You can read my e-newsletter in a way that’s preferable to you by visiting my legislative website here and clicking on the accessibility icon in the lower right corner.

I'm preparing to introduce legislation that would create a statewide whistleblower office with a 24/7 reporting hotline. We need to cut the red tape and make it easier for people to report waste, fraud, or abuse of state funds. You can read more here.

In other House news, I voted for – and the House passed – my colleagues’ bills to:

• Cap rental application fees.
• Improve vision resources for school kids.
• Study the feasibility of Keystone Exam?alternatives.
• Improve prosecution of internet crimes against children.
• Require mandated reporters to report suspected child sexual abuse materials even if the offender is also a minor.

Visit this page to read more about these and other recent bills. 

I'm excited to report that we were able to secure $60,000 in funding for municipal planning to continue efforts to revitalize downtown Swissvale to invite new pedestrian traffic and strengthen local businesses.  

Our district office in Braddock is currently seeking enrolled undergraduate or graduate students interested in law, government, or public service for a 10-week paid summer internship. No prior government experience is necessary — just curiosity, professionalism, and a willingness to learn.

The position offers up to 20 hours per week at $15/hr. Duties include:

• Attending meetings with constituents, local officials, and community organizations.
• Assisting with constituent services and agency follow-up.
• Conducting research on district and policy issues.
• Drafting correspondence and internal summaries.
• Supporting outreach and community engagement efforts.

Please call us at (412) 273-3400 to learn more.

I recently joined Hive Project Coordinator Lew Fortwangler, of Humane Action Pennsylvania, to discuss the progress of our Swissvale Pollinator Garden, which helps sustain our critical pollinators, improves stormwater management, and brings our community together for workdays to keep the garden thriving. Click here or on the image above to watch! You can also visit this page to learn more about the pollinator garden.

It was exciting to see local students shine at the First Annual Greater Pittsburgh Regional Civics Bee at the Braddock Carnegie Library! Congratulations to winners Eisa Khan, Azriel Hutchins, and Adler Moraski for taking home first, second, and third prizes, and to all the students who made it to the finals! 

The Three Rivers Urban Watersheds Council hosted an excellent discussion on how lawmakers, local officials and advocates can prepare for the Ohio River Basin Restoration Act and the potential for increased investments to improve water quality.

Our staffer Leslie attended the air purifier distribution giveaway last week at Greater Valley Community Services in Braddock (above). Residents also turned out for two similar events in Rankin (top left) and North Braddock (top right).

The sponsor, Valley Clean Air Now, partnered with Greater Valley Community Services, Clean Water Action, Breathe Project, and the Borough of Braddock to share information about air quality in the Mon Valley and tips for clean household air. More than 200 air purifiers were distributed, with more giveaway events in the works!

On a related note, this is a reminder that you can schedule a free “healthy home assessment” visit through Healthy Homes to discuss hazards such as mold, lead paint, and other dangers. Visit this page to learn more and schedule an appointment. You can also schedule an appointment by calling 412-404-2872 or scanning the QR code above.

Check out Braddock Neighborhood Night on Friday, May 15 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., when local restaurants, artists, and other businesses will set up pop-up locations at the Frick Pittsburgh, located at 7227 Reynolds St. The evening includes exclusive after-hours access to Lewis Hine Pictures America before the exhibition closes. The event is free for Braddock residents and workers, who should use the promo code “Braddock” at checkout. Visit this page to read more!

PennDOT will host a virtual public meeting from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on May 13 to discuss and answer questions about the Commercial Street Bridge Replacement project. Visit this page to learn more and register.

Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor is hosting budget engagements so residents can learn about planning for Pittsburgh’s 2027 budget and offer feedback on their priorities for city investments. Click on one of the sessions listed below to register:

• May 20 – South Side Market House.
• May 26 – Greenfield Healthy Active Living Center.
• May 28 – Northside Institutional Church.
• June 3 – Catalyst Academy Lincoln-Lemington.