As we head into the heart of June, we have been busy in Harrisburg working on policy issues we hope to address while the budget gets negotiated.

In addition to affordability issues, especially regarding utilities, we are working on additional reforms needed in the education space. Specifically, the Education Committee reported out bills reforming how we fund charter and cyber charter schools, especially special education funding. The formula for this funding hasn’t been updated since 1997, and it is way past time to acknowledge that this space in education funding needs a refresh. The committee also approved a bill to require accountability and reporting of the education tax credit program.

As we are negotiating the Education Code for the final budget, I hope some of these reforms make it in to better provide funding and accountability for our education systems in Pennsylvania.

Sincerely,

I’m proud to announce that $144,150 in funding from the Keystone Historic Preservation Grants program is going toward the Third Scots & Mariners Presbyterian Church (Old Pine Church) and Independence Seaport Museum. The program supports projects that protect historic resources in the Commonwealth for public benefit and the revitalization of communities, and both venues have served great public benefit in the district. I appreciate the state’s continued support.

While in Harrisburg, I met with members of SEIU Local 668 along with Rep. Burgos, discussing funding for public services in the state budget. I’m always glad to support SEIU members as they advocated at the Capitol this week.

Reps. Darisha Parker, Regina Young and I were in the House Chamber this week with Miss Philadelphia and Miss Fitler Square, who are candidates for the next Miss Pennsylvania. The competition for Miss Pennsylvania will be held this weekend in York; best of luck to these young women!

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives Legislative Fellowship Program is currently accepting applications for the Fall 2026 semester through July 1.

The program, based in the Capitol Building, is for college undergraduate juniors or seniors, graduate students or law school students pursuing any major with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Fellows are assigned to work in House standing committee or House leadership offices, receiving compensation for work, among other opportunities.

You can visit the PA House website to learn more, or you can submit an application on Indeed.

Sending my congratulations to two winners of the James Beard Awards, the restaurant industry’s greatest annual honors, both in my district! Kalaya received Outstanding Restaurant, and Jesse Ito of Royal Sushi & Izakaya received Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic. These winners continue to bring dining excellence to the district and I applaud their dedication to the craft!

My office participated in the 2026 Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation Expo! This event provided services to help constituents and provide resources.

Join the African American Museum in Philadelphia to commemorate both the Juneteenth holiday and the museum’s 50th anniversary, with a Juneteenth Jubilee beginning at 12 p.m. This day of inspiration, remembrance, music, culture and fellowship will honor the significance of Juneteenth and celebrate the Museum’s golden anniversary!

A reminder that my office will be closed on Friday in observance of the Juneteenth holiday. I hope the community uses the day to gather, to celebrate freedom, and to acknowledge the work we still have to do to protect civil rights and fight for social justice. Regular office hours will resume on Monday, June 22.

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