As a staunch advocate of outdoor recreation for kids, I was proud to speak this week in support of the PA Outdoor Recreation Association’s launch of the PA Outdoor Adventure Pass, which gives every 4th and 5th grader in Pennsylvania access to skiing, kayaking, caving, zip-lining, climbing, and dozens more outdoor experiences across the state.

The PA Outdoor Adventure Pass is preventive medicine at a time when children ages 8 to 12 now average more than five hours of entertainment screen time every single day — not counting school time.  Learn more about it at Home - PA Outdoor Adventure Pass.

You can watch my remarks in the Capitol this week here.

I also joined the PA Building Trades and school superintendents from across the state this week to celebrate the first successful year of the Solar for Schools program. School administrators say they are saving big with solar on school rooftops. It’s a win-win for taxpayers and the environment. I encourage schools to apply for the bipartisan state grant program’s second year of funding.

I’m excited to support House Bill 2460, which would provide for hunting and trapping education in schools. I spoke in support of the bill this week at a meeting of the House Game and Fisheries Committee, highlighting how this initiative connects students to the natural world while teaching them the importance of environmental stewardship and responsible safety habits. You can watch my remarks by clicking above.

I was thrilled to host students from Highlands High School in Natrona Heights this week at the Capitol.  The students were members of the Superintendent’s Student Cabinet and the National Honor Society. They were joined by Superintendent Monique Mawhinney, Assistant Superintendent Cathleen Cubelic, high school Principal Patrick Baughman and high school teacher and NHS sponsor Jordan Murdock.

They toured the Capitol and were recognized by House Speaker Joanna McClinton. They were on the floor for photos and had the opportunity to chat with the speaker and several representatives. They also had lunch while they discussed my cellphones in schools legislation (House Bill 1814) and other current bills in the House. It was great to spend time with them!

Some items are difficult to dispose of—such as computer equipment, televisions, and tires—so I want you to know about an event for these hard-to-recycle materials. Presented by the Pennsylvania Resources Council, it will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, at the Pittsburgh Shrine Center, 1877 Shriners Way in Cheswick. See the graphic above for fee structures and additional details about the items they will accept.

Pennsylvania will hold its primary election on May 19, so it’s time to consider how to make your voice heard. If voting in person doesn’t fit your schedule, Pennsylvania offers reliable vote-by-mail options. The deadline to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot is 5 p.m. on May 12.

The county election office must receive your completed ballot by 8 p.m. on May 19. Allegheny County has also approved ballot return sites where voters can return mail-in ballots without relying on the mail, and you can read more about them here.

Pennsylvania is offering two opportunities for artists to showcase their work this year through statewide programs—one from the PA Game Commission and one from the state Department of Aging and Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.

The Game Commission’s Wildlife Art Contest highlights Pennsylvania shorebirds and supports wildlife conservation. The deadline is July 31, and more information is available here.

The Older Artists of PA Showcase invites artists age 60+ to apply for inclusion in a Capitol exhibition this August 2026. The deadline is May 24, and more information is available here.

I’m offering a new service this year at my Cheswick office! Once a month through September, I will host a representative from Allegheny County Treasurer Erica Rocchi Brusselars’ office from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Residents can use these special days and hours at my office, located at 1296 Pittsburgh St., to pay county property taxes; apply for the Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion or Senior Citizen Tax Relief programs; or obtain hunting, fishing, or dog licenses.

Mark your calendars with the dates and times on the graphic above!  

Twice a month, a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) will be at my Cheswick office, 1296 Pittsburgh St., to assist veterans with a variety of services. The VSO will be available on the third Wednesday and Thursday of each month.

Call to schedule an appointment at (724) 826-5151.

District Office

1296 Pittsburgh Street

Cheswick, PA 15024

(724) 826-5151

Pennsylvania State Capitol

111 B East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 705-7141