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 want to thank everyone who showed up to vote last week or cast a mail ballot to make their voice heard. It’s not just our most sacred civic duty – it’s the best way we have to communicate our priorities, hopes, and vision for the future.

My House colleagues and I are still finishing up some legislative work for the 2025-2026 session, but come January, we’ll be embarking on a new term filled with exciting legislative goals. The General Assembly will be returning to a new landscape: the first time in more than 30 years that Democrats will hold a majority in both the House and the state Senate.

I’m excited to renew our push to pass legislation on the issues you’ve told me that matter most to you: affordability, a living wage, food access and safety, elimination of blight and rejuvenation of our neighborhoods, stronger infrastructure and municipal services, and reliable, affordable utilities.

I’m deeply honored to represent our district, and I’m looking forward to continuing to serve you both in the state Capitol and right here at home, in the community we love.

Our district office in Braddock has an opening for a 10-week paid winter internship. Candidates must be at least 18 years old and must be enrolled in (or have recently completed) a two- or four-year college degree program, post-graduate degree program or college-based certificate program. No prior government experience is necessary — just curiosity, professionalism, and a willingness to learn.

The position offers up to 20 hours per week at $15/hr. Duties include:

• Attending meetings with constituents, local officials, and community organizations.
• Assisting with constituent services and agency follow-up.
• Conducting research on district and policy issues.
• Drafting correspondence and internal summaries.
• Supporting outreach and community engagement efforts.

Visit this page to apply by Dec. 4! Questions? Call us at (412) 273-3400.

Last week, I joined DCED Secretary Rick Siger, other state and local officials, and Tronix3D CEO Michael Vindler for a press conference announcing that the company is expanding its rapid 3D printing and prototyping operations in our district. It’s great news because it will create new jobs and allow Tronix3D to support more local tech businesses in getting their products to market more quickly. Tronix3D also has a history of partnering with regional schools and workforce programs to boost skills for students and job seekers.

The Promise Center of Homewood’s wonderful Halloween Spookfest drew a huge crowd of excited children and families, with the fun continuing well after dark!

Bridgeway Capital’s Annual Event was held at the beautiful August Wilson African American Cultural Center in downtown Pittsburgh. Our staffer Leslie joined Larimer Consensus Group CEO Donna Jackson and others to celebrate Bridgeway’s mission and community partners. Speakers included Bridgeway Board Chair Melvin Washington (above right) and Bridgeway President and CEO T.J. Bogdewic (second from left).

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is now open and can help eligible households pay their heating bills by sending a cash grant – which does not need to be repaid – directly to the utility company or fuel provider.

Crisis grants also are available for households experiencing emergency situations including broken heating equipment or leaking lines, lack of fuel, complete shutoff of the main or secondary heating source, a danger of being without fuel (less than a 15-day supply), or the danger of having your service terminated (receipt of a notice that service will be cut off within the next 60 days).

Visit this page to learn more about LIHEAP and this page to apply online. If you need help applying, please contact our office!

Our constituent services advisor Rich (above, far right) attended a news conference last week with County Executive Sara Innamorato and other state and local officials to discuss changes coming to the Medicaid program as a result of federal legislation.  

Beginning in January, some Medicaid beneficiaries will be required to renew their Medicaid every six months instead of every year. In addition, some Medicaid applicants and beneficiaries will need to satisfy work requirements – or meet an exemption – and report to PA DHS. If they do not report, they could lose coverage or be ineligible for Medicaid. Watch this video or click on the image below to learn more.

With Veterans Day this week, the state has announced that it is expanding

access to benefits for PA veterans and their families. The changes affect several important programs, including:

• Disabled Veterans’ Real Estate Tax Exemption – help with property taxes.
• Amputee & Paralyzed Veterans’ Pension – financial support for eligible veterans with qualifying disabilities.
• Blind Veterans’ Pension – financial assistance for eligible blind veterans.
• Veterans’ Temporary Assistance – help for veterans facing financial hardship.
• Educational Gratuity – assistance for eligible children of veterans.

The updated rules expand and clarify who qualifies, adjust income limits, and account for cost-of-living expenses when determining eligibility for need-based benefits.

Updated application forms are available and can be completed electronically, but please be aware that must be printed, signed, and delivered to the Allegheny County Department of Veterans Affairs for processing. The department can also help with completing the paperwork. They are located at:

Allegheny County Department of Veterans Affairs

?? 1 Smithfield Street, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

?? 412-621-4357

?? john.kaufman@alleghenycounty.us

On a related note, please be aware that our office will be closed on Wednesday, Nov. 11  as we honor the courage and sacrifices of our veterans. We will reopen for regular business hours on Thursday, Nov. 12.

Open Enrollment in Pennie—Pennsylvania’s official health insurance marketplace—is going on now. Pennie provides quality health insurance plans for individuals and families who do not have other coverage options. Dec. 15 is the deadline to enroll or change plans for coverage starting Jan. 1, 2027. (You can still enroll from Dec. 16 through Jan. 15, but coverage will not start until Feb. 1.)

If you need help navigating the process and selecting the best plan for you and your family, Pennie has experts who can help for free. Visit pennie.com/connect to find local help at no cost.

Medicare Open Enrollment is going on now through Dec. 7. During this time, you can join, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Part D prescription drug plans or switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. The state offers free, confidential advice through the PA MEDI program that can help you select the best plan for your needs and budget. Call 1-800-783-7067 or visit this page to learn more.

Check out “From Louis to Aretha” on Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. at Carnegie One, located at 419 Library St. in Braddock. This free event will trace the language of soul, from the jazz clubs of New Orleans to the sanctuaries of the Black church. There’s no charge, but registration is required. Visit this page.

U.S. Steel is hosting a hiring event on Thursday, Nov. 12 with the goal of filling 100 positions across their three Mon Valley facilities. An accelerated hiring process will allow qualified candidates to learn more about openings, meet directly with hiring managers, sit for an interview, and potentially receive a same-day job offer.

Interested job seekers are strongly encouraged to register immediately by submitting a completed application. To secure an onsite interview, applicants must also pass a digital assessment. Candidates must successfully complete both steps to be eligible for an interview on Nov. 12. In addition, those receiving a job offer must pass a background check and drug test (including hair and urine). Visit this page to learn more.

Check out the Reading Resource Fair from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 14, at Carnegie One Braddock, 419 Library St. You and your family will find activities, snacks, and information about free services and resources, including tutoring and fun events!

Join Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts for two free seminars with lots of practical advice! The first, a virtual event on Wednesday, Nov. 18 from 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. – will discuss how to administer a relative’s estate. The second, on understanding and navigating the state courts – will be held in person on Tuesday, Nov. 24 from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Penn Hills Library, located at 1037 Stotler Rd. in Pittsburgh.

Visit this page to register for one or both events.

The Civically Square inaugural meeting has been rescheduled for Thursday, Nov. 19 at the Historic Wilkinsburg Train Station, 901 Hay Street, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Guest speakers include:

• Marita Garrett, Founder, President & CEO of Civically 
• Maryn L. Formley, Executive Director & Founder of VEEEM Pittsburgh
• Abby Rae LaCombe, Executive Director of RentHelp PGH
• Moses Workman, Director of Operations Wilkinsburg CDC & VP, Wilkinsburg Borough Council

Registration is not required but is encouraged. Please visit this page to RSVP.

Come help TreeVitalize – Swissvale plant 19 new street trees in Swissvale! Meet on Saturday, Nov. 21 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Swissvale DPW building, 1927 McCague St. Tool are provided! Please visit this page to register.

Churchill residents: check out two fun, free holidays events at the Borough Building, located at 2300 William Penn Hwy. On Friday, Dec. 4 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., get a photo of your pet with Santa! (Please call (412) 241-7113 or email office@churchillborough.com in advance to reserve your spot!)

On Friday, Dec. 11 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., check out Churchill Borough’s Holiday Party for the cookie decorating, pictures with Santa, holiday treats, and a tree lighting with the mayor at 6 p.m.!

You can also get a photo with Santa – and Mrs. Claus – on Sunday, Dec. 13 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Braddock Hills Community Center, located at 2794 Columbia Ave. You’ll find crafts for kids, holiday basket drawings, bingo, and other seasonal fun!

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.

Please remember that our office can help with a wide range of state-related matters – from applying for benefits or services to obtaining a Senior ConnectCard or disability placard, to solving questions and problems involving various state agencies. Contact us to find out how we can help!

Seniors and residents with a disability: Please remember that Dec. 31 is the deadline to apply for a rebate under the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. Our office can also help you apply!

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