I joined clean energy advocates and City Council Member Erika Strassburger to call for restoring investment in clean energy and reverse the policies of the Trump Administration that are raising costs for all Pennsylvanians.

No one should have to choose between heating their home and paying for food or medicine. We need more clean energy added to the grid to reduce costs for everyone.

You can watch my full remarks by clicking the photo above.

This week, we saw several grants awarded that will bring money back to our community.

Ohio Township will receive $1.25 million to acquire 138 acres to be utilized for the new Ohio Township Park at Green Valley.

Additionally, $308,000 will be going to the Ingomar Volunteer Fire Company in McCandless to purchase new radios to align with the communication requirements in Allegheny County.

Four students from the Avonworth School District – Kaleb Amick, Zach Konieczki, Karthik Pillai, and Ashton Walczak – have qualified for PMEA Regional Chorus. Congratulations on your hard work and dedication resulting in this wonderful recognition!

There is no more important issue for the communities I serve than public education. I was happy to join bipartisan colleagues at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit legislative breakfast to learn more about the critical services they provide to our schools and what policies will be most beneficial for the students and families of our community.

I will be taking part in a summit with City & State Pennsylvania on Jan. 21 where we will be discussing challenges and solutions to improving our healthcare system.

You can register and learn more here.

To commemorate America’s 250th anniversary and honor Pennsylvania’s strong commitment to education, America250PA will award $250,000 in scholarships to deserving Pennsylvania students attending in-state colleges next school year.

Any Pennsylvania high school senior who plans to attend a college or university in Pennsylvania for the 2026–27 academic year may apply. Twenty-five scholarships, each valued at $10,000, will be awarded.

Applications are due January 31, 2026. More details, including matching contributions from partner institutions, can be found here.

The Keystone Contractors Association is accepting applications for their scholarship program. This program supports students interested in pursuing a construction-related degree.

More information, including application paperwork, can be found here. Applications are due March 1.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health is hosting an art competition for students to create content raising awareness around ticks and Lyme disease.

More information can be found here, and submissions are due March 13.

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful has announced the return of their Litter Hawk Youth Award Program. This year’s theme is Celebrate America250 – Keep It Beautiful, inviting Pennsylvania students in grades K–6 to share their creativity and inspire pride in our communities as we approach America’s 250th anniversary.

Whether through art, writing, or video, young leaders can show how powerful their voices can be. As a bonus, winners will be announced in April 2026 in coordination with an awards ceremony at the PA State Capitol.

All winners and their families, guardians and teachers are welcome to attend. Special guests will include representatives from the Department of Environmental Protection and America250PA.

The program deadline is January 31, 2026. Contest details and the application can be found here: Litter Hawk Youth Award Program - Keep PA Beautiful.

Please remember that my talented staff can help you with a variety of state-related matters – from filing an application for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program to obtaining a disability placard or senior bus pass, just to name a few. Contact us or stop by to see how we can help!

You can read my e-newsletter in a way that’s most convenient for you by visiting my legislative website here and clicking on the accessibility icon in the lower right corner.

District Office

9800B McKnight Road, Suite 130
Pittsburgh, PA 15237

(412) 348-8028

Pennsylvania State Capitol

101 B East Wing

PO Box 202030

Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 772-2363

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