In this update:

• Office Closed for MLK Day
• New Tax Credits
• Goat Snuggling

• Volunteer Hours for SNAP Benefits
• Scholarship Opportunity
• And so much more!

In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, my office will be closed on Monday, January 19.

I encourage everyone to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by committing themselves to the work of creating a more just, equitable, and compassionate society. His vision challenges us not only to remember him but to take meaningful action.

In honor of Dr. King, the Women and Girls Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania is hosting two free virtual events on Monday, January 19. Use the links below to learn more and pre-register:

• Calling All Future Leaders – A virtual Conversation with the W&J College Women of Excellence Group.
• Paid Family & Medical Leave in Pennsylvania – This webinar will feature Camila Rivera-Tinsley, CEO of the Women and Girls Foundation, alongside community advocates and industry professionals.

My fifth in-person Pennsylvania Farm Show was one for the books! It was a busy week for me, jam-packed with activities ranging from goat snuggling to an informational meeting on supporting farmers’ mental health.

As Vice Chair of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and Chair of the Legislative Hunger Caucus, the Farm Show is one of my favorite events of the year. It’s an incredible opportunity to learn more about where our food comes from (in addition to trying samples!) while meeting the amazing people who make Pennsylvania’s agricultural industry thrive.

I sat down with Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding to discuss record crowds, our adopted cow Sprinkles, and why you should make a plan to go to the Farm Show.

It was my third year competing in the Farm Show Celebrity Feed Scurry, and while I may never have it down, I always have a great time trying! This year, it was a bipartisan effort with Senator Greg Rothman serving as my mucker.

Learn all about the Farm Show and make a plan to attend here.

On Wednesday, I chaired a House Policy Committee hearing with Rep. Nate Davidson (D-Dauphin, Cumberland) on the impact a universal school meals program would have on child hunger in Pennsylvania. I’ve been advocating for universal school meals and meal debt forgiveness for years and have consistently introduced legislation to create a program for Pennsylvania public schools, this Session joined by Rep. Davidson and Rep. Tarik Khan (D-Philadelphia) as my co-prime sponsors.

During the pandemic, we came close to solving hunger in the United States by expanding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and investing in universal school meals. Now, following the largest reduction in federal SNAP funding in history, Pennsylvania must step up to expand food access—especially for children in our schools.

Watch the full hearing here.

Households earning less than $70,000 a year may be eligible for free tax preparation assistance through United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania – click here to see if you’re eligible.

As you prepare to file your taxes this year, remember that, thanks to state budget priorities that my Democratic colleagues and I fought for, there is a new state-level tax credit available that about 75,000 people here in Allegheny County will qualify for.

Anyone who qualifies for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) will now automatically receive a state credit equal to 10% of their federal benefit. The federal EITC is one of the most effective anti-poverty tools in the country, and establishing a state-level version allows us to further support those who need it most.

PA Navigate is a statewide network designed to connect people in Pennsylvania with the health and social care services they need. If you or someone you know is struggling, check out their website.

They recently began listing volunteer opportunities to help people enrolled in SNAP meet the new requirements and keep their benefits.

I want to remind folks in our area that requirements for SNAP changed significantly last year. Visit this website to learn about these changes, how they will affect SNAP recipients, and how to report that you are meeting the new requirements. 

Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR) support groups are starting back up at the end of this month, and you’re invited to join a community of care, connection, and growth. These groups provide a safe space to build coping skills, boost self-esteem, and find encouragement from others who truly understand.

Learn more and pre-register here.

As Pennsylvania prepares to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, America250PA is investing in the next generation of leaders. They’re awarding $250,000 in Semiquincentennial Scholarships to Pennsylvania high school seniors continuing their education.

Get details and apply here.

Know a college student interested in state government? Let them know the PA House Legislative Fellowship Program is currently accepting applications for the Summer 2025 semester.

The Fellowship Program is based in the State Capitol Building in Harrisburg. Fellows are placed in House Committees or Leadership offices, receive compensation (and in some cases college credit), and gain hands-on experience drafting and presenting legislation, attending meet-and-greets with public officials, and touring some of the Commonwealth’s historic public spaces.

Go to pahousefellowship.us for more information and directions on how to apply.

The 2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate application filing period is now open. You may be eligible for a rebate of up to $1,000.

My team and I helped return over $265,000 to Pennsylvanians through PTRR last year – contact us today to see if you’re eligible for cash back on property taxes or rent you already paid.

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 RepKinkead@pahouse.net or call 412-321-5523.

Pennsylvania State Capitol

116-B East Wing

Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 787-5470

District Office

658 Lincoln Ave.

Bellevue, PA 15202
(412) 321-5523

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