For Spanish readers, a full language version of this email may be found by clicking here.
Para los lectores en español, para una versión completa de este correo electrónico, haga clic aquí.
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Dear Neighbors,
I hope this email finds you well.
I want to share with you some valuable information on state programs and services and exciting updates from around the district. My staff and I are available to assist you with your concerns and access to state-related programs and services at my Whitehall office, located at 1080 Schadt Ave., so please stop by or call 610-266-1273.
You can also send me an email by clicking here.
And thank you for allowing me into your inbox to keep you informed of what’s happening in Harrisburg and our legislative district.
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The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is now accepting applications. Income-eligible residents—including seniors age 65 or older, widows and widowers age 50 or older, and individuals with a disability age 18 or older—can claim rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2025. The maximum qualifying income is $46,520 for both homeowners and renters, and 50% of Social Security income is excluded when determining eligibility.
To learn more, visit www.revenue.pa.gov/ptrr. Please remember that our office can help you apply!
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For winter travel info, check 511PA
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When winter weather hits, you can check www.511pa.com before you travel. You can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles. 511PA also shows plow-truck locations and details of when state-maintained roadways were last plowed.
For more tips on winter driving, check out PennDOT.pa.gov/Winter.
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Increase to reduced retired registration income limit
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Good news! The income limit for the reduced vehicle registration fee has increased. If you are 65 or older and your income is under $30,778, you may qualify for a reduced registration fee and save $36 on your car.
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AARP wants to help during tax season
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Only 93 days until April 15! Good news—if you’re over 50 and need help filing your taxes, AARP is here to assist. This program starts in early February, so mark your calendar, stick a note on the fridge, or ask Siri to set a reminder on your phone!
Most sites will operate by APPOINTMENT ONLY, NO WALK-INS while some sites will accept WALK-INS. Details regarding appointments & walk-ins are listed below for each site.
Tax return preparation will begin in early February and conclude before April 15. Specific dates and times are provided for each open site. Please do not call the sites unless a phone number is listed below. For information about a Tax-Aide site near you, you can also call 1-888-687-2277.
ALLENTOWN
Details on how/when to make appointments for TY 2025 taxes are listed for each specific open site.
- St. Peters Lutheran Church, 1933 Hanover Ave, 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM Tuesdays by appointment ONLY. On Feb 3rd doors will open at 12:30 PM for setting up appointments. Tax preparation will also begin on February 3rd through April 7th. Walk-in to set up appointments will continue during site normal operation hours only. Call 484-602-5278 for information.
- Calvary Moravian Church [CMC], 948 N. 21 St. (corner of Livingston St.). Taxpayers MUST call 484-891-0971 M-F, 10 AM - 4 PM starting Monday, 1/5/26 to make appointments for Friday’s only: 2/6/26 thru 4/10/26. Call 484-891-0971 anytime for more info. Do NOT call CMC. Appointments ONLY. NO Walk-ins accepted. Directions: North of Tilghman, East of 22nd.
- Lehigh Valley Active Life, 1633 W. Elm St, Allentown, PA. Appointments required and can only be made in person on Saturday, January 24th from 10 AM to 1 PM (Snow Date January 31st). After 1/31 call (267) 730-4503 to leave a message and we will return your call. Do NOT call LVAL. Taxes will be prepared on Saturdays ONLY from 10 AM-2:30 PM beginning February 7th.
- First Presbyterian Church, 3231 Tilghman Street, Allentown, PA 8:30 AM -12:00 PM on Wednesday from February 4th through April 8th. Advance appointments are required and can be made in person on one day only, Wednesday, January 28th between 9 AM and 11 AM at the First Presbyterian Church. Look for signs directing you to the entrance at the southeast corner of the building. Those unable to sign up on January 28th may call 484-820-1480 beginning January 29th to schedule an appointment.
- Calvary Baptist Church, 4601 Tilghman St. (across from Josh Early Candies) 8:30 AM to 12 PM Thursday’s starting Feb 5th. Appointments only which can be made in advance at the church on Thursday Jan 29th from 9 AM to NOON.
- Allentown Public Library- THIS SITE IS CLOSED IN 2026.
LEHIGH COUNTY
- Slatington Vigilant Fire Co. Hall, E Church St and S Walnut St, Slatington, Wednesday’s starting February 4th from 10 AM to 2 PM. Appointments can be made on Wednesday, January 28TH from 10 AM to 2 PM at the firehouse. After February 4th appointments can be made by visiting the site during normal hours OR by calling 484-272-5129. Leave a message and someone will return your call.
- Emmaus Moravian Church, Main and Keystone Streets, 8:30 AM to NOON on Tuesday by appointment only (no walk-ins) starting Feb 3rd. Appointments can be made in advance at the church on Tuesday Jan 27th from 9AM to NOON.
- Lower Macungie Library, 3450 Brookside Rd. Macungie, PA, Thursdays 1 PM to 5 PM, from February 5th through April 9th. Advance appointments are required. Appointments can be made on January 29th between 9:00 AM-1:00 PM at the Lower Macungie Library. Those unable to sign up on that day may call 484-232-8807 beginning February 2nd to schedule an appointment. Upon arrival, please go to Community Rooms A&B, pick up a prenumbered appointment document and wait to be called into the library to schedule your appointment.
- Parkland Community Library, 4422 Walbert Ave., Allentown, Pa 18104 Tax preparation by appointment only on Monday and Wednesday mornings 9 AM to 1 PM starting February 2nd. Appointments can be made on January 26th between 9 AM-4 PM at the Parkland Community Library. Those unable to sign up on January 26th may call 215-645-2725 beginning January 27th to schedule an appointment, although availability may be limited by then.
BETHLEHEM AREA
- For the following sites, Call 484-935-3472. Leave your name, phone number and the best time for us to return your call. A scheduler will call you to set up an appointment. We cannot accept Walk-Ins.
Site Locations:
- Hellertown Library - Mondays 9 AM-12 PM
- Bethlehem Salvation Army - Mondays 10 AM-1 PM
- Southern Lehigh Library - Wednesdays 1 PM-4 PM
- St Thomas UCC - Wednesdays 1 PM-4 PM
- College Hill Moravian - Thursdays 1 PM-4 PM
- Advent Moravian - Fridays 10 AM-1 PM
- Nativity Cathedral - Tuesdays 1PM-4 PM
This is a wonderful program! I'm so glad that AARP is offering it again!
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Given that this month is Radon Action Month, it is a good time to test your home for radon, which is the second-leading cause of lung cancer after smoking in the United States. Learn more.
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Scholarships available to Pennsylvania students
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The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) Scholarship Program is entering its fifth year. To date, it has awarded $80,000 in scholarships to Pennsylvania students. If you are a resident of Pennsylvania, you may be eligible to apply.
Learn more.
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Catasauqua High School Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Induction Ceremony
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The Catasauqua High School Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Induction Ceremony took place in the Catasauqua High School Gymnasium on Saturday, January 17th.
This year's induction class included:
- Vincent Rogusky - Class of 1976
- Joseph Gmitter - Class of 1996
- Sarah (Onkotz) Hartland - Class of 2000
- Kyle Miller - Class of 2008
- Zack Bradley - Class of 2014
- Robert Bydlon - Head Football Coach
Photo (L-R) Vince Rogusky, Joseph Gmitter, Kyle Miller, Sarah (Onkotz) Hartland, Zack Bradley and Robert Bydlon.
Please join the Catasauqua High School Athletic Department and the Catasauqua Area School District in congratulating the inductees on this tremendous accomplishment!
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School Board Appreciation Month
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January is School Board Appreciation Month. I want to thank the members of the Whitehall-Coplay, Catasauqua Area, and Bethlehem Area school district boards for their dedication and hard work on behalf of students, parents, and educators in their communities.
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Joining Clubhouse of Lehigh County Advisory Board
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I am honored to have been invited to join the Clubhouse of Lehigh County Advisory Board as a member. I have long been an advocate for mental health services, community-based supports, and policies that expand opportunities for individuals and families across our region and throughout the commonwealth.
This opportunity allows me to engage more deeply with my community and continue learning about the issues that matter most to residents—issues they want me to address alongside my colleagues in Harrisburg.
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District Office
1080 Schadt Avenue
Whitehall, PA 18052
(610) 266-1273
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
38A East Wing Main Capitol
PO Box 202133
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 772-9902
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