If you or someone in your family receives Medicaid (also known as Medical Assistance), it's important to know that significant changes are coming beginning in 2027 because of a new federal law enacted, commonly known as the “Big Beautiful Bill,” by Congress and signed by President Trump. Some Medicaid recipients will be required to renew their coverage every six months instead of once a year, and certain adults ages 19 to 64 will also need to meet new work or community engagement requirements to remain eligible for benefits.

Beginning January 1, individuals subject to the new requirements must report to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services that they are working, volunteering, participating in job training, or attending school for at least 80 hours each month, unless they qualify for an exemption. Some parents, caregivers, pregnant individuals, veterans with qualifying disabilities, people with certain medical conditions, and others may be exempt. Those affected by the new rules will begin receiving information from DHS by September. Failing to report the required information could result in the loss of Medicaid coverage.

If you receive Medicaid, now is a good time to make sure your mailing address and contact information are up to date with DHS so you don't miss important notices about these changes. For more information about the new Medicaid requirements, click here. If you have questions about how the new federal law may affect your coverage or need assistance understanding the new requirements, please contact my office.

Recently, I shared details about Pennsylvania's 2026-27 state budget and the meaningful investments it makes in our schools, students and working families—all without raising taxes. While the budget itself is important, what matters most is how those investments make a difference in people's lives.

I'm happy to share two recent announcements that show those investments are already paying off for Pennsylvania families.

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency—the state agency that administers Pennsylvania's college grant and student loan programs—recently announced that the maximum PA State Grant award will increase to $6,000 for the 2026-27 academic year. That's the highest grant award in the program's history and is made possible through increased funding included in this year's state budget, along with PHEAA's continued investment of its own resources.

For students and families facing the rising cost of higher education, this increased financial aid can help make college and career training more affordable and accessible.

Families planning ahead for future education expenses also received more good news. The Pennsylvania Department of Treasury announced that it will once again waive asset-based fees for the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan.

The PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan is a state-sponsored education savings program that allows families to save for future education expenses by purchasing tuition credits at today's rates, helping protect their savings from future tuition increases. The fee waiver is expected to save participating families nearly $5.9 million over the coming year, allowing more of their hard-earned money to stay invested in their children's futures.

If you have questions about the PA State Grant Program, PA 529, or other opportunities to help pay for higher education, please don't hesitate to contact my office. My staff and I are always happy to help connect you with the information and resources your family needs as you plan for your child's future.

If you're looking for a new job or considering a career change, the Pike County Career Center is hosting its Heat of Summer Job Fair from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 13, at Wallenpaupack Area High School, 2552 U.S. Route 6, Hawley.

More than 30 employers from Pike and Wayne counties will be on hand, representing a variety of fields including education, healthcare, hospitality, law enforcement, corrections, sales and more. Admission is free, making it a great opportunity to meet with local employers, learn about current openings, and explore career opportunities close to home.

Employers interested in participating are encouraged to register as soon as possible, as space is limited. For more information about the job fair or to register as an employer, click here. 

Monroe and Pike County small businesses and nonprofit organizations impacted by the severe storms on July 4 may now be eligible for financial assistance through the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The SBA has approved low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans for eligible small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture businesses, and most private nonprofit organizations that experienced financial losses because of the storms, including disruptions caused by extended power outages. These loans can help cover operating expenses such as fixed debts, rent, utilities, and other costs that businesses would have been able to meet if the disaster had not occurred.

A Disaster Loan Outreach Center is open at the Schooner Municipal Building, 147 Municipal Drive, East Stroudsburg, to help local businesses and organizations learn more about available assistance and apply for support. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Friday, Aug. 21.

For more information or to apply, visit the SBA’s website or contact the SBA Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955. Applicants should reference Pennsylvania Disaster Number PA-20039.

A one-time $100 supplemental payment will be automatically issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to the utility provider of eligible households that received assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program during the 2025-26 season. No application is required.

Your household may qualify for the supplemental payment if it received LIHEAP during the 2025-26 season and includes at least one person who:

• Is age 60 or older.
• Has a disability.
• Is a child under the age of 6.

Supplemental payments began being distributed on July 29 and will be sent directly to the same utility company or home heating fuel provider that received your original LIHEAP grant. The payment can be applied to an outstanding heating bill or, if sent to an electric utility, eligible cooling costs. Eligible households will receive a notice from the Department of Human Services.

This one-time benefit is made possible through remaining federal LIHEAP funding from the 2025-26 season and will not affect eligibility for the upcoming 2026-27 LIHEAP program.

LIHEAP helps eligible renters and homeowners pay their home heating bills through grants sent directly to a utility company or fuel provider. The program helps eligible Pennsylvanians manage energy costs and maintain safe, healthy homes.

If you have questions about LIHEAP or would like to learn more about available energy assistance programs, please contact my district office. My staff and I are always happy to help connect you with available resources.

We are currently seeking exhibitors for our free Senior Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, September 25, at the Bushkill Outreach Center.

If your organization provides programs, services, or resources that benefit seniors, caregivers, or their families, we invite you to participate. This is a great opportunity to connect directly with community members and share information about the valuable services you offer.

Organizations interested in exhibiting can complete the exhibitor registration form here. Space is limited and fills quickly, so we encourage you to register as soon as possible to reserve your spot.

Please note: This registration form is only for organizations interested in exhibiting. Seniors, caregivers, families, and other attendees are welcome to attend the event, and no RSVP is required.

I'm proud to host this event alongside Pike County Commissioner Christa L. Caceres to connect seniors, caregivers, and families with valuable resources and services available throughout our community.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from state, county, and local agencies, as well as community organizations offering information on:
? Health care and health screenings
? Prescription drug plans
? Volunteer opportunities
? Identity theft prevention
? Programs and services for seniors and caregivers
? And much more

My staff and I will also be there to answer questions and help connect residents with state government programs and services.

?? Light refreshments will be available throughout the event.

?? Bushkill Outreach Center
216 Lehman Park Rd.
Bushkill, PA 18324

??? Friday, September 25
? 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Whether you're interested in exhibiting or attending, we hope you'll join us for this valuable community event.

The Pike County Area Agency on Aging will host its annual Elder Justice Day from, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 25. at the Bushkill Center for Active Adults.

This free educational event brings together professionals from across the tri-state area to share important information and resources on topics related to aging, safety, and well-being. All older adults are welcome and encouraged to attend to learn more about services and supports available in our community.

If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact the Pike County Area Agency on Aging at (570) 775-5550.

I had the honor of attending the rededication ceremony for the pavilion at American Legion Post 346 in memory of LCpl. Keith Laise, an East Stroudsburg Area School District graduate from the Class of 1981 who was killed in the 1983 Marine barracks bombing in Beirut while serving our country.

I was just a kid when Keith made the ultimate sacrifice, but I remember the impact his loss had on our community. Seeing members of Keith's family in attendance made the ceremony especially meaningful and emotional.
 

May we always remember LCpl. Keith Laise and all the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

It was an incredible honor to hear the stories shared by the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania with an audience of all ages.

By signing the Lenape Treaty of Renewed Friendship, we joined a longstanding tradition of acknowledging the Lenape as the original caretakers of the lands in our region and reaffirmed our shared commitment to environmental stewardship, mutual respect, and preserving the Delaware River for future generations. Inspired by historic agreements such as the Treaty of Shackamaxon, this tradition—renewed every four years—reminds us of the importance of honoring Indigenous history while working together to protect the lands and waters we all share.

Thank you to the Pocono Environmental Education Center for hosting this meaningful gathering and for welcoming the original conservationists.

District Office

18 South 9th Street
Stroudsburg, PA 18360
(570) 420-2850

Pennsylvania State Capitol

5-A East Wing  Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 772-1421