Momentum is building to restrict cell phones in schools after Gov. Shapiro endorsed the idea. In his budget address this week, the governor urged lawmakers to send him a bill banning cell phones in schools.

I am preparing to host my rescheduled town hall on cell phones in schools this month to hear from local residents about the issue. The event will run from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, at the Cooper-Siegel Community Library.

My bipartisan H.B. 1814, currently pending in the House 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.

Read more about the governor’s comments here.

I was honored this week to be recognized by the Pennsylvania Game Commission for my legislation, Act 35 of 2005, which allows Sunday hunting in Pennsylvania. This recognition is especially meaningful because the Commission’s work strengthens our wildlife conservation efforts and helps Pennsylvanians enjoy our beautiful game lands. I look forward to continuing to work with them whenever possible for the benefit of our state!

I was proud to speak this week at a Capitol event highlighting the dangers of paraquat. As one of the first commercial pesticides, paraquat has caused thousands of deaths worldwide. It has been linked to Parkinson’s disease and childhood leukemia, and research shows it can be harmful both after a single exposure and after repeated, low-level exposure. Even a small amount can be fatal.

We must ban paraquat now. Watch my full comments at the press conference by clicking above.

A new service is now available at my Cheswick office! Once a month, from February through September, I will host a representative from Allegheny County Treasurer Erica Rocchi Brusselars’ office from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Residents can use these special days and hours at my office, located at 1296 Pittsburgh St., to pay county property taxes; apply for the Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion or Senior Citizen Tax Relief programs; or obtain hunting, fishing, or dog licenses.

Mark your calendars with the dates and times on the graphic above!  

I’m partnering with the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department for my annual Concealed Carry Permit and Safety Seminar from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 21. It will be at Harrison Township Citizens Hose Fire & EMS, 965 Burtner Rd., Natrona Heights.

You can obtain or renew your concealed carry permit from the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department and learn more about the rules and regulations regarding firearm transport and safety. My staff and I will also be on hand to assist with any state-related issues or concerns.

Visit here to RSVP. Please bring your completed application for a PA license to carry firearms from the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department, which is available here. You also may stop by my office to pick up an application.

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.

Twice each month, a Veterans Service Officer will be at my office to help veterans with a host of services. The VSO will be at my Cheswick office, 1296 Pittsburgh St., on the third Wednesday and Thursday of the month.

Call to schedule an appointment at (723)826-5151.

District Office

1296 Pittsburgh Street

Cheswick, PA 15024

(724) 826-5151

Pennsylvania State Capitol

111 B East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 705-7141

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