For people unable to make complex life decisions because of advanced age, illness, or disability, nothing is more important than having a qualified, caring guardian. Unfortunately, guardianship proceedings are not widely publicized under current state law, which can prevent word from reaching the best person for the job.

Today, the House took an important step to change that by unanimously passing my bill that would expand the list of people entitled to notice of guardianship proceedings, helping courts make the best possible selection. The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration.

Come cheer on the finalists at the first-ever Greater Pittsburgh Regional Civics Bee on Thursday, May 7, starting at 6:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6 p.m.) The event will be held at The Stage at Carnegie One, 419 Library St. in Braddock.

If you’re planning to vote in the May 19 Primary Election but you haven’t yet registered, please be aware that the deadline to do so is today, May 4. Visit this page to register online and this page to check your registration status.

If you plan to vote by mail, you’ll need to request a mail ballot by May 12. Visit this page to apply for a ballot online. You can find additional voting information here.

Our staffer Leslie attended the Workers’ Memorial Day program at the Steelworkers Plaza downtown and heard moving speeches from Broadcast Journalist and SAG-AFTRA member Bill Flanagan and Bishop Mark Eckman (above) and Mayor Corey O’Connor and United Steelworkers International President Roxanne Brown (below).

Below, I joined Sen. Jay Costa and Forest Hills Mayor Patricia DeMarco for Law Day at Woodland Hills High School, where we spoke with students about the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, including the importance of voting and getting involved in their community.

We also distributed copies of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution! 

I participated in a panel of elected officials for a “Pittsburgh Town Hall on the Affordability Crisis,” convened by PA United. Residents talked about how rising prices have affected their lives, and we discussed our efforts to address the affordability crisis.

After the event, I signed on to co-sponsor three of my colleagues’ bills that would eliminate corporate tax loopholes, update the tax laws on “passive” unearned income, and implement a digital advertising tax on Big Tech companies.

I also attended the JFCS Employable Tour, where we discussed the group’s immigration, career, and counseling services.

Our staffer Simon toured Evolve Coaching’s Inclusion Center, which will offer autistic and disabled adults an accessible space for learning, support, and community building. Thank you to Evolve Executive Director Heather Conroy (above left) for organizing the tour!

Our district office director, Aaron, joined officials from the state Department of Human Services, staff and students from the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh, and community partners for a tour and roundtable discussion on programs that can connect SNAP participants with education, employment and training to help them meet federal work and community engagement eligibility requirements.