Like many parents, I’m concerned about our students’ unfettered access to cell phones during the school day. It’s why I’ve introduced a bipartisan bill that would restrict cell phone use in PA schools. As the House considers that important legislation, I want to hear from my constituents about the issue. I will be holding a town hall on cell phones in schools from 6 to 7 p.m. on January 21 at Cooper-Siegel Community Library.

My H.B. 1814, currently pending in the Education Committee, would require all public schools in Pennsylvania to restrict student cell phone possession and use during the school day, with exceptions for certain emergency and medical needs approved by school authorities. If enacted, Pennsylvania would join more than 20 other states that prohibit student phone use during the school day.

As a House member with a significant amount of public housing in my district, I wanted to serve on the Allegheny County Housing Authority board to learn as much as possible about how they work and how I can best represent the people who live in and around public housing. My time as a board member has ended, but I’ve been impressed by the innovation happening at ACHA. I will continue to advocate for them in Harrisburg and act as a liaison between ACHA and the communities I serve.

It was an honor to receive a dedicated service award from ACHA. Thank you ACHA!

It was a beautiful snowy night for the annual Light Up Fox Chapel illumination ceremony on Wednesday. I love seeing our community come together for events like this, especially at this time of year!

With more families struggling to put food on the table, my office is serving as a drop-off site for food donations. If you are able, please consider donating non-perishable food items, which we will deliver weekly to food banks and pantries in our area. Stop by any weekday between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at my Cheswick office at 1296 Pittsburgh St.

Applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program opened this week, a month later than usual because of the federal government shutdown. Through the program, you can apply for a cash grant to help pay your heating bill—from $200 to $1,000 based on your household size, income, and fuel type.

For more information, click here. You can also contact my office if you need help applying for LIHEAP or need help with any utility-related issues.

Medicare beneficiaries have until this Sunday, December 7 to sign up for or change Medicare Prescription Drug coverage and Medicare Advantage plans; any new coverage or changes will take effect January 1, 2026. The Pennsylvania Department of Aging provides free, unbiased counseling through Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight.

Local PA MEDI counselors at Area Agencies on Aging can compare plans, assist with enrollment or plan changes, and evaluate eligibility for Pennsylvania’s Medicare cost-saving programs. If you need help, my office can connect you with local PA MEDI resources and guide you through the process.

District Office

1296 Pittsburgh Street

Cheswick, PA 15024

(724) 826-5151

Pennsylvania State Capitol

111 B East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 705-7141