A Heartfelt Goodbye to our Intern, Jack

Rep. Melissa Cerrato March 20, 2026

Dear Friends,

Last week, we had to say a heartfelt thank you and goodbye to our intern, Jack Feldman, for his outstanding service to the people of the 151st District. Jack brought dedication, curiosity, and a true commitment to public service to our office every single day, and we are so grateful for the energy and professionalism he brought to our team.

It has been a pleasure having him with us, and we deeply appreciate the work he has done to support our constituents and strengthen our community. Jack has a bright future ahead, and we are excited to see all that he will accomplish.

Please join me in wishing Jack the very best in all his future endeavors. He will always be part of our 151st family.

I also traveled to Harrisburg to participate in two important policy hearings that directly connect to my work on the Aging and Older Adult Services Committee and the Children and Youth Committee. Together, these hearings reflect a full and unified approach to supporting Pennsylvanians at every stage of life—from our youngest learners to our most seasoned residents.

The first hearing focused on protecting older adults from the growing problem of online scams. As technology continues to advance, scammers are using more complex methods, and the financial and emotional harm to older Pennsylvanians can be severe. The testimony we heard reaffirmed what we see each day in the Aging and Older Adult Services Committee. Older adults are being targeted through fraudulent calls, misleading emails, romance schemes, and impersonation attempts that rely on new forms of technology.

Our committee has long supported efforts to strengthen consumer protections, expand digital literacy programs, and increase cooperation among state agencies, law enforcement, and community partners. This hearing made it clear how essential these efforts are. It also showed how important it is to listen closely to experts, advocates, and older adults as we work to create effective and meaningful solutions. I left encouraged by our shared commitment to protecting seniors and helping them navigate the digital world with confidence and dignity.

I also joined my colleagues for a policy hearing on universal prekindergarten, an issue that is central to my work on the Children and Youth Committee. High-quality early learning provides far more than preparation for kindergarten. It builds the foundation for long-term academic success, healthy development, and future opportunity. Research consistently shows that children who attend strong early learning programs are more likely to read on grade level, graduate on time, and succeed in their careers.

Universal access to early learning also supports working families who face rising childcare costs. Expanding prekindergarten options helps parents stay in the workforce, strengthens local employers, and creates stability within our communities. This hearing offered an important opportunity to listen, learn, and work together on policies that ensure every child in Pennsylvania begins school ready to succeed.

Taken together, these hearings highlight the importance of supporting people across the entire lifespan. By investing in our youngest children and protecting our older adults, we are building stronger families and stronger communities.

I am pleased to participate in these discussions and remain committed to advancing policies that improve the well-being of Pennsylvanians at every age.

Upcoming Events

TOMORROW: Shredding & Electronics Recycling – All at One Event!

Ready to declutter and protect your personal information? Join us for our FREE Shredding and Electronics Recycling Event – the perfect way to safely dispose of old documents and unwanted electronics.

? Protect Your Privacy: Shred sensitive documents securely.

? Go Green: Recycle electronics responsibly and help the environment.

? Give Back: Bring non-perishable food items to support local food banks.

Don’t miss this chance to clear out clutter, safeguard your information, and make a positive impact on your community, all in one event!

Let’s work together for a cleaner, safer, and stronger community!

Veteran ID Joint Event with Recorder of Deeds

Join us for the Veterans ID Sign Up Event! This event is your chance to connect with valuable discounts and savings in Montgomery County.

In addition to signing up for your ID, we will be collecting toiletries, socks, and underwear to benefit veterans in our area. Your support makes a difference!

Let's come together and support our veterans!

Senior Scam Alert Event with the AG’s Office

We're teaming up with the Office of the PA Attorney General for a powerful Scam Prevention Event and you're invited!

Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones from fraud, identity theft, and deceptive practices. Free resources, expert tips, and real-time support available!

Let’s stand together for a safer Pennsylvania. ??