Updates from Our Office and a Warm Welcome to Our New Intern

Rep. Melissa Cerrato April 10, 2026

Dear Friends,

I am excited to share several important updates from our office, beginning with some wonderful news about our team.

Please join us in giving a warm and very enthusiastic welcome to our newest intern, Sophie. She is a proud Temple University graduate with a degree in political science and brings hands on experience from both federal government and legal offices. Her background reflects a deep commitment to public service and a strong understanding of how government connects with communities.

When she is not diving into policy or outreach, you will likely find her teaching in after school programs or powering through a Pilates class. We are thrilled to have her energy, insight, and passion on our team, and we look forward to the impact she will make in our office and throughout the community.

I also had the privilege of joining the ribbon cutting for Habitat for Humanity’s newest ReStore in Montgomery Township, which is now recognized as the largest ReStore in the entire country. This incredible space will bring tremendous benefits to the community. It will generate more support for affordable housing, offer families greater access to quality low-cost household items, and expand the reuse of materials that would otherwise go to waste. I am always proud to celebrate projects that strengthen families, support sustainability, and invest directly in the future of our community.

Finally, I attended another policy hearing in Harrisburg, and I left with one overwhelming thought. What happened to Rowan Price should never happen to anyone in Pennsylvania again. Listening to Rowan share his story was heartbreaking and deeply upsetting. He did exactly what we teach young people to do in an emergency. He stayed with a fellow student in danger, cleaned him up, rolled him on his side, called for help, and acted with compassion and urgency. For doing the right thing, he was charged with a crime that could have followed him for the rest of his life.

No one should ever have to choose between helping someone in an emergency and protecting their own future.

The testimony made it painfully clear that our current Good Samaritan protections are not strong enough. The law left Rowan vulnerable, and it sends a dangerous message to anyone who might one day be in his position. In an emergency, every minute of hesitation can be the difference between life and death. If people are afraid that calling for help might get them arrested, then we are putting lives at risk.

The legislation discussed at the hearing would strengthen medical amnesty protections by ensuring that anyone who calls for help, stays with the person in distress, and cooperates with first responders cannot be charged with reckless endangerment for trying to save a life.

I walked out of that hearing feeling hopeful but also determined. Hopeful that my colleagues and I can make meaningful change, and determined because this is about real people, real emergencies, and real consequences. Rowan said something that has stayed with me. If he had simply closed his door and walked away, he would not have been charged. But someone else might have died. We cannot allow laws that punish courage and reward indifference.

Protecting Good Samaritans is not only a legal issue. It is a moral one. We owe it to Rowan and to every person in this state to make sure that doing the right thing is always the safest choice. I was grateful to speak with Rowan and his mother after the hearing and to tell her what an incredible son she has raised. If you ever have the choice to help someone, I hope you will choose to be like Rowan.

Thank you for staying engaged with the work we are doing. I look forward to sharing more updates soon.

Upcoming Events

License Plate Restoration Event

If your license plate is faded, peeling, or hard to read, we’ve got you covered ??

Join me, along with Rep. Hanbidge and Sanchez, for a License Plate Restoration Event to help you replace damaged PA plates quickly and at no cost to you.

?? Saturday, April 25

? 12 PM – 2 PM

?? Temple University Ambler Campus – Learning Center Parking Lot

Our team will be on-site to walk you through the process and make it as easy as possible. If your plate is difficult to read, it’s important to get it replaced, and we’re here to help make that happen.

Stop by, say hello, and take advantage of this helpful service. We hope to see you there!

Property Tax/Rent Rebate Clinic

We're hosting a Property Tax/Rent Rebate Assistance Event to help you file your Pennsylvania PTRR for the 2025 tax year! Join us and get the assistance you need.

?? Date: April 27th, 2026

? Time: 2 PM - 4:30 PM

?? Location: Neshaminy Falls Club House (195 Stump Rd., Montgomeryville, PA 18936)

Our team will be there to guide you through the application process and answer any questions you may have. Make sure to bring the necessary documents:

2025 Proof of Income (SSA-1099, W2s, Pension 1099-R, etc.)
2025 Proof of Property Taxes showing paid in full
If you rent, a completed and signed Rent Certificate (RC-1000)

For more information, contact us at 267-282-6695 or RepCerrato@pahouse.net. Don't miss out on this opportunity!

?? You’re Invited to Our Annual Spring Senior Resource Fair! ??

Join Rep. Nancy Guenst, Rep. Ben Sanchez, and me for a fun, friendly, and informative afternoon at the Operating Engineers Hall on Friday, May 15th from 11 AM to 1 PM.

This yearly event brings together an incredible range of local, county, state, and federal resources designed to support seniors in our community. Whether you’re looking for helpful programs, health and wellness information, or simply want to connect with neighbors and local organizations, there’s something here for everyone.

Expect a lively atmosphere, plenty of opportunities to learn, and a welcoming space to explore services that can make a real difference in your day-to-day life. We’d truly love to see you there.

?? For more information, call 215-517-6800.

Come discover, connect, and enjoy! This is an event you won’t want to miss!