Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Email Update: January 29, 2025

Email Update: January 29, 2025

In this update:

  • Survey to Help Pennsylvanians with Disabilities
  • Working to Legalize Cannabis
  • Learn About Pittsburgh Police Work
  • Do You Need REAL ID?
  • Look for Money in Your Mailbox
  • And so much more!

 

WORKING FOR YOU IN HARRISBURG

I’m happy to be in Harrisburg for the first session week of the 2025-26 Legislative Session! It feels great to be back at our state Capitol working to make life better for Pennsylvanians. Next week, Gov. Josh Shapiro will deliver his third annual budget address outlining his vision for how PA will invest its resources to best serve the people of our Commonwealth.

This will mark the official start of “budget season,” an especially busy time for lawmakers like me who serve on the House Appropriations Committee. I’m excited to dive into the work of crafting our next state budget—stay tuned for updates on how our tax dollars will be spent!

 

TALKING ABOUT LEGAL CANNABIS IN 2025

I recently spoke to the Pennsylvania Capital-Star about the potential of legalizing recreational cannabis in PA during the 2025-26 legislative session. Last year, I co-authored HB 2500, the first ever bipartisan legalization bill proposed in the PA House, to create a legal framework for adult-use cannabis in the Commonwealth. There are a lot of interesting discussions around cannabis happening right now and I’m eager to keep working toward a legalization bill that prioritizes public health and safety, consumer protection, social equity, and criminal justice reform. 

Click here to read more about plans to legalize cannabis in PA.

 

LOOK FOR MONEY IN YOUR MAILBOX

Keep an eye on your mailbox to see if you’ll be receiving some unclaimed property from the PA Treasury. PA Money Match is a new law passed by the General Assembly unanimously last year that allows the Treasury to automatically return certain unclaimed property valued at $500 or less and belonging to a single owner. People with eligible properties will receive a letter in the mail to confirm their address; then, about 45 days later, they’ll receive a check for their property.

The first round of PA Money Match could return more than $2 million to more than 8,500 Pennsylvanians. In total, PA Treasury is working to return more than $4.5 billion in unclaimed property. This property includes things like dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, rebates, insurance payments and more.

The average value of a claim is $1,600, and PA Money Match will not automatically return properties valued above $500 or property that may have more than one owner, such as a dormant joint checking or savings account. Over $35 million in unclaimed property was returned to Pennsylvanians just last month!

Visit the Treasury website to see if you have any unclaimed property, and remember you can contact my district office if you need help.

 

 

LEARN ABOUT PITTSBURGH POLICE WORK

Registration is now open for both the Spring 2025 Citizen Police Academy (CPA) and Student Police Academy (SPA). These are FREE opportunities for citizens and students to become closely acquainted with the roles and responsibilities of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. You do not have to be a City of Pittsburgh resident to apply.

Use the links above to apply and email John at john.tokarski@pittsburghpa.gov with any questions.

 

 

SURVEY TO HELP PENNSYLVANIANS WITH DISABILITIES

The PA Developmental Disabilities Council (PADDC) is seeking input from state residents with developmental disabilities, their families, and other involved parties. Feedback from the survey will be used to guide the PADCC’s State Plan, which it is required to be developed every five years. Creating the plan involves gathering information about the current barriers and concerns faced by individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Click here to take the survey and help the PADCC create a new plan – it only takes about 10 minutes.

 

 

REAL ID REQUIRED IN MAY

Do you need a REAL ID? Beginning May 7, you will need a state-issued REAL ID-compliant license or identification card, or another acceptable form of ID (such as a U.S. Passport), to fly within the United States. You can get a REAL ID now or when you renew your driver's license. Learn more about REAL ID here and feel free to contact my office with any questions.

Remember, if you have any questions or need assistance with any state-related matter, my staff and I are here to help! Reach out at RepKinkead@pahouse.net or call 412-321-5523.