Read my e-newsletter in a language that’s preferable to you by visiting my legislative website here and clicking on the accessibility icon in the lower right corner.

I’m honored to continue representing the 126th Legislative District! Thank you to all the residents of Berks County, Pennsylvania, and the nation who cast a vote last Tuesday.

Next year will look a little different at the Capitol, as Democrats will hold the majority in both the House and Senate for the first time since 1994. My House Democratic colleagues and I have been, and will continue to be, clear, honest, and focused on making life better, more affordable, safer, and healthier while ensuring that Pennsylvanians have access to all the opportunities our state has to offer.

I look forward to working alongside the Senate and Governor Shapiro to advance our legislative priorities, deliver meaningful results for Pennsylvania families, and continue building a stronger future for our communities.

On Tuesday, I attended a news conference at the Capitol that focused on the educational challenges facing unhoused youth across the state. For students experiencing homelessness, barriers such as transportation, access to school supplies, reliable internet and housing instability can make it especially difficult to stay on track academically.

Raising awareness is an important step toward ensuring unhoused students receive the support and educational opportunities they need to reach their full potential. Every student, regardless of their housing circumstances, deserves the opportunity to succeed.

The Low Income How Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) opened on November 2. LIHEAP helps eligible households with heating costs by offering a one-time cash grant of up to $1,000, paid directly to your utility company or heating fuel provider. Crisis grants are available for households experiencing a heating emergency.

You can apply online through COMPASS or by calling 1-866-857-7095. My office is also available to help with the application process or answer any questions you may have. Please reach out to my office at 610-921-8921 or visit here for more information.

This week, the family of local hero Chris Kaag joined us on the House Floor. Chris joined the Marines at age 21, but his service was cut short when he was diagnosed with adrenomyeloneuropathy, a degenerative nerve condition. But that didn’t stop him.

In 2007, Chris founded the IM ABLE Foundation to prove that disabilities don’t define us. Chris and his endurance are proof that a disability does not mean life is over—it’s a new challenge and a new beginning.

On Sept. 30, Chris passed away after his lifelong battle. He embodied the spirit of a hero and a warrior, and you can learn more about his fight in the video below. It was an honor to meet his family, recognize his legacy, and celebrate his incredible work with the IM ABLE Foundation.

Open enrollment in Pennie, Pennsylvania’s official health insurance marketplace, is happening now. Pennie provides quality health insurance plans for individuals and families who do not have other coverage options. Dec. 15 is the deadline to enroll or change plans for coverage starting Jan. 1, 2027. (You can still enroll from Dec. 16 through Jan. 15, but coverage will not start until Feb. 1.)

If you need help navigating the process and selecting the best plan for you and your family, Pennie has experts who can help for free. Visit pennie.com/connect to find local help at no cost.

It was an honor to stand alongside veterans and their families on Wednesday at Veterans Memorial Grove at City Park and express my heartfelt gratitude for their service and sacrifices.

Gathering to thank our veterans is important but honoring them should never be limited to one ceremony, one holiday, or one thank-you. It should be reflected in how we treat our veterans, how we support their families, and how we ensure they receive the benefits, resources, and care they have earned.

It also means teaching the next generation to understand the sacrifices made on their behalf and the freedoms those sacrifices have helped protect.

To all who have worn the uniform, thank you for your courage, your service, and your willingness to answer the call. Your service does not go unnoticed, and your sacrifices are never forgotten.

My team and I are ready to help you with a range of services, including filing for your Property Tax/Rent Rebate, help with PennDOT and unemployment services.

Please stop by my office (4933 Kutztown Road), call us at (610) 921-8921 or email RepRusnock@pahouse.net to learn more about the services we offer and get started!

District Office

4933 Kutztown Rd.
Temple, PA 19560

(610) 921-8921

Pennsylvania State Capitol
152 Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 783-3290

Unsubscribe from future updates