State Representative MIKE SCHLOSSBERG. Serving the 132nd Legislative District

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1 Capitol UPDATE MIKE SCHLOSSBERG WINTER 2018 Serving the 132nd Legislative District CONSTITUENT SERVICE OFFICE: 2030 W. Tilghman St. Suite 100 Allentown, PA (610) CAPITOL OFFICE: 331 Irvis Office Building P.O. Box Harrisburg, PA (717) Website: Follow me on Facebook at and Twitter at JOBS THAT PAY WORKING FOR YOU Workers are making less money comparatively than fifteen years ago. Pennsylvanians want jobs that pay better wages so they have more money in their pockets, have good health care coverage, enjoy a comfortable place to live, can save for college and support a comfortable retirement. All of this is only possible with jobs that pay good wages. On January 11, I brought together colleagues from across the commonwealth and local leaders to talk about issues affecting the economy and get a better understanding about the future of jobs. The hearing helped to shine light on opportunities for workers, the needs of employers, job training and more. It is clear that jobs that drive the Lehigh Valley economy will continue to change and that workers need those jobs to pay good wages. Manufacturing requires more technical skills. State Representative Retail requires greater attention to customer service. Most importantly, local businesses need help from the state to invest in worker skills to keep up with the rapid changes in the economy. More than ever, I am committed to leveling the playing field for Pennsylvania s workers so they can enjoy the fruits of their labor and pass on a better legacy to the next generation. The Plan for PA Pennsylvania needs a Plan for PA that: n Puts People First n Creates Jobs that Pay Good Wages n Supports Quality Schools n Makes Taxes Fair Working with my Democratic colleagues in the House, I am focused on the Plan for PA to move Pennsylvania forward. For too long, special interests in Harrisburg have jeopardized the health of individuals and communities, undercut the freedom of a secure retirement and negotiated away the rights of Pennsylvanians. We can move Pennsylvania forward with the Plan for PA.

2 Allentown State Hospital Update In December, the General Assembly passed legislation to start negotiating the sale of the Allentown State Hospital. I supported this because development of this property can revitalize the East Side. The prospective buyer has pledged to hold public meetings to solicit input and hear any concerns. Also, the buyer would need to comply with all local planning, zoning and code regulations which already exist. During the process of buying, there will be opportunities for public comment for matters that come before the city. Please keep an eye on my website or on for periodic updates on the Allentown State Hospital. I will post news articles and announcements related to this important part of the Allentown community. No Pensions for Convicted Felons Recently, a former state senator who pled guilty to federal corruption charges managed to get his $20,000 a month pension restored. This is simply wrong. Last year I co-sponsored and voted for a bill that would expand the list of crimes that require convicted state employees to lose their pension. It passed the House Governor Tom Wolf has said he will sign it if the Senate sends it his way. This commonsense piece of legislation absolutely needs to be adopted. Your Constitutional Right to Clean Air and Clean Water The people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment. Pennsylvania s public natural resources are the common property of all the people, including generations yet to come. As a trustee of these resources, the Commonwealth shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people. Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. #MeToo: Fighting Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault Throughout 2017, we heard victims of sexual harassment and sexual assault come forward to tell their stories. For far too long, these stories have been swept under rugs. Some of the stories to come out include sexual abuse, harassment and assault of people who work for public agencies, including the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Let me be abundantly clear: The people working in these bodies should be able to do so without fear of sexual abuse, harassment and assault. The people who perpetrate these behaviors do not deserve the public trust. I have called for two to resign and demanded transparency in investigating cases that have already been settled. I have signed on to Pennsylvania s #MeToo legislation to ban non-disclosure agreements masking the names of members of the General Assembly who harass, prohibiting any member from making payment of settlement costs with taxpayer dollars and strengthening workplace rules for employees. A lot of work needs to be done on this front and none of it is going to be easy. But in the end, if more people can be free from sexual abuse, harassment and assault in the work place, then this work will be worth it. National Association of Social Workers (NASW-PA) Recognition For the past several years, while working with other elected officials and organizations across the state, we have tried to raise awareness about mental health issues. In recognition for this work, the National Association of Social Workers-PA named me Legislator of the Year. In my mind, this award highlights the genuine need to make improvements in mental health in order to better the lives of individuals and families. There is a lot of work left to do, but it is wonderful to work with organizations and professionals fighting for those who need help.

3 Updates on Legislation Strengthening Democracy in Pennsylvania According to the Election Integrity Project, Pennsylvania struggles to ensure a strong democracy. Two areas where Pennsylvania lags are in redistricting and campaign finance laws. While the Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued a ruling on gerrymandering of congressional districts, I continue to fight for redistricting reform to end gerrymandering in Pennsylvania, joining 35 Republicans and 72 Democrats to support an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution to establish an Independent Redistricting Commission. Pennsylvania is 1 of 11 states that does not limit campaign contributions to candidates and it is easy to find egregious examples of big money advancing special interests. Currently, special interests can and do write $1 million checks to support candidates for office. No wonder citizens think elected officials can be persuaded with campaign contributions. I continue to support legislation to cap campaign contributions in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvanians deserve to know their elected officials aren t selling them off for well-heeled special interests. A CALL TO END HATE CRIMES Throughout 2017, the incidents of hate crimes across the country became more prevalent and warranted emphatic response. On November 20, the House of Representatives approved my resolution strongly condemning hate crimes. The vote was Many of these crimes were aimed at religious minorities. As I said in remarks, All faiths must be equally protected to ensure real and true religious freedom and it is our shared responsibility to ensure the legacy of Pennsylvania and the American Dream extends to all Pennsylvanians. In addition to clearly stating this behavior is not welcome here, the resolution also called on the Pennsylvania Attorney General and local law enforcement to take all steps necessary to enforce laws which protect all people from racism, religious or ethnic bias discrimination, acts of violence, or targeting of a minority in Pennsylvania. Selected Pennsylvania Incidents in 2017 n Philadelphia County: Rocks were thrown through the window of a local synagogue during Friday night services (January) n Philadelphia County: More than 100 tombstones were overturned at a Jewish cemetery. (February) n Lehigh County: A Jewish student received hateful online messages, including her photo superimposed near a pile of ashes and a swastika. (March) n Berks County: A student called another student a kike and sent the victim anti-semitic messages on Instagram. (April) n Montgomery County: A utility pole on a hiking trail was spray-painted with numerous white supremacist symbols, including a swastika. (May) 15th Congressional District A Spotlight on Mental Health One of the best ways to help people find the medical help they need for mental health is to share personal stories to remind others that mental health challenges are no different than physical health challenges. In October, I joined the National Alliance for Mental Illness of the Lehigh Valley and Lehigh County Controller Glenn Eckhart to shine a light on mental health. At that event, Mr. Eckhart shared his experiences with anxiety and the help he has received so he can live a full life. We have very different political backgrounds, hold very different political viewpoints and serve in very different elected offices. However, Mr. Eckhart and I both have similar experiences with mental health, have sought help and are committed to helping people understand help is available and there is no shame in seeking help.

4 In and Around the District Tilghman St. Bridge Anybody who has driven over the Tilghman Street Bridge knows it needs to be repaired. Earlier this year, PennDOT closed the bridge to vehicles to allow for complete rehabilitation, a project that will cost approximately $21.9 million with completion expected in The bridge will remain open to pedestrians. While this is a major inconvenience for many people, the bridge was constructed in 1929 and well overdue for the repairs underway. East Side Youth Center All Sports Banquet Every year, the Board of Directors recognizes the athletes, families and volunteers who make youth sports possible at the ESYC. I was able to attend this year s banquet to deliver my congratulations on the many successes enjoyed by the teams in 2017 and express appreciation to the families and volunteers who give so generously to support the athletes. Visiting Trexler Middle School In December, I had the opportunity to visit with 8th-grade students at Trexler Middle School to answer the many questions they have about state government. ESYC Hoops Congratulations to the East Side Youth Center for its first place finish at the 2017 AAU Super Showcase. These young men dedicate themselves to team work and selfimprovement every year and represent Allentown very well. They are also tall very tall. Meeting Parkland Club Med This fall, I had the opportunity to interview students Ansh Patel and Jennifer Tran along with faculty Megan Tiwold and Michael Post at Parkland High School s Club Med about the importance of CPR training in our schools. I was thoroughly impressed by the students passion and the support they receive from faculty at Parkland High School and fully support the legislation they hope to see pass in the General Assembly. Our Lady Help of Christian Parish s 90th Anniversary In October, I was able to present a House Citation to Father Johnson Kochuparambil in recognition of Our Lady Help of Christian Parish s 90th Anniversary. Congratulations to members of the parish on this milestone and the work you do to make our community better. ABATE Every November, the Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education kicks off its toy delivery ride to The Children s Center in Allentown, riding from Dorney Park to center city. Kids get to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and go home with a toy or two. Thank you to ABATE for making the holiday season a little brighter for children in our community. Sheridan Visit Thank you to the students at Sheridan Elementary School for letting me visit and read with you! I welcome the opportunity to visit any school in the 132nd District, whether it s to recognize student achievement, read to students, provide a lesson about government or join in a community effort. To arrange a visit, please contact my office ( ) or RepSchlossberg@pahouse.com. With the ASD Mascots Proud traditions of Allentown students! Visiting Executive Academy Every year, a group of students from Executive Academy visit the Capitol. This year, I thought it would be fun to visit the school before they came out to Harrisburg. This was a fun and engaging group of students.

5 Constituent Service Notes Real ID Update Pennsylvania continues to make progress in implementing Real ID-compliant driver s licenses and identification cards. Pennsylvania licenses and identification will continue to be accepted at federal buildings and at airports through October 10. I expect an additional extension will be granted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, allowing all Pennsylvania residents to have time to meet the final effective date for Real ID of October 1, Real ID licenses and identification will be available in Pennsylvania in PennDOT will be sending postcards to all license and identification holders in 2018 to help them prepare for Real ID. For more information on Real ID, please visit my website: To receive s from my office on this topic, please RepSchlossberg@pahouse.com. If you plan to be Real ID compliant, here are the steps you can take: 1) Late in 2018, PennDOT will update customers on how to request confirmation about compliance documents being on file with the state. If they are, PennDOT will mark the customer s file as verified, and after Real ID products are available in the Spring of 2019, customers can opt into the Real ID program by paying the one-time fee. If identity documents are not on file, customers will need to visit a licensing facility with those documents. Please wait for notification from PennDOT or my office on when a local licensing facility will be prepared to accommodate those visits. Identity documents include the following: original or certified copy of a birth certificate; or valid US Passport; a valid Social Security card; proof of all legal name changes (marriage license or court order); two proofs of current physical PA address (current ID, current utility bill, bank statement) 2) In the Spring of 2019, opt into the Real ID program by paying the one-time fee of $30 (the Real ID product will be sent through the mail). Standard license and ID renewal fees ($30.50) will also still apply. Once you pay the onetime $30 Real ID fee (to cover the cost of compliance), you will only pay regular renewal fees. More details will follow on how this is done. Unclaimed Property Milestones Since 2013, my office has helped constituents claim over $1.1 million in money from the Pennsylvania Treasury s unclaimed property database more than $520,000 in 2017 alone! I am grateful to my staff for helping to reach this milestone, especially Nancy who spends a lot of time helping people claim what belongs to them. 1 in 10 Pennsylvania residents has money being held by the Treasury. This could be an old savings account, a forgotten paycheck or refund, a stock dividend or insurance claim. If you would like to do your own search, visit PaTreasury.gov. You can also give my office a call for help in doing a search or getting claim forms submitted to the Pennsylvania Treasury. Medicare Open Enrollment Open enrollment for Medicare will run from October 15, 2018 through December 7, During open enrollment you can make changes to various aspects of your coverage. Each year, my office hosts an Apprise counselor who can help you better understand costs and find the coverage that meets your needs. Keep an eye on my next newsletter for information on how to schedule an appointment.

6 Rep. Mike Schlossberg P.O. Box Harrisburg, PA lpo.kaf SAVE THE DATE! Annual SENIOR FAIR Friday, May 18 th 9 a.m. until Noon East Side Youth Center Community Resources for Adults 65+ Parking Placard Remember: even if you don t have a car or driver s license, you can still have a disability placard to use when somebody is giving you a ride to the grocery store or the doctor! When sending in the application for your first placard or to renew a placard, my office can help expedite the process. If you lose your placard or need help renewing it, my office can also help. Just give us a call at and we will determine the best way to get your placard request processed. File Your 2017 Property Tax/ Rent Rebate Now My office is busy helping people submit their 2017 Property Tax/Rent Rebate. We help hundreds of people file each year. The best time to file is early in the tax season, but the deadline is June 30. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is open to: n Eligible seniors 65 or older; n Widows and widowers 50 or older; and n People with permanent disabilities 18 or older. To qualify, applicants must earn less than $35,000 per year (for homeowners) or $15,000 per year (for renters) and only HALF of Social Security or railroad retirement benefits count toward eligibility. Residents of assisted living facilities may be eligible if they reside in a facility which pays property taxes and meet the income limits for renters. If you re eligible or you know someone who might be my office can help you file the application and answer questions. Just stop by 2030 W. Tilghman St. in Allentown, or call and I will mail you the information.