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In this Update:
Reading Regional Airport Celebrates New Partnership and Renovations
I was happy to join the Greater Reading Community Alliance and Berks County officials, who held a ribbon cutting ceremony on April 25 to celebrate the completion of extensive renovations to the Reading Regional Airport. The $13 million dollar project modernized the lobby, upgraded passenger lounges, refreshed rooms and offices and resurfaced main hangar floors. The improvements are part of a county effort to consolidate and revitalize the airport that began in 2023. Currently, the airport is home to Quest Diagnostics and a new partnership with NetJets, the world’s largest charter company. The airport currently contributes $78 million annually to the local economy. The goal is to grow the airport’s economic impact and expand transportation opportunities, including commercial flights. Calling All Firefighters and EMS Workers
I will be joining Rep. Jamie Barton (R-124) to host a Pizza & Policy event for first responders on Tuesday, May 27 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Berks County Encore Strausstown Senior Wellness and Activity Center. Come to grab a bite to eat and tell us about some of the challenges we may be able to help you address in Harrisburg. Please RSVP by calling 484-660-3721. Smarty Jones Elected to National Racing Hall of Fame
Smarty Jones, the Pennsylvania thoroughbred who captured national headlines twenty years ago, retired and now living on a horse farm in Annville, Lebanon County, was just elected to the National Museum of Racing’s 2025 Hall of Fame! https://www.cbsnews.com/…/smarty-jones-horse-hall-of-fame/ Smarty’s story of winning the Kentucky Derby, and almost the Triple Crown back in 2004, is the subject of a new documentary which you can watch for free below: Congratulations to Smarty Jones and his entire team! This year’s Run for the Roses is set for this Saturday, May 3! Federal ID Requirements Change on May 7: Get REAL ID Now
Beginning May 7, standard driver’s licenses will no longer permit you to board flights, visit military bases and enter certain federal facilities. Then, acceptable options will be a passport, military ID or a REAL ID. If you’re not sure whether a REAL ID is right for you, this REAL ID online wizard may be able to help. You do not need to wait until your driver’s license renews to get a REAL ID. To get one, you must provide documents proving your identity, lawful status, Social Security number and Pennsylvania residency. All acceptable documents must be original versions or certified copies (if applicable). While documents can be verified for customers who want a REAL ID at any of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) driver license centers, only certain locations can provide your REAL ID the same day. Otherwise, expect to receive your REAL ID within 15 business days after successful document verification. To make it more convenient for Pennsylvanians to get a REAL ID, PennDOT is offering dedicated time at specific driver license centers on May 5 and 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Beat Breast Cancer with Early Detection
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25% of women ages 50-74 have not received a mammogram in the past two years. May is Mammography Month in Pennsylvania – a great time to remind the women in your life to schedule a screening or make your own appointment. When diagnosed at its earliest stages, breast cancer has a survival rate exceeding 90%. Anyone who is uninsured or underinsured can get a free mammogram through the Pennsylvania Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. All women at high risk of developing breast cancer can also access genetic testing of hereditary cancer syndromes and supplemental breast screenings without any out-of-pocket costs because of landmark legislation Senate Republicans passed in 2023. May 4-10 is Small Business Week
More than 1 million Pennsylvania small businesses provide jobs for 2.4 million people, and they have a tremendous impact on state and local economies. When you spend $100 at a small business, $48 goes back into the local community. If you spend $100 at a big box store, only $14 stays local. Shopping at local businesses supports those around us. In addition to shopping and dining local, you can support small businesses by leaving a review and liking and sharing their content on social media. If you have or would like to start a small business, resources are available for every stage. The PA Business One-Stop Shop offers comprehensive support, personalized guidance and an extensive partner network. Learn more. State Parks Offer Amazing Outdoor Recreation
According to the 2024 Outdoor Industry Participation Trends Report, participation in outdoor recreation across the country grew by more than 4% to a record 175.8 million Americans in one year. Pennsylvania is a wonderful place to enjoy nature and all it has to offer. Our state parks and forests offer affordable options for families to take day trips or full vacations. For those who don’t have a recreational vehicle or feel comfortable tenting, parks also offer modern cabins and yurts. Make a reservation for one of the state’s 7,100 campsites. Parks offer all sorts of fun activities including disc golfing, kayaking, whitewater boating and even hang gliding. While enjoying the great outdoors, don’t miss scenic features like waterfalls, vistas and historic places. PA Law Protects Patients from Surprise Medical Bills
The No Surprises Act protects patients from surprise medical bills in situations where they have little to no control over who provides their care. A surprise medical bill is an unexpected medical cost incurred when a patient unknowingly obtains health care services by an out-of-network provider. The No Surprises Act protects patients who receive emergency and non-emergency services from being billed for more than they would have paid if the providers were in-network. Learn more and submit a bill for review here. Applications Open: Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy for At-Risk Youth
Since 2022, the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA) has been transforming the lives of teenagers using a military academy style training model to provide structure and discipline. KSCA is a joint effort between the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the National Guard Bureau, in consultation with the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Applications may be submitted now through July 12 for the 22-week class that begins in July. The program is open to 16- to 18-year-old Pennsylvania residents who are at risk of not graduating from high school, no longer attending any school or have not received a high school diploma or equivalent certificate. Applicants must be willing to be drug free, free of felony convictions and voluntarily commit to the program. If selected, students will attend the residential phase at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County. Learn more about eligibility requirements and begin the application process. Anyone who prefers to have an application mailed or would like to talk with someone about the program may contact the academy by emailing RA-MVPAChallenge@pa.gov or calling 717-861-7767. Local Events
Friday, May 2-3: Reading Liederkranz Maifest Friday, May 2, 5:30pm: Cruise Nights Saturday, May 3, 10am-2pm: Healthy Kids Day at Lebanon YMCA Saturday, May 3, 9am-4pm: Greater Wellness Holistic Expo Saturday, May 3, 12-6pm: Taco Fest Saturday, May 3, 12pm-10pm: Cinco de Mayo Block Party Saturday, May 3, 10am-2pm: Senior Summit on the Hill Saturday, May 3, 8am-12pm: Lebanon County Master Gardener Plant Sale Saturday, May 3, 9am-3pm: Bernville Library Free Comic Book Day Sunday, May 4, 5-7pm: Free Community Carnival
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