Be prepared for flu season! The Allentown Health Bureau's Flu Shot Fridays start today! Every Friday from 1:30 to 3:30pm at Alliance Hall, 245 N. 6th St. Flu shots are available to anyone 6 mos. & and older. No insurance or residency requirements are needed. The clinic is open to everyone!

WATCH TONIGHT: Community Conversation on impacts of cuts at the U.S. Dept. of Education. The program starts at 6 p.m. tonight and examines the impact of plans by the Trump admin. to eliminate the U.S. Dept of Education and give control to state and local leaders. tinyurl.com/yjtpm9tc

PennDOT, Safety Partners to mark National Child Passenger Safety Week with a free car seat check on Thursday in South Whitehall at the Target on Cedar Crest Blvd. It'll run from 11am to 3pm. Make sure your kids are safe, and their seats are properly installed.

Firehouse Fridays return today at Hibernia Fire Station! They'll run through Dec. 19 (closed for Black Friday, Nov. 28). It's a great opportunity for your children to meet some of the dedicated public safety personnel and learn about the firefighting equipment! Remember, kids & teens eat free!

REMINDER! My next veterans' outreach will be on Friday, Sept. 19 from 10am to 2pm at my district office, 2132 South 12th St., Suite 306. Area veterans who are interested in learning more about the programs and benefits available to them for their service should call 610-791-6270 for an appt.

Allentown Housing Authority will be accepting new applications for individuals 62 and older or disabled starting at 9:00AM on September 22, 2025 and ending at 11:59PM on September 26, 2025. All applications must be completed and submitted online.

The Literacy Center is now accepting applications for its ESL program. Classes are free and open to any adult 18 years and older who lives in the Lehigh Valley. The application window closes next Thursday, Aug. 21. Apply here: tinyurl.com/yn7wde7f

Start your engines! The 7th Annual Classics & Cruisers on Hamilton is this Sunday from 11am to 4pm. Registration starts at 8am. Police escort for show cars at 9:30. At least 300 cars are expected and 100% of the proceeds benefit the Allentown Police Honor Guard and America on Wheels Museum.

Check this out! The DaVinci Science Center's Fab Lab is holding adult programs to showcase and teach various technologies and how to use them for innovation and skill building. The class descriptions and dates are in the pictures. To learn more and register: tinyurl.com/yc5xfksx

I am pleased to share over $60,000 from the PA Dept. of Environmental Protection's Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program has been awarded to support Allentown's municipal fleet EV charging project. It will go toward the installation of 8 EV chargers for city inspection and codes vehicles.

REMINDER! My next veterans' outreach will be on Friday, July 18 from 10am to 2pm at my district office, 2132 South 12th St., Suite 306. Area veterans who are interested in learning more about the programs and benefits available to them for their service should call 610-791-6270 for an appointment.

Yesterday, the #PAHouse moved a #PABudget bill that reflects the priorities of Pennsylvanians and would make investments in the Allentown, Salisbury, and East Penn School Districts. While it may not be the final budget product, I'm proud of the progress and will continue working for you!

This week, the Lehigh Valley experienced the first extreme heat wave of the summer season. It's a good time to remember tips to keep cool in hot temps. Stay safe by: ✅ Staying indoors or in the shade ✅ Choosing water over soda to stay hydrated #BeatTheHeat and find more tips at ready.gov/heat.

REMINDER! My next veterans' outreach will be on Friday, June 20 from 10am to 2pm at my district office, 2132 South 12th St., Suite 306. Area veterans who are interested in learning more about the programs and benefits available to them for their service should call 610-791-6270 for an appointment.

Earlier today, I was proud to receive a Good Neighbor Award from PA PBS as one of its Champions of Lifelong Learning. PBS children's programming provides a valuable service to nourish and enrich the minds of our children and prepare them for learning in the classroom.

The issues surrounding cyber charter schools have been kicked down the road for far too long. Today, the #PAHouse voted to make much needed changes that would save taxpayer dollars and give all students a quality education. #BetterSchools www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0xJ...

SCAM WARNING! Many folks have been receiving scam text messages from the self-described “Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Motor Vehicles (DMV).” THESE TEXT MESSAGES ARE NOT REAL. If you receive text messages, don't reply or click any hyperlinks in the message. PennDOT is aware of the problem.

I love everything about the Allentown Public Library! Check out this edition of Community Conversation with the director of the library to explore the new and FREE things that make you love the Allentown Public Library, too! youtu.be/9F67nT3XJqI

The City of Allentown want to hear from you! Allentown Parks and Rec is looking for your feedback in a quick survey to help improve the parks, open spaces and programs! Take the survey here: tinyurl.com/43epfkxa

FYI! The City of Allentown Parks and Recreation department is holding a public meeting on Monday May 12th, from 6-8pm, to provide an update on the design of the D&L Trail from N Bradford St trailhead to the city line along N Dauphin St.

Allentown is proud of its parks and there’s something for all ages to enjoy. In my latest Community Conversation, I sat down with Mandy Tolino from Allentown Parks and Recreation to highlight some great projects to enhance our parks.  www.youtube.com/watch?v=lL7I...

A quality education begins with quality teachers. On this episode of Ed Talks, I sat down with Dr. Monika Williams Shealey from Temple University to discuss the importance of attracting and retaining the best teachers in PA.  www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrSD...

In observance of Good Friday, please be advised our office will be closed tomorrow. We will re-open on Monday, April 21. We wish you all a beautiful weekend!🌻

The City of Allentown wants your thoughts as they create a new bike plan to increase safety and improve bicycling for everyone! Please scan the QR code on the flyer below and share your ideas in the bike plan survey!

On this episode of Ed Talks, I'm joined by Nathan Mains from the Pennsylvania School Boards Association to discuss the many challenges facing school districts across the state and what's needed to continue delivering a top notch education for every student. www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Pbm...

To help fix the teacher shortage crisis in PA, I met with teachers and administrators at @desalesuniversity.bsky.social to hear their stories and discuss ways to attract and retain quality teachers to deliver a quality education for students across the commonwealth. www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnM1...

Be a hero and donate life! I'm an organ donor, are you? Register to become an organ donor at any PA Driver's License Center, or online now: registerme.org This month is Donate Life Pennsylvania Month. To raise awareness for the thousands of lives saved through organ donation!

Quality, affordable housing is such an important resource in any city, particularly here in Allentown. In my latest Community Conversation, I spoke with Julio Guridy of the Allentown Housing Authority about a variety of housing issues in the city.  www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNro...

A short time ago, Pres. Trump signed an executive order to gut the U.S. Dept. of Education. Make no mistake, this is absolutely NOT something to cheer about. We will continue to stand up for every child in Pennsylvania and ensure every kid gets a fair education. tinyurl.com/4nmjsuem

On this edition of Ed Talks I'm joined by Donna Cooper of @childrenfirstpa.bsky.social for a great discussion on the importance of adequate funding to deliver the programs and resources students need to succeed. #BetterSchools www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4LG...

My next veterans' outreach will be on Friday, March 21 from 10am to 2pm at my district office, 2132 South 12th St., Suite 306. Area veterans who are interested in learning more about the programs and benefits available to them for their service should call 610-791-6270 for an appointment.

I'm appalled that President Trump plans to dismantle the U.S. Dept. of Education through executive order. This is an unprecedented and dangerous move with significant repercussions for our education system. To our students, parents and schools - I have your back in this fight! youtu.be/h1Ev1ZGsvE4

I'm excited to share the student teacher stipend application window opens this afternoon! Stipends will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis, so student teachers are encouraged to file their applications right away! Apply here: tinyurl.com/367unxax

YWCA Allentown and The Perfect Fit are teaming up for two virtual networking and interview workshops. You'll learn to sharpen you job interview skills and master networking techniques. Workshop Dates: 🔹 March 5, 2025, 7:00 PM 🔹 April 3, 2025, 7:00 PM Click here to register: tinyurl.com/2spy46h4

This week is Read Across America Week which encourages children to pick up a book and read. This morning, I happily read to two classes of preschoolers at Community Services. This is a highlight of the week for me and I had the children promise they will read with their families!

In my latest Community Conversation, I sat down with PennDOT for an update on the South Fourth Street project that will bring much needed improvements for residents and businesses in this busy area of Allentown. youtu.be/J0C2ZZpVT00

Today, I was pleased to join Gov. Shapiro, Sen. Nick Miller and education officials at Farmersville Elementary in Northampton County to discuss initiatives to ensure schools attract and retain qualified teachers in our classrooms.

Good news! Reduced vehicle registration fees for veterans and low-income seniors are now live! The income limit to qualify for these reduced fees has been raised to $29,906. Some veterans may also be eligible for free vehicle registration and titling fees. For more info: tinyurl.com/433z2m3m.

Looking for a career change or a job where you can make a difference? Check out the Commonwealth Job Fair & explore the various opportunities in many state agencies. 📅Weds., March 5th ⏲️9:30 AM - 1 PM 📍PA Farm Show Complex – Cameron St. Lobby Register: bit.ly/4aOxH0A More: bit.ly/3WZ7OWh

At a recent #PABudget hearing, I thanked our state-related universities for their leadership and commitment to implementing a performance-based funding formula that will help deliver a quality education for years to come. youtu.be/dGVQptTMIdE

Check this out! The City of Allentown has launched the Love Your Block Mini-Grant program. It will offer funding between $500 and $5,000 for approved resident-led projects aimed at revitalizing Franklin Park. You can submit your applications until April 4.

CEO Sarah Schweyer and the rest of the William Allen Construction Club unveiled the new digital media studio this afternoon at William Allen High School. I was honored to be part of the inaugural broadcast on behalf Allentown delegation and Senator Miller.

We strongly support Governor Shapiro's action to protect Pennsylvanians, support communities and cut costs by challenging this funding freeze. Blocking these critical funds is an unacceptable attack on PA families, communities and economic stability. www.pahouse.com/InTheNews/Ne...

How would abolishing the Dept. of Ed. impact PA? Schools in all 50 states receive federal funding. If the Dept. of Ed. is abolished, over $4 billion, or roughly $2,800 per PA student would be lost. This would mean schools could raise taxes and slash spending. Read more: tinyurl.com/57nr4kz8

Check out my new series of Ed Talks! I'll be highlighting the amazing work of educators across the state and discussing new ideas to improve all aspects of education. Today, I'm joined by Sharif-El Mekki from the @centerblacked.bsky.social www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kb5p...

This Thursday, I will be joining The Literacy Center for their inaugural State of the Organization Address where I will be making an important announcement. It will be held virtually on Zoom at 6pm. Please register here: tinyurl.com/mpz4shc9

Today, the PA House Education Committee got to take a closer look at the system which measures school success and student progress. While there is still more work to be done, there are many results showing real progress. Read my full press release here: tinyurl.com/5xthx73b

I am happy to announce that the borough of Emmaus will receive an $11.78 million low-interest loan from the Pennsylvania Investment Authority (PENNVEST) to help prevent PFAS chemicals from being in the drinking water of our homes and schools. Read more: tinyurl.com/bdz6crzt

The Lehigh County Office of Aging and Adult Services is seeking Unsung Hero nominations! In May, the office will recognize older adults who generously give their time and talents to enhance the lives of those in the community. Visit this site to nominate by March 31: tinyurl.com/4srnmyp3

🚨 Holiday Closure Reminder!🚨 All PennDOT driver license & photo centers, including full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed 1/18 -1/20, for Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. Online services will still be available at pa.gov/DMV.