Nikki's News-Feb. 11

Rep. Nikki Rivera February 11, 2025 | 1:51 PM

Dear Neighbor,

Tell Us About You!

Hello, Northern Lancaster City, Manheim Township & East Petersburg! Our office has received many great responses so far and I’m excited to hear from others within the district. If you haven’t already, please take a moment to complete this survey to share your topic(s) of interest/concern.

Click here: Tell Us About You!

GO BIRDS!

I had a great time watching the Eagles win the Super Bowl on Sunday with my family! Plus, the commercials were impactful, and the halftime show was fantastic entertainment. And my snacks were delicious. It all made for a good Monday!

I support Shapiro’s 2025-2026 Budget Plan

I’m pleased that the governor’s state budget plan involves investing in PEOPLE through continued historic investments in basic education funding (although we’re falling behind our 7-year-full-funding plan). This budget would deliver a needed $75 million increase in basic education and a $40 million increase in special education, helping to rectify historic funding inequalities.

I applaud the wage increase and incentives for direct-care workers and childcare workers.

I’m glad that Gov. Josh Shapiro has made increasing housing availability and affordability for Pennsylvanians a priority as it is a concern for many residents in the communities I represent.

The Affordable Care Act is working for Pennsylvanians. Enshrining in state law the ACA’s health care protections – like guaranteed coverage for preexisting conditions, allowing young adults to stay on their parents’ insurance until they are 26, and preventing lifetime coverage limits from pricing Pennsylvanians out of the health care they need -- would help keep health care accessible and prevent health care costs from rising in case the ACA is repealed in Washington.

Closing tax loopholes and making our tax system more competitive would result in more money available to repair our infrastructure.

Bringing in revenue by taxing skill games and legalizing/taxing adult-use marijuana makes a lot of sense.

This people-focused budget that invests our tax dollars in responsible ways is something I can support.

True teacher style - taking detailed notes during the governor’s budget address. AFTERWARD, I was handed a printed summary of the address. A forever student!

Are you struggling with your mental health?

Many people today are struggling due to increasing challenges on the job and hardships at home. The CMAP can help identify any workplace or personal issues by providing professional support.

Learn how CMAP can help you get three FREE counseling sessions:

The Community Mental Health Assistance Program, or CMAP, is a voluntary program that is both free and confidential. This program offers mental health support to residents in Lancaster County who do not currently have access to an Employee Assistance Program through their employer’s benefit package. This program includes short-term counseling by one of over 60 mental health professionals, and follow-up resources to ensure you are supported after your three sessions.

Learn more here: Community Mental Health Assistance Program (CMAP) - MHA Lancaster Site

Protect Yourself from Scams

With tax season right around the corner, get the upper hand by familiarizing yourself with some of the most common scams being perpetrated today: SCAMS - Protect Yourself, Protect Your Money.

PHEAA Webinars

In the spirit of February being Financial Aid Awareness Month, I share these resources for PHEAA’s February & March Financial Aid Assistance Webinars. The financial aid application and college search process can be overwhelming, and these webinars can help you navigate the process.

Internships & Scholarships

Office Of Open Records Internship Opportunity

Interested in law, government and freedom of speech? Consider interning at the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records. The OOR provides an exciting opportunity for college students with an interest in law to learn about and assist with its mission to provide residents access to government records.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Learn more here: OOR - OOR - Alert

PA House of Representatives Scholarship Opportunity

Applications are now being accepted for the PA House of Representatives Scholarship Program. The Program – administered through The Foundation for Enhancing Communities – is for graduating high school seniors who reside in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. TFEC awards two four-year scholarships to high school seniors each year. The award consists of the value of one semester of tuition at a State System of Higher Education university for each of four years. Students must maintain eligibility criteria in all four years to receive the ongoing award.

Please consider sharing this opportunity with those who may be eligible.

Eligibility Criteria:

Graduating High School Senior
Legal Residency in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Attendance at a PA College, university, or career school as a full-time student
Academic achievement (minimum 3.0 cumulative high school GPA)
Commitment to community and leadership qualities
Extracurricular activities
Financial need

Details on how to apply and submit required documents are available online at www.tfec.org or by clicking here.

The deadline to submit all materials is April 15, 2025.

Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy

Are you ready to transform your future? Apply now to join the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA). The National Guard Youth ChalleNGe program allows at-risk teens in Pennsylvania to excel.

KSCA is a free program. All meals, housing, uniforms, and school supplies are provided at no cost to you.

Learn more: Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy | Department of Military and Veterans Affairs | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania