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In this Update:

• Thanks for a Successful Open House
• Register Now for My Concealed Carry Seminar on April 20
• Communicate with Your Utility Companies to Avoid Disconnection
• Speaking to Local Students in Manheim
• Sharing a Legislative Update in Columbia
• Discussing State and Local Government
• Summer Internship Opportunity with the Office of Open Records
• Complete an Annual Renewal to Maintain Insurance Coverage
• Happy Easter and Passover to You and Your Family

Thanks for a Successful Open House

Last month, I hosted an open house at my district office in Lititz. I spoke with residents about issues that are important to them, and we had a great turnout! If you couldn’t make it, check out my schedule of upcoming outreach events here.

Register Now for My Concealed Carry Seminar on April 20

Constituents can learn about Pennsylvania’s concealed carry laws and the Castle Doctrine at an upcoming concealed carry seminar I am hosting on April 20 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Manheim Sportsman Association, 552 Oak Tree Road, Manheim.

Mark D. Fetterman, Lancaster County district attorney; Lancaster County Sheriff Chris Leppler, and representatives of the Manheim Borough Police Department will be in attendance to discuss concealed carry laws and how to safely interact with the police when you are carrying.

Seating is limited. Community residents who wish to attend this free event must RSVP online here.

Communicate with Your Utility Companies to Avoid Disconnection

As the annual winter termination moratorium effectively ended on Monday, it is more important than ever for consumers with high or past-due balances on their utility bills to call their provider to discuss options to remain connected.

Utilities are reaching out to customers who are at risk of utility shutoffs and sending bill reminders, letters, termination notices and Public Utility Commission (PUC)-approved shutoff forms. If a customer’s service is shut off, the utility must provide a notice indicating why the service was shut off and what steps the customer can take to restore service. 

Utilities can help enroll consumers in assistance programs, guide them to other available resources and discuss new payment plan options to address overdue balances. If a consumer is unable to resolve an issue or obtain needed information from the utility, they may contact the PUC’s Bureau of Consumer Services toll free at 1-800-692-7380. 

Speaking to Local Students in Manheim

Thanks to Mrs. Anu Unruh, who teaches civics to a homeschool co-op in Manheim, I had the opportunity to speak to seventh- and eighth-grade homeschool students at the Chase Academy. I talked to the kids about what it’s like to be a state senator and how a bill becomes a law. It’s always great to meet with students from the district, and I hope I helped to encourage them to become involved in government, at the local, state, and federal levels.

Sharing a Legislative Update in Columbia

I enjoyed attending a recent meeting of the Columbia Borough Council to give members and community residents a legislative update. Government works best when it works cooperatively for the people it serves, so I appreciate the opportunity.

Discussing State and Local Government

It was a pleasure to once again join Leadership Lancaster – Thaddeus Stevens Core Class this year for a panel discussion on state and local government. I enjoyed the terrific discussion with fellow panelists Leo Lutz (Columbia mayor), Ahmed Ahmed (Lancaster City Council), and Rebecca Denlinger (Elizabethtown Borough Council).

Summer Internship Opportunity with the Office of Open Records

The Office of Open Records is offering a paid summer internship opportunity in Harrisburg to undergraduate students and recent graduates who are interested in government accountability and transparency. Interns may work from home on Mondays and Thursdays, but full-time telework will not be approved.

The office was established to create a free, simple method for citizens to appeal a public records denial by a local or state government agency. Decisions made by the Office of Open Records have an enormous impact that can lead to changes at all levels of government in Pennsylvania.

Email a resume and cover letter that includes your preferred start and end date to openrecords@pa.gov. Applications will be considered until the position is filled. Learn more, including internship requirements, here.

Complete an Annual Renewal to Maintain Insurance Coverage

All Medical Assistance (MA) and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) recipients must complete an annual renewal to keep coverage. Pennie, Pennsylvania’s state-affiliated health insurance marketplace, offers financial assistance to lower the cost of health and dental coverage. It can help ensure continuous coverage for Pennsylvanians who have lost or are losing MA benefits.

Approximately 30-45 days before Medicaid recipients’ renewal date, they will receive their renewal packet in the mail. This must be completed and returned as soon as possible. They can also complete their renewal online via COMPASS or over the phone.

People who are no longer eligible for Medicaid may have options for coverage available through Pennie and CHIP.

Happy Easter and Passover to You and Your Family

This week, we celebrate two holy holidays: Easter and Passover. No matter what or how you celebrate, may you and your family enjoy happy, heartwarming time together. Warmest wishes for many blessings.

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