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Para leer este correo electrónico de la forma y en el idioma que prefieras, visita aquí y luego haz clic en el icono de accesibilidad en la esquina superior derecha.

Yesterday, I was proud to cast my vote for the 2026/27 state budget, which supports students, workers, seniors, veterans, small businesses, and communities across Pennsylvania, without raising taxes.

The budget we passed delivers on affordability, invests in education, safe communities, and offers economic development opportunities to keep people, businesses, and jobs in Pennsylvania.

I’m overjoyed to share that the Antietam, Exeter Township, Muhlenberg, and Reading School Districts all received increased funding. Antietam is receiving $948,000 (10% increase), Exeter Township will get $913,000 in additional funding (a 5.3% increase), Muhlenberg is expected to receive $5 million (a 25% increase) 

We also worked in a long overdue cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for retired school employees, police officers, firefighters and other public employees whose pensions have not kept pace with inflation.

This budget is a blueprint for a stronger, fairer, and more affordable Pennsylvania and I was proud to vote for it!

The spotted lanternfly is more than just a pesky bug we see in the summer. First detected in Berks County in 2014, this insect has spread to 15 states, leaving a path of destruction in its wake.

Spotted lanternflies are planthoppers, named for their ability to hop from surface to surface and cling tightly wherever they land. They pass through four distinct life stages over the course of a few months before maturing into adults with their unmistakable gray wings and bright red underwings.

While state and local agencies continue their efforts to slow the spread of this invasive pest, we can play a role in protecting our communities, farms, and forests. If you see a spotted lanternfly, stomp it. Every insect eliminated helps reduce future populations.

Working together, we can help protect Pennsylvania's agriculture, natural resources, and local economy from this destructive species.

The state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program application deadline for 2025 has been extended until December 31!

The PTRR Program provides rebates ranging from $380 to $1,000 to eligible older adults and people with disabilities who meet certain household income requirements. These rebates help older adults and people with disabilities remain in their homes while making it easier to afford everyday essentials.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office to see if you qualify and to schedule an appointment.

Nominations are now open for the 2027 Pennsylvania Trail of the Year!

If you know a trail that offers unique recreational opportunities, welcomes and celebrates diverse user groups, or strengthens its community, I encourage you to nominate it.

The winning trail will be recognized by the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and will receive:

• A commemorative poster for statewide distribution.
• A trailhead marker along the trail.
• A grant for educational programs to promote safety and environmental protection on the trail.

For consideration, a nomination form and supporting documentation must be submitted online by Friday, July 31.

Submit a nomination for PA Trail of the Year here.

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.

In June, I was proud to meet up with Berks County’s very own Kylah Schlott (far right) at the Special Olympics torch run in Harrisburg. She was one of four chosen swimmers to represent Team PA in Minneapolis, Minnesota this summer.

I’m overjoyed to share Kylah won GOLD in the 200-meter freestyle, finishing in 3:29.85, beating her previous best by over 30 seconds!

Kylah was diagnosed with epilepsy at just six years old. She trains at IM ABLE’s facility on North Carroll Street, which works to remove obstacles that prevent people with disabilities from being physically active by providing grants, resources, fitness opportunities and motivation.

Kylah is such a hardworking, caring person and I cannot express how proud of her I am. Congrats on the gold, Kylah!

I attended a news conference last week where a $20.3 million investment was announced from Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials Inc., to expand operations in Berks County!

The Commonwealth is investing $500,000 in this project, which is expected to create 42 jobs within the next three years and retain 441 existing, full-time positions in Pennsylvania.

Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials, a leading global manufacturer of high-performance thermoplastics and composites, is expanding its operations at 2120 Fairmount Avenue in Reading through renovations to its existing site, construction of an adjacent facility, and the installation of new machinery and equipment to support the manufacturing of specialty engineering thermoplastics and composites.

Mitsubishi Chemical's continued investment in Reading is a tremendous vote of confidence in our community, our workforce, and Berks County's future. This expansion will help strengthen our local economy, create new opportunities, and reinforce Pennsylvania's reputation as a great place to grow innovative manufacturing!

Last week, I attended the 2026 Total Experience Learning at Alvernia University Conference. We discussed Total Experience Learning (TExpl), where learning isn’t confined to just the classroom.

It’s an innovative way to help teachers get their students engaged and responsible for their own learning. Whether through internships, workshops, or collaborative research, participants gain practical experience in fields ranging from science and engineering to the arts and entrepreneurship.

The world’s largest operating steam locomotive, Big Boy No. 4014, traveled past Alvernia’s campus for its second time through Berks County.

The steam engine, which is 133 feet long and 1.2 million pounds, was in the region last week as it headed to Philadelphia for celebrations of the nation’s 250th anniversary after a coast-to-coast journey from California.

It was so cool seeing a moving piece of our history!

We’re celebrating Muhlenberg Township’s 175th and America’s 250th birthdays with a free concert at Jim Dietrich Park! On Sunday, July 26, from 2–4 p.m., the Ringgold Band will hold a special patriotic performance for attendees. Stop by to meet me, my staff, and to celebrate our incredible township and country!

My team and I are ready to help you with a range of 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

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