I’m looking forward to hosting a town hall on cell phones in schools next week to hear from local residents about this important educational 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.

Gov. Josh Shapiro has asked legislators to send a bill to his desk banning cell phones in schools, and you can read more about the governor’s comments here.

The price of housing here in Allegheny County is making it harder than ever for people to afford a place to call home. I’m proud to fight alongside Gov. Shapiro so you can have your piece of the American Dream that’s perfect for you and your family.

The Housing Action Plan cuts red tape so more housing can be built and existing housing can be revitalized so everyone has a chance to afford their first home. The plan puts you and your neighbors first – not the private equity firms buying up vacant properties as investments or short-term rentals. The plan helps homeowners and renters address the cost of living.

You can learn more about the plan here, and I’ll keep you up to date about it to make sure everyone has a place to call home. 

Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program helps older friends and neighbors stay in their homes while affording life’s necessities, and applications are now open. The program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are 65 or older, widows and widowers 50 or older, and people with disabilities 18 or older. Rebates range from $380 to $1,000, and the deadline for applying is June 30.

Learn more about the program here. My staff are available to assist with applications, so don’t hesitate to visit my district office. The above graphic lists the information to bring with you to apply.

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.

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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