In this e-newsletter:

  • Upcoming district office closure
  • Chag Pesach Sameach
  • PUC hearing on the proposed UGI rate hikes
  • Transgender Day of Visibility
  • There are no kings in American democracy
  • Legislative Update
  • Visitors to the Capitol
  • Upcoming event
  • Government programs and grants
  • Scholarships
  • My office is here to help!
 

Upcoming District Office Closures

My office will be closed on Friday, April 3 in observance of Good Friday. We will reopen on Monday morning.

 

I wish everyone celebrating Easter a joyous holiday with their loved ones.
 

 Chag Pesach Sameach

I wish all who observe Passover a wonderful holiday with friends and family.
 

PUC hearing on the proposed UGI rate hikes

I'm fighting to keep energy affordable for our communities. UGI raised our natural gas rates six months ago and now they're trying to do it again. Even though their 2025 annual report showed "record adjusted earnings." I don't want to see my neighbors, especially those on fixed incomes, struggle to pay their energy bills.

 

Here is Fox43’s coverage of the hearing, which includes remarks from me.

'It's going to hurt people' | Lancaster County residents speak out at public hearing about proposed UGI rate hike | fox43.com

 

Here is a video of my remarks at the PUC hearing.
 

Transgender Day of Visibility

THRILLED to be family, friend, neighbor, and advocate for people who are transgender. You make life sweeter.

Congrats to Mayor Deuso of Downingtown, the first openly transgender mayor in Pennsylvania, on her recent election!

Thank you, T.A.K.E. Resource Center, PA Coalition of Trans Youth, and PA Governor’s Advisory Commission on LGBTQ Affairs for all that you do for Pennsylvania’s trans community.

Wishing everyone an informative International Transgender Day of Visibility today, March 31.

 The “Transgender Day of Visibility” celebrates the community's contributions to our nation and supports their unalienable rights as Americans to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as identified in the Declaration of Independence.

Please help ensure that your fellow Pennsylvanians recognize the transgender community’s inherent rights as Americans by participating in community discussions, supporting legislative and policy changes and advocating for transgender rights.
 

There’re no kings in American democracy

I was honored to speak at the “No Kings” rally on Saturday in Lancaster and join all of you who came out to stand up for American democracy, to protest our current Administration’s authoritarian actions and to demand change.

We all need to keep working to protect our democracy. Volunteer. Organize. Speak up. Even the smallest acts of kindness or dissent can have an impact.

And millions of them together can change history.

Above all, VOTE. Vote in every election you can, from local, to state, to federal. Each one impacts your community, your neighborhood, and your families. Read up on and ask questions about big issues. Talk with friends and family.

Our vote is the most direct pathway to change.
 

Register to Vote by May 4

Every election is a chance to make your voice heard so don’t forget to vote in the May 19 Primary election. Click here to register, request a mail in ballot, find your polling place and more.

 

Vote by Mail Deadline

I want your vote counted on Election Day the way that works for YOU.

Mail-in ballots are a simple, safe, and secure way to make sure your voice is heard...And it couldn't be easier! 

Just visit votespa.com to request your ballot. Once you receive it, fill it out and mail it or drop it in a drop box, or submit it at your county election office. That's it!  If you don’t put your ballot in the mail by May 12th then you should drop it off – don’t risk your vote not being counted. Your mail-in ballot must be RECEIVED by 8 p.m. on May 19.

Your Voice. Your Vote. Your Choice. Don’t wait - get your mail-in ballot today!
 

A wonderful Community Hiring Event!

Thank you to our event partners, employers and job seekers for a wonderful Community Hiring Event last Tuesday! For any job seekers looking for birth certificates, driver's licenses or other employment requirements, our office is here to help.
 

Legislative Update

I was back at the Capitol last week to advocate for legislation that would help you.

Last week in the House, we passed the following legislation:

 

  • To update the legal definition of marriage in Pennsylvania from a civil contract between one woman and one man to a civil contract between two people (H.B. 1800)

 

  • To create a family and medical leave insurance program in Pennsylvania--the Family Care Act (H.B. 200)

 

  • To increase the statewide minimum wage from $7.25 per hour (where it has been stuck since 2009) to $11 per hour, effective Jan. 1, 2027. The minimum wage would then increase to $13 per hour in 2028 and $15 per hour in 2029, followed by annual cost-of-living adjustments (H.B. 2189)

 

  • To create the first-ever regulatory framework for data centers in Pennsylvania (H.B. 1834). The bill would protect ratepayers from even higher utility bills, increase the construction of renewable energy, and fund low-income energy assistance programs.

 

  • To support our veterans by expanding property tax relief for disabled veterans (H.B. 1257) and improving trauma-informed care for veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma (H.B. 2024).

 

  • To protect consumers by requiring insurers to inform homeowner’s insurance buyers when policies don’t cover flood loss (H.B. 1718).

 

  • To improve railroad safety by prohibiting trains from blocking crossings in a way that delays emergency responders, limiting train length, expanding the number of workers and the use of safety monitoring systems and strengthening oversight of hazardous materials transported (H.B. 1191).

 
 

Visitors to the Capitol

Manheim Township High School’s Current Events and Politics club visited the Capitol last week. Kudos to Mr. Dick and Ms. Kaufmann for providing exceptional life experiences for their students.
 

Upcoming Events

Record-Clearing Information Session for Justice-Involved Residents

I’m partnering with Rep. Smith-Wade-El to host a Record-Clearing Information Session to help justice-involved residents better understand Pennsylvania’s expungement, pardon, and record-sealing laws.

 

📅 Wednesday, April 22
🕔 5 – 7 p.m.
📍 Lancaster Public Library, 151 N. Queen St.

 

During this workshop, representatives and partner organizations will be available to answer questions and explain the steps individuals can take to clear eligible records. If you or someone you know is working toward a fresh start, this session can help you learn about the options that may be available.

 

This event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring any questions or relevant documentation.

 

We hope you’ll join us and take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about clearing your record and opening doors to new opportunities.

 

Register here: https://recorderaser.net/event/04-2026-record-clearing-info-session/
 

Government Programs & Grants

Click on the image below for information about PTRR, LIHEAP and government grant programs accepting applications.
 

Scholarships

Click on the Image below to learn about scholarships and contests.
 

My Office is Here to Help

If you have any questions about this email or need assistance with any state-related matter, my staff and I are here to help you however we can! Reach out at RepRivera@pahouse.net or call (717) 295-3157.
 

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