As we commemorate Juneteenth, we reflect on the long struggle for freedom, equality and justice in our country, while celebrating the resilience, achievements and contributions of Black Americans throughout our history. Juneteenth is both a time of remembrance and a reminder of the ongoing work to build a more just and inclusive democracy for everyone. In observance of the holiday, our office will be closed tomorrow, June 19.
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Congratulations to our America250PA Essay Contest Winner!
One of my favorite parts of this job is seeing the thoughtfulness and creativity of young people in our community, and last month I had the pleasure of reading submissions to our America250PA Civic Essay Contest, held in partnership with the League of Women Voters.
Congratulations to Ezra, a rising Allderdice senior who was selected to represent the 23rd Legislative District at a special Pennsylvania House session and civic learning experience at Philadelphia's Congress Hall next September. In his winning essay, Ezra reflected on a family hike through Great Smoky Mountains National Park and drew a powerful connection between the decisions Americans made nearly a century ago to preserve our natural treasures and the responsibility we share to leave future generations a better country.
His essay captured exactly what this contest was designed to inspire: thoughtful reflection on democracy, civic responsibility, and the choices we make today that will shape the lives of Americans decades from now. I am proud to have Ezra represent our district and look forward to seeing all he accomplishes in the future.
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A Bipartisan Effort to Strengthen Access to Medications
This week, I joined colleagues from both parties to build support for legislation that would give Pennsylvania a clearer picture of prescription drug costs in the Medical Assistance program.
During a recent House Health Committee hearing, we learned that the Department of Human Services often lacks access to the full acquisition costs pharmacies pay for medications after discounts, rebates, and other price adjustments are applied. Without that information, it is difficult to determine whether pharmacies are being reimbursed fairly or whether changes to the system are needed to protect patient access to care.
Our legislation would provide DHS with the data necessary to better understand drug pricing throughout the system, helping policymakers make informed decisions and ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent effectively while maintaining access to pharmacy services for Medical Assistance recipients.
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Helping Inform Families’ Vaccine Decisions Amid Rising Infections
I joined Reps. Arvind Venkat, Mike Schlossberg, Bridget Kosierowski, and Tarik Khan this week to advocate for legislation that would help ensure parents have access to current, evidence-based information when making decisions about childhood vaccinations.
Vaccines have dramatically reduced illness and saved countless lives, yet childhood immunization rates have declined across Pennsylvania for several consecutive years. At the same time, we are seeing outbreaks of preventable diseases, including the largest measles outbreak in Pennsylvania in more than three decades.
Our proposal would not eliminate Pennsylvania's existing religious exemption from school immunization requirements. Instead, it would require parents seeking an exemption to receive annual counseling from a health care provider about current disease outbreaks, the risks of vaccine-preventable illnesses, public health measures that may be required during outbreaks, and the benefits and risks of recommended childhood immunizations.
I was also pleased to see the Department of Health taking important steps to make school vaccination rates more easily accessible to families across Pennsylvania. Parents deserve clear, reliable information about the health conditions in their communities, and greater transparency can help families make informed decisions while strengthening public health.
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Community Events and Resources
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Pittsburgh Juneteenth Celebration
Thursday, June 18–Sunday, June 21 | Downtown Pittsburgh
Join one of the nation’s largest Juneteenth celebrations for four days of free music, family activities, cultural programming, and community events. Festivities will fill Downtown Pittsburgh with live performances, a Grand Jubilee Parade, food vendors, and opportunities to support more than 200 Black-owned and minority-owned businesses. Featured performers throughout the weekend include Musiq Soulchild, Marsha Ambrosius, Fabolous, Leela James, and many more.
Learn more and view the full schedule of events.
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Nature Play Date
Saturday, June 20, 10 a.m.-Noon | Frick Environmental Center
Families with young children are invited to a Nature Play Date at the Frick Environmental Center's Outdoor Discovery Space. Participants can enjoy unstructured outdoor play along the Sensory Nature Trail and explore the site's mud kitchen, where kitchen utensils and mud will be available for imaginative, hands-on activities.
This free program encourages children to engage with the natural environment through creative play in an outdoor setting.
Learn more and register here.
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Bach, Beethoven and Brunch Returns to Mellon Park
Sunday, June 21, 10:30 a.m.-Noon | Mellon Park
Bach, Beethoven and Brunch returns to Mellon Park for another season of live classical music performed outdoors on Sunday mornings. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a relaxing start to your day surrounded by beautiful music and the park’s scenic setting.
The free series runs Sundays from this weekend through July 26 and also features the beloved “Best Brunch” competition during intermission.
Learn more here.
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Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy’s Make Music Day
Sunday, June 21, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Schenley Park Visitor Center and Schenley Plaza
Celebrate Pittsburgh's vibrant musical community at this free, family-friendly event featuring live performances throughout the day in the heart of Oakland. Enjoy a variety of musical styles from local performers, relax on the lawn with a blanket or chair, and take part in a citywide celebration of music alongside friends, family, and neighbors.
Learn more about the event schedule and performances online.
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Workshop: How Do I Find the Right Therapist?
Tuesday, June 23, 2-3:30 p.m. | Jewish Community Center, Room 316
Finding a therapist who is the right fit can feel overwhelming, but having the right information can make the process easier. Join licensed social worker James Bowen for a free workshop covering how to identify potential therapists, prepare for an initial appointment, understand different therapy approaches, locate providers, and navigate insurance and payment options.
This event is free and open to everyone. New visitors to the JCC should check in at the garage entrance before proceeding to Room 316 on the third floor.
Learn more and register online.
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Greenfield Family Pride Night
Tuesday, June 23, 5–8 p.m. | Magee Field & Rec Center
Families are invited to celebrate Pride at this free, all-ages community event in Greenfield. Enjoy swimming, arts and crafts, field games, music, dancing, food trucks, and an LGBTQ+ resource fair. Free snacks and refreshments will be available, and the playground and recreation facilities will be open throughout the evening. Pool admission fees apply. Wheelchair access is available via the playground ramp.
Learn more and join the celebration with friends, neighbors, and families from across the community.
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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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