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Mobile Office Hours – Times & Locations! Dear Friends, You may be receiving or may have already received a letter from my office about unclaimed property. I want to personally assure you that this outreach is legitimate and not a scam, it’s simply my team and I working to help return money that rightfully belongs to you. I understand how cautious we all must be, so if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call my office directly. We are always here to help and happy to walk you through the process. Sincerely,
In this Update:
First Conviction Under New AI Child Protection Law
A Lehigh County man has been sentenced up to 10 years in prison for creating AI-generated child sexual abuse material. This marks the first conviction under a law I championed, which was originally introduced by then-State Rep. and now U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie. The law was designed to prevent new technologies from being used to exploit and harm children. This conviction demonstrates the importance of strong protections as technology evolves. Read more here. Over $7 Million Awarded for Local Projects
I’m proud to share that I helped secure over $7 million in state funding for important projects in Berks and Montgomery Counties through the Local Share Account (LSA) – Statewide Program. These grants will fund improvements to public safety, infrastructure, community spaces, and municipal services, projects that make a real difference for our communities. I’m proud to support these initiatives and look forward to seeing the benefits they bring to our residents. Read the full release here. Secured CFA Grant for Berks County Conservation District
I’m pleased to share that I helped secure a Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) grant for the Berks County Conservation District through the Watershed Restoration and Protection Program (WRPP). The grant of $143,703 will support a streambank restoration project in Pike Township, addressing safety concerns and environmental sustainability along Oysterdale Road. This project will improve stormwater management, enhance roadway safety, and strengthen the surrounding ecosystem. WRPP grants are funded through the Marcellus Legacy Fund and help restore and protect Pennsylvania’s watersheds from pollution, ensuring healthier, more resilient local environments. Read the full release here. Secured Funding for Montgomery County Trails
I’m proud to share that I, along with Rep. Donna Scheuren, secured funding from the Commonwealth Financing Authority for local trail and recreation projects in Montgomery County.
These projects will expand recreational opportunities, improve pedestrian access, and promote healthy lifestyles for residents of the 24th Senate District. Read the full release here. IFO Report on SNAP Work Requirements
The Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) has released a new report analyzing the impact of recent federal work requirements on Pennsylvania’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The study examines how these requirements are affecting both the number of SNAP recipients and the overall costs of the program in our state. This report highlights the importance of ensuring that SNAP continues to support individuals and families who rely on it the most. You can read the full report here. Valley Forge Military College
I recently rose on the Senate floor to recognize Valley Forge Military College, proudly known as The Military College of Pennsylvania, as it marks its 90th anniversary. Founded in 1935, it remains one of the nation’s few two-year military colleges, with 98% of graduates transferring to four-year universities. This year, the college launched two important opportunities for Pennsylvania students: the Keystone Scholarship, a $26,000 annual award available through legislative nominations, and the Pennsylvania Promise, which covers 100% of demonstrated financial need for Pennsylvania graduates. Valley Forge continues to prepare the next generation of leaders grounded in honor, integrity, and service. PA State Grange Granger of the Year
We’re proud to celebrate Tammy Schaeffer of Pioneer Grange #1777 for being named Pennsylvania State Grange Granger of the Year! This well-deserved honor recognizes her lifelong dedication and service to both her community and the Grange. Her commitment is an inspiring example of how one person’s efforts can make a lasting impact. Read more here. Successful Start for New Program Connecting Young Pennsylvanians to High Demand Careers
The first year of the Grow PA program to help connect young people to quality careers in Pennsylvania has been a tremendous success, according to statistics from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). The Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program was created by the legislature last year to help reverse the trend of young Pennsylvanians seeking education and job opportunities in other states. The program offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who agree to attend college in Pennsylvania, pursue a degree in an in-demand occupation and work in that occupation in Pennsylvania after graduation. PHEAA reports more than 11,000 applications for Grow PA in the first year. More than 4,000 applicants have already received grants, and another 2,300 applications were approved through early December. The average award per student was $4,650. The top programs of study in the first year of Grow PA included registered nursing, early childhood education, business administration and management, biological sciences and accounting. Next year’s application period is expected to open in early February. Committee Examines CDLs and REAL IDs Being Issued to Illegal Immigrants
The Senate Transportation Committee held a public hearing to examine commercial vehicle safety and nondomiciled commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) following recent claims of CDLs and REAL IDs being issued to illegal immigrants. Pennsylvania law bans regular and commercial driver’s licenses for anyone unlawfully present in the commonwealth. Last month, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested an illegal immigrant from Uzbekistan wanted for belonging to a terrorist organization. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) issued him a CDL with a REAL ID indication in July. The committee examined commercial vehicle safety and nondomiciled commercial driver’s licenses with driving advocates, along with officials from PennDOT and the Pennsylvania State Police. You can view the hearing and read testimony here. Dec. 31 Deadline for Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program The deadline to apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is Dec. 31. Eligible residents could qualify for up to $1,000 (plus supplemental rebates for qualifying applicants). The program provides financial relief to older adults and people with disabilities who paid property taxes or rent in 2024. To qualify, applicants must be age 65+, widows/widowers 50+ or individuals with disabilities 18+, and their household income must be $46,520 or less (excluding half of Social Security income). Applications can be submitted online, by mail or in person, or by calling 1-888-222-9190 for assistance. My office is also available to help you apply for this rebate. It’s Annual Dog License Time
The deadline to purchase an annual license renewal for your dog is Jan. 1, 2026. Many counties allow you to purchase a lifetime license. Licensing fees help the millions of dogs in Pennsylvania by funding the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement. If your dog gets lost, a current license is the fastest way to get your dog back home. Dogs must be licensed at the point of adoption or purchase, or at three months if no transfer of ownership has taken place. Annual licenses can be purchased online from your county treasurer in one location here. Assistance Available to Help Rural Communities Fight Wildfires
State grants are available to volunteer fire companies to help protect rural communities from wildfires. Eligible applicants include local firefighting forces in rural communities with fewer than 10,000 residents. Funding can be used for training and equipment purchases directly related to fighting brush and forest fires. Recipients are selected based on vulnerability and adequacy of existing fire protection, with a focus on improving volunteer readiness and protecting lives and property in under-protected areas. Administered by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the maximum grant award in 2026 is $15,000 per fire company. Applications must be submitted electronically through DCNR’s grant website by Dec. 31. Happy Hanukkah
This week, Jewish families across our district are celebrating Hanukkah, the festival of light dating back more than 2,000 years, when the Jewish people won a battle against the Greeks to practice their religion freely. I wish everyone celebrating Hanukkah a time of warmth and appreciation with family and friends.
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