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.

This week I’m back at the Capitol, and the House is in session following several public hearings on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed state budget. My colleagues and I are advancing crucial legislation to support our neighbors and strengthen our communities.

On Monday, we passed the PA CROWN Act, which I co-sponsored. This bill—Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair—prohibits discrimination based on a person’s hair type, texture, or hairstyle, ensuring fairness and inclusivity for all Pennsylvanians.

We are also taking steps to protect and support survivors of domestic violence. House Bill 274 will make it easier for survivors to receive unemployment compensation benefits when they are forced to leave their jobs due to safety concerns.

Additionally, we are addressing discrimination against families affected by substance use disorder. House Bill 111 would prevent insurance companies from denying, limiting, or increasing costs for life insurance simply because someone has kept naloxone on hand as a life-saving measure.

This week, the House also took important action on several other key issues. We voted to allow over 120 law enforcement officers working for the Office of the State Inspector General to carry weapons for their protection. We passed a bill to enhance consumer protections for medical cannabis patients and another bill eliminating a redundant hearing aid test for school bus drivers. To help patients access their medications more easily, we passed legislation permitting electronic transfers of prescriptions between pharmacies. Additionally, we approved a bill that would enable state grants and incentives to keep neighborhood hospitals open in rural and underserved areas.

While harmful rollbacks are happening at the federal level, including recent actions by the U.S. Department of Education, please know that I remain committed to protecting and advocating for the people of Pennsylvania. 

The House returns to Harrisburg Monday to vote on more bills. You can see how we voted here.

This week I’m back at the Capitol, and the House is back in session following several public hearings on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed state budget. On Tuesday, I stood with my colleagues at the state Capitol to announce the #CAREPackage, a set of 10 bills aimed at reforming Pennsylvania’s broken juvenile justice system. Children should never be tried as adults or incarcerated with adults. Our focus must be on rehabilitation, not punishment, to ensure they have a real chance at a better future.

The CARE Package builds on recommendations from the state’s bipartisan Juvenile Justice Task Force, which found that key reforms could reduce out-of-home placements by 39% and save taxpayers $80 million. These bills would:

• End automatic charging of children as adults.
• Expand diversion programs to keep kids out of detention.
• Limit solitary confinement and protect Miranda rights for minors.
• Ensure access to education and limit harmful court fines.
• Increase oversight of juvenile justice facilities.

Pennsylvania’s youth deserve support and opportunity—not a system that sets them up for failure. I am committed to fighting for these critical reforms, and I encourage you to learn more and get involved.

Watch the full news conference here: https://www.youtube.com/live/TXSsWp71RGk. 

On Wednesday, I joined State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Joe Hohenstein for a news conference to highlight the reintroduction of legislation aimed at creating an Office of New Pennsylvanians. This office would attract, retain and support immigrants in our state, ensuring that Pennsylvania continues to embrace its values of inclusion and diversity.

As a proud Latina daughter of immigrant parents, I shared how deeply I understand the resilience and contributions immigrants bring to our communities. House Bill 1630 is about more than policy—it’s about people. By creating the Office of New Pennsylvanians, we are ensuring that Pennsylvania is a place where immigrants are welcomed, supported, and given the opportunity to succeed.

This legislation is designed to simplify access to resources for immigrants through a centralized office under the PA Department of Community and Economic Development. I am proud to support this effort as it reflects my commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive future for Pennsylvania.

This initiative is critical not only for the economic success of our commonwealth but also for staying true to the values that have always defined Pennsylvania.

March 25 is Women's Equal Pay Day, in honor, this past Monday, I had the privilege of speaking at a press conference in recognition of Women’s Equal Pay Day, a day that highlights the persistent wage gap women face in the workplace. Women in Pennsylvania, especially women of color, continue to earn significantly less than their male counterparts for the same work—impacting their financial security, families, and futures.

Equal pay isn’t just a women’s issue—it’s an economic issue that affects all of us. I remain committed to advocating for policies that promote fair wages, pay transparency, and workplace equity so that every Pennsylvanian has the opportunity to thrive.

It was an honor to welcome Consul General of Canada in New York, Tom Clark, Constable Adam Casey of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and other senior Canadian officials to the Pennsylvania State Capitol. Their leadership and dedication to strengthening the bond between Canada and Pennsylvania are invaluable, and I was proud to recognize their contributions.

Canada remains one of Pennsylvania’s most important partners, and through continued collaboration, we can foster even greater economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties. I look forward to working together to build on this strong relationship.

A new online platform is available for Pennsylvania taxpayers filing an appeal or submitting a refund request. The Shapiro administration launched the Online Petition Center to help taxpayers more easily navigate the appeal filing process with the Board of Appeals, which is the first level for a taxpayer to challenge a tax assessment or settlement issued by the Department of Revenue.  

You can expect an improved, user-friendly website, a “tracker” feature to check the status of your petition after submission, the option to pause a petition, save your progress or return to complete the petition, and more!  

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.

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  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.