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 hope you find my weekly emails informative and helpful. We’re nearing the 60-day restricted period that will begin Sept. 4 and last until the Nov. 3 General Election. During this period, I won’t be able to send you updates on legislation, district news and events, and government programs and services unless you opt in to receive them.

Please visit this page or click on the image above to opt in and stay in the loop!

Although I was still in college when 9/11 happened, several of my colleagues were already state representatives and were at the state Capitol that day. You can hear their reflections in the video, “We Were One That Day – The Pennsylvania House Remembers 9/11” – by clicking here or on the image above.

In related news, the Borough of Forest Hills will host the 25th Commemoration of 9/11 to honor our first responders on Friday, Sept. 11 from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Westinghouse Lodge, 799 Barclay Ave.

As part of its Back to School Campaign, CeaseFirePA is conducting a school safety study to ensure that their work is effective and backed by real-life experiences. You can help support their efforts by taking this short survey for parents and caregivers.

With schools back in session, please use extra caution while driving and make sure you are familiar with PA’s School Bus Stopping Law. The law requires motorists to stop at least 10 feet away from school buses that have their red lights flashing and stop arm activated. In addition to fines of up to $300, criminal penalties for violation of the law can include a 60-day license suspension and five points on your driving record. Visit this page to learn more.

State health officials recently reported two measles-related deaths in Lancaster County, and according to the measles dashboard, there were 540 cases as of Sept. 2.

If you or your children are unvaccinated or not sure of your status, please schedule an MMR vaccine as soon as possible – just two doses provide about 97% lifetime protection from this highly contagious disease that can cause serious health complications.

The vaccine is widely available through pediatric offices, primary care providers, the Vaccines for Children program, pharmacies, county or municipal health departments, or PA's 59 state health centers. Most insurance plans cover the vaccine at no cost, but it’s a good idea to check with your insurer. Children 18 and under who are insured through Medicaid – and those who are uninsured or underinsured – can receive the MMR vaccine at no cost at a state health center.

If you believe you were exposed and develop a fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, or a rash that starts on the head and spreads downward, isolate and contact your healthcare provider or call DOH at 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258). Visit pa.gov/measles to see current guidance, view the measles dashboard, and find vaccination locations.

On a related note, visit this page for school immunization information.

The 2026-2027 Student Teacher Stipend Program is open for applications. Eligible student teachers can receive a $10,000 stipend through this program on a first-come, first served basis. Please be aware that the deadline to apply is Sept. 15. Visit this page to learn more.

Landforce is a Homewood-based nonprofit that fights wealth disparity by providing opportunities for people facing employment barriers. I recently toured their Responsible Wood Products Mill with CEO Ilyssa Manspeizer (above right), Mill Operations Manager Luke Hillegas (above center), Crew Members D.J. and Daniel (above left), and Responsible Wood Products Director Ed Johnson (top right). The mill recycles fallen and salvaged urban trees into usable wood products and biochar. Learn more here!

Our staffer Leslie and her granddaughter attended an excellent community training event hosted by Greater Valley Community Services and partners. Trainers Nate and Sean from Redtail Resilience Network – a nonprofit that provides local training in emergency medical care, mental health first aid, and crisis response – taught important lifesaving techniques, including how to stop traumatic bleeding.

Leslie also attended Edgewood Community Day, where she provided state services and chatted with middle schooler Elizabeth Liefer, who hosted an exhibit on climate change.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. If you or someone you love is in crisis and needs help, there’s no need to go it alone: the 988 Lifeline provides free, confidential support via call, text, or chat on a 24/7 basis. Simply dialing, texting, or chatting with 988 will connect you with a counselor who will listen and provide free, confidential, judgment-free support. 

Counselors can also provide support for substance use disorder, economic worries, relationship issues, intimate partner violence, culture and identity issues, depression, mental and physical illness, and loneliness.

If you work or volunteer for a nonprofit organization – or just want to make positive community change – don’t forget to register for our free Nonprofit Symposium! You’ll learn how to maximize state grant funding, cultivate small donors, manage risk, tell your story, use social media for the most powerful impact, and boost staff health and wellness. Click on the image above or here to learn more, and visit this page to register!

Don’t miss Carnegie Museums’ Hispanic Heritage Celebration on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Andy Warhol Museum! The event is free with museum admission and will feature music and dance lessons with Flamenco Pittsburgh at noon, a live performance drag show featuring Calipso and Chi Chi de Vivre at 2 p.m., Spanish interpreted tours at 11:15 and 3 p.m., and screen printing in The Factory. Visit this page or click on the image above to learn more.

Celebrate Recovery Month by joining friends and neighbors at the POWER Campus, 7436 McClure Ave., to clean up the neighborhood and enjoy refreshments! Visit this page to learn more and sign up!

This is a reminder that our office will be closed on Friday, Sept. 4 and Monday, Sept. 7, in observance of Labor Day. We will reopen for regular business hours on Tuesday, Sept. 8. A special thank you to all the workers of our district who keep our community running. I hope you’re able to enjoy some well-earned time off!

Please remember that our talented staff can help you with a wide range of state-related matters, including filing applications for state programs and services, resolving questions or problems involving state benefits, assisting with unemployment issues, obtaining a PRT Senior ConnectCard or a disability placard, and much more!

Seniors and residents with a disability: if you are eligible for a rebate on property taxes or rent you paid in 2025, please remember that the deadline to apply to the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is Dec. 31! Please contact us if you have questions or need help applying!

Finally, a word to local officials and nonprofits – if you’re searching for state grant funding, you can find the latest program openings here, a handy grant-finding tool at this page, and an online copy of the 2026 Pennsylvania Grant and Resource Directory here. Hard copies of the directory will be available for attendees of our upcoming Nonprofit Symposium!

District Office

501 Braddock Ave.
Braddock, PA 15104

(412) 273-3400

Pennsylvania State Capitol

123-B East Wing Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 783-1914