I’m proud to partner with Senator Pisciottano to announce that $342,000 in state grants has been awarded for seven community projects here in the Mon Valley. These grants will help first responders do their job, improve our parks and recreation opportunities, and make our streets safer. I’m committed to working in Harrisburg to make sure our communities can benefit from these state dollars.

Said Senator Pisciottano, “These investments will strengthen public safety, enhance community spaces, and ensure our local communities and emergency responders have the tools they need to serve residents.”

Affordability is on everyone’s minds these days, and energy bills are among those that are too high here in the Mon Valley. This brutal winter has only made things worse. In Harrisburg, House Democrats are leading the way to lower energy costs with legislation that would deliver real results. My colleagues and I are pushing several bills aimed at making your life better by improving our electric grid, reducing the impact of data centers, and putting people ahead of profits.

Join the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission as they host a Boating Safety and Education Certificate Course at the Carnegie Library of Homestead this Saturday, March 7. This is a great opportunity to get ready for this summer so you can enjoy our waterways safely.

The course is free, but pre-registration is required. You can register here.

PA Unplugged is inviting parents and caregivers to share their perspectives on technology and screen time in schools. Responses will inform a public dashboard comparing feedback across school districts statewide. The survey takes about five minutes to complete.

Take the survey here.

State officials warn that scammers are sending texts claiming to be from the PA Department of Revenue asking people to update their banking information. Don’t fall for it—do not reply or click any link. Delete the text. The Department of Revenue wants residents to know it will never send unsolicited texts asking for personal data.

With tax season officially underway, I encourage eligible workers to take advantage of new state tax credits championed by Gov. Shapiro and House Democrats that deliver meaningful tax relief to those who need it most. 

Eligible taxpayers can now claim the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit (WPTC), created in the 2025-26 budget which I supported last year. Modeled after the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the WPTC can provide up to $805 in tax relief.

The credit is expected to deliver $193 million in tax savings to approximately 940,000 Pennsylvanians this year. Anyone who qualifies for the federal EITC automatically qualifies for the state credit, helping to put more money back into the pockets of working Pennsylvanians. Visit pa.gov/wptc for more information and to check eligibility using an online calculator. 

Another tax season reminder: United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania has FREE in-person programs for tax preparation across our region. You can get more information and schedule an appointment here.

The PA Department of State is reminding businesses owners and non-profits about the annual report that must be filed each year with the Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations. The reports contain information such as current addresses and officer names that must be kept current. The bureau has a streamlined online system which makes filing easy at www.dos.pa.gov/AnnualReports.

WQED’s annual Writers Contest invites young authors to submit original stories and illustrations, with no required theme. Now in its 17th year, the program encourages literacy and creativity and has engaged more than 16,000 local students.
The contest is open to students in grades K–5, and it’s free to enter. The deadline is March 31.

Check out previous contest winning entries, review the rules and access additional resources here.

It’s always great making the rounds in the 35th District. Last week I enjoyed connecting with our friends at West Homestead VFD and discussing how my office can continue supporting them. My team and I also joined great friends at the Mary Mother of God fish fry on Market Street in McKeesport. I’m happy to make time to visit with my Mon Valley neighbors!