I’m extremely proud that my proposal to restrict cell phones in PA schools was signed into law this week by Gov. Josh Shapiro. Act 117 of 2026 requires schools to implement a “bell-to-bell” ban on cell phone use before the 2027–28 school year. Students will be required to secure their phones in a way that prevents access until the end of the day, with exceptions for certain emergency and medical needs approved by school administrators.

It took a lot of hard work to get this plan signed into law, but with our kids’ learning and growth at stake, it was worth every bit of it!

You can read more here, and watch the signing ceremony and see more photos here.

I’m looking forward to my annual Veterans Dinner next month at Brackenridge American Legion. It will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12. Representatives from the VFW and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will be on hand to help veterans with important services.

Please call our office to RSVP by the end of the day TODAY, Oct. 30 at (724) 826-5151.

My district office in Cheswick is a drop-off location for shelf-stable, easy to prepare food and snacks for Allegheny Valley SD students who are in need for weekends and school breaks. We’re participating in the Allegheny Valley HOPE Association Back Pack food program.  

Election Day is almost here, and it is important for all voters to make their voice heard! Polls will be open Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

If you need to find your polling place, it’s easy to do by clicking here . Remember, if you vote in person and you get in line before 8 p.m. – stay in line, even after 8 p.m. – you can still cast your vote!

If you’re voting by mail, your ballot must be received by the County Elections Office by 8 p.m. on Election Day. You can either mail your ballot back soon using the provided envelope or return it in person. There are several ballot return sites throughout Allegheny County.

I stand with our police, who are doing good work in the towns I represent. Many of these police have become trusted advisors over the years, Chief Michael Naviglia included in that group. I was glad to support his grant for a new K9 police vehicle and finally got to see it in person last week!

Allegheny Valley Regional Police Department, we appreciate you! Thank you for everything you do for us.

I loved seeing our neighborhoods, first responders, community organizations, and residents out in full force at Halloween events last weekend.

Among those nice events for kids and families: Painting Pumpkins with the Fox Chapel police; trunk or treat with Fawn Fire #1 and Fawn #2; and the costume parade for kids with Allegheny Valley Volunteer Fire, Lower Valley Ambulance, Hamar police, and Allegheny Valley Regional Police. I also stopped by Kennedy Park to see Sharpsburg friends -- they always know how to throw a fun party!

Have a safe and fun Halloween weekend if you’re planning on trick-or-treating! ??

I’m pleased to offer a helpful, regular service at my Cheswick office: Once a month, a representative from the office of Allegheny County Treasurer Erica Rocchi Brusselars will be available on-site from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check out all of the upcoming dates in the above graphic.

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

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