Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful moms, grandmas, and mother figures who make the world brighter with their love.

Sincerely,

It was another busy session week in Harrisburg, with two of my bills advancing through the House.

House Bill 558, my legislation to put a cap on rental application fees, passed the House 148-53 and would be a huge victory for Pennsylvania renters. Landlords have been preying on the commonwealth with these excessive fees, limiting the opportunities renters have to find housing. Someone shouldn’t have to stop applying for housing because of simple paperwork, and this bill would alleviate that concern.

House Bill 2237, which passed the House unanimously 201-0, would eliminate Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) reporting requirements for the New Economy Technology Scholarship. The program no longer accepts recipients or receives funding, and this bill would remove an administrative headache for our colleagues at PHEAA.

Also this week, I was proud to stand alongside my legislative colleagues and advocate for clean air and energy in the commonwealth. As an environmentalist, I understand just how critical it is that we craft bills focused on taking care of the Earth!

The Education Committee convened to hear the concerns of educators in the commonwealth and the issues impacting the educator workforce.

We heard testimony from Pennsylvania State Education Association President Aaron Chapin, who remarked that schools face ongoing gaps in properly certified teachers, paraprofessionals, personal care aides and specialized staff. Because of this, staff are taken from existing roles and moved elsewhere, leaving critical gaps in school staffing.

I thank President Chapin and everyone else who testified. Your words clarify where we need to put our legislative focus, and that’s to support the staff that develop our students.

You can watch Tuesday’s meeting at this link.

The Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities Committee approved H.B. 2131, which would address the practice of “sticker shock” for electric choice customers. This happens when someone’s electricity contract expires and electric providers automatically renew them into a new, more expensive, variable-rate plan.

This bill would protect customers from being automatically re-enrolled into a higher-priced rate. When a contract expires and a customer doesn’t pick a new plan or supplier, they would be automatically enrolled to the utility’s default rate.

I hope my colleagues in the House take action to safeguard Pennsylvania families from this unfair practice.

The Philadelphia House Delegation this week met with Congressman Brendan Boyle, who briefed us on what to expect from the federal government in today’s climate. As we make our way through budget season, it’s crucial that we stay aligned with our federal and local partners.

I’d like to thank WHYY and PBS for honoring me with a Good Neighbor Award as one of the 2026 Pennsylvania PBS Champions of Lifelong Learning!

WHYY Philadelphia has been instrumental in keeping the area informed on the latest in news, politics and local culture. I’m proud to continue working with this institution of learning, and I’m very grateful for the recognition. Congratulations to my fellow award recipients as well!

Thanks to all the neighbors who came out to my Shredding and E-recycling Event at Front and Carpenter Streets this past Saturday. I am happy to report that the E-recycling truck was full!! 

My next Shredding and E-recycling event is May 16th at 511 S. Front Street. Details are below.

On May 1st, I was happy to celebrate with the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation (PCDC) for its 60th anniversary. The PCDC was founded in 1966 by Cecilia Moy Yep specifically to address the unique needs of Philadelphia’s Chinatown community. Its creation was a direct response to the neighborhood’s history, challenges, and the urgent need for local leadership to protect its cultural and economic identity.

PCDC has continued to make a positive impact in Chinatown, from holding community-wide events and celebrations, developing affordable housing projects, providing resources and supports, and upholding the mission of preserving, protecting, and promoting Chinatown!

I did an interview this week with WGAL 8 on my legislation to prohibit the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and other state agencies from using text messaging to notify residents about unpaid fines, fees or tolls.

We’ve spent plenty of resources as a state educating the public about not falling for text scams that tell people they have unpaid fines, as these scams have been relentless. I don’t want to confuse or cause chaos for my constituents. I think there are better ways to notify residents, such as paper mail with clear instructions, that won’t make people wonder if they’re falling for a scam or not.

I’ve received bipartisan support from my colleagues on this important legislation, and I welcome more to join me to better protect our residents.

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

This Saturday, 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.

You can find additional event details at nannygoatfest.com.

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