So far, the month of May has been packed full of stuff going on in Harrisburg. We celebrated major wins this month, like the commonwealth court ruling to overturn the ban on Medicaid-funded abortion care that has been in effect since the 70s. Before my time as a legislator, I fought and advocated to overturn this ban. Working in the legislature now and having the power to make meaningful changes to the state of reproductive healthcare in Pennsylvania gets me excited to fight these battles.

We worked on getting good, commonsense legislation passed, that focuses on affordability for Pennsylvanians:

• We are working to protect renters by cutting costs for tenants by capping rental application fees (HB 558).
• We are helping tenants facing domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking by changing locks or getting out of leases more easily (HB 72).
• Requiring a landlord to disclose in a lease whether parking is provided and whether there is a parking fee (HB 344). 

This is all very commonsense legislation that I hope my colleagues in the Senate work to pass in their chamber. The next time that we are in session will be June, which is our busy time to prepare and pass the budget. I will be sure to share updates with you all on the important programs we are funding in our commonwealth.

Happy belated Mother’s Day to all of the mothers, grandmothers, mothers in law, bonus moms, caregivers, and mother figures who keep our families and communities going every single day. Your patience, love, support, and ability to somehow find things that nobody else can find in the house deserve more appreciation than one Sunday in May can cover. As co-chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, I am always working to achieve more maternal health resources, and safer delivery conditions for all moms and birthing people!

Mothers want flowers, love, and rest on Mother’s Day, but they also want actual legislative change, and resources too! We had some diapers left over from my diaper distribution event, so we delivered them to families and mamas in my district!

May is Preeclampsia Awareness Month. It is so important that we use our time to raise awareness about this serious pregnancy complication, support families affected and encourage education around the warning signs—like high blood pressure, severe headaches, swelling, and vision changes.

This is why I, along with State Rep. Mandy Steele, have both introduced legislation relating to the detection of preeclampsia in moms and birthing people as part of our MOMNIBUS 2.0 legislative package!

My bill, House Bill 1234, would require Medicaid to cover blood pressure monitors, while Rep. Steele’s bill, House Bill 1088, would require private insurance to cover blood pressure monitors.

I have also introduced a resolution, HR 517, alongside my colleague Rep. Liz Hanbidge, to designate May as Preeclampsia Awareness Month in our state.

Early recognition can save lives for both moms and babies.

The Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women is writing a State of the Woman Report for Pennsylvania and want to hear directly from you.

The commission has a 20-minute survey open to all women and girls 13 and older. It is your chance to share your experiences, priorities, and challenges – no matter what you look like, where you come from, who you love, or who you pray to.

Take the survey and help shape the future for women in Pennsylvania.

If you are a college student looking for an internship opportunity, my office is looking to hire a PAID intern for this summer! Interns are required to be over 18 and work 20 hours in the district office in Pittsburgh, with the possibility of being able to travel to Harrisburg for events. Applicants can apply by emailing a resume and cover letter to Ric Worthey at rworthey@pahouse.net.

Are you familiar with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library? Each month a new, carefully selected book will be mailed in your child’s name directly to your home. The first book is always the children’s classic The Little Engine That Could. Best of all it is a FREE GIFT to your child through partnership with local organizations! There is no cost or obligation to your family.

This service is currently available to all residents in the city of Pittsburgh!

Applications are now open for the 2026 Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. The program provides Allegheny County residents age 60 or older who meet income guidelines with vouchers for use at local farmers markets. Voucher distribution will begin on June 1, and residents have until Sept. 15 to apply.

New this year: you can now apply online, and vouchers will be mailed directly to you, so no proxy forms or in-person pickups will be required.

To learn more and apply online, visit this page and scroll down to the  section titled 2026 Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. You can also pick up an application at our 501 Braddock Ave. district office.

The Pennsylvania primary election is right around the corner. Voting is both a fundamental right and a civic duty.

Your voice matters. It directly affects decisions on health care, education, infrastructure, jobs, the cost of living, and more.

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is currently accepting applications.

If you're an older adult or have a disability (age 18+), you may qualify for up to $1,000 in rebates on property taxes or rent you paid in 2025.

The deadline to apply is June 30.

For more information on the Property/Tax Rebate Program, please visit the Department of Revenue website here, or call my office at 412.665.5502 if you are in need of assistance!

The latest state grant opportunities are available on my website! My office is happy to help connect you with government funding like this, so please reach out if you have any questions or need a letter of support.

Click here to view state grant opportunities now accepting applications!

District Office

2015-2017 Centre Avenue, Floor 1
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

(412) 665-5502

Pennsylvania State Capitol

111-A East Wing

Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 783-1017

Unsubscribe from future updates