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In this Update:
Meeting the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
As Chair of Senate Urban Affairs & Housing Committee, I was thrilled to meet with members of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Affairs Development’s Mid-Atlantic Region for an engaging discussion on housing policy and the challenges facing communities across Pennsylvania. I was excited to exchange ideas on reducing blight, encouraging responsible redevelopment, and expanding access to safe, affordable housing, especially in neighborhoods that have experienced long-term disinvestment. These conversations are critical to the work we do in Harrisburg. I look forward to continuing to work with our federal partners to strengthen housing opportunities and improve quality of life across the Commonwealth. Legislative Roundtable with Supportive Behavioral Resources and PAR
I attended a legislative roundtable hosted by Pennsylvania Advocates and Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disabilities (PAR) and Supportive Behavioral Resources (SBR). I appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from dedicated professionals, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families. Their insight made for a thoughtful and informative discussion, and I learned a lot from their experiences. SBR plays an important role in providing community-based services and individualized support that help those with intellectual and developmental disabilities live full, independent lives. I valued the chance to listen, learn, and better understand how state policy can continue to meet the growing needs of communities across Pennsylvania. Grand Opening of Ferry Good Treats!
I was happy to join the ribbon cutting at the grand opening of Ferry Good Treats, right across the street from my district office! It’s always exciting to welcome a new local business into the neighborhood, and I was glad to celebrate this milestone alongside Representative Martina White and her team. Small businesses are the backbone of our community, and it’s great to see a continued investment and new energy here in Parkwood. Tacony Seniors
The week started off on a great note meeting with the Tacony Seniors! I was glad to share updates on what’s happening in the district, answer questions, and have thoughtful conversations about the issues that matters most to them. It is always a pleasure spending time with them. Thank you to everyone who joined us for a great discussion! 2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Applications Now Being Accepted
The application period is now open for this year’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, which provides rebates from $380 to $1,000 to eligible older adults and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue is accepting applications for rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2025. Forms and instructions are available online, and eligible Pennsylvanians are encouraged to file their applications via myPATH to ensure their rebates are processed as quickly as possible. Please reach out to my office with any questions. Your Input Wanted on Program Helping PA Seniors and People with Disabilities
Older Pennsylvanians, people with disabilities and their families can find services and support in their community through Pennsylvania Link to Aging and Disability Resources (PA Link). Public input is wanted on a plan to redesign and improve PA Link. The plan calls for developing performance metrics, expanding call center functionality, deploying volunteers for community engagement and more. The Pennsylvania Department of Aging will hold a listening session Jan. 27, and the public comment period will be open until Feb. 9. You can review the draft plan, submit comments and sign up for the listening session here. Tips for Preparing for Winter Storms and Power Outages
Winter storms are part of Pennsylvania living, and they’re made worse when the power goes out. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission offers these tips for what to do before and during winter storms:
Learn more about what to do if you lose power during the storm, how to stay safe while waiting for power to be restored and what utilities do to deal with storms here. Deadline Approaching for PennDOT “Innovations Challenge”
How can artificial intelligence (AI) improve work zone safety? That’s the latest Pennsylvania Department of Transportation “Innovations Challenge” for high school students. Students are asked to develop a concept for the use of AI in work zones to dramatically improve safety for work crews and motorists. The concept should take into consideration cost-benefit information, statewide deployment implications and public outreach. Regional winners will be invited to present their solutions to a panel of judges, who will determine the statewide winners. Teams must submit entries by Jan. 30 for a chance at a prize. Rules and submission information can be found here. Remembering Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream
Americans of all colors and backgrounds are bound by a love of liberty, a can-do spirit and other ideals that resonate strongly across the United States. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an opportunity to recommit to celebrating what brings us together and to seeing each other as fellow citizens, judged by what we do and not what we look like.
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