For Spanish readers, a full language version of this email may be found by clicking here.

Para los lectores en español, para una versión completa de este correo electrónico, haga clic aquí.

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this email finds you well. Happy New Year!

I want to share with you some valuable information on state programs and services and exciting updates from around the district. My staff and I are available to assist you with your concerns and access to state-related programs and services at my Whitehall office, located at 1080 Schadt Ave., so please stop by or call 610-266-1273.

You can also send me an email by clicking here.

And thank you for allowing me into your inbox to keep you informed of what’s happening in Harrisburg and our legislative district.

Applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) are now open. Eligible households may receive a cash grant ranging from $200 to $1,000 to help cover heating costs, depending on household size, income, and fuel type.

For more information, click here. You can also contact my office if you need help applying for LIHEAP or need help with any utility-related issues.

The PA ABLE Savings Program has expanded eligibility, allowing thousands more Pennsylvanians with disabilities to take advantage of a tax-free way to save for their future. Individuals are now eligible to open a PA ABLE account if their disability began before age 46—an increase from the previous age limit of 26—making this a significant and meaningful change.

Since its launch in 2017, PA ABLE has helped individuals with disabilities build financial security without jeopardizing essential benefits such as Medical Assistance (Medicaid) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Participants can contribute up to $20,000 annually, use funds for a wide range of disability-related expenses, and deduct contributions from their Pennsylvania state income taxes.

Currently, more than 11,500 Pennsylvanians have saved nearly $185 million through PA ABLE, with many more now eligible because of the expanded age limit. To learn more, visit paable.gov or call 855-529-ABLE (2253).

PennDOT announced recently that they are accepting applications for a new round of Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) grants. Applications are due by February 13.

The Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) provides grants to municipalities, councils of governments, businesses, economic development organizations, public transit agencies, and port and rail freight entities. These grants support projects that improve transportation assets, enhance communities, promote pedestrian safety, and increase transit access.

More information about applying for the MTF grants is available by clicking here.

As your state representative, I am always looking for ways to put money back in your pocket. According to the Pennsylvania Treasury, there is unclaimed property waiting in the 133rd Legislative District!

Some of this money could be yours, so why not find out? Go here: Unclaimed Property. It takes just a couple of minutes to find out if the state is holding property that belongs to you.
 

As always, my office can help you file your claim for FREE. Please contact my office if you need help.

Workers in multiple states are getting a minimum wage hike- including New York and New Jersey (again)- but not Pennsylvania.

Opponents often claim that Pennsylvania employers will leave the state if the minimum wage is increased. But where would they go? Every state bordering Pennsylvania has raised its minimum wage at least once since 2009.

A strong economy depends on a fair day’s pay for a hard day’s work. Enough is enough—our neighboring states are leaving Pennsylvania behind. It’s past time for the commonwealth to raise the minimum wage.

District Office

1080 Schadt Avenue
Whitehall, PA 18052

(610) 266-1273

Pennsylvania State Capitol
38A East Wing Main Capitol

PO Box 202133

Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 772-9902