In an effort to better serve residents of the 131st Legislative District, Rep. Justin Simmons, R-131st, announced he has opened a district office in Emmaus.

"I think it is important to make our legislative services available to as many residents as possible," Simmons said. "By opening this office, constituents in the new part of the district will have easier access to the assistance my staff and I can provide with any state government-related matter. We encourage them to stop by and say hello."

The office is located in the Village Centre Office Suites, 191 Main St., Suite 104, Emmaus. The phone number is 610-965-5830. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Some of the services provided include driver's license and vehicle registration applications and renewals; copies of birth and death certificates; PACE and PACENET applications for seniors; copies of state legislation; information on all state agencies and departments; assistance with property tax and rent rebate forms; and scheduling of state Capitol tours.

On Dec. 1, 2014, changes to the boundaries of state legislative districts went into effect. As a result, Emmaus Borough and all of Upper Milford Township are now included in the 131st District, which Simmons represents. Redistricting occurs every 10 years to reflect shifts in population.

Simmons has plans to open a district office in the Red Hill Borough Hall building in the coming weeks to serve constituents in that new portion of the district. Details will be announced at a later date. Simmons also maintains a district office in Coopersburg.

For more information on Simmons and his legislative priorities, visit www.RepSimmons.com or www.Facebook.com/RepSimmons.