Dear Neighbor,
In this e-newsletter, I am sharing with you information I hope you find helpful:
- Lancaster County receives over $4.7 million to support community projects
- Over $1.2M in state grants for community services
- My legislation to help seniors afford life-saving prescription medicines signed into law
- Upcoming Holiday Hours
- Come Say Goodbye to Fran!
- Healthcare Enrollment Happening NOW
- Work Requirements for Some SNAP Recipients
- PA 529: An Easy Gift for Education
- New Online Tool for Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit
- Winter Weather is here! Do you need help with your home heating bill?
- Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Deadline is Dec. 31
- Unclaimed Property
- 2026 Fishing Licenses, permits and gift vouchers on sale
- State Grant Program Funding Available
- Community Resources
The House has returned to voting session this week, so I am here in Harrisburg advocating for legislation that will improve your lives. When not in Harrisburg for committee meetings and legislative session, I am in the district attending local events and serving residents alongside my dedicated staff at my local office at 1560 Lititz Pike in Lancaster. Our doors are open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. You also can reach us by phone at 717-295-3157 or by email at RepRivera@pahouse.net.
|
Lancaster County receives over $4.7 million to support community projects
|
I was proud to announce this week the approval of over $4.7 million from the Neighborhood Assistance Program to help low-income people and communities and improve distressed areas in Delaware County. The funding was approved this week by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
Through NAP, businesses can receive tax credits of up to 95 percent on contributions they make to a qualifying community project.
As I am on the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee and the Chesapeake Bay Commission, I was especially thrilled to see that Lancaster County Conservation has received $2,257,972. This money will go far in protecting our environment in Lancaster.
|
Over $1.2M in state grants for community services
|
Last week, $1,227,352 in state grants was awarded to support crime victims, young children, and justice-involved individuals with substance abuse disorders, and prevent suicides by firearms in Lancaster County. The funding was approved by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.
|
My bill that will help our seniors afford life-saving prescription medicines is now law
|
I came to Harrisburg to advance legislation that would improve the lives of ordinary Pennsylvanians like you and me. This Monday, my bill to help our seniors afford life-saving prescription medicines was signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro. H.B. 553 is now Act 49 of 2025.
This law will shield seniors from losing their PACE and PACENET prescription eligibility if their annual Social Security cost-of-living adjustment exceeds normal income eligibility guidelines.
PACE and PACENET are true lifesavers for hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvania seniors, and so are Social Security cost-of-living adjustments. Thanks to Act 49, our seniors won’t have to worry over whether they will have to go into medical debt or give up treatments because they can’t maintain their eligibility because the government has rightfully adjusted Social Security to keep up with the cost of living.
I’m delighted that my colleagues in the House and Senate supported the legislation and the seniors it will help by passing my bill into law.
|
Upcoming Holiday District Office Hours
|
My district office will be closed for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
- December 25
- December 26
- December 31
- January 1
- January 2
|
Come Say Goodbye to Fran at My District Office Drop-In
|
My incredible district office director, Fran Miliano, will be leaving my office at the end of December to take a new position. I can’t say enough about what an amazing leader Fran has been the past year! She will be greatly missed.
Please stop in to my district office between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 29 to thank Fran and wish her well in her future job!
|
Healthcare Enrollment Happening NOW
|
Due to recent changes in federal law and the expiration of the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits, health insurance costs for Pennie enrollees are expected to rise significantly in 2026. Premiums could increase by at least 82%, with some individuals facing double or even quadruple increases. If you are currently enrolled, you should receive communications from Pennie regarding these changes.
The 2026 open enrollment period began on November 1, so now is the time to review your options and compare plans to find the most cost-effective solution for your needs.
Click here to visit the Pennie website to learn what is happening, why it is happening, and how you can prepare for these changes.
You can also go to pennie.com/connect to find Pennie-certified assisters and brokers by your ZIP code. Some offer virtual, over-the-phone, and in-person appointments. My office is also here to guide you through the process.
|
Work Requirements for Some SNAP Recipients
|
If you benefit from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) there are new work requirements to continue receiving those benefits. Under the new federal guidelines, certain recipients will need to report that they are working, volunteering, or participating in an education or training program for at least 20 hours a week (or 80 hours each month). The requirements will continue to expand throughout the fall of 2025. You should have received a letter from the PA Dept. of Human Services if you are affected, however you can learn more on the DHS website. These changes are due to a new law recently passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump. Please call or email my office if you need food assistance and we can connect you with options.
|
PA 529: An Easy Gift for Education
|
Pennsylvania now offers an easy way for families to save for education. Through a partnership with Gift of College, friends and relatives can purchase digital gift cards that can be deposited directly into a PA 529 College and Career Savings Program account—no need to know whether the recipient already has an account.
Gift cards are available at pa529.com/gift.
Anyone—parents, grandparents, or family friends—can contribute to a PA 529 College and Career Savings Program. Funds can be used for K–12 expenses, higher education, career credentials, and apprenticeship programs.
|
Winter Weather is here! Do you need help with your home heating bill?
|
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) application period for 2025–26 opened this month! Whether you rent or own your home, you could receive a cash grant from $200 to $1,000 based on your household size, income, and fuel type. This is a grant sent directly to your fuel provider and does not have to be repaid.
To find out if you qualify and for help applying, call my office at or stop by my office. We also can help you find out if you qualify for any other state or local programs. You can also apply for LIHEAP online.
|
Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Deadline is Dec. 31
|
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program helps homeowners and renters by providing rebates of $380 to $1,000 to eligible older adults and people with disabilities aged 18 or older.
The deadline to apply for this program is coming up fast—Dec. 31! Please contact my office if you have questions or need help with the application.
Click here to learn whether you qualify, how much you would receive and to apply online.
|
New Online Tool for Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit
|
As your state representative, I am always working to find ways to put money back in your pocket. According to the Pennsylvania Treasury, we have $16 MILLION in unclaimed property in the 96th District!
Some of this money could be yours, so why not find out?
Go here: Unclaimed Property. It takes just a couple of minutes to find out if the state is holding property that belongs to you.
As always, my office can help you file your claim for FREE.
|
2026 Fishing Licenses, permits and gift vouchers on sale
|
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission reminds anglers and boaters that licenses, permits and vouchers for the upcoming 2026 season can be purchased easily at HuntFish.pa.gov or by visiting one of nearly 700 retail license issuing agents.
2026 licenses, permits and vouchers purchased now are valid immediately for up to 13 months, from Dec. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2026.
Customers can choose from annual or multi-year licenses and permits with 3-, 5-, or 10-year options. All documents can be printed immediately upon purchase or saved digitally on a smart device, which serves as proof of possession.
|
State Grant Program Funding Available
|
The latest grant opportunities from the state are located on my website! My office is happy to connect you with government funding opportunities like these, so please reach out if you have any questions or need a letter of support.
|
Holiday Food Box Giveaway
|
On Saturday, Dec. 20, Lancaster County Project for the Needy (LCPN) will provide food boxes filled with essential staples for holiday meals. Registration is now open. Register and learn more here: Project for the Needy - United Way of Lancaster County
Note: Registration may close early if the maximum of 1,200 registrants is reached.
|
Experience Holiday Magic Right Here at Home
|
District Office
1560 Lititz Pike, Suite 2
Lancaster, PA 17601
(717) 295-3157
|
Pennsylvania State Capitol
109A East Wing
PO Box 202096
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2096
(717) 787-3555
|
|
.png)
