Fire and EMS companies in our district are on track to receive nearly $191,000 in state grants to help with equipment, facility repairs, training, and other operational expenses!

Our office already offers an annual nonprofit symposium with educational sessions. Would you be interested in a similar event for small businesses?

I recently visited the University of Pittsburgh’s REEACT Program, where staff are conducting a NIMH-funded Autism Center of Excellence study to identify factors that contribute to suicidality in autistic adults. The study also aims to provide greater insight into factors related to mental health and quality of life for autistic adults. Visit this page to learn more.

Grounded Strategies is gathering community feedback on designs for new green spaces in North Braddock! Share your ideas at a free community event on Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Sanctuary Community Space, 712 Hawkins Ave., North Braddock. Dinner will be provided, and childcare is available if requested in advance. Please RSVP by Monday, Feb. 23, to share any special dietary needs and kids’ ages.

Learn healthy food prep ideas at this Connect Center demonstration and meal! The event will be held on Saturday, Feb. 28 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Connect Center, 827 Linden Ave, East Pittsburgh. Visit this page to learn more and register!

Tree Pittsburgh is hosting workshops on planting and maintaining trees in our communities! Visit this page to learn more and register!

If you are concerned about ICE activities, please be aware that there are local resources to help you understand and exercise your rights. You can find a list of immigration resources in English here and in Spanish here. You can also visit Know Your Rights – a multilingual guide from the Shapiro Administration that provides information about interacting with immigration authorities or law enforcement.  

A note to readers: Pennsylvania House rules direct when I can contact you leading up to an election. We’re nearing the 60-day restricted period that will begin on March 20 and last until the May 19 primary election. If you aren’t opted in, I will be unable to send you these e-news updates during that time.

To continue receiving my emails without interruption, please click here or on the image above.

Earlier this month, Gov. Josh Shapiro unveiled a Housing Action Plan to address critical housing needs across the state and break down barriers preventing people from finding stable housing. The goals include:

• Expanding our housing supply by building and preserving housing stock.
• Expanding housing opportunities by cutting the equity gap for minority homeowners by 25%.
• Providing pathways from shelters to sustainable housing for at-risk residents.
• Modernizing housing regulations to accelerate construction and reduce costs.
• Reforming state and local housing programs to improve coordination and data sharing.

Visit this page to read more.

Pennsylvania’s minimum wage has been stuck at $7.25/hr., even as all our neighboring states have raised their wages. It’s time to pay our workers the living wage they’re worth. Visit this page to add your voice.

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I wanted to let you know that hearings on the new proposed state budget will begin on Wednesday, Feb.25. You can watch the hearings at this page and find a list of scheduled hearings here.

This is a reminder that the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment period is currently underway and runs through March 31. This period allows beneficiaries to switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare.

The Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight, or PA MEDI, program offers free, unbiased counseling to help seniors make informed health insurance decisions. Visit this page to learn more about PA MEDI.

Please remember that our office can help with a wide range of state-related matters – from filing a Property Tax/Rent Rebate or obtaining a Senior ConnectCard, to navigating state benefits and more. Contact us to find out how we can help!

If you’re searching for a state grant, you can find a list of the latest program openings here and a state grant-finding search tool here.

You can read my e-newsletter in a way that’s preferable to you by visiting my legislative website here and clicking on the accessibility icon in the lower right corner.

District Office

501 Braddock Ave.
Braddock, PA 15104

(412) 273-3400

Pennsylvania State Capitol

123-B East Wing Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 783-1914