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.

I hope you find my weekly emails informative and helpful. I strive to keep our community up to date about what's going on both here at home and at the state Capitol. That’s why I’d like to remind you that Pennsylvania House rules dictate when I can contact you during the period leading up to an election.

We’re nearing the 60-day restricted period that will begin on September 4 and last until the November 3 General 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

Visit this page or click on the image above to opt in and ensure you keep receiving my emails without interruption!

I was thrilled to join other elected officials in Churchill for the ground-breaking ceremony for the Blackridge Playground improvements, which will include a new pavilion, walking trail, ADA-accessible merry-go-round and swings, and additional inclusive playground equipment.

Our office attended a powerful meeting last week at the Black Political Empowerment Project with Tim Stevens, local officials, faith leaders, and advocates from CeaseFirePA and other organizations to discuss ways we can unite as a community to reduce violence. Above, community activist Yvonne Rainey of Boots on the Ground speaks at the event (left) and meets with district office staffer Leslie Smith.

Our staff provided information on state-related services and enjoyed spending time with neighbors, including Braddock Mayor Delia Lennon-Winstead, at Increase the Peace’s recent Bridging the Gap celebration in Braddock.

I was thrilled to participate in Seeds in the City – the excellent urban agriculture event hosted annually by my colleague Rep. Emily Kinkead.

Highlights included updates from Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding on the state of food policy in PA, an incredible lunch prepared by Bidwell Culinary students, and a lively panel discussion organized by Grow Pittsburgh on urban agriculture initiatives, community growing, and local food systems.

What happens when you get hundreds of nonprofit movers & shakers together in one room to learn, network, and sharpen their skills? The best kind of community change!!! Nonprofit staffers, managers & volunteers – register NOW for the Oct. 15 Nonprofit Symposium for expert tips on maximizing state funding, cultivating recurring small donors, managing risk, telling your story, making the most of social media, promoting staff mental health and wellness, and more! 

Pittsburgh Regional Transit has redesigned our regional bus network and wants to hear from riders before adopting any final changes. You can make your voice heard at one of two Sept. 10 public hearing sessions, which will be held from 9 a.m. to noon and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Heinz 57 Building at 345 Sixth Ave. in Pittsburgh.

You can also provide feedback online by visiting this page, clicking on the individual route link, and filling out the comment form that appears below it; calling (412) 566-5525; sending an email to BusLineRefresh@RidePRT.org; or sending/delivering comments to the address listed in the graphic. Responses are due by September 30.

Come join the Borough of Forest Hills’ 25th Commemoration of 9/11 to honor our first responders on Friday, Sept. 11 from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Westinghouse Lodge, 799 Barclay Ave.

The Parks Conservancy is hosting public input sessions on Sept. 9-10 to guide future accessibility upgrades to the Frick Environmental Center, including safer connections between the Center and Beechwood Blvd., enhanced wayfinding signage across the campus, and proposed upgrades to the amphitheater, outdoor restrooms, and other building areas. Visit this page to learn more about the proposed improvements and this page to register.

The Parks Conservancy’s Drawn to Nature Youth Art Contest, with the theme “My Place in Nature,” invites young artists to capture a favorite outdoor spot, such as a backyard, schoolyard, or park corner, and convey what makes it special. Artwork must be original and two-dimensional, no larger than 18" x 24", created without AI or adult assistance, and accompanied by a short artist statement (150 words or less) about what inspired the art. Visit this page to learn more and enter.

Celebrate Recovery Month by joining friends and neighbors at the POWER Campus, 7436 McClure Ave., to clean up the neighborhood and enjoy refreshments!

Don’t miss Carnegie Museums’ Hispanic Heritage Celebration on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Andy Warhol Museum! The event is free with museum admission and will feature music and dance lessons with Flamenco Pittsburgh at noon, a live performance drag show featuring Calipso and Chi Chi de Vivre at 2 p.m., Spanish interpreted tours at 11:15 a.m. and 3 p.m., screen printing in The Factory. Visit this page to learn more.

The General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 3 will be here before you know it! Here are some key dates to remember:

• Monday, Oct. 19 – Last day to register to vote.
• Tuesday, Oct. 27– Last day to apply for an absentee or mail-in ballot.
• Tuesday, Nov. 3 – Election Day: Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Voters must be in line by 8 p.m. to cast their ballot. Mail-in and absentee ballots must be received by your county election office by 8 p.m.

To find your polling location, update your voter information or find more voter services, visit vote.pa.gov.

Please be aware of the following changes coming to Medicaid starting Jan. 1, 2027:

•  Some adults ages 19-64 will need to have their Medicaid eligibility checked by completing a renewal every six months instead of every year.

•  Some adults ages 19-64 who do not have a dependent child under age 14 must show that they are meeting work requirements or that they are exempt.

•  Retroactive coverage timeframes will decrease.

Visit this page to read about the changes, including the new work requirements, potential exemptions, and more.

Please be aware that our offices will be closed Friday, Sept. 4 and Monday, Sept. 7, in observance of Labor Day. We will reopen for regular business hours Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Local officials and nonprofits – if you’re searching for state grant funding, you can find the latest program openings here, a handy grant-finding tool at this page, and an online copy of the 2026 Pennsylvania Grant and Resource Directory here. Hard copies of the directory will be available for attendees of our upcoming Nonprofit Symposium.

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