My office, above the Starbucks at Murray and Forward Aves., is open every weekday, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – come visit us, and learn about the state services we provide!
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A step forward on anti-hate crimes and LGBT+ bill, and the work still ahead
This week, the House Judiciary Committee approved my anti-hate crime legislation, House Bills 1902 and 1905. For those who have walked this road with me since the October 2018 attack at the Tree of Life building, when a conspiracy theorist murdered 11 worshippers in the deadliest antisemitic attack in American history, this moment carries real weight.
These bills would update the list of protected groups to reflect who is being targeted today, provide victims a civil cause of action, and strengthen tools for law enforcement to identify and investigate hate crimes. The legislation was developed through our Coalition Against Hate, a broad partnership of faith communities, civil rights organizations, identity groups, and law enforcement agencies. Their input helped shape legislation that confronts hate while avoiding unintended consequences and protecting First Amendment rights.
A similar proposal cleared the full House last session, only to be blocked by Senate Republican leadership. In committee, not a single House Republican voted with us in committee — even though not so long ago, more than a few supported very similar legislation. I hope that changes when they reach the House chamber. They'll have another chance to do the right thing, and I intend to make the case.
The Judiciary Committee also advanced a number of bills to protect and codify LGBTQ+ rights, including the Fairness Act — legislation I championed for more than two decades. I've since stepped back so my LGBTQ+ colleagues could lead that effort, as they should. Seeing it continue to move forward is deeply gratifying.
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Every Pennsylvanian Deserves Quality Maternity Care — No Matter Where They Live
Across rural Pennsylvania, maternity wards are closing. Women in communities like Warren County are now driving hours to deliver their babies, and the OB-GYN shortage behind it shows no signs of slowing down.
As majority chair of the House Health Committee, I've been proud to work alongside my Republican counterpart, Rep. Kathy Rapp, on real solutions — from immigration reforms that bring physicians to underserved areas, to standby payments that help small hospitals keep maternity care available. This is personal for the families living through it, and it should be personal for all of us. The same pressures straining rural hospitals are affecting providers here at home, too — and if we don't address them together, everyone's care will feel it.
City & State Pennsylvania took a thoughtful look at the full scope of this crisis and the work underway to turn it around. I hope you'll take a few minutes to read it.
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Community Events and Resources
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Heads Up: Penn Avenue Eastbound Closes for Two Years, Starting Now
If you travel Penn Avenue through Garfield or Friendship, expect a significant change to your route. Eastbound/outbound lanes between Evaline Street and Graham Street are now closed for the next 24 months as Phase II of the Penn Avenue Reconstruction Project gets underway.
Drivers heading east should follow posted detours via Main Street → Liberty Avenue → Baum Boulevard → Negley Avenue. Bus riders should note that three eastbound stops between Evaline and Graham Streets are out of service during construction, with buses rerouted via Winebiddle, Friendship, and Roup Avenues. Westbound traffic on Penn Avenue remains open.
The reconstruction will fully rebuild the street, sidewalks, curbs, ADA ramps, traffic signals, and street lighting — delivering long-overdue safety, accessibility, and walkability improvements to both neighborhoods.
Click here for full detour maps, project timelines, and to sign up for biweekly updates.
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Pittsburgh Parade Day Dash
Saturday, March 14, 8 a.m. | Downtown Pittsburgh
The Pittsburgh Parade Day Dash is a family-friendly celebration featuring a 5K and a 1-Mile Family Fun Run/Walk ahead of Pittsburgh’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Participants will receive a limited-edition hoodie, finisher medal, and bib.
Learn more and register here.
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2026 Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Saturday, March 14 | 10 a.m.
Pittsburgh’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade begins at Liberty Avenue and 11th Street, continuing to Grant Street and the Boulevard of the Allies, where it turns right. The parade proceeds along the Boulevard of the Allies to the reviewing stand at Stanwix Street before dispersing at Commonwealth Place.
In the map below, the parade route is marked in green, and the staging area is marked in red.
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Pittsburgh Indie Expo
Sunday, March 15, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. | Heinz History Center
This free event showcases independent comic creators, zine makers, artists, small-press publishers, and indie game creators from Pittsburgh and beyond. Attendees can browse vendors, attend panel talks from professionals, and participate in hands-on workshops. Free and open to all. Learn more here.
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Empty Bowls Fundraiser
Sunday, March 15, multiple dine in seatings | Rodef Shalom
Join friends and neighbors for a community fundraiser featuring local chef-created soups, fresh breads, and sweet treats. Each $35 advance ticket ($40 at the door) includes a simple meal and a hand-crafted bowl. Proceeds benefit Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and Just Harvest.
I will be volunteering at the event—please stop by and say hello!
Tickets and details are available here.
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Casa San José Power of Attorney Clinic
Sunday, March 15, 11 a.m. | Location shared after registration
Casa San José is offering a free legal clinic to help Pittsburgh-area families prepare important legal documents, including financial power of attorney and temporary child guardianship forms. These documents can help protect families if a household member is detained, deported, or otherwise unavailable.
The location will be shared with registrants after sign-up. To register, call 412-343-3111.
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Community Design Workshop for The Bob
March 16, 6:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6:15 p.m.) | Arnold Palmer Learning Center, Schenley Park
First Tee – Pittsburgh and the Bob O’Connor Golf Course team are hosting a community design meeting to discuss the future of the course. Attendees will hear an overview of the project goals, review current master plan renderings, and have an opportunity to provide written feedback.
RSVP here.
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Exploring MyHeritage
March 18, 6–7 p.m. | Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Main & Online
Learn how to use MyHeritage, a genealogy resource now available to Pennsylvania residents through PA POWER Library’s Access Pennsylvania program. Participants will learn how to get started and how to make the most of the platform. Remote access is available with a CLP or ACLA library card.
Free event. Attend in person or virtually. Learn more here.
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The Librarians: Documentary Screening on Book Bans and the Right to Read
March 19, 5:30–7:30 p.m. | Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Main
Jews for Secular Democracy will host a screening of “The Librarians,” a documentary exploring efforts to remove books from schools and libraries and the librarians responding to those challenges. Introductory remarks will connect the film’s themes to national and local developments. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; screening begins at 6:00 p.m.
Free event. Advance registration encouraged. Learn more here.
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
152 Main Capitol Building
PO Box 202023
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 705-1875
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District Office
2345 Murray Avenue
Suite 205
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
(412) 422-1774
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