It was a busy week in Harrisburg, moving lots of bills in both committees and the floor. For a more in-depth wrap up please view my video I recorded below.

Unfortunately, this past week we experienced another act of political violence in this country. It is absolutely unacceptable to resort to political violence over the political divide, and it is another example of why we need gun control. Staying engaged and making your voice heard in political discourse is essential but physical violence has no place and does nothing to move this country to a better place.

Please come join me Saturday at my shredder and electronic recycling event, the details are below.

Sincerely,

This week’s session also saw another key environmental bill reported out of committee.

House Bill 2145, which I co-sponsored, would protect Pennsylvanians by banning per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, in things like cosmetics, dental floss, menstrual products and juvenile products.

These chemicals can potentially cause health issues such as cancer, immune system suppression, and liver damage. Not only do we—including our children—use products containing PFAS, but PFAS can also contaminate our drinking water and leach into groundwater when left in landfills. Passing HB 2145 will help ensure that the Commonwealth is protected from this harmful substance.

We were happy to participate in Thursday’s Small Business Expo at Grand Palace alongside state Sen. Nikil Saval, and state Reps. Ben Waxman, and Elizabeth Fiedler. My team was able to assist small business owners with valuable resources and connect them with a wide range of professionals.

Last week, I was happy to stop by the grand re-opening of Liberty Lands, a two-acre, multi-use community greenspace owned and maintained by the Northern Liberties neighborhood. I had the chance to speak with many neighbors and friends, and the playground renovations look amazing. Thanks to the Northern Liberties Neighbors Association for hosting.

Last Saturday, Wills Eye Hospital held its Free Diabetic Eye Screening Day, and many people participated in this important event. Thank you to Wills Eye Hospital for all you do for our community.

The Pennsylvania State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution presented a check to the National Park Service and the Independence National Trust to fund historically accurate, handwoven window treatments in two rooms inside Independence Hall.

The Daughters of the American Revolution have a three-part mission of historic preservation, education, and patriotism, with preservation being the focus for this Semiquincentennial year.

After three years of implementation, the Commonwealth Office of Digital Experience (COD PA) has made good on its promise of simple and secure digital services.

CODE PA’s modern platforms have saved taxpayers over $10 million through in-house projects like the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit eligibility calculator and the My Benefits Status Tracker for applications like LIHEAP and SNAP. As CODE PA starts up new projects in 2026, I appreciate everything it has done to make services easier and more accessible to Pennsylvanians.

Remember, elections happen more than just every four years – and each vote is a chance to shape the future you want to see.

Some key dates to keep in mind for 2026:

??? LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE: 
Monday, May 4
Register to vote here.
 

?? LAST DAY TO APPLY FOR MAIL-IN BALLOT OR ABSENTEE BALLOT: 
Tuesday, May 12
Apply for a mail-in ballot here.

If you come too close to Election Day without mailing your completed ballot, the city has several secure ballot drop boxes and Satellite Election Offices to ensure your vote is counted. Just remember to get your completed ballot there by 8 p.m. on May 19.

Find your local drop box here.

Here is a list of Satellite Offices around the city.

???PRIMARY ELECTION DAY: Tuesday, May 19; polls are open for in-person voting from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Find your polling place here.

PHEAA reminds students and families to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

This allows you to be considered for federal student aid. In addition, states and colleges use FAFSA information to award their own grants, scholarships, and loans.

For all FIRST-TIME applicants enrolled in a community college, business school, trade or technical school, hospital school of nursing, designated Pennsylvania open-admission institution, or nontransferable two-year program, applications must be submitted by Aug. 1, 2026, midnight Central Time (CT).

 All other applicants must apply by May 1, 2026, midnight CT.

The deadline to apply for the 2025-26 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has been extended through May 8. LIHEAP provides cash grants to help eligible Pennsylvania families pay their heating bills. Click here for more information on LIHEAP applications.

CLS, in partnership with HACE CDC, will host its next Utility Clinic on Thursday, May 7, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at HACE CDC, 167 W. Allegheny Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19140. CLS and HACE will be joined by PECO, PGW, and PWD representatives to provide direct assistance to people who need help with their utility services.

This clinic is open to Philadelphia residents who are responsible for their home’s utility bills. Attendees will have the opportunity to:

• Discuss gas, electric and water bills with a legal expert free of charge
• Meet with utility company representatives
• Learn about programs that can help

May 9 will be a day to commemorate the Kensington Riots of 1844, beginning with Mass at 12 p.m. at St. Michael’s Church on Second Street—the church destroyed during the riots and rebuilt by the community.

The dedication ceremony will follow at 1 p.m. at the intersection of American and Oxford Streets, near the historic site of the Nanny Goat Market. Nanny Goat Fest will continue from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on American Street, featuring live music, food, local vendors, an Irish trad session, and more.

The Mummers Museum will hold a free outdoor festival on May 17 celebrating the Festival of Many Colors. There will be craft vendors, food trucks, and performances, including the Quaker City String Band, Philly Pan Stars Steel Orchestra, Banda La Poblanita, and other acts from our three communities.

District Office

610 North Second Street

Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 503-3245

Pennsylvania State Capitol
300 Main Capitol Building

P.O. Box 202175

Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-8098