on March 15 from noon - 4 p.m. at 1011 North Park Road, Suite 300, Wyomissing.
|
RIZE Youth Arts will be hosting a free youth dance program on Wednesdays at GoggleWorks (201 Washington St., Reading). Latin dance lessons begin at 5 p.m., and hip hop dance lessons begin at 6 p.m. Registration can be found here.
|
Mobile Mammogram Screenings Available
|
Routine mammograms are important to find the first signs of breast cancer. Tower Health has started their Mobile Mammography stops for 2026, with stops across our community. You can find locations and days here.
|
As always, my team and I are here to help you navigate state programs and services. Please reach out with any questions, concerns, or ideas. If you can't make it into my district office, you can visit one of my satellite offices! Find my office information below:
Centro Hispano Casa Senior Center
25 N. 2nd St., Reading, PA, 19601
Every Thursday from 9 a.m. to Noon
Spring Township Municipal Building
2850 Windmill Road, Sinking Spring, PA, 19608
NEW: 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month from 9 a.m. to Noon
We also host DAV Services (Disabled American Veterans) in my office
1111 Penn Ave., Wyomissing, PA 19610
Every other Monday from 9 a.m. to Noon
|
Pennsylvania State Capitol
104-A East Wing Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 772-1858
|
District Office
1111 Penn Ave.
Wyomissing, PA 19610
(484) 577-2756
|
|