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Mobile Office Hours – Times & Locations! Dear Friends, I want to remind you of my Mobile Office Hours, which are designed to bring constituent services directly to you. During Mobile Office Hours, members of my staff will be available to help with any state-related issues. This is also a great opportunity to share your thoughts, ask questions, or raise concerns about issues important to you. No appointment is necessary, just stop by at a time and location that works best for you. I hope you’ll take advantage of this convenient way to connect with my office. As always, it is an honor to serve you. Sincerely,
In this Update:
Poll Question
The General Assembly is considering Senate Bill 1155, which would allow eligible citizens to register to vote when purchasing a hunting or fishing license at a government agency or office where those licenses are issued. Because the documentation required to obtain a hunting or fishing license is similar to that required for voter registration, this option would streamline government services and create greater efficiency for Pennsylvanians. The legislation does not permit non-citizens to register to vote, nor does it require anyone to register. Take this week’s poll question here. Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program Now Accepting Applications
Eligible Pennsylvanians can now apply for a Grow PA Scholarship Grant for the 2026-27 academic year. Applications are available at pheaa.org/growpa. This program offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who pursue a degree or certification in an in-demand occupation and administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). Courses of study that qualify for the grant include agriculture, computer science, business, education, special education, STEM education, engineering, nursing, allied health, criminal justice and other programs as approved by PHEAA. The full list is available here. To qualify, applicants must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as agree to live and work in Pennsylvania in that occupation after graduation for 12 months for each year they received the grant. Please note: Applicants who received this grant last year MUST reapply to receive the grant again for the upcoming academic year. Strengthening Pennsylvania’s Economy and Creating More Jobs
As we prepare to examine Gov. Josh Shapiro’s new state budget proposal, one of the things I’ll be most focused on is improving our state’s economy and laying the groundwork to allow businesses to create more family-sustaining jobs. Over the past several years, we’ve steadily improved the tax climate in Pennsylvania by, for example, reducing the corporate net income tax, which used to be second-highest in the nation. We’ve also positioned Pennsylvania to be a national leader in the emerging field of drone research and deployment, protected seasonal workers from unemployment compensation benefit cuts (UC), improved the systems for training barbers and cosmetologists, and much more. One of the most important things we can do to make our state’s economy work better is to enact a state budget that includes responsible state spending. We must also take steps to make Pennsylvania a better place for entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses, bringing more jobs to the commonwealth and strengthening our communities. Outreach Days: Property Tax & Rent Rebate Assistance
Every Thursday through April 9, our office will host Outreach Days from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Boyertown Area Multi-Service (200 Spring St, Boyertown, PA 19512). These events are designed to help residents apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program provides important financial relief to homeowners and renters across Pennsylvania. Eligible older adults and people with disabilities age 18 and older may receive rebates ranging from $380 to $1,000, and only half of Social Security income is included in the eligibility calculation. During Outreach Days, our staff will be available to guide residents through the application process, answer questions, and help determine eligibility. Assistance is provided by appointment only, and all services are free of charge. Applications must be submitted by June 30. To make an appointment, visit here. For more information, please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue’s website. Need Help Paying Your Energy Bill? Join Me for LIHEAP Day
If you or someone you know needs help paying an energy bill, I encourage you to join me for LIHEAP Day on February 18 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Chesmont Conference Center (Pottstown Hospital Campus), 13 Armand Hammer Blvd., Pottstown, PA 19464. This event is focused on helping eligible residents apply for energy assistance. Through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), households may qualify for up to $1,000 toward their PECO energy bill. To make the process easier, PECO specialists will be on-site to answer questions and assist with applications. This event is designed to connect residents directly with resources that can provide real relief during the heating season. Registration is strongly recommended as space is limited. Reserve your spot online or by calling my office at (215) 541-2388. UPVCC Legislative Affairs Luncheon
Yesterday, I had the privilege of joining the Upper Perkiomen Valley Chamber of Commerce for the 2026 Legislative Affairs Series Luncheon. I shared updates on Governor Shapiro’s FY 2026-27 budget, my priorities for the year, and my work as Chair of the Senate Communications & Technology Committee. I am thankful to everyone who attended and engaged in this important conversation. Budget hearings begin soon, I’ll keep you informed every step of the way. Scenes from the 24th Senatorial District – Photo Submissions Open!
I’m inviting residents of the 24th District to share their favorite photos capturing life in our community, from scenic landscapes and local landmarks to community events and everyday moments. Selected photos will be featured in my weekly e-newsletter. Photos must be taken within the 24th District and submitted by district residents. Not sure if your photo qualifies? You can check the district map and submit your photo here. Let’s celebrate Berks and Montgomery Counties through your lens! This week’s featured photo comes from a resident of Pennsburg, capturing their beautiful morning view. The Dangers of Walking on Frozen Bodies of Water
Cold weather means more frozen bodies of water and the risk that comes with walking on them, especially rivers and streams. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission offers this safety advice:
Look for new ice, which is clear or has a blue tint, and remember that ice thickness is not consistent across the surface of a lake or pond. Learn more about ice fishing and ice safety, including an ice thickness and safety chart, here. Celebrating Presidents’ Day
Monday is Presidents’ Day, a federal holiday that began as a celebration of George Washington’s Feb. 22 birthday and was expanded to cover Abraham Lincoln’s on Feb. 12. While it’s now considered an occasion to honor all the nation’s chief executives, the first and 16th presidents hold a special place in the hearts of Americans. General George Washington led the Continental Army and became the nation’s first president, stepping aside after two terms. President Lincoln guided the country through a horrific Civil War, holding the United States together when victory was not assured, and setting the tone for unity by declaring “malice toward none.”
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