Two weeks away from the Disability & Mental Health Summit!

Rep. Jen Mazzocco April 22, 2026 | 1:34 PM

We are now just over two weeks away from the 13th Annual Disability & Mental Health Summit, taking place May 7 at CCAC Allegheny Campus on the North Side.

As a preview of the resources that will be available at the Summit, I hosted the annual South Hills Futures Fair this past week along with Rep. Jessica Benham’s team. A huge thank you to everyone who came out and got connected with special education resources. Another huge shout-out goes to Band Together Pittsburgh for providing the musical entertainment!

The Summit brings resources and experts together in public, where people can meet face-to-face to better understand issues related to disabilities and mental health. Along with these resources, we’ll have a keynote presentation from Supreme Court Justice Kevin Dougherty, numerous breakout sessions and a comprehensive legislative panel.

Since I last wrote about the panel in this newsletter, even more legislators have announced participation in the panel, including Allegheny County Reps. Dan Goughnour, La’Tasha D. Mayes, Lindsay Powell and Jeremy Shaffer.

Visit disabilitysummit.com today for more information and to register for the event.

IN HARRISBURG

Data Center bills pass the House

I was in Harrisburg last week for a House Session that included passing regulatory legislation concerning data centers in the Commonwealth.

I voted for both H.B. 2150 and H.B. 2151, two bills that would minimize any potential harms of data centers as they expand throughout Pennsylvania. H.B. 2150 would require data centers to file annual reports with the state detailing energy and water consumption for the previous calendar year, including monthly data. H.B. 2151 would direct the Center for Local Government Services to develop a model zoning ordinance for data center proposals.

I urge my colleagues in the Senate to act on these bills, and I look forward to sharing more information about legislation concerning data centers in the coming months.

Policy Committee hearing

While in Harrisburg, I also took part in a policy hearing with the House Majority Policy Committee about Black maternal health and hospital accountability. We spoke about the impact of the maternal health crisis in our communities, proposed and upcoming legislation, adequacy of care and more. Thank you to everyone who testified for sharing your stories. You can watch the hearing at this link.

Reproductive autonomy recognized as right in PA

On Monday, the Commonwealth Court struck down a ban on public funding for abortion, ruling it unconstitutional and recognizing reproductive autonomy as a right.

This is a historic victory to protect reproductive rights in Pennsylvania. The court recognized what we’ve known for some time, that decisions about a woman’s body are hers. We know that abortions are part of comprehensive healthcare, and their accessibility should not be shrunken by government oversight.

I applaud the court for taking this step in affirming a woman’s right to choose her reproductive decisions, and for allowing greater access to abortion across the Commonwealth.

IN THE COMMUNITY

NFL Draft weekend is here!

The NFL Draft has finally arrived in Pittsburgh! This event will not only bring new members to the Steelers’ roster, it will also bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to the area. This will be a great opportunity to showcase Pittsburgh on the national stage.

For those planning on heading downtown for the festivities, please take advantage of the robust transit options in our district! Travel on all three light rail lines is free for Draft weekend, or you can hop on board one of the free “Football Flyer” buses PRT has added to provide extra options.

Click here to see more details on PRT draft travel and how regular routes will be impacted.

Arts Landing Ribbon Cutting

Last week, I attended the Arts Landing Ribbon Cutting downtown! This beautiful space is part of a wide public and private partnership to invest in the city, including $8 million from the state.

I was especially touched by Councilman Khan Mosley’s words about his father – renowned artist Thaddeus Mosley – whose bronze sculpture installation “Touching the Earth” is featured in the space.

From downtown’s first playground, to pickleball, to gorgeous walks nestled in between buildings, to a stage with a quintessential view – this place will be magical for generations to come!

Balena Bagels visit

I recently joined Sen. Nick Pisciottano for a visit to Balena Bagels in Castle Shannon! It was so nice to visit this special South Hills small-batch bakery to see the dedication and hard work it takes to make top-notch bagels. Thanks to Balena Bagels and Sen. Pisciottano for having me!

Applications open for FAFSA

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency is reminding higher education students that they can now complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. FAFSA is an easy way to help alleviate the costs of going to an institution like colleges, business schools and technical schools.

Applications are due by May 1 for many students, so don’t miss out on this opportunity! You can review the checklist for FAFSA submission at this link.

Make a plan to vote in the May 19 primary election!

If you want to vote in the May 19 primary election, make sure to register by Monday, May 4! You can visit vote.pa.gov/register for more information.

The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is Tuesday, May 12. Voting with a mail-in ballot is still a simple, safe and secure way to ensure your voice is heard. You can visit vote.pa.gov/ApplyMailBallot to secure yours today!

Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, our office is here to help. You can reach us by phone at 412-343-3870 or visit us at 650 Washington Road, Suite 102, in Mt. Lebanon.