This week, two big bills I’ve worked extensively on were approved by the House Chamber. House Bill 1768, known as the Keystone Fresh Act, would expand access to fresh, locally sourced foods in school meals while supporting Pennsylvania farmers and strengthening local economies.

Schools across Pennsylvania serve more than 168 million lunches per year. However, school board food service providers reportedly only spend 9% of their total food costs on local foods.

My bipartisan bill would provide funding for schools to buy more local foods, and resources for farmers to meet school market needs.

With Pennsylvania’s diverse agriculture sector, this program would improve student nutrition, stimulate the farm economy, and strengthen connections among rural and urban communities. It’s a win-win across the board!

House Bill 1530 also passed through the House this week. Tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians have purchased services and submitted saliva samples to genetic data companies; however, there have been several instances where these companies have profited off consumer’s genetic data without their consent, typically by marketing and selling genetic data to third parties.

My bill would require express consent from customers before using consumer data, ultimately allowing customers to have direct control of their genetic data through deletion requests and other privacy measures. 

Both bills now move to the state Senate for consideration.

This week, I was honored to host Debra, Tremayne, and Hayden Colbert at the Capitol.

In the middle of the night, Hayden woke to a smoke-filled room and immediately alerted his parents and other family members. This young man used a nearby fire extinguisher to keep the family house safe. His quick thinking saved the lives of multiple people. Especially when dealing with row home fires, when you save a fire in one home, you literally save the block.

It was an honor to host Hayden and his family in Harrisburg!

I’m happy to announce that over $1 million in new grant funding from the Commonwealth Financing Authority is being awarded to several organizations in the 197th District!

• $195,000 to Lighthouse Inc. to support its Lighthouse Community Recreation Center.
• $250,000 to the Foreman Arts Initiative Inc. to complete recommended ADA accommodations.
• $447,204 to the Temple Health System Transport Team Inc. for the purchase and upfitting of an ambulance.

I know these funds will go to great use and positively impact plenty of lives across our district. Read about additional grants approved for Philadelphia here: Burgos: Over $1 million secured for local community improvement projects.

I’d like to take a moment to wish everyone a joyful and safe holiday season. I hope you’re all able to take some time to kick back, relax, and make long-lasting memories with loved ones.

My office will be closed on Wednesday, Dec. 24 through Thursday, Dec. 25 in observance of Christmas Eve and Christmas. We will reopen for our regularly scheduled hours on Friday, Dec. 26.

Esperanza Housing and Economic Development has compiled a list of food sites across the Hunting Park area. Please call ahead before making the trip to confirm a location’s food supply availability.

New SNAP work requirements went into effect on Sept. 1. To qualify, many adults now need to prove they work 20 hours a week; if not, you’re only able to get three months of SNAP every three years. There are many ways to comply or meet an exemption to keep your SNAP benefits. Scan the above QR code or call 215-981-3700 for assistance.

As chairman of the Consumer Protection Committee, I called a meeting this week where we voted in support of bills with important train safety provisions and safety provisions around natural gas in homes.

The latest grant opportunities from the state have been released! My office is happy to connect you with government funding opportunities like these, so please reach out if you have a question or need a letter of support.

Don’t miss this festive evening! Esperanza Housing and Economic Development is hosting Parranda En La Cinco on Friday, Dec. 19 from 6 – 8 p.m. at Marz Auto Central. Stop by for free food, live entertainment, lechón asado, and festive music.

A free coat will be given to the first 200 attendees!

Voice of Praise Worldwide Ministries hosts their weekly soup kitchen on Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m., serving between 100 and 120 individuals each week.

If you need a hot meal, stop by 3509 Old York Road in Philadelphia on Wednesday for some soup and support.

Pennsylvania State Capitol

106 Irvis Office

P.O. Box 202197
Harrisburg, PA  17120-2197
(717) 772-2004

District Office

635 W. Erie Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19140
(215) 223-1890

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