Fighting for Affordable Healthcare
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I am honored to have been appointed by Speaker Joanna McClinton to serve on the Pennsylvania Health Insurance Exchange Authority Board of Directors, which oversees the operations of the state’s health insurance marketplace, PENNIE.
As the legislature’s only physician, I am committed to making healthcare more affordable and accessible. Our state’s insurance exchange is a vital tool in achieving this goal, and I look forward to collaborating with PENNIE’s leadership to strengthen this essential program for all Pennsylvanians.
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Honoring Outstanding Work in our Community – and other District News
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It was great to join Reps. Jeremy Shaffer and Emily Kinkead to honor Amy Steele, the executive director of Northland Public Library, as she prepares to retire.
Northland is the beating heart of our community, especially with the hard work and passion Amy has brought to the library. Congratulations, and best wishes on your retirement!
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I recently had a wonderful meeting with Rabbi Aaron Bisno of Temple Ohav Shalom in McCandless. I look forward to visiting the synagogue soon and connecting with the entire Jewish community of the North Hills.
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Veena and I had a wonderful time celebrating the honorees at the North Allegheny Distinguished Alumni Gala. It was a privilege to join Rep. Shaffer in presenting recognition from the House of Representatives. Congratulations and best wishes to all the honorees!
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PA House Scholarship Now Accepting Applicants
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Applications are now being accepted for the PA House of Representatives Scholarship Program. The Program – administered through The Foundation for Enhancing Communities – is for graduating high school seniors who reside in the Commonwealth of PA.
TFEC awards two four-year scholarships to high school seniors each year. The award consists of the value of one semester of tuition at the State System of Higher Education for each of four years. Students must maintain eligibility criteria in all four years to receive the ongoing award.
Applications are due April 15. Requirements and the application form can be found here.
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America250PA Now Accepting Applications for Semiquin Scholarship
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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.
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Keystone Contractors Association Scholarships
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The Keystone Contractors Association is accepting applications for their scholarship program. This program supports students interested in pursuing a construction-related degree.
More information, including application paperwork, can be found here. Applications are due March 1.
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Youth Tick Awareness Contest Now Open
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The Pennsylvania Department of Health is hosting an art competition for students to create content raising awareness around ticks and Lyme disease.
More information can be found here, and submissions are due March 13.
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Litter Hawk Youth Award Program Now Open
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Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful has announced the return of their Litter Hawk Youth Award Program. This year’s theme is Celebrate America250 – Keep It Beautiful, inviting Pennsylvania students in grades K–6 to share their creativity and inspire pride in our communities as we approach America’s 250th anniversary.
Whether through art, writing, or video, young leaders can show how powerful their voices can be. As a bonus, winners will be announced in April 2026 in coordination with an awards ceremony at the PA State Capitol.
All winners and their families, guardians and teachers are welcome to attend. Special guests will include representatives from the Department of Environmental Protection and America250PA.
The program deadline is January 31, 2026. Contest details and the application can be found here: Litter Hawk Youth Award Program - Keep PA Beautiful.
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Please remember that my talented staff can help you with a variety of state-related matters – from filing an application for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program 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.
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District Office
9800B McKnight Road, Suite 130
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
(412) 348-8028
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
101 B East Wing
PO Box 202030
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 772-2363
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