This week, I joined Senator Lindsey Williams at the Northland Public Library to highlight the increase in public library funding included in this year’s budget.

Public libraries are the beating heart of our community, and I will continue to advocate for Northland and all of our public libraries.

National Influenza Vaccination Week is a great opportunity to speak with your physician about getting the flu shot to protect yourself from severe influenza.

As the only physician in the General Assembly, I am proud to stand up for vaccine access and insurance coverage by introducing H.B. 1828 and H.B. 1881.

Restrictions on Medicaid coverage for weight-loss drugs, such as Ozempic, have recently been enacted. These restrictions will cause challenges in how we prevent long-term illnesses that result from obesity.

Earlier this year, I introduced bipartisan legislation that would reduce the Medicaid costs for GLP-1s. You can read more on these restrictions, and my concerns with them, here.

I had the opportunity to visit The Children's Home of Pittsburgh this week to learn about their extraordinary facility and the great work they do to help kids with disabilities and their families.

I am committed to making sure that our state policies support the most vulnerable and those who help them.

Veena and I had a wonderful time joining our neighbors at the McCandless Winterfest (above) and Emsworth Light Up Night (below). Thank you to the local leaders, staff, first responders, and volunteers who put on these amazing events. Happy Holidays!

Last weekend, the Avonworth Football team won the PIAA Class 3A football championship, defeating Northwestern Lehigh, 31-7. This marks their second consecutive state finals appearance, first state championship, and a perfect 15-0 season this year. Congratulations, Lopes!

Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program helps older friends and neighbors stay in their homes while affording groceries, medicine, and other necessities. The program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are 65 or older, widows and widowers 50 or older, and people with disabilities 18 or older.

Rebates range from $380 to $1,000, and the application deadline has been extended to December 31. My staff are available to assist with applications, so don’t hesitate to contact my district office.

If you’re looking for a meaningful, patriotic way to give back this holiday season, please consider supporting programs that serve the commonwealth’s nearly 700,000 veterans, service members, and their families.

Several tax-deductible programs through the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs are currently accepting donations. You can contribute or learn more here.

Pennsylvania fishing licenses, launch permits, and gift vouchers for 2026 are now available.

These can be purchased at HuntFish.pa.gov or by visiting a retail license issuing agent. 2026 licenses, permits, and vouchers purchased now are valid immediately for up to 13 months, from December 1, 2025, through December 31, 2026.

Customers can choose from annual or multi-year licenses and permits with 3, 5, and 10-year options.  All documents may be printed immediately upon purchase or saved digitally to a smart device which serves as proof of possession.

To commemorate America’s 250th anniversary and honor Pennsylvania’s strong commitment to education, America250PA will award $250,000 in scholarships to deserving Pennsylvania students attending in-state colleges next school year.

Any Pennsylvania high school senior who plans to attend a college or university in Pennsylvania for the 2026–27 academic year may apply. Twenty-five scholarships, each valued at $10,000, will be awarded.

Applications are due January 31, 2026. More details, including matching contributions from partner institutions, can be found here.

Please remember that my talented staff can assist you with a variety of state-related matters—from filing a Property Tax/Rent Rebate to obtaining a disability placard or senior bus pass, just to name a few. Contact us or stop by to see how we can help!
 

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

District Office

9800B McKnight Road, Suite 130
Pittsburgh, PA 15237

(412) 348-8028

Pennsylvania State Capitol

101 B East Wing

PO Box 202030

Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 772-2363