When it comes to necessary medical care, so much depends on swift insurance authorization. Unfortunately, unjustified denials happen often. (Statistics show denials are overturned on appeal more than 50% of the time.)

To address the issue, I joined bipartisan colleagues to introduce House Bill 966, which would impose transparency on insurers regarding their rates of denials overturned on appeal and penalties on insurers who repeatedly and wrongly deny reimbursement for medically necessary health care claims. You can read more here.

In other health care news, I joined my colleagues this week to pass legislation that would codify into state law the protections provided by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which is under attack in Washington. As an ER Doc, I know how critical the ACA is for the health and well-being of my patients and our community. Click on the image above to hear my comments.

This week in Harrisburg, I voted for – and the House passed – bills that would:

• Double the fines for child labor violations.
• Keep health insurance accessible for young adults.
• Prevent insurance discrimination based on pre-existing conditions.
• Ban annual or lifetime dollar limits on essential health care benefits.
• Keep access to lifesaving preventive health care services.
• Simplify renewal of driver’s licenses and photo IDs for Pennsylvanians with disabilities or those who are on active military service.
• Allow more local land banks.
• Provide greater flexibility to township governments.

You can find more news about bills we voted at this page.

I was proud to join the Asian Pacific Island Political Alliance and fellow lawmakers this week to advocate for House Bill 564, which would increase awareness of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If you are struggling, please remember that you are not alone. Call 988 to speak confidentially to a trained professional.

I also joined bipartisan colleagues and PA Youth Advocacy to discuss the importance of investing in mental health resources for young Pennsylvanians. As a physician-legislator, I will continue to advocate for policies and funding to address this critical issue in our commonwealth.

I was glad to stand with my colleagues to support the critical work of social workers. Click on the image above to hear my comments.

Earlier this week, I met with fellow members of the bipartisan, bicameral Pennsylvania Nuclear Energy Caucus. Having a diverse energy portfolio lowers consumer costs, strengthens our position as an energy leader, and gives us the security and independence that goes with having alternate sources to power our grid. I believe nuclear energy – which provides significant power without increasing greenhouse emissions – is an important part of that portfolio.

It was a pleasure to host Logan Seaver of the University of Pittsburgh at the state Capitol as part of the University of Pittsburgh – Institute of Politics and the Elsie Hillman Civic Forum – University of Pittsburgh Legislator for a Day program.

The rain didn’t stop folks from turning out for our shred event in Franklin Park last Saturday, and it was a pleasure helping residents. I want to thank my staffers and borough staff for all their hard work and the Franklin Park Police for their help with traffic control. If you were unable to receive shredding services after our event reached capacity, you may wish to visit this page to see free shredding events in our area starting on April 12.

In other Franklin Park happenings, my staffer Reid and I (below) attended a wonderful Lenten fish fry at the Saint Luke the Evangelist Parish last week and had a chance to wish some of our Catholic neighbors a blessed season. 

Also last week, I attended the Avonworth Middle School’s Night at the Museum at the Heinz History Center (below). The 8th graders did an impressive job presenting projects on figures in our region’s history who overcame adversity.

With tax time here, I want to remind eligible residents about Pennsylvania’s Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit. The credit – expanded under a law passed by the General Assembly – provides financial relief to working families with child or dependent care expenses. Visit this page to learn more and apply.

PennDOT is seeking public comment on its update to the 12-Year Program – a planning tool that lists planned transportation projects statewide and assigns funding over a 12-year period. The law requires PennDOT to update the program every two years, and the agency seeks public comment as part of the process. Please take a few minutes to add your input by taking the survey. You can read more here.

The Town of McCandless is looking for volunteers for its spring roadside cleanup, which will be held Saturday, April 12, with a rain date of April 26. Volunteers should meet at the McCandless DPW Garage at 8:30 a.m. to receive supplies and assignments. Visit this page to sign up.

The Franklin Park Environmental Advisory Council will be hosting its annual Roadside Litter Cleanup event, rain or shine, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Participants will be working along Nicholson Road, from the Baierl Family YMCA at 2565 Nicholson Road to Concordia of Franklin Park. Police traffic control, safety vests, work gloves, and garbage bags will be provided. If you can help, please RSVP to dplatt@franklinparkborough.us or call (412) 364-4115.

JFCS Pittsburgh and the Andrew Carnegie Free Library are hosting a spring job fair on Friday, April 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall. Attendees will have a chance to network with over 30 employers and find other good job resources. Scan the QR code above to learn more and register.

This is a reminder that the state has a handy tool to help search for grants. Visit this page to search or this page to see a list of all the latest programs.

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

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

Pennsylvania State Capitol

101 B East Wing

PO Box 202030

Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 772-2363

District Office

9800B McKnight Road, Suite 130
Pittsburgh, PA 15237

(412) 348-8028

Update Email Preferences