This Saturday will mark 250 years since our Founders came together to declare our independence and proclaim that all people are created equal and endowed with inalienable rights.
As we celebrate the Fourth of July, I am reflecting on the history that made it possible for someone like me—who came to this country as a young child—to represent the community where I have raised my family and proudly call home.
Happy Independence Day to all our neighbors in the North Hills, across Pennsylvania, and across our nation.
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In addition, please note that my office will be closed tomorrow, July 3, in observance of this momentous occasion. Regular office hours will resume on Monday, July 6.
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Birthright Citizenship Upheld – and other Harrisburg Updates
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This week, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional right of birthright citizenship, guaranteeing that anyone born in the United States is an American citizen.
As vice chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Asian Pacific American Caucus and one of only two immigrants serving in the General Assembly, I am grateful to see this ruling in a case that should never have been taken up in the first place, given the plain meaning of the Fourteenth Amendment's text.
You can read more about this and my comments in the Pennsylvania Capital-Star here.
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It was wonderful to join colleagues from both sides of the aisle at the Peace Islands Institute of Pennsylvania's Capitol Friendship Dinner. Thank you to the Peace Islands Institute of Pennsylvania for hosting this meaningful interfaith event and bringing people together in the spirit of friendship and understanding.
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Getting out in Franklin Park
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Despite the rain, Veena, my staff, and I enjoyed meeting with so many of our neighbors at Franklin Park’s annual Festival in the Park.
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Thank you to the borough leaders and staff, first responders, vendors, and attendees for a wonderful event.
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Congrats to our Local Students!
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Three North Allegheny students—Alex Du, Pragya Sharma, and Aaradhya Sharma—traveled to Washington, D.C., to compete in the national finals of the Presidential AI Challenge, representing our community alongside top students from across the country.
Congratulations to Alex Du on being named a national champion, and to all three students for this outstanding achievement and for representing our region with distinction.
While in DC they also visited the White House and the US Capitol and connected with leading professionals in the field of artificial intelligence.
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Eighteen members of the North Allegheny speech and debate team delivered an impressive performance at the 2026 NSDA Speech and Debate National Championships in Richmond, Virginia—the world’s largest academic competition.
North Allegheny was recognized as a Debate School of Honor and was one of only two Pennsylvania schools to receive a School Recognition Award. Ashish Raajiv Sai placed 10th in Extemporaneous Debate, Rishon Ghosh and Moki Annavajhula placed 13th in Public Forum, and Sanjeev Arora was recognized as one of the top 13 Lincoln-Douglas speakers.
Congratulations to all of you on your outstanding accomplishments!
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Franklin Park Wants to Hear from You
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The Franklin Park Recreation Board is seeking input on how to improve the quality of the borough’s recreational opportunities, park facilities, and trails. The survey is open to residents, business owners, workers in Franklin Park, and anyone who frequents the borough’s parks.
The survey can be completed here. Responses are due August 31.
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McCandless will be hosting a 5K to mark both the 250th anniversary of our nation and the 175th anniversary of McCandless starting at the North Park Boathouse on July 4. You can register here.
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Finally, 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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