Senator Gebhard E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Wernersville District Office Open House
  • Senator Gebhard and Rep. Jozwiak Town Hall
  • Gebhard Speaks at Greater Reading Chamber Alliance Breakfast
  • Electric Prices to Adjust June 1
  • Grants Available to Municipal Fire Departments
  • 2023 PA Fair Guide Released
  • Farmers Market Vouchers Available to Eligible Seniors
  • License Plate Helps PA Women Veterans
  • Honoring the Sacrifice of Our Fallen Soldiers
  • Local Events

Wernersville District Office Open House

On Saturday, May 20, I hosted an open house at my new district location at 6 W. Penn Ave, Wernersville.  The Wernersville office was added after redistricting impacted the 48th District.

I wanted to give Berks County residents who prefer to interact in person with more convenient access to the services my office can provide.  My staff and I enjoyed meeting all the great people from the community who came out.

Constituents are welcome to call the district office with any state related questions or concerns at 610-562-3411.  They may also visit the office in person Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Senator Gebhard and Rep. Jozwiak Town Hall

I will be co-hosting a town hall at the South Heidelberg Township Building with Rep. Barry Jozwiak (R-Berks) on May 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. to discuss current issues in Harrisburg and answer questions from constituents.

It is important that we, as legislators, regularly hear from constituents on how we can best represent their interests in Harrisburg.

To RSVP you can call 610-378-4407. I look forward to seeing you all there! 

Gebhard Speaks at Greater Reading Chamber Alliance Breakfast

I had the opportunity to speak at the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance legislative breakfast along with Senator Pennycuick, Senator Schwank, Rep. Barton, Rep. Cepeda-Freytiz, and Rep. Zimmerman. 

In my update, I spoke on the passage of my financial literacy bill and why I think it is critical to the economic future of Pennsylvania.

With recent estimates of Americans approaching $1 trillion dollars in credit card debt, this bill would give young adults the basic skills to put them on the path to financial independence. 

I also discussed my priorities as chairman of the Community, Economic, and Recreational Development Committee.  A key focus of mine is improving business regulations, finding ways to make Pennsylvania more attractive for economic development and allowing PA’s natural resources to be used to drive the economy.

Electric Prices to Adjust June 1

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) reminds consumers that on June 1, most electric companies will adjust electric generation prices charged to non-shopping customers. Find out what your “Price to Compare” will be here.

In most areas of Pennsylvania, consumers can choose a different electric generation supplier for more competitive pricing by visiting PAPowerSwitch.com. The website offers comparison data regarding price, fixed-price contract terms, renewable content, deposit/cancellation fees and other relevant information.

Grants Available to Municipal Fire Departments

Municipal fire departments may apply for grants between $25,000 and $100,000 from May 30 to June 30.

Eligible expenses include establishing or modernizing firefighting facilities; acquiring or renovating structures that house firefighting equipment; or repairing or purchasing firefighting, ambulance or rescue equipment.

Additional information is available here. Questions regarding grant administration and eligibility should be emailed to the Office of the State Fire Commissioner at ra-emosfcmunigrant@pa.gov.

2023 PA Fair Guide Released

Fair season has started. If you’re looking to visit one of the state’s many fairs and festivals this summer, the 2023 Pennsylvania Fair Guide is now available online.

Published by the state Department of Agriculture, the guide lists the dates, locations and contact persons for more than 100 agriculture fairs and events scheduled this summer and fall in Pennsylvania.

The guide also highlights 16 fairs that offer harness racing.

Farmers Market Vouchers Available to Eligible Seniors

Through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, eligible participants will receive five $10 vouchers and a list of participating farmers and farmers’ markets where vouchers can be used to purchase Pennsylvania grown fruits and vegetables. Vouchers are good until Nov. 30.

To be eligible, seniors must be 60 by Dec. 31 and have a household income less than $26,973 for one person or $36,482 for two people. Seniors living in personal care or nursing homes are not eligible.

Vouchers will be available beginning in June for pick up only until they are gone. Call your County Aging office to find out when and where it will distribute the vouchers. Learn more here.

License Plate Helps PA Women Veterans

In addition to recognizing the importance of women who served, purchasing an Honoring Our Women Veterans License Plate supports programs assisting women veterans in Pennsylvania.

Each plate costs $37, with $15 going directly to the Pennsylvania Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF). The VTF regularly issues grants to statewide charitable organizations assisting veterans service organizations and county directors of veterans affairs. The grants are used to aid veterans in need of shelter, essential goods and other services. The license plate is available for passenger cars or trucks with a registered gross weight of not more than 14,000 pounds.

Additionally, Honoring Our Veterans license plates for passenger cars, trucks with a registered gross weight of not more than 14,000 pounds and motorcycles are available for $38 each, with $15 from each plate also going to the VTF.

Learn more or apply for either license plate here.

Honoring the Sacrifice of Our Fallen Heroes

Monday marks the solemn occasion of Memorial Day, when we honor the men and women who gave their lives serving our nation with dignity, bravery and distinction.

Today and every day, remember the valuable contributions and tremendous sacrifices members of our Armed Forces have made on behalf of our country and the freedoms we so deeply cherish. The legacy of the veteran cannot be lost.

Local Events

Saturday, May 27, 3pm-8pm, 12th Annual Jonestown Block Party
1 E Market Street, Jonestown PA
Click here

Monday, May 29, 9am, Jonestown Memorial Day Parade
Jonestown
Click here

Monday, May 29, City of Lebanon Memorial Day Parade
Downtown Lebanon
Click here

Monday, May 29, 10am Wernersville Memorial Day Parade
Downtown Wernersville
Click here

Monday, May 29, 2pm, Bernville Memorial Day Parade
Down Main Street Bernville
Click here

Monday, May 29, 9am, Denver Memorial Day Parade
N 4th to Walnut St, Denver
Click here

Monday, May 29, 4:30pm, Reamstown Memorial Day Service
Reamstown Community Park
Click here

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