Dear Neighbor & Estimado Vecino,
I hope you are well. I want to share important information about my ongoing work. As always, please feel free to contact my office for help with any state-related issues. To stay informed, visit my official page. You can also check your preferences to make sure you're signed up for?my emails.?
Espero que estén bien. Me gustaría compartir información importante sobre mi trabajo en curso. Y no olvides?visitar mi página oficial?para mantenerte informado. También puede verificar sus?preferencias?para asegurarse de que está registrado para recibir mis correos electrónicos.
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We recently lost one of our local heroes, Chris Kaag, who inspired so many throughout our community. Chris joined the Marines at age 21 until he was diagnosed with adrenomyeloneuropathy, a degenerative nerve condition that cut his military career short. But that didn’t stop him.
In 2007, Chris founded the IM ABLE Foundation to prove that disabilities don’t define us. Chris and his endurance are proof that a disability does not mean life is over - it’s a new challenge and beginning.
Chris is the definition of a hero and a warrior, and you can learn more about his fight in the video above. Our wishes are with the Kaag family during this time.
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Our Successful Vision Clinic
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Last week, over 200 of our neighbors had the opportunity to get eye exams and receive free glasses at my vision clinic at Centro Hispano, co-hosted with VSP Eyes for Hope!
The event provided an opportunity to let patients pick from a wide array of glasses, and have lens made in their prescription on site. A good pair of glasses helps to lay a bedrock for success in the future, especially for our children - it was wonderful to help so many of our neighbors see a better future!
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Empowering our Latino Entrepreneurs
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Our Latino entrepreneurs are the backbone of our community, and it was an honor to recognize them at the Berks Latino Chamber of Commerce's annual gala and celebrate the achievement, leadership, and connections that drive our business community forward!
I was proud to present citations to this year's award recipients: Centro Hispano, Community Partner of the Year, for 60 years of supporting individuals and families in our community; La Mega Radio, Small Business of the Year; and Fabulous Cake Factory, owned by Edwin and Mia Rios, Emerging Entrepreneur. Congratulations to all three!
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Over the weekend, I joined leaders from throughout our region in welcoming First Lady Lori Shapiro to the Reading Public Library for a Period Action Day, where we collected, packed, and distributed menstrual products to neighbors from throughout our community!
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It was an honor to attend the 39th Annual Freedom Fund Gala hosted by the NAACP Reading Branch at Redner's Event Center.
It was a meaningful afternoon of community, music, and reflection, beginning with a reception featuring live local performers and followed by the gala. We were inspired by keynote speaker Catherine Hicks, President of the NAACP Philadelphia, and by the commitment of so many neighbors who came together in support of justice, equality, and opportunity for all.
Congratulations to this year's award recipients: Dionne Stubbs, Community Impact Award; Johnson's Maintenance Service LLC, Corporate Impact Award; and Aminah Williams and Miles Smith, Youth Impact Awards. Thank you for your service and the difference you make in our community.
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Working with our Local Realtors
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I joined the Reading-Berks Association of Realtors for their advocacy brunch, where we discussed how to make housing more accessible and homeownership attainable for our neighbors throughout Berks County.
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Welcoming our Newest Citizens
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A member of my staff recently went to the Berks County Courthouse to recognize our community's newest American citizens who took part in their naturalization ceremony. Congratulations to all of you on this outstanding accomplishment!
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Discussing the Route 222 Corridor
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Last week, as Chair of the Legislative Latino Caucus, I was proud to welcome House colleagues to Reading for a discussion surrounding the Route 222 corridor. Pennsylvania has the only growing economy in the Northeast, and Latino business owners and entrepreneurs are helping drive that economic engine.
The Route 222 corridor links the cities and communities of Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, Lancaster, and Reading with the state’s youngest population. Our hearing focused on the economy along the Route 222 corridor.
I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues and community partners to ensure our communities have the resources and support they need to grow, thrive, and build a stronger economic future for all Pennsylvanians.
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Ensure You Have a Plan to Vote
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Election Day is approaching, and it is important that everyone can make their voice heard at the ballot box!
You can check your voter registration, find your polling place, or sign up to vote here by October 19, and request a mail-in or absentee ballot here by October 27.
Polls will be open on Tuesday, November 3, from 7 AM – 8 PM.
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Property Tax/Rent Rebate Deadline Extended!
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Applications for Property Tax/Rent Rebates are available, and the deadline to apply has been extended to Dec. 31! This program gives money back to PA renters and homeowners for the taxes or rent they paid in 2025 – including seniors, widows and widowers, and those with disabilities.
You can learn more here and contact my office for support with your application.
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You Might Have Unclaimed Property - We Can Help!
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Many Pennsylvanians have unclaimed property – money from dormant bank accounts, insurance payments, and uncashed checks – and you might be one of them!
My office can help you receive this unclaimed property. Contact us or click here to see if there is anything available in your name.
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The Centro Hispano Hispanic Center has created a page to help Reading families find free and low-cost programs for children and teens. You can check out the RDG Youth Resource HUB in both English and Spanish here.
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There will be a No Tricks, Just Treats family event on Saturday, October 24, from 11 AM to 5 PM at the C.E. Cole Parking Lot. There will be food, music, games, and community resources, all in the name of bullying prevention.
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You Are Not Alone: Crisis Intervention Resources
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Holcomb Crisis Intervention in West Reading offers a free crisis program to support our neighbors experiencing varying levels of crisis, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in both English and Spanish.
You can learn more about their work here, and if you or someone you know needs help, you can walk in, call 610-379-2007, or text 484-816-7865 for support.
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If you or someone you know needs food assistance, please reach out to my office to find out where you can get 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.
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Helping Harvest will also be collecting non-perishable food items throughout the year at its programs and events. You can learn more about those and how to ensure our neighbors are fed here.
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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 to 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
Every Thursday from 9 AM to Noon
Spring Township Municipal Building
2850 Windmill Road, Sinking Spring, PA
2nd and 4th Fridays of each month from 9 AM to Noon
We also host DAV Services (Disabled American Veterans) in my office.
1111 Penn Ave., Wyomissing, PA
Every other Monday from 9 AM to Noon
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
104-A East Wing Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 772-1858
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District Office
1111 Penn Ave.
Wyomissing, PA 19610
(484) 577-2756
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