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 to learn more about the state services we provide.
The deadline to register to vote or update your registration is this week, so please take a look at the voting guide at the end of this email to ensure that you are ready to make your voice heard!
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House Passage of the Fairness Act
This week, I was proud to cast my vote to pass HB 2103 and move Pennsylvania closer to finally enshrining LGBTQ+ nondiscrimination protections into state law. More than two decades ago, I first introduced the Fairness Act, and I want my LGBTQ+ constituents to know that we aren’t going to stop fighting for it until we get it done.
As in previous floor debates on this legislation, my GOP colleagues used misinformation, distortions and harmful attacks on LGBTQ+ people to fight the legislation. I joined bill sponsors and LGBTQ+ Caucus Chairs Malcolm Kenyatta and Jessica Benham on the House floor to fight for its passage. You can watch some of the highlights here.
The bill passed the House after extensive debate and a close vote, reflecting both the urgency of these protections and the divisions that remain. If enacted, it would update the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in areas such as employment, housing, and public accommodations.
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Committee Passage of Lead Screening Bill Advances Early Detection
This week, the House Health Committee passed legislation introduced by Rep. Giral to strengthen Pennsylvania’s approach to identifying and addressing lead exposure in children. Lead poisoning remains a serious and preventable threat, with especially harmful consequences for young children, including developmental delays, seizures, and long-term damage to the nervous system.
Current law requires blood lead testing only for children identified as at risk. As committee chair, I have proudly advocated to expand those requirements to ensure that all children are tested at 12 and 24 months of age, with additional testing for those considered high risk. This approach supports earlier detection and intervention, helping ensure that fewer children face lifelong impacts from exposure.
I was disappointed to see my Republican colleagues vote against this important legislation, but I will continue to build support for a future House vote.
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Community Events and Resources
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May Day Rally and March
Today, May 1, 5:30 PM (rally), 6:00 PM (march) | USW Building, 60 Blvd. of the Allies
Community members will gather in Pittsburgh for a May Day Rally and March in recognition of International Workers Day. The event – one of hundreds throughout the nation – is focused on worker solidarity, immigrant rights, and building collective action across neighborhoods, with a rally followed by a march through the city.
Organizers emphasize a commitment to nonviolent participation and encourage attendees to come with friends, family, and neighbors.
Learn more here.
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Free Mulch & Compost Giveaway
Today, May 2, & May 9 | Pittsburgh Zoo Overflow Parking Lot, 7370 Baker St.
The City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Public Works Environmental Services is offering residents free mulch and compost made from recycled yard waste and Christmas trees, providing an environmentally friendly option for gardening and landscaping projects. Supplies are available from dawn until dusk while they last, and quantities are expected to go quickly.
Residents should bring their own bags, buckets, and tools for loading.
Learn more here.
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“But I Live” Virtual Conversation with Charlotte Schallié
Monday, May 4, at 7 p.m. | Virtual (Zoom)
Join a virtual conversation with editor Charlotte Schallié on But I Live, a graphic novel that shares the stories of three Holocaust survivors through illustration.
Register here.
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Supporting One Another: A Community Conversation on Suicide
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | The Friendship Circle of Pittsburgh
Join Rabbi Suzanne Offit for a thoughtful conversation on how Jewish communities can provide support, compassion and care to those who are affected by suicide. The discussion will explore ways to reduce stigma, respond to those impacted, and create space for healing and hope.
Learn more and register here.
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Spring Job Fair
Friday, May 8, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. | Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Main (Oakland), 4400 Forbes Ave.
Connect with more than 20 hiring employers and community organizations at this free Spring Job Fair, held on the second floor of the Main Library.
Participating organizations include Carnegie Museums, Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC, Pittsburgh Regional Transit, City of Pittsburgh, ALCOSAN, Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, and more.
Registration is recommended but not required; walk-ins are welcome.
Learn more and register here.
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PA Student Teacher Support Program Grant
Application Deadline: September 15
Student teachers can now apply for financial support through Pennsylvania’s Student Teacher Support Program. This state grant is designed to help offset the financial strain of unpaid student teaching while encouraging placements in schools that need educators most. Awards are first-come, first-served, so early application is strongly encouraged.
Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a Pennsylvania-based, approved educator preparation program, meet GPA and clearance requirements, and commit to teaching in Pennsylvania for three years after graduation.
Learn more here.
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2026 Primary Election, Tuesday, May 19th
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Polls open 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Any voter in line by 8 p.m. is entitled to vote.
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Voter Reminders: State law requires each voter to return their own ballot. Ballots must be placed in the secrecy envelope — "naked" ballots will not be counted — and the envelope must not be marked in any way. The declaration envelope must be signed and dated, or the ballot cannot be counted.
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ID Requirements: All first-time voters and anyone voting at a new polling location must show ID. Acceptable forms of ID include a Pennsylvania driver's license, state ID, passport, or other government-issued photo ID. Voters who do not have an acceptable ID may cast a provisional ballot.
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Check Your Voter Registration: Registered voters can verify their registration through the Pennsylvania Department of State portal, which also provides Election Day polling locations, mail-in/absentee ballot status, and county Board of Elections contact information.
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Voting with a Criminal Conviction: Pennsylvania allows individuals with misdemeanor or felony convictions to vote, including those in jail or prison (misdemeanor), on house arrest, probation, parole, in a halfway house, or in pretrial detention. No action is needed to restore voting rights after completing a felony sentence. Some voters in these circumstances may need to request an absentee ballot.
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College Students: Students may register and vote at either their college or home address — but only one. Students registered at home may request a mail-in or absentee ballot sent to their campus address.
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Allegheny County Ballot Return Sites: Voters who applied for a mail-in or absentee ballot may return it in person to the Allegheny County Elections Division. Additional drop-off sites will open in the weeks before the election.
Elections Division | County Office Building | 542 Forbes Avenue, Room 312 | Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-350-4500 | Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
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Provisional Ballots: Voters whose registration cannot be verified at the polls or who do not have an acceptable ID may cast a provisional ballot. Provisional ballots are reviewed by the county Board of Elections after Election Day. Voters can check the status of their provisional ballot by calling 1-877-VOTESPA or tracking it online 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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