 |
|
|
|
|
Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link. |
Join Me for a Telephone Town Hall Meeting This Wednesday!
Let’s talk about the issues in Harrisburg and here at home that matter most to you at my telephone town hall meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 6 p.m. You’ll have the opportunity to take part in the discussion from the comfort of your own home!
Calls inviting you to participate will start going out about five minutes before the telephone town hall meeting is to begin. You can simply stay on the line to listen, or press *3 if you would like to make a comment or ask a question.
If you miss the call or don’t receive one, you may call in, toll-free, at 1-877-229-8493 and then enter the code 118374. The call will also be streamed here.
|
Remember. Honor. Teach.
National Wreaths Across America Day will be observed this Saturday, Dec. 13. This tradition began in 1992 when a wreath maker from Maine found himself with a surplus of wreaths. Wanting to pay tribute to our nation’s veterans, Morrill Worcester arranged for those wreaths to be placed at Arlington National Cemetery. What started as a simple act of gratitude has grown into an annual national tradition dedicated to ensuring no veteran is ever forgotten.
Communities throughout our region will be gathering to remember the fallen, honor those who have served and teach our children the value of freedom.
This year, I am honored to join the Grand Canyon FFA at Wellsboro Cemetery. A remembrance ceremony will begin at noon, followed by the placement of handmade veterans’ wreaths on the graves of 850 service members laid to rest there.
Last year, 620 wreaths were placed, leaving 230 graves without a tribute. Thanks to the dedication and generosity of so many, every veteran will be honored this year with a fresh, handmade wreath crafted from Maine balsam.
Be sure to check for a Wreaths Across America ceremony close to you and learn how you can support this meaningful tradition of remembrance.
|
Celebrating the Season of Community and Service
Christmas is a magical time when communities across our district come together with tree lightings, parades, caroling, craft fairs and holiday markets. Yet beyond the festivities, we remember the true reason for the season – the birth of Jesus Christ, who brought hope, love, and redemption to the world. May his light guide us to serve others with kindness, service and gratitude.
On Friday, I had the honor of attending the 2025 Westfield Parade of Lights, a wonderful display of floats, music and Christmas spirit. This year’s highlight was recognizing two remarkable members of our community: Mr. Charles G. Bryant and Mr. Edward Heyler.
I presented Mr. Bryant with a citation from the House of Representatives for 70 years of dedicated service to the American Legion Post No. 519 . A U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, he has continued a lifetime of service. In 1957, he moved to Westfield, where he became an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Free and Accepted Masons, and the local Rod and Gun Club, and he also served as a volunteer firefighter.
Mr. Heyler, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday, was presented with the keys of the town from Westfield Mayor Faun James. Mr. Heyler served his country in the Air Force during World War II. In 1950, Mr. Heyler and his wife, Donna, moved to Westfield where he taught agriculture at Cowanesque Valley High School until his retirement in 1983. In 1953, Mr. Heyler and his wife purchased a farm, which is still operating as a beef farm. Mr. Heyler has been an inspiration to his students and to all those who know him.
While the Parade of Lights was not held solely in these two men’s honor, it was certainly a fitting moment to celebrate such noble men who have given so much to the town of Westfield.
As we gather with loved ones, may we carry that same spirit of love, generosity and service into the New Year.
Pictured here: County Commissioner Marc Rice, me, Charles Bryant and Westfield Mayor Faun James
Pictured here: Me, County Commissioner Marc Rice, Westfield Mayor Faun James, and Edward Heyler.
|
Knoxville Food Pantry Awarded Grant to Support Local Families
On the first Tuesday of every month, dozens of cars line up along Boatman Road outside of Knoxville as the Knoxville Food Pantry opens its doors to serve families across our region.
Last month, I had the opportunity to join the many dedicated volunteers and Cowanesque Valley High School students who give their time to support this effort. On Nov. 4, the pantry served 228 families — including 39 visiting for the first time. In December, the pantry was able to provide milk, eggs, cheese and fresh produce purchased with Emergency PASS Grant funds. All food was purchased through the Pennsylvania Food Bank and is Pennsylvania farmer grown.
The continued turnout speaks to the tremendous need within our communities, and it was inspiring to celebrate the Knoxville Food Pantry receiving a $5,000 grant from the FirstEnergy Foundation through its Hunger Action Initiative. This support will help the pantry continue meeting the needs of local families and strengthening the well-being of our community.
|
Heating Assistance Program Now Open
As cold weather has arrived, residents who struggle with their home heating bills are reminded they can now apply for assistance from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps individuals and families pay their heating bills through home heating energy assistance grants. It also provides crisis grants to help in the event of an emergency or if a resident is in danger of losing his or her heat due to broken equipment, lack of fuel or termination of utility service.
To qualify for LIHEAP in Pennsylvania, you must meet income requirements, which are set based on your household size. For example, the maximum annual income for an individual is $23,475 and for a family of four it is $48,225. For each additional person, add $8,250 to the income limit.
Residents may apply for LIHEAP online at www.dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS, by phone at 1-866-857-7095 or by contacting the County Assistance Office in their county of residence.
Bradford County Assistance Office
Office hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone: 570-265-9186
Or
Tioga County Assistance Office
Office hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone: 570-724-4051
LIHEAP 570-724-4051
Click here for additional information. The program runs through April 2026.
|
Deadline Nears for Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program
Older adults and Pennsylvanians with disabilities have until Dec. 31 to apply for the state’s 2024 Property Tax/Rent Rebate program. Remember, assistance through my offices is always free. You need not pay a private firm for assistance.
Income limits increased again this year to $46,520 for both homeowners and renters. This is due to a 2023 law I supported that calls for adjusting the income limit based on annual increases in the Consumer Price Index. Remember to exclude 50% of Social Security when determining your income. The maximum rebate is $1,000.
The program is open to residents age 65 years and older; widows and widowers 50 years and older; and people with disabilities 18 years and older.
Click here for additional information or to apply online or contact my offices for assistance. If you applied previously but have not received your rebate, click here. The 2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate program will open for applications in mid- to late January.
|
New Law Protects Senior Citizens’ Prescription Coverage
Medications play a vital role in preserving health and improving quality of life, but they can be costly, especially for our senior citizens. That’s why I was pleased to support a new law that will protect thousands of Pennsylvania seniors from losing access to affordable prescription drug coverage.
Act 49 of 2025 extends the current Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) moratorium for the PACE and PACENET programs through Dec. 31, 2027. Without this extension, more than 22,000 older Pennsylvanians would have faced disruptions in their benefits due to modest increases in Social Security income.
The PACE and PACENET programs serve over 250,000 Pennsylvanians age 65 and older. To learn more about the programs, who qualifies and how to apply, click here.
|
|
|
