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.

Yesterday, the House and Senate came together to pass a new state budget for 2026-27. I voted for the new plan because it invests tax dollars responsibly, continues critical programs, and strengthens our schools – all without raising taxes.

The new plan adds a third installment of $565 million in equity funding to continue leveling the playing field for students in historically underfunded school districts, and it adds new funding for school safety and student mental health. Locally, our school districts will see across-the-board increases.

Beyond schools, the new budget increases funding for essential programs and services, including Medical Assistance managed care, mental health programs, rape crisis centers, the Violence Intervention and Prevention program, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, and programs to help seniors afford their prescription medications and age in place. There’s also new funding to fight food insecurity, boost affordable housing, and strengthen childcare services.

It may not be perfect (no budget ever is), but it delivers funding where it counts – to help us address the real-world issues that matter to residents and families. In my book, those are the right priorities.

With more and more data centers springing up around PA, my House colleagues and I are working to establish guardrails to protect residents and small businesses. We recently passed a slate of bills to bring greater transparency to data center development, give local leaders more power to decide whether proposals are in the community’s best interests, and require that data centers be accountable for their water and energy use, infrastructure costs, and environmental impacts.

Some of those bills would:

• Require developers to meet strict, enforceable standards on utility costs, water use, noise, and environmental strain.
• Prevent data centers from shifting costs onto residents and small businesses and require them to use in-state “clean firm” energy and contribute to state energy-assistance programs.
• Require data centers to report water and energy use and allow the state to require permits and oversee any water use exceeding 100,000 gallons per day.
• Ban non-disclosure agreements between data centers and municipalities.
• Allow local governments to place a 180-day pause on data center applications so officials have time to make the best decision on the community’s behalf.
• End the sales tax exemption for data centers on equipment purchases.

The bills are now with the state Senate, where we’ll be urging our colleagues to bring them up for a vote.

Seniors and residents with a disability: If you’ve already filed for a rebate on property taxes or rent you paid in 2025 and are wondering where it is, you can check the status of your rebate by visiting this page.

If you haven’t yet filed, I urge you to do so as soon as possible. Although the deadline has been extended to Dec. 31, rebates are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, so the sooner you apply, the sooner you’ll get your check. You can learn more about the program here, file your application online here, or contact our office for help!

If a recent power outage or similar household problem caused you to lose food that you purchased with SNAP, you may be eligible for replacement benefits. To qualify, you must report the loss and apply within 10 days. To begin the process, contact the Allegheny County Assistance Office at 412-565-2146 or the statewide customer service center at 1-877-395-8930.

Visit this page or click on the image above to learn more about obtaining replacement benefits, and this page for general information about SNAP. Also, please remember that our office can help with benefits applications and questions!  

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services is warning SNAP users not to respond to calls or texts asking them to share their EBT information. These are scams – the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services will never call or text and ask for your personal information. Scam calls and texts can be reported to the DHS fraud tip line at 1-844-DHS-TIPS (1-844-347-8477).

The Commercial Street Bridge replacement project is now underway. I-376 Parkway East is expected to remain closed in both directions between Exits 74 and 77 through Aug. 3 as workers demolish the old bridge and slide the newly constructed one into place. Commercial Street/Forward Avenue and Nine Mile Run Trail will also remain closed to all traffic through early August. 

Visit this page for information about road closures and detours, and this page to see a general project overview and sign up for PennDOT e-mail alerts.

Our last week’s e-news contained an outdated map for the Swissvale Farmers Market, and we apologize for any confusion this may have caused. Please note that the market is now being hosted at the CLASS Facility, located at 1400 S. Braddock Ave. Visit this page to learn more.

A neurodiverse workplace is a stronger one. Whether you’re a self-advocate, an ally, a workplace manager or HR staffer, or just someone interested in building a more inclusive workplace, you’ll want to join this virtual meeting from 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 27. Visit this page to learn more and register.

PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Department of Education have launched a competitive grant program to expand career pathways in the heavy highway industry. Eligible educational institutions – including K-12 schools, career centers, and colleges – can apply for up to $500,000 to fund training, certifications, and on-the-job learning for skilled trades like welding, electrical work, and surveying. Applications are open through Sept. 1. You can find more of the latest state grant openings at this page.

Finally, please remember that our office can help with a wide range of state-related matters, including filing for a Property Tax/Rent Rebate, obtaining a senior bus pass or disability placard, finding help with unemployment issues, and much 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