The House was back in session this week, and I immediately went to work on issues that matter to our communities - from healthcare and corporate accountability to gun safety and protecting children online.

On Tuesday, I spoke at the Capitol about making sure large corporations contribute their fair share to the public programs their employees rely on, which is why I’m proud to work alongside Rep. Heather Boyd on the Medical Assistance Accountability Act.

When employers offer wages that leave full-time workers relying on Medicaid, taxpayers help cover the cost of keeping those workers healthy. Our upcoming proposal would require employers with large numbers of full-time employees enrolled in Medicaid to contribute toward the program, supporting access to healthcare and encouraging better wages and benefits. Working families deserve to get ahead, and large corporations need to do their part.

I also became a co-sponsor on House Bill 2808 this week, which would be a practical step to reduce the flow of illegal firearms into our communities. The bill would reaffirm the duty of over 3,000 federally licensed firearms dealers in Pennsylvania to report lost or stolen firearms or ammunition and would require annual inspections of these dealers by the Pennsylvania State Police or their designees.

H.B. 2808 would also establish a grant program to help dealers modernize their operations, supporting responsible businesses while giving our communities stronger protections against guns being lost, stolen, or diverted into illegal use. This legislation is just one part of the continued work toward preventing gun violence and protecting families.

On Monday, the House passed House Bill 2006, which would require AI companions to clearly tell users they’re interacting with AI, establish safeguards against conversations that encourage self-harm or violence, and protect minors from sexually explicit content and interactions designed to isolate them from family.

AI companions are designed to carry on conversations that can feel personal, and children may not fully understand who, or what, is responding. As a co-sponsor on this legislation and a member of the Communications & Technology Committee, I’m working to make sure protections for families keep pace with these products. Companies offering AI companions should be held accountable for the safety of their users.

Pennsylvanians registered without a political party could soon gain a say in who appears on November ballots. This week, the House passed House Bill 280, which would allow unaffiliated voters to participate in Democratic or Republican primary elections. For neighbors who choose to remain independent, this would open an important opportunity to participate earlier in the election process and foster stronger civic engagement.

The Nov. 3 General Election is approaching fast, and the final day to register to vote is Oct. 19. For more information, visit the PA Voter Services website.

More than 150 neighbors joined my office for my first Senior Fair and Vaccine Clinic last week, where they met local organizations, found helpful resources, and received flu and COVID-19 vaccines. With so many vendors in one place, guests could ask questions, make connections, and learn about services they might otherwise have had to track down on their own.

What made the morning so special was meeting with you! It was great to speak with seniors and family members who came ready to share ideas and have conversations on the issues that matter. Thank you to all guests, vendors, volunteers, and staff who put so much time and care into making this event happen.

You can visit my website for more photos from the fair!

Have a question about a lease, repairs, security deposits, or where to turn when something goes wrong? Feel free to ask away at my free Renters’ Rights and Responsibilities Forum on Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 6-8 p.m. at Dormont Public Library.

I’ll moderate a conversation with Judge Hilary Wheatley, Daniel Vitek of the Community Justice Project, and renters’ rights specialist Michael Pisarcik; and we will be joined by representatives from South Hills Interfaith Movement with resources for emergency housing and assistance. Housing issues can be hard to sort through, especially with individual situations, and this is an opportunity to hear directly from local experts and learn where to find help.

The Dormont Street & Music Festival returns to Potomac Avenue on Saturday, October 10, from 1–8 p.m. Come out for live music, local vendors, great food, and a day with neighbors! Events like this are a wonderful reminder of the creativity and community connections you’ll find right here in the district.

Allegheny County estimates that nearly 26,000 residents could lose Medicaid coverage because of new reporting requirements under the federal law signed by President Trump, with work requirements taking effect on Jan. 1, 2027.

Some adults will need to document 80 hours a month of work, education, volunteering, or another qualifying activity, unless they qualify for an exemption. Some recipients will also have to renew their coverage every six months instead of annually.

Coverage will not automatically change on Jan. 1, but now is the time to prepare by making sure the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has your current contact information. Your benefits will not change without proper notice from DHS, and the department will help you prepare for any changes to benefits as they come. You can also contact my office for help with understanding a notice, figuring out why your coverage has changed, or any other issues you may have.

My district office can assist with 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 other state-related concerns.

Call us at 412-343-3870 or visit 650 Washington Road, Suite 102, in Mt. Lebanon. Our regular hours are 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