With Thanksgiving nearly here, my family and I want to wish you and your family a warm and wonderful holiday filled with joy and time spent with loved ones. Please be aware that in observance of the holiday, our office will be closed from noon on Wednesday, Nov. 27 through Friday, Nov. 29. We will reopen for regular business hours on Monday, Dec. 2.

Around the District

I recently joined Bishop David Zubik, bipartisan colleagues, and supporters of Catholic Charities Diocese of Pittsburgh for the ribbon cutting for Compassion Corner, a new facility to help those in need in our community. I am grateful to Catholic Charities – which has helped residents in our region for more than a century – and to those who support and assist with their vital work.

Last week, I joined bipartisan local and state elected officials at the Carnegie Museum of Art to visit the Charles "Teenie" Harris Archive, which displays the late photographer’s pioneering work chronicling Black life and culture. This amazing collection was the perfect venue for our discussion about the importance of public policy support for museums and the arts.

I highly recommend visiting the archive. If you are unable to visit, you can browse the collection here.

I was honored to speak to students in North Allegheny Intermediate High School’s Health & Physical Education class, taught by Mr. Dave Schmidt. We discussed my journey as a physician-legislator, the importance of advocacy to our community’s health and well-being, and how young people in our community can advocate for the issues they care about.

In other school news, I want to congratulate Avonworth Boys Football for winning the WPIAL Class 3A Football Championship with their 17-0 victory over Central Valley. This is the team's third title in school history! Visit the WPIAL website here to read more!

I was excited to join colleagues for a tour of the Pittsburgh Robotics Network Day of Discovery, and it was an unexpected treat to run into our community’s own Brainstem Robotics Team!

Earlier this week, I visited McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority to see the new ambulance purchased with state grant funds I helped secure. It is always an honor to assist our community’s EMS professionals in their lifesaving work.

The annual Town of McCandless Winterfest will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.!  The event is geared toward families with young children but will be fun for all ages!

Campfire Ban Lifted

The PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has lifted the ban on campfires in PA state parks and forest lands but urges Pennsylvanians to remain careful when burning outdoors. Campfires are now permitted in fire rings that confine and contain the fire in designated camping areas. Visit this page to learn more.

Local officials, community organizations, and nonprofits: the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program is now open and accepting the first round of funding applications through Jan. 21, 2025. The program is designed to expand broadband in unserved and underserved areas.

You can find a full list of recently opened state grant programs at this page, and the state’s new one-stop grant finding tool here.

And to everyone, if you have questions or need assistance with any state-related matter, please don’t hesitate to contact my office.

Pennsylvania State Capitol

101-B East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 772-2363

District Office

9800B McKnight Rd., Suite 130
Pittsburgh, PA 15237

(412) 348-8028

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