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.

This week, the House voted unanimously to pass my bill addressing Pennsylvania’s teacher shortage. As a former teacher myself, I have seen firsthand the impact of this shortage. Our students deserve stable, qualified educators.

That’s why I introduced House Bill 2436. My bill would redirect teacher certification fees to the Department of Education’s Talent Recruitment Account. This would enable those funds to be used to provide direct support to teachers and strengthen recruitment and retention efforts. This bill continues the progress made to remove barriers to teacher certification and ensures existing resources are used not just for recruitment, but also for retention.

My bill now heads to the Senate.

June is Pride Month! This is a time to celebrate the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, including our neighbors, friends, colleagues, and family. Everyone deserves to live and love authentically and freely, with respect and acceptance. Pride Month also serves as a reminder to honor the historical struggles and progress made toward justice and inclusion. I am proud to stand with the LGBTQ+ community this month and always!

On June 26, we will also celebrate 11 years of marriage equality! 

Gun violence is a public health crisis, and it is preventable. I was proud to attend CeaseFirePA’s rally at the Capitol this week for Gun Violence Advocacy Day. I join the call to end gun violence in our communities and support the common-sense reform measures we can take to keep our children and families safe.

Save the date for the Sliding into Summer: Celebrating Allentown Students, School Staff, Families and Community event, hosted by AFT Pennsylvania and Allentown Federation of Paraprofessionals Local 1716.

The event will take place next Saturday, June 13^th from 10AM to 2PM at the Sonia Sotomayor Dual Language Immersion Academy located on 2020 E Pennsylvania St. in Allentown.

This event features AFT paraprofessionals and parents and families partnering for a great summer of learning and fun. It is free for students, school staff, families, and the community.

The event includes FREE resources like books, backpacks and school supplies, giveaways, FREE workshops, and a FREE fair and festival with food and carnival games!

Scan the QR code on the flyer to register!

Hope to see you there!

CareerLink® Lehigh Valley’s Customer Service Boot Camp is now open to the public for the month of June.

This intensive five-day boot camp provides participants with the opportunity to earn a state- and industry-recognized credential in customer service while developing valuable workplace skills that employers are seeking.

The program runs Monday, June 8 – Friday, June 12, 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM at PA CareerLink® Lehigh Valley, 555 Union Boulevard in Allentown.

Participants will receive training in:

• Customer Service Fundamentals
• Effective Communication
• Conflict Resolution
• Time and Stress Management
• Decision Making and Problem Solving
• Networking with an Employer
• Employability and Goal-Setting Skills

Attendance for all five days is required to successfully complete the program and earn the credential.

Registration is required. See the above flyer for details. If you have any questions or would like additional information contact CareerLink at 610-437-5627.

I wanted to share a list of helpful programs available for low-income households that may assist with utility bills, heating emergencies, and energy-efficiency improvements. These programs include:

• PPL WRAP Program (Winter Relief Assistance Program)
  Provides free energy assessments, energy-saving products, and other assistance for eligible PPL customers.
  Website: https://www.pplelectric.com/WRAP

• UGI Customer Assistance Program (CAP) & Energy Efficiency Programs
  UGI offers several assistance options including payment assistance, budget billing, and energy-efficiency programs for qualifying customers.
  Website: https://www.ugi.com/customer-assistance-programs/

• LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
  Offers grants to help pay heating bills and emergency heating assistance.
  Website: https://www.pa.gov/services/dhs/apply-for-the-low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap
• Pennsylvania Weatherization Assistance Program
  Helps improve home energy efficiency through insulation, air sealing, heating system improvements, and more at little or no cost for qualifying households.
  Website: https://dced.pa.gov/housing-and-development/weatherization/
• LIHEAP Emergency Services Program
  Provides emergency heating system repair/replacement and crisis assistance.
  Website: https://dced.pa.gov/housing-and-development/weatherization/pennsylvania-liheap-emergency-services-program/

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!

District Office

1801 Union Blvd.
2nd Floor Suite H,

Allentown, PA 18109

(484) 656-7744

Pennsylvania State Capitol

109-B East Wing, Main Capitol

PO Box 202022

Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 705-6433