The Governor’s Budget Address
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This week Governor Shapiro presented his 2026-2027 budget proposal, which I believe is a promising starting point. I will work to make sure our final budget meets the needs of the Avonworth, Hampton and North Allegheny school districts, reduces the pressure on property taxes, protects healthcare access, and makes Pennsylvania a state that continues to welcome immigrants.
We will now begin working over the next few months to come to an agreement on a final state budget, and I look forward to being part of the discussions. You can find my full remarks on the budget in the above video.
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Supporting Communities of Color
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February marks Black History Month. I am grateful for the opportunity to recognize the too often under-appreciated contributions of African Americans to the history of our community, Commonwealth, and nation.
This week, I had the opportunity to join my colleagues in the Legislative Black Caucus, which includes all legislators of color, for a meeting with Governor Josh Shapiro to discuss how we can take action and advance policies that protect, uplift, and deliver results for all Pennsylvanians.
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My Legislation Advances Through the Senate
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On Wednesday, the Senate Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure Committee unanimously advanced House Bill 80, my bipartisan legislation with Rep. Kristin Marcell that would allow Pennsylvania to join the Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact.
We are seeing a shortage of audiology and speech-language pathology providers in Pennsylvania. This legislation would allow these professionals who were licensed in other states to more easily bring their practice to Pennsylvania.
I look forward to seeing this bill advance to the full Senate for consideration.
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Recognizing Our Student Musicians
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Several students from the Avonworth School District recently had the opportunity to participate in the Allegheny Valley Honors Band. Congratulations, students, for your outstanding accomplishments and recognition as some of our region’s top student musicians!
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Supporting Our Regional Economy – and other District News
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I always enjoy engaging with business leaders from across our community and region. It was great to join Sen. Devlin Robinson and Rep. Valerie Gaydos at the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry legislative roundtable to discuss how we can continue to support our region’s business environment.
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I had the privilege to visit the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and hear about their strategic outlook for the year. The Carnegie Library is an invaluable institution for our region, and I was happy to learn more about their efforts.
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Greater Pittsburgh Civics Bee
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Calling all 6th, 7th, and 8th graders! Share your ideas about how to make a difference in your community by entering the 1st Regional Greater Pittsburgh Civics Bee!
Participants are invited to submit a short essay responding to a prompt. Top essayists will advance to a live quiz competition, testing their knowledge of civics, government, and community engagement. Please note that the deadline for submitting an essay has been extended to the morning of Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 4:59 a.m. Visit this page to learn more and this page for essay tips.
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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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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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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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