On Monday, state Rep. Rick Krajewski and I circulated our co-sponsorship memo for legislation to decriminalize cannabis in Pennsylvania. Our legislation would create a strong cannabis marketplace that centers public health, raises state revenue, and supports individuals and communities harmed by the criminalization of cannabis.
The legislation prioritizes:
- Expungement and restorative justice for those affected by draconian drug policies.
- Reinvestment of funds into communities disproportionately harmed by the war on drugs.
- Public health protections, such as limiting excessive THC levels, prohibiting predatory marketing and packaging, preventing accidental ingestions by children and other recommendations developed by our nation’s leading scientists.
- Providing sustainable cannabis businesses opportunities for local and diverse operators.
We have a moral obligation to not only legalize but also to work to repair the damage caused by decades of cannabis arrests here in Pennsylvania. Our bill would deliver a market that protects Pennsylvanians’ health, benefits our taxpayers and uplifts those communities that were disproportionately harmed by prohibition policies.
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Funding Secured for Safer Schools
The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency funded over $860,000 in enhancement in security and mental health resources for schools in the 23rd Legislative District. These grants are part of a $120 million statewide effort to improve school safety and mental health. The schools that received the funding are:
- Pittsburgh School District: $528,221
- Oakland Catholic High School: $75,000
- Yeshiva Boys School: $75,000
- Yeshiva Girls Schools: $75,000
- Kentucky Avenue School: $61,900
- Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh: $44,900
Even as we work toward a world where children can learn without fear of gun violence, we must also do everything we can to make sure educational settings are as secure as possible. Thanks to this new funding, our schools will have the resources needed to maintain the security equipment, personnel, training, mental health supports and other elements that go into building a safe and supportive learning environment.
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Community Events and Resources
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Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year NominationNomination Accepted Until Dec. 16, 2024 The Pennsylvania Chapter of the National State Teachers of the Year Organization is accepting nominations for the 2026 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year. The finalists are selected from applicants and recognized in Harrisburg each fall. Pennsylvania’s 2026 Teacher of the Year will be announced at a state awards ceremony in early December 2025 and will represent the commonwealth at various local, regional, and national functions, culminating in the National Teacher of the Year ceremony at the White House. Nominate a teacher here.
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Greenfield Holiday ParadeToday, 7 p.m. | Greenfield Greenfield’s annual Holiday Parade will feature food trucks, fireworks, and holiday cheer. The parade will form in Squirrel Hill Plaza at Hazelwood and Murray Avenue intersection and proceed down the Murray Avenue business district to Greenfield Avenue, ending at Lydia Street. In addition, parade-goers are invited to get a picture with Santa outside the Edward P. Kanai Funeral Home (500 Greenfield Ave). Guests are asked to bring an unwrapped toy to donate. Learn more about the Holiday Parade here.
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Handmade Arcade Holiday MarketToday & Saturday, Dec. 6 & 7 | David L. Lawrence Convention Center
The Holiday Market features over 275 makers and artists offering handcrafted clothing, accessories, art, jewelry, home decor, and other unique items. Visitors can enjoy live art demonstrations, hands-on activities, and community art projects. The event also includes a youth maker alley, a glass sale by the Pittsburgh Glass Center, food and drink options, and sensory-friendly shopping hours.
Learn more here.
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Celestial Choreography: A Drone ExtravaganzaSaturday, Dec. 7, 2:45 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Schenley Plaza
Celestial Choreography: A Drone Extravaganza is a part of the Oakland Business Improvement District’s (OBID) seasonal Glowland celebration. The show features a custom drone light show synchronized to a dynamic soundtrack showcasing colorful sky patterns. The event includes live music, refreshments, and an opportunity to donate non-perishable food items to the Community Human Services Oakland Food Pantry. The show is free and open to all.
Learn more here.
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2024 Uncover Squirrel Hill Holiday Wine WalkSaturday, Dec. 7, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Squirrel Hill Business District
Join Uncover Squirrel Hill for their Annual Holiday Wine Walk, a self-paced wine-tasting experience. The Walk will take place in the Squirrel Hill Business District on Forbes and Murray Avenues. Enjoy approximately 15 different wines and exclusive discounts at participating host merchants.
Tickets to the wine walk must be purchased in advance. To participate, each participant must present a valid government-issued ID.
Learn more and purchase your tickets here.
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Light Up Point BreezeSaturday, Dec. 7, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Outside Point Breeze Veterinary Clinic, 6742 Reynolds St.
Join the Point Breeze Organization for a winter celebration featuring food trucks, local businesses, and family-friendly fun. The event is free and open to all.
Learn more here.
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Discovery Time: SpidersSunday, Dec. 8, 11 p.m. – 3 p.m. | Frick Environmental CenterThe Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy will host spider-themed activities for children ages 3-8. Guests can make their own spider web, go on a spider scavenger hunt, and meet a tarantula. The event is free, but registration is requested. Learn more and register here.
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Music at Main: Gadget PlaygroundSunday, Dec. 9, 1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. | Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh—Main (Oakland)Carnegie Library will open its musical gadgets to guests so that they can explore and play the instruments. This free program will take place in the North Wing Music Room. Learn more here.
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Upstream Pittsburgh Winter Holiday PartyThursday, Dec. 12, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Goodlander Cocktail Brewery
Upstream Pittsburgh is holding its annual holiday party to celebrate the passing of another wonderful year and welcome the incoming new year. There will be hors d’oeuvres, games, music, and a cash bar. This event is free, but registration is required.Learn more here.
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
326 Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 705-1875
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District Office
2345 Murray Ave., Suite 205
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
(412) 422-1774
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