For Spanish readers, please read the full Spanish-language version of this email HERE.

Earlier this month, Gov. Shapiro delivered his budget address, outlining a plan that strengthens education and makes everyday life more affordable, all without raising taxes.

The budget emphasizes the following beliefs House Democrats have been pushing for:

• Every student in every school gets a chance to succeed with hard work.
• Every local business has the tools to compete and create jobs.
• Working Pennsylvanians get money back in their pockets to help pay for the things they need, like affordable groceries and housing.
• Making sure everyone can afford to see a doctor when they get sick.

Another essential aspect of the budget is preparing Pennsylvania for potential federal uncertainties. The plan creates a Federal Response Fund to help maintain critical services for Pennsylvanians in the event of reduced or delayed federal support.

While our discretionary budget accounts for roughly one-third of state spending, nearly 40% is funded through federal programs, making it crucial to be prepared if those commitments are not fulfilled.

For the next two weeks, we will have leaders from state agencies testify about their departments’ need for the requested funding in the budget and what more we can do in the General Assembly to support their mission to assist Pennsylvanians.

Check out the full schedule of hearings, and watch all of them live on YouTube and pahouse.com/live. 

I look forward to working with my colleagues over the next few months to deliver an on-time budget that continues to invest in Pennsylvania’s future. Let’s get to work!

My winter newsletter has just been approved for mailing and will be hitting mailboxes soon! In this edition, I go over what we’re doing in Harrisburg to lower the cost of living, how I’m working for you in the 126th Legislative District, and my upcoming events.

Check out the digital version here!

Applications are now open for the PA House of Representatives Scholarship Program, administered by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities.

Each year, the program awards two four-year scholarships to graduating Pennsylvania high school seniors. Each scholarship covers one semester of tuition per year at a State System of Higher Education institution. Recipients are required to maintain eligibility throughout all four years of the scholarship.

Applications are due April 15. Requirements and the application form can be found here.

This month was filled with productive committee meetings in Harrisburg!

In early February, my bill (HB 1260), known as the solar warehouses bill, advanced on second consideration on the House Floor. The bill would require newly constructed warehouses and distribution centers to be built to accommodate solar panels.

Installing solar panels on large-scale warehouses and distribution centers presents an opportunity to reduce electricity costs, create high-paying local jobs, and diversify Pennsylvania’s energy portfolio. Warehouses are particularly well-suited for solar power because they are often located near existing electric transmission infrastructure, minimizing the need for costly new lines that would impact ratepayers.

I also attended a joint informational hearing with the Pennsylvania House Communications & Technology Committee on AI in healthcare. The hearing highlighted AI’s tremendous potential benefits while also emphasizing the need for safeguards to protect the public from its misuse.

I’d like to send a huge congratulations to Ken Bonkoski, the facilities manager at Antietam School District, who is being recognized as a 2026 Pennsylvania Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award recipient!

In 2023, Antietam Middle-Senior High School suffered significant damage from flooding, leaving the building unusable. Ken immediately sprang into action to salvage resources and develop a long-term plan that ensured Antietam students received the best educational experience possible.

He personally rescued the old scoreboard from the damaged gym and saved musical instruments from the music room. As repair work continued, Ken worked alongside his team and contractors to stabilize HVAC systems and sewer lines.

With his nomination, the Shapiro administration has asked the U.S. Secretary of Education to consider Ken for the national RISE award, which will be announced this spring.

As a state representative, I have the privilege of meeting many dedicated individuals—but few embody the spirit of service quite like Ken. Whether he is nationally recognized or not, we all know how meaningful and important Ken’s contributions to the Antietam School District have been.

The Berks County District Attorney's Office is warning the public about ongoing scams in which callers impersonate deputy sheriffs and police officers—using the names of actual officers—and tell victims that they missed jury duty or failed to appear in court.

These scammers are pressuring victims into sending a payment electronically, such as Bitcoin or cryptocurrency.

Berks County law enforcement will NEVER call to demand money or payment over the phone. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately and never provide any personal or financial information.

Stay safe!

My office has held three Property Tax/Rent Rebate filing assistance events as senior living apartments in the districts!

Income-eligible residents—seniors age 65 or older, widows or widowers age 50 or older, and residents with a disability age 18 or older—can claim rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2025.

My Temple office can check if you qualify and help fill out and send off the forms. Call us at (610) 921-8921 or stop by for assistance.

If you or someone you know is eligible, please contact my office at (484) 200-8256.

We're always working to put more money back in your pocket!

Late last year, we created a new Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, and thousands of families—many of them in the district—are eligible for up to $805 to help cover an unplanned expense, childcare, groceries, or anything else they need.

 If you qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, you qualify for this state program, which will lower your taxes or increase your refund this tax filing season. See if you qualify!

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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