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

I hope you are well. I would like to share important information about my ongoing work. As always, please feel free to reach out to my office for help with any state-related issues. And don't forget, to stay informed, visit my official page. You also can check your preferences to make sure you're signed up for my emails. 

Para los lectores en español, lea una versión completa de este boletín electrónico en su idioma aquí. 

Espero que estén bien. Me gustaría compartir información importante sobre mi trabajo en curso. 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.

March is Women’s History Month—a time to recognize the trailblazers, changemakers, and everyday heroes who have shaped our communities, our state, and our nation.

I’m proud to stand alongside my colleagues in the Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus as we continue to move forward together—educating, inspiring, and advocating for policies that uplift women and families.

Women have always been at the forefront of progress, breaking barriers and fighting for equality. From securing voting rights to leading in business, healthcare, and public service, women have strengthened our democracy in every way. But there’s still work to do.

This month, let’s celebrate the women who paved the way while also recommitting ourselves to building a future where every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive. I encourage you to take time to learn, share, and support women-led initiatives in your community.

Together, we’re making history—every day.

Over the past week, I had the opportunity to connect with our community in meaningful ways — supporting local businesses, engaging with young leaders, advocating for important issues that affect our residents, and this past weekend I held my Women's Resource Fair!

Saturday was International Women’s Day, a day to recognize the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women everywhere. It was the perfect occasion to host my Women’s Resource Fair, and I couldn’t have asked for a better turnout. Women, children, and families came together to connect with essential resources, support one another, and celebrate the strength of our community.

International Women’s Day is important because it reminds us that while we’ve made progress, there’s still work to do. Women continue to face barriers in healthcare, education, employment, and beyond. 

That’s why events like this matter—when we provide access to vital resources and create spaces for women to uplift one another, we help build a stronger, more equitable future for everyone.

Seeing so many people come together on this day reinforced why I do this work—to ensure that every woman, every family, and every child has the support they need to thrive. I’m grateful to everyone who participated, and I look forward to continuing the fight for equality and opportunity in our community.

On March 8, I joined the Avenue Book Shop in West Reading for their official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Independent bookstores play a vital role in fostering literacy, supporting local authors, and creating a sense of community. It was wonderful to celebrate this new addition to our local business landscape and the impact it will have on West Reading.

On March 7, I participated in a regional roundtable discussion on home care at Penn State Berks. 

Home care is essential for many of our seniors and individuals with disabilities, allowing them to receive the support they need while maintaining independence. Listening to the concerns of caregivers and advocates reinforced the need for stronger policies and funding to ensure quality care for those who rely on these critical services.

Engaging with young people about the legislative process is one of the most important parts of my role. I recently met with students from Governor Mifflin School as part of the Berks Youth Civic Action Project to talk about how laws are made in Pennsylvania. I also visited Reading Area High School, where I had open discussions with students about the steps it takes to turn an idea into a law. These conversations are essential in empowering young leaders to be active participants in their government.

Governor Mifflin High School

Reading Area High School

On March 7, I had the joy of visiting Ms. Estrada’s third-grade class at Riverside Elementary to read with her students. Literacy is the foundation for success, and fostering a love for reading at an early age helps set students up for a lifetime of learning. I am grateful for the teachers who work tirelessly to support their students and for the chance to be part of their educational journey.

Each of these experiences reinforced the importance of staying engaged with our community and working together to create a better future for all. I look forward to continuing these conversations and advocating for the needs of our district.

If you have any questions or need assistance with state-related services, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office.

The 2025-26 Student Teacher Support (student teacher stipend) application is open. This program provides a $10,000 stipend to student teachers. The Governor’s 2025-26 budget proposal calls for $40 million for the Student Teacher Support program. This program began in the 2024-25 school year with $30 million available. More information, eligibility requirements, and application information can be found on the PHEAA website.

Please note that thousands have applied but likely only hundreds will receive the stipend. At this point, the program remains open mostly to gauge need – which is an important step in growing a public program such as this.

Don’t forget your signature on your application - You must sign the application with a real signature. PHEAA has posted guidance for you to review on how to complete the signature: How to Add a Signature to a PDF Step-by-Step Document

Do NOT type your signature — Typed signatures will automatically cause your application to be rejected and moved to the bottom of the pile, delaying or jeopardizing your stipend eligibility (funds are first-come, first-serve).

The Grow PA Scholarship program is expected to open on Thursday, March 13th. This program offers scholarships to Pennsylvania students studying an in-demand occupation at an institution of higher education located in Pennsylvania. Grow PA Scholarship recipients must agree to live and work in Pennsylvania after graduation for the number of years they received the scholarship. More information on this program can be found on the PHEAA website.

Both applications are first-come, first-serve, and applying does not guarantee funding will be received.

The State Transportation Commission (STC) and PennDOT have announced the start of the 2025 Public Comment Period for the update of the 12-Year Program, which officially began last Monday and continues through April 30, 2025.

Every two years, the STC and PennDOT update the 12-Year Program (TYP). As part of this update process, a Public Comment Period is held, which includes a Transportation Survey and an Online Public Forum to collect public input. The STC and PennDOT will document, review, and use the public feedback provided to help identify needs and prioritize transportation projects in the TYP.

More information about the public comment period and Online Public Forum is available by clicking here - Public Comment Period - Talk PA Transportation.

Looking for family friendly activities this month? Check out the upcoming events at the Reading Public Museum. More information on their website.

Do you have a child in Wyomissing Area entering Kindergarten in the fall of 2025?

You’re invited to a FREE program at Wyomissing Hills Elementary Center on Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 4:40 p.m. – 6 p.m. and Tuesday, June 3, 2025, from 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Spartan Sprouts is a program designed specifically for incoming Kindergarteners to introduce strategies and activities that can easily be done at home and will help prepare the children for school in the fall. The event includes hands-on activities, and a Wyomissing Area swag bag filled with all the materials and instructions necessary to continue practicing at home.

There are two event dates set for Spartan Sprouts. The activities at both events are the same. You can choose to come to one or both events. Coming to both will allow you to take your time going through all the activities. It will also help build comfort for your incoming Kindergarten student. Only 1 bag of resources will be given.

Reserve your spot today: https://buff.ly/sfsa4PS

Contact Dr. Wengerd at twengerd@wyoarea.org with any questions!

Discover the magic of spring at Wyomissing Hills Memorial Park with the Borough of Wyomissing’s Annual Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 12 at 11 a.m.! This beloved community tradition invites families to gather for a joyous and “egg-citing” event filled with laughter, surprises, and community spirit.

Children aged 1-12 are welcomed to participate in the Egg Hunt, with staggered start times ensuring that each age group has a fair and fun experience as they search for delightful treasures hidden throughout the park.

Don’t miss this opportunity to create lasting memories and celebrate the joys of spring with your fellow Wyomissing residents. Bring your baskets, your smiles, and your sense of adventure for a morning of unforgettable fun.

Wyomissing’s Annual Egg Hunt promises to be an “egg-stra” special occasion for all ages. Mark your calendars, and join us for this cherished celebration of spring! If needed, the next day - Sunday, the 13th is the rain date.

Several state programs are now accepting applications! Visit my website to see current funding opportunities, and remember that my office can help with the application process! Call (484) 577-2756, email RepCepedaFreytiz@pahouse.net, or stop in!

Planning for college costs? Join PHEAA’s free Financial Aid Assistance Webinars this March! These sessions will cover essential topics like financial aid timelines, understanding offer letters, improving credit for loans, and planning for higher education costs.

Register today: pheaa.org/virtual

Secure your spot now and take the first step toward an affordable education!

March 2025:
Financial Aid Timeline – Know What to Do When

• March 24 – 6:30 PM 

Understanding the Offer Letter & Balances

• March 26 – Noon 

To help ensure residents in our area can secure a REAL ID by the deadline of May 7, PennDOT will be hosting REAL ID DAYS:

• Reading Driver License Center at 530 E. Lancaster Ave., Shillington, on April 14 and May 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Exeter Township Driver License Center at 4375 Perkiomen Ave., Reading, on March 17 and May 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

If you have any questions concerning REAL ID, visit PennDOT.pa.gov/REALID or contact my district office at 484-577-2756.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will begin enforcement of REAL ID requirements beginning May 7. This means that to board a domestic flight, enter a military base or a federal facility that requires identification at the door, one will need a REAL ID unless they have a U.S. passport, military ID or other federally acceptable identification.

More than 2 million Pennsylvanians are now eligible to use Direct File, the IRS tool that allows you to file your federal and state tax returns online securely and for FREE. The IRS launched this tool last year, but 2025 will be the first year PA residents can use it.

Check to see if you will be eligible to use Direct File to file this year’s personal income tax returns at https://directfile.irs.gov/.

Eligible seniors and residents with a disability: you can now apply for a rebate on property taxes or rent you paid in 2024!

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program benefits income-eligible seniors 65 or older, widows or widowers 50 or older, and residents with a disability 18 or older. The program has been expanded to provide larger rebates and a higher qualifying income threshold. (The limit is now $46,520 for both homeowners and renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded for income calculation purposes.)

Please remember that my office can help you apply!

As always, my team and I are here to help you navigate state programs and services. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns, or ideas. If you can't make it into my district office, you can visit one of my satellite offices! Find the informatoin below:

Centro Hispano Casa Senior Center

25 N. 2nd St., Reading, PA, 19601

every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Spring Township Municipal Building 

2850 Windmill Rd., Sinking Spring, PA, 19608

1st and 3rd Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

100 N Front St., Reading, PA, 19601

1st and 3rd Monday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Glenside/Hensler Homes O'Pake Community Center

880 Avenue A, Reading, PA, 19601

2nd and 4th Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

We also host D.A.V Services (Disabled American Veterans) in my office

1111 Penn Ave., Wyomissing, PA 19610

every other Monday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Pennsylvania State Capitol

104-A East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 772-1858

District Office

1111 Penn Ave.
Wyomissing, PA 19610

(484) 577-2756