How You Can Access Government Resources to Grow Your Business

Last year, we hosted a similar event at the Kennett Library! 

As an entrepreneur, I know how critical investments and expert advice are for growing businesses. During the event, we will recognize two businesses that are local examples of what’s possible through federal resources!

To RSVP to the workshop and learn more, click here.

Busing Around Reading with BARTA!

Did you know BARTA has been a public transportation servicer for Berks County since 1973? I recently toured their South Central Transit Authority center, where I explored one of their newer buses and even tried their bus driving simulator, though I think I’ll leave the driving to the pros at BARTA!

While there, I learned how they're putting federal funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to use. These resources have been essential to the operation of BARTA, and I am proud to have helped negotiate and sign this bill into law! 

Helping Neighbors Address Mental Health Issues through Equine Therapy in Malvern 

I recently visited Gateway HorseWorks in Malvern, which is an inspiring nonprofit that works with horses to help those experiencing mental health issues like addiction, trauma, depression, and anxiety. Their unique approach pairs clients with licensed mental health professionals and equine specialists, harnessing horses' emotional astuteness to foster reflection and healing.

Gateway HorseWorks also offers free mental health sessions for veterans through the Adaptive Sports Grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs. You can learn more about that program here.

Helping Team USA Bring Home Gold (to Reading!)

Repairing Homes for Community Members in Need

Recently, I organized meetings in and around Coatesville with community members who received home repairs through the Whole Home Repairs Program. You may be wondering what that program is — it is run at the state and local level from federal funds via President Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act.

The program helps eligible low- and moderate-income Chester County homeowners who need critical home repairs, like Sandy, whose home was damaged in a January storm. When I visited, I saw all the incredible work done by the nonprofit Good Works, which collaborates alongside Habitat for Humanity, Good Neighbors, and the Chester County Department of Community Development to oversee this vital housing assistance.

Following these visits, I hosted a roundtable at Coatesville City Hall with local elected officials and representatives from housing nonprofits. We discussed issues such as housing accessibility, opportunities to volunteer, and the future of the Whole Home Repairs Program. I always appreciate the opportunity to hear from members of our community about ways to improve housing affordability, especially for first-time homebuyers and seniors on a fixed income. 

Visiting with Seniors and Talking About Newly Negotiated Drug Prices

It was great meeting Vincent Heights Senior Community residents in Spring City with PA State Senator Katie Muth. We discussed crucial issues like senior housing, Medicare, Social Security, and other concerns affecting our older constituents. 

Vincent Heights provides affordable housing for seniors and those with disabilities, and they rely on U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) assistance to support its residents. While there, I shared updates on my work in Congress, including securing funding for senior housing projects and supporting legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act. The historic Inflation Reduction Act capped the cost of prescription drugs for 830,000 Pennsylvanians and enabled the government to negotiate the cost of certain drugs for the first time in history.  

In fact, the White House recently announced the new, lower prices for the first ten drugs selected for the Medicare drug price negotiation program, which will take effect in 2026. Here’s one example: the cost of Januvia, used to treat diabetes, will go from $527 to $113 – a savings of 87%! Learn more about the lower prices here.  

Chrissy’s Constituent Services Corner

Questions for Chrissy Town Hall

Earlier this month, I hosted my 89th town hall! If you wanted to join us but were unable to, click here for a recording of the event.

Stay Protected from Scams

I always want to make our community aware of the federal opportunities available to them. It’s also important to be aware of the false opportunities and scams that seek to take advantage of our most vulnerable neighbors.

Recently, both the Environmental Protection Agency and Social Security Agency issued alerts about fraudulent emails and mail being sent on their behalf. To learn more about those instances, read about the EPA’s alert here and the SSA alert here. 

Here are some helpful reminders:  

• Official U.S. government organizations use the “.gov” domain name, so any emails not ending in “.gov” are not credible 
• You will never be asked to pay Social Security in person with cash 
• Many agencies have hotlines to contact to verify if the communications you’ve received are credible or not. For example, here is the EPA’s hotline and SSA’s hotline.

.  .  .

Serving as our community's representative is the honor of my lifetime, and I hope to hear from you soon about any issue that concerns you. 

As always, please contact my office if you need assistance.

Be well, and see you soon!

Chrissy Houlahan

U.S. Member of Congress

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