Nikki's News

Rep. Nikki Rivera January 14, 2025 | 10:32 AM

Hello, Northern Lancaster City, Manheim Township, and East Petersburg Borough!

As the representative for our communities (officially known as the Dynamic House District 96!), I’m using this weekly e-newsletter to let you know about how I am working for you here in the community and in the Capitol, as well as share information about local and state resources that I hope will be helpful to you or someone you know.

Last Week’s Swearing In

Last Tuesday, I was sworn in as your state representative.

I am very eager to share my experience and knowledge gained from being a long-time public high school teacher, school board director and president to strengthen our public school system. We must eliminate these structural inequities created and supported by an unfair funding system so all our children – who are the bedrock of Pennsylvania’s future – have a chance of reaching their potential.

I am honored to serve as your state representative. I promise to fight every day for our working families, from supporting strong unions, establishing a living wage for all, offering efficient and effective health and mental health care, protecting our environment, and ensuring no one is discriminated against in the commonwealth.

There’s a lot of work to be done, and I am ready for the fight.

Here’s an article from Lancaster Online about my plans for this term: Nikki Rivera says she wants to ‘hit the ground running’ during first term as state lawmaker | Politics | lancasteronline.com

My House Committee Assignments

Last week, I also received my House committee assignments, where I will work across the aisle and with my fellow Democratic legislators to steward legislation to the House chamber.

The committees on which I will serve are:

Communications & Technology
Aging & Older Adult Services
Environmental & Natural Resource Protection
Human Services
Intergovernmental Affairs & Operations
Tourism, Recreation & Economic Development

I want to thank Speaker Joanna McClinton and Leader Matt Bradford for the honor of serving on these committees. I look forward to bringing a fresh perspective to the bipartisan crafting of legislation that will impact millions of Pennsylvanians. I am committed to learning about the unique issues surrounding state government.

I will be getting to know the issues impacting Central Pennsylvania as the Secretary for the Central Pennsylvania Delegation Leadership Team.

Have your voice heard with my Constituent Survey

Which local and state issues matter the most to you? Please let me know by filling out this constituent survey here: Tell Us About You!

Pennie’s Deadline is Jan. 15

Pennie helps provide Pennsylvanians with an assortment of health care plans tailored to their unique needs, and its open enrollment period is open now until Wednesday, January 15.

To find a plan best suited for you and your family members, please click here.

Keep Warm with LIHEAP

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is here to help families stay safe and warm this winter. If you’re struggling to pay your heating bills, LIHEAP offers grants to assist with home energy costs – no repayment required!

How to apply?

Visit https://www.compass.dhs.pa.gov/home/#/ or stop by my office for assistance with your application.

Don’t wait – apply today to ensure a warm and secure winter for you and your family!

Direct File Coming to PA

Starting this year, more than 2 million Pennsylvanians will be eligible to use Direct File, the IRS's 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 are able to use it.

Check to see if you will be eligible to use Direct File at https://directfile.irs.gov/.