This week had disheartening news, as even more Pennsylvanians are now left without affordable healthcare coverage.

PENNIE, Pennsylvania’s health insurance marketplace, released its latest enrollment figures and stated that 202,000 people have disenrolled from insurance in the past nine months. The disenrollment follows federal inaction to renew enhanced premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act.

This is an extremely high number of disenrollments, and it is frustrating to see even more Pennsylvanians having to disregard their well-being for financial reasons. It is imperative that the state step in when the federal government cannot, and we need to act now.

My House Bill 2550, which passed the House with bipartisan support, would create a tax credit for small businesses that contribute toward their employees’ health insurance premiums. This bill would get more Pennsylvanians back on affordable plans with important safeguards related to quality of care.

House Bill 2550 is awaiting consideration in the Senate Finance Committee, and I urge the Senate to protect the health and well-being of our commonwealth.

This week, I joined fellow members of the Pennsylvania House in Philadelphia for a historic session at Congress Hall as part of our commonwealth’s America250PA commemoration.

Congress met in this very building from 1790 to 1800, making it a powerful place to reflect not only on 250 years of American democracy but also on our responsibility to continue building a more perfect union.

It was especially meaningful to share the experience with Mt. Lebanon High School senior Catherine Balfe, the winner of our district's America250 essay contest. Catherine joined students from across Pennsylvania in representing the next generation of citizens who will help carry our work forward. History is not something we just commemorate; it is something we continue to shape through public service, civic participation and the everyday choice to look out for one another.

Tomorrow marks 25 years since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. To commemorate the anniversary, I'll be joining local first responders at the Spencer Family YMCA for a stair climb honoring the brave men and women who responded that day. Participants will climb mechanical stairs in approximately 40 pounds of firefighter turnout gear — a physical reminder of what they carry when they run toward danger to protect the rest of us.

As we remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost on September 11, let us also honor the first responders, service members, families and communities forever changed by that day.

If filling your tank has felt especially painful lately, you're not alone, as the average price for regular gas in Pennsylvania has climbed above $4.30 per gallon — nearly $1 more than this time last year and about 15 cents above the national average. Nationally, August was the most expensive August at the pump on record, with average gas prices remaining above $4 every day of the month for the first time.

Gas is just one part of the current affordability crisis. Families are paying more for groceries, utilities, healthcare and other everyday necessities. With decisions coming out of Washington adding even more uncertainty and financial pressure, my House colleagues and I are working to provide relief wherever state government can make a difference.

Back to school should be about backpacks, new teachers and everything students have ahead of them – not lockdown drills and fears of gun violence. CeaseFirePA is asking Pennsylvania parents and caregivers to share their experiences and concerns through its School Safety Survey, part of the organization’s Safe at Home, Safe at School campaign.

The goal is to collect 2,000 news responses by Sept. 30 and use the voices of Pennsylvania families to build support for solutions that keep children safer at school and at home. If you are a parent or caregiver, please take a few minutes to complete the School Safety Survey.

The Castle Shannon Police Department and Castle Shannon Volunteer Fire Department will host a Community Educational Night from 6–8 p.m. at the Fire Department at 3600 Library Road. The event will focus on active-shooter preparedness and response, with representatives from the Pennsylvania State Police and FBI Pittsburgh Field Office on hand to share practical information on recognizing potential threats and preparing for an emergency.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the program is free and open to the community. Those interested in learning more can also take FEMA’s free, one-hour Active Shooter: What You Can Do online course.

Upper St. Clair residents can take advantage of two drop-off opportunities on Saturday. Yard waste will be accepted from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Boyce Compost Site on Boyce Road next to Ardolino's. Leaves, plants, garden residue, shrubbery and trimmings should be placed in compostable paper bags, while limbs must be bundled, no longer than 48 inches, and no wider than three inches in diameter.

Electronics recycling will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Community & Recreation Center parking lot, 1551 Mayview Road. Most items with a cord are accepted, including large electric appliances. Some restrictions and fees apply, see Upper St. Clair’s complete collection guidelines for more information.

In Mt. Lebanon, the 25th annual Police Classic Car Show will fill the 600 and 700 blocks of Washington Road with classic, antique and specialty vehicles from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, along with food and vendors.

The free Anawanda Arts Festival returns from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at Anawanda Avenue and Castle Shannon Boulevard, featuring local artists, handmade goods, live music, food, henna, silk screening, cider and coffee. Stop by one or make a day of it and enjoy both!

My office’s Senior Fair and Vaccine Clinic is coming up on Friday, Sept. 25, from 9 a.m. to noon at my district office, 650 Washington Road in Mt. Lebanon. Stop by to meet local organizations, learn about programs and services available to older adults, and talk with my team about state-related questions or concerns.

Pathways Wellness Program will also offer flu, high-dose flu and COVID-19 vaccines for individuals 12 and older. Insurance will be billed for vaccinations. You can register for a vaccine appointment at this link, but you do not need an appointment to attend the Fair.

Join me and local legal experts on Wednesday, October 14 from 6-8 p.m. at the Dormont Library for a free community forum covering renters’ rights and responsibilities, common landlord-tenant issues, and where to turn for help.

I’ll moderate a discussion featuring Judge Hilary Wheatley, Daniel Vitek of the Community Justice Project and renters’ rights specialist Michael Pisarcik of Papernick & Gefsky. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions, hear directly from the panelists and take home helpful information and resources. Come out, meet your neighbors and gain a better understanding of your rights as a tenant!

Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown tomorrow, Sept. 11, marking the beginning of the Jewish New Year and a season of reflection and renewal. To all our Jewish neighbors celebrating, I wish you and your families a peaceful, healthy and sweet new year. Shana Tova!

As always, my office is here to help with a wide range of state-related issues, including Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications, PennDOT and driver’s license questions, unemployment compensation, state benefits, disability placards, birth and death certificates, unclaimed property, professional licensing and more.

Give my office a call at 412-343-3870, or stop by in person at 650 Washington Road, Suite 102 in Mt. Lebanon, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

District Office

650 Washington Rd., Suite 102
Mt. Lebanon, PA 15228

(412) 343-3870

Pennsylvania State Capitol

117B East Wing

Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-1850