I hope you find my occasional emails informative and helpful. I strive to keep the people I represent up to date about what’s going on in our district and the state Capitol.

That’s why I’d like to remind you that 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 keep you informed about important issues that affect all of us, including:

• Updates on legislation
• News and events in the district
• Government programs and services

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

Budget hearings kicked off last week in Harrisburg. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I had the opportunity to question state agency leaders about ways we can work together to strengthen services and resources for residents.

I questioned Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger (top left) about what the agency is doing to eliminate the blight that discourages new business activity and stunts revitalization in many of our neighborhoods. You can watch here.

I also asked Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding (above left) about his department’s strategies for keeping healthy food accessible to all Pennsylvanians. Visit this page to watch our dialogue.

I questioned Randy Padfield (top left), director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, about how we can strengthen connections with local emergency management coordinators to coordinate residents’ unmet needs after a storm like the April 29 event that left our district without power for 11 days. Visit this page to watch.

And I questioned PA Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys (above left) about his agency's efforts to counter RFK Jr's federal misinformation campaign about autism and ensure that all Pennsylvanians get the coverage and services they deserve. Visit this page to watch.

The Promise Center of Homewood is partnering with Carlow University to host Promise Pathways, a new literacy and reading program that will provide students with reading support and homework assistance. Our office attended the program launch, which included an inspiring talk by former NFL player and literacy advocate Deon Butler.

Visit this page to learn more about Promise Center Programs.

I was honored to join federal, state, and local representatives as guest speakers at the Turtle Creek Valley Council of Governments Annual Dinner.

We’re thrilled to welcome our new interns, Katie Green and Jackson Bloom, who have joined our office for the spring term!

Katie is a college junior double majoring in Politics & Philosophy and Communication & Rhetoric, and she plans to attend law school after graduating. A lifelong district resident, Katie said she is excited to serve the community over the course of her internship. In her spare time, she enjoys ballroom dancing and ballet and is learning the theatrical technique of stage combat.

Jackson is in his third year at the University of Pittsburgh, where he is studying Law, Criminal Justice, and Public Service. After graduation, he plans to attend law school and hopes to practice in the public sector. Jackson said he is excited to be an intern for our office and grateful for the opportunity to serve the community while learning from the rest of the staff.

Our staffer Simon attended the premier of The Football Town, a film celebrating Pittsburgh’s rich football history, last week at the Kamin Science Center. The event included a panel discussion with Dan Rooney, NFL Films producers, and Pittsburgh Steelers alumni. Visit this page to learn more about the film.

Our district office director, Aaron, joined community members and elected officials to discuss the Wilkinsburg Comprehensive Plan, which will serve as a roadmap to guide decision-making and investment over the next 10-20 years. 

Don’t miss the Braddock Community Resource Fair on Tuesday, March 3 at the Braddock Carnegie Library, located at 419 Library St.!

This is a reminder that the Pittsburgh A. Philip Randolph Institute and Greater Valley Community Services will host a free expungement clinic and reentry resource event on Saturday, March 14, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Residents of Dumplin Hall and Wood Street Towers – please be aware that our office will be holding on-site mobile office hours this week at the following times:

Dumplin Hall in Wilkinsburg
Tuesday, March 3, 10 a.m. to noon

Wood Street Towers, Pittsburgh
Thursday, March 5, 10 a.m. to noon

Please note that this week’s mobile offices are for residents of the apartments listed. Check back for news about future public mobile offices, like the one our staffer Connie and intern Katie held last week at the Swissvale Library!

Workers and employers, the state Department of Labor & Industry is reviewing the state’s Minimum Wage Act to ensure that it is up to date and easily understandable. The department is seeking feedback on whether there are existing rules you would like clarified or updated and on any topics you would like to see addressed in the new Minimum Wage Act rules. (Please note that the department will not be able to address the minimum wage rate with any new rulemaking.)

The department will be hosting the following listening sessions:

• Live in Pittsburgh – Thursday, March 5, 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., 301 Fifth Ave., Room 3023.
• Virtual – Monday, March 23, 7 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. on Microsoft Teams.

Click here or on the graphic above to register.

This is a reminder to businesses and nonprofits that the state requires you to file an annual report each year with the Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations. The deadline is June 30 for corporations, Sept. 30 for limited liability companies, and Dec. 31 for all other organizations. Visit this page to file online quickly and easily.

Gov. Josh Shapiro has issued an advisory noting that DHS restrictions no longer prohibit ICE from conducting enforcement activities in previously protected areas like health care clinics and social service settings like crisis centers. 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. 

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