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.

Last week, the House Finance Committee held a hearing on my bill to remove a major obstacle that prevents lower-income houses of worship and other nonprofits from obtaining funding under the state’s Nonprofit Security Grant program.

In the months after an attempted shooting at Jesus’ Dwelling Place, I worked with Pastor Glenn Germany (above) as the church struggled to obtain the necessary match funding required for a security grant. Although we eventually succeeded, the process took 18 long months, as congregants waited and wondered if they would be safe from another attack.

My bill would make it easier to access this funding by removing the 33% match requirement for grants between $25,000 and $75,000 where an organization earns less than $250,000 annually. No one’s safety should depend on the size of their organization’s budget. Click here or on the image below to watch my testimony.

This week in the House. I voted for – and the House passed – bills that would:

• Ban ride-hail companies from engaging in surveillance pricing – unfairly adjusting pricing based on a user’s phone data, such as their battery being low.
• Expand job training for incarcerated people.
• Give Pittsburgh school administrators the same collective bargaining rights already enjoyed by Philadelphia school administrators.
• Prevent state officials from promoting or profiting from digital assets such as cryptocurrency.
• Promote data center transparency and community involvement by barring data centers from entering into nondisclosure agreements with government officials.
• Make it easier for young people to volunteer and participate in emergency service activities.

Visit this page to read more about these and other bills we passed.

Our office is seeking a staffer able to assist constituents with filing state applications, handling inquiries involving state agencies, and other state-related matters in a multi-priority, fast-paced environment. Visit this page to learn more and apply. 

Last week, our district office director, Aaron, attended the kickoff for the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Summer Reading program at their Homewood Library branch. Kids enjoyed ice cream, arts and crafts, and remote control vehicles, while library staff shared information about planned renovations.

Seniors – this is a reminder that applications are now open for the 2026 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, which is available to Allegheny County residents age 60 or older who meet income guidelines. Vouchers for use at local farmers markets will now be mailed directly to participants. You can apply online or pick up an application at our 501 Braddock Ave. district office. Visit this page to learn more!

On a related note, the Swissvale Farmers Market is back, running every Saturday at 9 a.m. through the end of October! Please note the new location at the CLASS Facility upper parking lot, 1400 S. Braddock Ave. Visit this page to learn more.

Local officials and nonprofits – if you’re searching for state grant funding, you can find an online copy of the 2026 Pennsylvania Grant and Resource Directory here or pick up a hard copy by stopping by our 501 Braddock Ave. district office. You can also find a list of the latest program openings here and a handy grant-finding tool at this page.

Finally, 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!

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