Dear Neighbor & Querido Vecino,
To read this email in a way and language that’s preferable to you, visit my legislative website here and then click the accessibility icon in the lower right corner.
Para leer este correo electrónico de la manera y en el idioma que prefiera, visite mi sitio web legislativo aquí y luego haga clic en el ícono de accesibilidad en la esquina inferior derecha.
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Introducing My First House Bill!
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On Thursday April 16th, I introduced my first piece of legislation, HB 2340, at the House Finance Committee meeting. Thanks to Sherman Street Beer Company in Allentown for hosting!
I introduced HB 2340 because the Malt Beverage Tax Credit program needs an upgrade. HB 2340 extends the carryforward period from three years to five years and allows credits to be sold to other breweries.
At the meeting, local brewers and members of Brewers of Pennsylvania testified that being able to share credits would be a game changer and keep more breweries open.
Supporting small businesses and empowering communities were two of my top motivations for taking office, and this bill does both. Throughout the meeting, we heard about the many ways local breweries support local causes. Breweries are vital communal spaces where we meet friends, share experiences, make memories, and have meaningful conversations.
You can read more about HB 2340 and watch the hearing here.
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Delivering for You at the Capitol
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In Session, my House colleagues and I pass important bills that will help our neighbors and improve communities. Most recently:
We’re holding data centers accountable by requiring them to disclose the nature of their operations and report energy and water usage to the state (HB 2150) and providing communities with an optional approach on zoning for data centers (HB 2151).
We’re supporting families by requiring baby diaper changing stations in new or totally renovated public restrooms, including men’s restrooms (HB 1558).
We’re looking out for kids by helping school sports coaches to spot signs of mental health distress or illness (HB 1706).
We’re strengthening consumer protections by updating the law requiring utilities to provide customer assistance programs to people who fall behind on payments (HB 2333).
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Funding for Communities In School of Eastern Pennsylvania
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I was thrilled to announce that PCCD’s School Safety and Security Committee awarded Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania with $500,000 in VIP/Boost grants. These grants are awarded to violence-prevention programs. I worked in youth empowerment organizations before I took office, and it remains one of my greatest priorities.
This grant ensures that CISEPA can continue providing school-based prevention services for approximately 5,800 students each year. Services include individualized case management, goal setting, attendance and behavior interventions, mental health and social service referrals, and schoolwide prevention activities aligned with positive climate, engagement, and safety goals.
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Black Maternal Health Week at the Capitol
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I was honored to participate in Black Maternal Health Week at the Capitol. I attended the PA House Democratic Policy Committee hearing, hosted by the PA Black Maternal Health Caucus, which highlighted disparities towards Black mothers and outlined solutions. I want to thank Mercedes Wells for sharing her harrowing birth story with us. What she went through is unacceptable. We need to ensure every mother is heard, respected, and receives high-quality care.
As a State Rep, I will fight for systemic changes to improve birthing journeys for Black mothers.
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Working to Address the Housing Crisis
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Addressing the housing crisis is one of my top priorities as your state representative and as a member of the Housing and Community Development Committee. At our most recent committee meeting, we voted on the first batch of bills related to a Housing Action Plan. Most of the bills had bipartisan support.
I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass impactful legislation.
You can watch the meeting here.
On Thursday, April 30, at 10 a.m., I will host a tour and roundtable discussion on attainable housing for the House Majority Policy Committee. We will tour Overlook Park in Allentown, a property that has been redeveloped into income-based housing. This will be followed by a roundtable discussion with housing organizations and advocates to discuss how this project can be replicated and help get more Pennsylvanians into homes.
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April 22nd is Earth Day! This is a time to celebrate and protect our planet.
One of the best ways to celebrate Earth Day is by participating in local cleanups. I have regularly taken part in cleanups around Allentown, including one in my neighborhood with local students.
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Make Sure You’re Registered to Vote!
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I want to remind everyone of the important deadlines for the upcoming elections. Election Day is less than a month away, with the primary taking place on Tuesday, May 19. The deadline to register to vote is May 4. You can register today at vote.pa.gov/Register.
If you plan to vote by mail, the last day to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot is May 12. You can apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot at vote.pa.gov/ApplyMailBallot.
Voting is the best way to ensure your voice is heard. Make sure you register today!
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My Office is Here to Help!
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As a reminder, my office can help you out with important state government-related services. Don’t hesitate to reach out at (484) 656-7744 or visit my office in Allentown!
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District Office
1801 Union Blvd.
2nd Floor Suite H,
Allentown, PA 18109
(484) 656-7744
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
109-B East Wing, Main Capitol
PO Box 202022
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 705-6433
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