Dear Neighbor & Estimado Vecino,

As always, here is some information I hope you find useful.

For Spanish readers, please read the full Spanish-language version of this email here.

Para los lectores en español, lea una versión completa de este boletín electrónico en su idioma aquí. Como siempre, aquí les presento información que espero pueda ser de utilidad. Y no olvides visitar mi página oficial para mantenerte informado. También puede verificar sus preferencias para asegurarse de que está registrado para recibir mis correos electrónicos.

Good news! Following a federal court ruling, Governor Shapiro is expediting November SNAP benefits, allowing families here in Reading and Berks County who missed a payment to access food. Benefits are being loaded onto EBT cards now, helping nearly two million Pennsylvanians statewide. Check your balance with ConnectEBT and keep your card secure!

Reading friends and neighbors, it’s that time of year again! My Annual Thanksgiving Giveaway & Resource Fair is back, and I’m excited to continue this meaningful community tradition.

This isn’t just a giveaway, it’s a celebration of community, connection, and gratitude.

My team and I are proud to support underserved families with Thanksgiving essentials and share information about valuable state programs and services.

Come say hello, pick up a free turkey, meet my staff, and learn how state resources can help. I can’t wait to see you on November 21, from 10 a.m. to noon!

Due to the federal government shutdown, Pennsylvania’s 2025–26 LIHEAP season has been delayed until December 3, 2025, while the state awaits federal funding.

LIHEAP’s delayed start is a concern, but utilities have told the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) they will not terminate service for LIHEAP-eligible customers during this gap. Governor Shapiro also confirmed low-income households will not face shutoffs in November.

At the same time, the PUC urges households to call their utility now to discuss payment plans and affordability programs.

I am closely monitoring these challenges and have reached out to utilities on behalf of our community. No family should have to worry about staying warm or keeping the lights on this winter. LIHEAP helps more than 300,000 Pennsylvanians each year with home heating costs, especially older adults and low-income families.

Need help now?

• Contact your utility company to ask about assistance programs.

• Visit pa-navigate.org.

• Call 211 or visit pa211.org.

The winter shutoff moratorium runs Dec. 1–Mar. 31, protecting eligible households from shutoffs. Learn more: pa.gov.

Call us at 610-376-1529 or visit my district office to learn about state programs and services and get the support your family needs!

If you are affected by the federal government shutdown, there are resources available to help you and your family. These include SNAP benefits, utility assistance programs, unemployment support, and local community services. You can check PA Navigate at pa-navigate.org for helpful resources.

Local help is also available by visiting pa211.org. For utility assistance, you can search “utility assistance” at https://www.puc.pa.gov/ or get in touch with your utility company to explore assistance options.