Wednesday, April 22nd, was Earth Day, which is always a good time to stop and reflect on the importance of taking care of our world.

This year’s Earth Day theme was “Our Power, Our Planet,” emphasizing community action, reducing plastic use, and advancing renewable energy to fight climate change.

In that spirit, I recently took part in a House Environmental Committee hearing in Harrisburg regarding climate change policy in the Commonwealth. It’s an important balancing act that we continue to be a large energy-producing state, while also protecting our environment so that we all can enjoy clean air, water and land.

I hope everyone has a great weekend, take care of each other and take care of the wonderful planet in which we live!

Sincerely,

April 11 – 17 was the Week of the Young Child, a special time each year when we celebrate young children, their families, and the incredible early educators who support them every day.

Settlement Music School provided us with a wonderful tour, where we engaged with educators and young children, learning about the program’s 118-year journey in serving children and families.

National Library Week is April 19-25, with this year’s theme being “Find Your Joy.” This theme intends to highlight the important role that libraries play in the community and emphasizes the spaces as vibrant and welcoming. To celebrate, check out events that may be happening at your local libraries, and if you are not already, sign up to be a free library card holder.

A huge thank you to everyone who voted on USA Today’s 10Best 2026 list, making Reading Terminal Market the winner of Best Public Market in America! I know we all love the Market, and I’m glad it got the national recognition it rightfully deserves.

In honor of Second Chance Month, there will be a special program and dinner on April 29th titled “The Power of Being Seen: Pardons, Presence & Pathways Forward.” Scan the QR code above to register!

Come out to Rep. Ben Waxman’s Small Business Expo on April 30th, where my team will be ready to assist you with small business resources and connect you with a wide range of professionals.

PHEAA reminds students and families to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

This allows you to be considered for federal student aid. In addition, states and colleges use FAFSA information to award their own grants, scholarships, and loans.

For all FIRST-TIME applicants enrolled in a community college, business school, trade or technical school, hospital school of nursing, designated Pennsylvania open-admission institution, or nontransferable two-year program, applications must be submitted by Aug. 1, 2026, midnight Central Time (CT).

 All other applicants must apply by May 1, 2026, midnight CT.

Remember, elections happen more than just every four years – and each vote is a chance to shape the future you want to see.

Some key dates to keep in mind for 2026:

??? LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE: 
Monday, May 4
Register to vote here.
 

?? LAST DAY TO APPLY FOR MAIL-IN BALLOT OR ABSENTEE BALLOT: 
Tuesday, May 12
Apply for a mail-in ballot here.

If you come too close to Election Day without mailing your completed ballot, the city has several secure ballot drop boxes and Satellite Election Offices to ensure your vote is counted. Just remember to get your completed ballot there by 8 p.m. on May 19.

Find your local drop box here.

Here is a list of Satellite Offices around the city.

???PRIMARY ELECTION DAY: Tuesday, May 19; polls are open for in-person voting from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Find your polling place here.

The deadline to apply for the 2025-26 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has been extended through May 8. LIHEAP provides cash grants to help eligible Pennsylvania families pay their heating bills. Click here for more information on LIHEAP applications.

There is a scam where people are impersonating House members or their staff. The scammer will request that the recipient urgently purchase gift cards. Then, they ask the recipient to reply with the gift card numbers/PINs or send pictures of the card.

Please be advised that members and staff of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives will not request that you make these types of purchases or share gift card information.
 

 If you receive such a request or a suspicious message:

• Please do not comply or engage with the sender
• Verify the request through a known, official contact method
• Report the message to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General so that they can take appropriate action.

You may report suspected scam attempts here: Scams Complaint – PA Office of Attorney General.

Additional information, including how to avoid these scams and reporting guidance, can be found here: Avoiding and Reporting Gift Card Scams | Consumer Advice.

Apply for Your SEPTA Senior Fare Card! If you’re 65 or older, our office can help you complete your application for a SEPTA Senior Fare Card. We’ll submit your information and ID photo directly to SEPTA, and your card will arrive by mail within a few weeks. We can also assist with renewals or replacing expired cards. No appointment is necessary—just walk in anytime!

District Office

610 North Second Street

Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 503-3245

Pennsylvania State Capitol
300 Main Capitol Building

P.O. Box 202175

Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-8098