Spring is almost here — and so is more daylight! Don't forget to set your clocks forward one hour this Sunday, March 8, as Daylight Saving Time begins. It's the perfect time to shake off the winter chill, get outside, and take advantage of everything the season has to offer.
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Anti Hate Crimes Bills & Fairness Act in Committee
On Tuesday, the PA House Judiciary Committee plans to take up two bills from my comprehensive anti-hate crimes package, along with the Fairness Act and other important legislation. I drafted the anti-hate crimes bills after the 2018 attack by an antisemitic gunman that took the lives of 11 of our neighbors in their synagogues that changed our community forever. A frightening spike in hate crimes throughout Pennsylvania and the nation has further increased the urgency of passing this crucial legislation. I won’t rest until this commonwealth takes action to provide a sense of safety to vulnerable groups, no matter who they are, how they look, or who they love.
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CeaseFire PA “Champions of Peace” Event
I joined frontline outreach workers, faith leaders, survivors, healthcare professionals, and community members this week to discuss crucial work in community violence intervention (CVI), and the state funding that makes it possible. Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget calls for a $5.5 million increase to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s Violence Intervention and Prevention program, bringing the 2026-2027 proposal to $68.5 million.
As co-chair of the PA Safe Caucus, I am deeply committed to ensuring that we keep doing what works – supporting local violence intervention efforts – even as we fight for laws that would keep firearms out of the hands of people who shouldn’t have them.
This was a great discussion and a wonderful opportunity to show appreciation for the individuals and groups that are working tirelessly to make our neighborhoods safer for all.
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CMU Robotics Innovation Center
I was proud to join Carnegie Mellon University last week for the official opening of the Robotics Innovation Center. Gov. Josh Shapiro, state and local public officials and more than a few robots gathered to celebrate this major milestone for Pittsburgh's innovation ecosystem, made possible in part by $1.5 million in grant funding to establish a Physical AI Accelerator.
CMU has long been a world leader in robotics and AI research, and this investment ensures that groundbreaking work doesn't stop at the lab door. Pittsburgh has always been a city that builds things. With investments like this, we're making sure it stays that way.
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Community Events and Resources
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2026 Pittsburgh Public Schools Shoe Drive
Donations accepted through April 16 | Multiple locations
Pittsburgh Public Schools is collecting new or gently used shoes of all types and sizes to benefit Homewood Children's Village and Community Schools. Donations can be dropped off at multiple PPS locations between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., including Arlington PreK–8, Westinghouse 6–12, the PPS Administration Building, and others throughout the school district.
Find a full list of drop-off sites and more information here.
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Student Round Table Discussion with Michael Fanone
Friday, March 6, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. | Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
This free event invites college students to join Michael Fanone — former D.C. police officer, January 6 survivor, and author of the New York Times bestseller Hold the Line — for a round table discussion on truth vs. disinformation, holding power accountable, and preserving democracy. Refreshments provided. Seating is limited; registration is required. Exact location will be emailed 24 hours before the event. Student ID required at the door.
Learn more here.
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A Celebration of Seeds: 14th Annual Seed Swap
Saturday, March 7, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. | Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Main Branch
Hosted in collaboration with Grow Pittsburgh and Phipps Conservatory, this free event features workshops on seed starting, organic gardening, and seed saving, plus hands-on activities for children and teens. Gardeners are encouraged to bring untreated, non-GMO seeds to share and enter a raffle featuring prizes from all three organizations. Free seeds available to the public; new batches released every half hour. Registration encouraged but not required.
Learn more here.
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Community Ready: Empowering Emergency Preparedness
Deadline to register Tuesday, March 10; Event March 31 | Virtual
Hosted by Duquesne Light Company, this free live webinar focuses on emergency preparedness for severe weather events, which are becoming increasingly common in Western Pennsylvania. Topics will include how to build an emergency kit, ways to stay connected with DLC during and after a storm, and available community resources — plus a live Q&A with DLC experts. The program is tailored for residential customers but open to commercial customers as well.
Registration is required and space is limited. The March 31 webinar will be recorded and shared for those unable to attend.
Learn more and register here.
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Repairing Together (Tikkun Yachad): Collective Care for Uncertain Times
Tuesday, March 10, 6:15–8:15 p.m. | Anathan House, 1620 Murray Ave.
Join The National Council of Jewish Women Pittsburgh for an evening focused on collective care, connection, and sustainable action. This gathering offers space to build trust across community, celebrate small wins, and find grounding alongside others committed to social justice work. All are welcome, whether newly engaged or long involved.
Learn more and RSVP here.
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The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow
March 10 at 7:30 p.m. | JCC Squirrel Hill or Online
Dr. Jeremy Goodman, President & CEO of the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, will explore the zoo’s history, its evolution over time, and the initiatives shaping its future.
Attend in person or via Zoom. Learn more here.
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Frick Park Stewardship Days
Wednesday, March 11, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Clayton Hill, meet at the Frick Environmental Center
At 644 acres, Frick Park is Pittsburgh's largest historical regional park — and come spring, Clayton Hill is bursting with migrating birds and native wildflowers. These stewardship days focus on removing invasive plants as part of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy's ongoing restoration efforts to help native plant life thrive.
Free event. Learn more and register here.
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Kids + The Village Moms and Babies Group
Wednesday, March 11, 12:30 p.m.-2 p.m. | Kids+, The Well, 4070 Beechwood Blvd.
Gather with a community for moms and their newborns (ages 0–18 months) to connect, share, and support one another through the postpartum journey. Sessions feature open, guided discussion in a laid-back setting. Babies in arms are always welcome.
Learn more about in-person and virtual sessions and register here.
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Empty Bowls Fundraiser
Sunday, March 15, multiple seatings | Rodef Shalom
Join friends and neighbors for Empty Bowls, a community fundraiser featuring local chef-created soups, fresh breads, and sweet treats. Each $35 advance ticket ($40 at the door) includes a simple meal and a hand-crafted bowl to take home, with new bowl selections replenished throughout the event. Proceeds benefit Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and Just Harvest. I'll be volunteering at the event — please stop by and say hello!
Tickets and details available here.
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2026–27 Jewish Scholarship Service Application Now Open
Application due April 6 | Open to Jewish students in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Lawrence, Washington, or Westmoreland counties
Jewish Family and Community Services and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh are now accepting applications for their annual scholarship program. Jewish high school seniors and students currently enrolled in undergraduate, postgraduate, or technical school with demonstrated financial need are encouraged to apply. Learn how to apply and find more information here.
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
152 Main Capitol Building
PO Box 202023
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 705-1875
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District Office
2345 Murray Avenue
Suite 205
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
(412) 422-1774
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