My office, above the Starbucks at Forward and Murray Avenues, will be open Monday through Thursday next week from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We will close at noon on Friday, Sept. 4, in observance of Labor Day.
|
What to Know About Measles Vaccination Right Now
This week, the Department of Health announced that two people have died of measles – the last death attributed to measles occurred in 1991. I am deeply sorry for families grieving these tragic losses.
Pennsylvania is in the middle of a serious measles outbreak — more than 424 confirmed cases across 28 counties since April, according to the state Department of Health. If your family isn't fully vaccinated, here's what you should know.
Measles spreads easily — it can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left a room, and it infects the vast majority of unvaccinated people who are exposed. The best protection is two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine.
If you live in or plan to travel to a county with community transmission – currently Berks, Centre, Chester, Clearfield, Indiana, Jefferson, Lancaster, Mifflin, Snyder and York – the Department of Health recommends speeding up the usual vaccine timeline:
- Babies 6–11 months old can get an early "extra" dose of MMR. They'll still need the two regular doses later (at 12–15 months and 4–6 years).
- Kids over 12 months who haven't been vaccinated should get their first dose now, with a second dose at least 28 days later.
- Kids who've had one dose should get their second dose now, as long as it's been at least 28 days since the first.
- Teens and adults without documented immunity should get two doses, spaced at least 28 days apart. If you're not sure whether you're protected, check your vaccination records or talk to your doctor — most people vaccinated after 1967 with two documented doses are considered immune for life.
The state's measles dashboard shows current case counts and which counties have sustained community spread — worth a look before travel, especially with school starting back up.
|
Building Support for Fair EV Road Fees
This week, I circulated a memo for legislation to create a mileage-based user fee pilot program for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Right now, EV and PHEV owners pay a flat annual fee to help fund our roads, bridges, and transit systems — but that fee doesn't account for how much someone actually drives. A retiree who drives occasionally pays the same as a rideshare driver who's on the road all day. My bill would let drivers opt in to pay based on actual mileage instead, with total costs capped at what they'd owe under the current flat fee.
Getting this right matters for our environment, too. Pennsylvania has real interest in encouraging drivers to make the switch to electric and hybrid vehicles, which cut down on emissions and improve air quality across our communities. A fee structure that's fair and mileage-based — rather than a flat charge that can feel like a penalty for going electric — keeps that incentive intact while still making sure every driver contributes their fair share to road upkeep.
|
Community Events and Resources
|
Kids’ art contest: Show Us Your Place in Nature
Submissions open now.
The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy’s "My Place in Nature" art contest invites young artists to capture a favorite outdoor spot — a backyard, a schoolyard, a corner of a local park — and what makes it special. Entries are judged in two age brackets (K-6 and 7-12), and selected artists will see their work displayed at the Frick Environmental Center Art Gallery, get a shoutout on Pittsburgh Parks' social media and newsletter, and take home some parks merch and a Michael's gift card.
Artwork must be original, two-dimensional, no larger than 18" x 24", and made without AI or adult assistance. Submissions go through the official online portal, along with a short artist statement (150 words or less). The deadline for submissions is 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24.
Learn more here.
|
Parks on Tap Beer Garden
Today, Aug. 28, 3 - 7 p.m. | Schenley Park Visitor Center
Enjoy local food trucks, live music from 4 - 6 p.m., wooded trails, and a special summer-inspired beer created for the event series.
Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket. No registration is required.
Learn more about the Parks on Tap series here.
|
Summer Fridays at the Frick
Today, Aug. 28, activities begin at 5 p.m.; music at 6:30 p.m. | Frick Pittsburgh Lawns
Enjoy the finale of Summer Fridays at the Frick events with an evening of live music by Donora, food trucks, artmaking and family fun on the Frick lawns.
The Museum Store will remain open until 8 p.m., and the Grable Visitor Center will be open for restroom access. The Frick Art Museum and the Car and Carriage Museum will not be open during Summer Fridays.
New for 2026, admission is $5 for all adult visitors.
Buy tickets in advance and learn more here.
|
Greenfield Community Yard Sale and Party
Saturday, Aug. 29, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Greenfield Elementary School and the surrounding neighborhood
Browse more than 50 yards across the neighborhood plus a central shopping area with over a dozen vendors at Greenfield Elementary School. Rain or shine.
The fun continues until 7 p.m. with food trucks, an artists market and kids activities including a bounce house, face painter and caricature artist.
Find the map of yard sales and more info here.
|
Pittsburgh Public Schools Back-to-School 5K + Wellness Social
Saturday, Aug. 29, 9 a.m. | Obama Academy of International Studies, 515 N. Highland Ave.
Lace up to support Bigger Than Sports, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering PPS student-athletes through mentorship, education, and resources to thrive beyond the game. The finish line heads straight into a “wellness social,” with healthy food trucks, cold plunges, saunas, recovery stations, and local vendors.
Registration/packet pick-up starts at 7:30 a.m. Entry is $40. Rain or shine.
Learn more here.
|
Squirrel Hill Night Market Rain Date!
Saturday, Aug. 29, 6-10 p.m. | Murray Avenue, from Forbes Avenue to Beacon Street
Murray Avenue will be turned into an open-air market full of vendors and entertainment. I will be there along with Sen. Costa and Beth from CeaseFirePA – stop by to get a free gun lock and say hello!
Learn more here.
|
Pittsburgh Myths & Legends: Well, Actually…
Sunday, Aug. 30, 2 – 3:30 p.m. | Carnegie Library – main branch, Third Floor Conference Room
Get the real story behind popular Pittsburgh myths and urban legends, from ghost stories to Carnegie Library institutional lore. Which tales hold up to research-based evidence?
Learn more here.
|
Free Admission Day at Phipps Conservatory
Tuesday, Sept. 1 | Phipps Conservatory
Phipps Conservatory is capping off its summer participation in the RAD Pass Program with a free admission day on Tuesday, Sept. 1. It's a great chance to bring the family to see the Summer Flower Show, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, along with the Tropical Forest Panama exhibit and more — no cost to get in.
Tickets are required even for free admission, so reserve yours ahead of time.
Get tickets here.
|
The Tiger Maple String Band at Schenley Plaza
Thursday, Sept. 3, 7 – 9 p.m. | Schenley Plaza
Tiger Maple String Band brings its energetic take on traditional and original old-time music to Schenley Plaza. The Northwest Pennsylvania-based group draws on Appalachian fiddle tunes, mountain ballads, coal-mining songs, and original music for a set full of rich harmonies and old-time spirit. No tickets needed; tips for the artists are welcome, with a suggested donation of $15.
Learn more here.
|
Pennsylvania State Capitol
152 Main Capitol Building
PO Box 202023
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 705-1875
|
District Office
2345 Murray Avenue
Suite 205
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
(412) 422-1774
|
|