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Dear Neighbor,
In this email, I share with you information about the following topics I hope you will find useful:
- Upcoming Office Closures
- Interview About My Shelter First Legislation
- In the District
- Healing Beyond Boundaries: Understanding What Our Communities Truly Need
- Are You Ready to Vote?
- Upcoming Events
- State Government Funding Available
- Community Resources
- Student Opportunities
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Our office will be closed on the following days this week for a combination of training and community events:
- Tuesday, October 21
- Thursday, October 23
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Interview About My Shelter First Legislation
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Check out my interview about the Shelter First Act, which would decriminalize homelessness across the commonwealth.
The hardships experienced by people who are unsheltered are compounded when the government’s only response is to criminalize and penalize them.
My and Senator Saval’s Shelter First Act legislation would allow people experiencing homelessness to conduct life-sustaining activity in public spaces when no reasonable, alternative options for housing are offered or available. Municipalities would be required to provide adequate indoor spaces for people experiencing homelessness before the municipality could enforce any ordinance that would criminalize living outside.
Click on the image below to hear me speak about why this bill is needed.
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Last night, David Ramos and I represented the district office at the Lancaster Township Appreciation Dinner. From supervisors to staffers to support services throughout the township, thank you all for what you do for our community and for one another!
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Healing Beyond Boundaries: Understanding What Our Communities Truly Need
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Join me at Healing Beyond Boundaries: Understanding What Our Communities Truly Need on Monday, November 3, at 6:30 PM, hosted at The Ware Center, 42 N. Prince Street in Downtown Lancaster for an honest dialogue about recovery, unity, and the real needs of our communities.
The evening will be hosted by Chris Dreisbach, founder of Blueprints for Addiction Recovery, and will feature a panel including:
- Ben McCoy, CEO, Blueprints for Addiction Recovery
- Representative Ismail Smith-Wade-El, Pennsylvania House District 49
- Bill Hickey, Deputy Chief, Millersville University Police Department
- Becca Moyer, Program Director, Blueprints for Addiction Recovery
This free, all-ages event brings together leaders from recovery services, law enforcement, and government for an open conversation about what communities truly need to heal, connect, and move forward.
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Are You Ready to Vote?
Deadline to Register to Vote is This Monday, Oct. 20
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Upcoming Events
Trunk or Treat
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Medicare Open Enrollment Events
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Medicare’s open enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7. Medicare-eligible Pennsylvanians can take advantage of the Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight program (formerly APPRISE).
MEDI is a free program run by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging that helps older Pennsylvanians choose Medicare supplements based on their income and medical needs.
For more information, call MEDI at 1-800-783-7067 or visit its website: https://bit.ly/3kWtXSl.
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My Senior Health Fair is This Tuesday, Oct. 21!
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Get ready for my Senior Health Fair! It’s one of my favorite events of the year because I get to meet some truly awesome constituents and share with them helpful information on how to live healthy lives. RSVP here: by email repsmithwadeel@pahouse.net or calling (717) 283-4218.
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Medicaid Town Hall Oct. 28
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I’m co-hosting a Medicaid Town Hall with Rep. Rivera on Tuesday, October 28, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the J.P. McCaskey High School Cafeteria, 1051 Lehigh Ave., Lancaster, PA 17602.
Join us to learn about changes to benefit programs, share your concerns, and brainstorm community solutions! Please RSVP by signing up at tinyurl.com/49-96-TownHall, calling our office at (717) 283-4218 or emailing us at repsmithwadeel@pahouse.net
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Property Tax/ Rent Rebate Office Hours at Lancaster Public Library Nov. 6
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The December 31 deadline to apply for the 2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is approaching quickly. My office and Rep. Rivera’s office are co-hosting an office hour to assist individuals with completing their applications on Thursday, November 6, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Lancaster Public Library, 151 North Queen Street, Lancaster, PA 17603.
If you are unsure of what documents may be needed or have questions about the PTRR application, please feel free to contact our office at: repsmithwadeel@pahouse.net or (717) 283-4218.
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Celebrating Our Black Veterans
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State Grant Program Funding Available
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The latest grant opportunities from the state have been released! My office is happy to connect you with government funding opportunities like these, so please reach out if you have any questions or need a letter of support.
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The Salvation Army will be hosting its "Coats for Kids" program in partnership with WGAL. Please visit their Facebook page or scan the QR code on the flyer for registration and more information.
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The Salvation Army will begin accepting in-person and online applications for their Christmas Assistance program starting in November. If you have any questions about this program, please contact the Salvation Army directly at (717) 397-7565.
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Salvation Army Christmas Assistance
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Registration for Toys for Tots is NOW OPEN!
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Families who need a little extra help this holiday season can sign up today to receive toys for their children. Register early to secure your spot!
Please make sure you read the updated information about applying before you register.
Click here to register: https://lancaster-pa.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/local-toy-request-single-form.aspx or contact our office to sign up.
Help us spread the word by sharing this information so that every child has the chance to experience the joy of Christmas morning.
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America250PA Semiquincentennial Scholarship Program
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To commemorate America’s 250th anniversary and honor Pennsylvania’s strong commitment to education, America250PA will award $250,000 in scholarships to deserving Pennsylvania students attending in-state colleges next school year.
Any Pennsylvania high school senior planning to attend a college or university in Pennsylvania for the 2026–27 academic year is eligible to apply. Twenty-five scholarships of $10,000 each will be awarded.
Applications are due January 31, 2026. More details, including matching opportunities from partner institutions, can be found here.
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National Civics Bee Applications Available!
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The Lancaster Chamber of Commerce is proud to once again serve as a regional host for the National Civics Bee®, an initiative that encourages middle school students to explore the importance of civic engagement and deepen their understanding of how our government works. This competition offers a unique opportunity for students to become more active, informed members of their communities and potentially earn recognition and cash prizes, including $100,000 in a 529 education savings account—along the way.
The National Civics Bee® is open to all 6th-, 7th-, and 8th-grade students across Pennsylvania. To enter, students must submit a short essay responding to a civics-related prompt. The application portal is now open, and the deadline to submit is February 3, 2026. Participation is free.
Finalists from the Lancaster regional competition will advance to the 2026 Pennsylvania State Finals, with the opportunity to compete nationally in Washington, D.C.
Students ready to participate can submit their application here!
Interested in volunteering as an essay judge, supporting a student project, or giving as a corporate sponsor? Contact Kat DeSantis at kdesantis@lancasterchamber.com!
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District Office
150 East King St., Suite B
Lancaster, PA 17602
(717) 283-4218
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
103-A East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 772-0752
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