Dear Neighbor,

After learning that PPL submitted a rate hike request to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), I immediately sent a formal letter to PUC Chairman Stephen DeFrank requesting that a public hearing be held in Wilkes-Barre so local residents could make their voices heard. I’m pleased to report that the PUC has granted this hearing request.

The public hearing is scheduled for:

Thursday, December 18th
6:00 PM
Wilkes University – Henry Student Center
Jean and Paul Adams Commons, 2nd Floor
84 West South Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766

This hearing will give PPL customers an important opportunity to share their concerns and provide direct feedback on the proposed rate increase. I encourage all affected residents to attend and participate.

Here you can find tips on attending a PUC hearing, right from the Public Utilities Commission website.

I’m so happy to invite you to my 3rd Annual Cocoa & Carols event! Please join us at my Wilkes-Barre District Office, 152 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Wilkes-Barre, on Wednesday, December 18th, from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM.

I hope you’ll stop by to help us spread some Christmas cheer. We’ll have hot chocolate, an assortment of cookies, and plenty of holiday spirit. I look forward to celebrating the season with you!

On December 3rd, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) application period for 2025–26 opened! Whether you rent or own your home, you could receive a cash grant from $200 to $1,000 depending on your household size, income and fuel type. You can find out more about eligibility requirements and documents you’ll need to apply by clicking here. Most importantly, this is a grant and does not have to be repaid.

Maximum yearly household income:

• 1 person: $23,475
• 2 people: $31,725
• 3 people: $39,975
• 4 people: $48,225
• 5 people: $56,475
• 6 people: $64,725
• 7 people: $72,975
• 8 people: $81,225
• 9 people: $89,475
• 10 people: $97,725
• Add $8,250 for each additional household member.

To find out if you qualify and for any help in applying, please contact one of my offices to make an appointment with my knowledgeable staff who can also find out if you qualify for any other state and local programs. You can also apply for LIHEAP online.

The Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS) has announced that a third-party mail vendor failed to send out state mailings intended for Pennsylvania residents.

This issue may have affected important notices related to benefits, renewals, hearings, PennDOT documents, and other state services.

DGS has terminated its contract with the vendor and hired a new mail processor to handle the backlog. All previously undelivered mail is expected to be sent out early next week.

State agencies are currently reviewing the situation to determine the impact of the delay and will adjust deadlines or requirements for affected residents as needed.

If you believe you may have been impacted or are missing an expected notice, please contact my office — we’re here to help.

I was proud to present a House of Representative citation to Jackie Ruane, owner of “The Creative Touch,” celebrating the opening of her 2nd brick-and-mortar location in Plains Twp. The Creative Touch is a floral shop/charm bar, located in the Tuft-Tex Complex on N. River St. in Plains.

Need a citation? Did you know our office can prepare citations and proclamations for many special occasions? Contact my office to learn more about that.

Included in this year’s state budget, which I was proud to support, is the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit (WPTC), designed to make life more affordable for working Pennsylvania families. It mirrors the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, allowing you to receive even more money back in your pocket. If you are eligible for the federal EITC, you automatically qualify for the state credit.

Governor Shapiro’s administration has launched an online calculator that you can use to help determine if you qualify for the WPTC and estimate how much money you would receive from it.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is pleased to announce that fishing licenses, launch permits, and gift vouchers for the 2026 season are now available for purchase! They can be purchased easily at HuntFish.pa.gov or by visiting one of nearly 700 retail license issuing agents and will be valid through December 31st, 2026.

Important Dates for 2026 Fishing Season: 

• March 28, 2026 – Statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day 

• April 4, 2026 – Statewide Opening Day of Trout Season 
• November 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026 – Mandatory Life Jacket Requirement in effect 

The full news release with additional information can be found here.

Let us continue to work together to build a stronger and safer America by searching for the TRUTH and finding the FACTS to guide our words, and our actions. Please, STAY STRONG and SAFE! Our democracy needs us to come together for the good of all.

Sincerely,

Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski

121st Legislative District