As Labor Day approaches, I’m proud to say that my House colleagues and I have been fighting for PA workers on the issues that really matter. Here’s a sampling of bills we’ve advanced:

• A higher minimum wage of $15 per hour by 2029.
• Paid family and medical leave for PA workers.
• Unemployment compensation for striking workers in PA.
• OSHA standards for Pennsylvania’s public workers.
• Requirements aimed at preventing workplace violence in the healthcare sector.

I’ve also supported recent state budgets that help eligible working families keep more of what they earn and make significant investments in workforce training, apprenticeships, and career pathways.

As a longstanding member of Teamsters Local 205 and member of the House Labor & Industry Committee, I greatly appreciate the contributions that all of our workers make to our communities and economy. You deserve respect and recognition for your hard work and I hope you’re able to take the day to relax and recharge this Labor Day.

In observance of Labor Day, my office will close at noon on Friday and reopen on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

With children back to school, I want to pass along an important reminder about using caution in school zones and around buses and kids walking to and from school. Everyone must play a role in keeping students safe.

Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law requires motorists to stop at least 10 feet away from school buses with red lights flashing and the stop arm extended. Penalties include a $250 fine, a 60-day license suspension, and five points on your driving record.

Drivers should also obey school zone speed limits and avoid using their phones (a new law bans hand-held phones while driving in Pennsylvania). Parents should ensure that children know the safest route to their school or bus stop, and students should keep their headphones off whenever they are near traffic.

I had the honor of attending the recent ribbon-cutting ceremony for the brand-new Steel Valley Elementary School. It was wonderful to see local elected officials, educators, families, and community members come together to celebrate this historic milestone for Steel Valley. I’d also like to thank my colleagues from Harrisburg, Sen. Nick Pisciottano and Lt. Governor Austin Davis, for being part of this special occasion and for their continued support of our community.

This beautiful new school represents an investment in our children, our families, and the future of our community. I will be excited to see all the learning, opportunities, and memories that this school will foster for years to come.

Congratulations to everyone who helped make this vision a reality! Here’s to a bright future for Steel Valley and our students!