Reading has all the people, talent, and tools to really shine. Now, we need strong leadership, a sense of urgency, and a clear plan to make it happen. That's why it was important to see so many of our local leaders come to Harrisburg and stand side-by-side as we work together to make Reading an even better place.

I’m fully dedicated to putting in the effort and making sure we’re all on the same page to achieve tangible outcomes for our city.

I was honored to see House Resolution 629, my legislation to recognize Hispanic Heriatge Month in Pennsylvania, passed overwhelmingly by the House.

As a Dominican American, the daughter of immigrants, and chair of the Legislative Latino Caucus, this recognition is deeply personal to me. Our heritage is our strength, and our story is Pennsylvania's story – and I will always work to ensure that our Latino community has the support they need in Harrisburg.

This week, my House colleagues and I passed important bills that will help our neighbors and improve communities:

We’re improving women’s health by:

• Ensuring healthcare coverage for menopause care, both from private insurers (HB 1346) and Medicaid (HB 1345);
• Requiring employers to provide reasonable workplace accommodations to help workers do their jobs when experiencing pregnancy or menopause (HB 2135); and
• Directing the state to partner with healthcare providers to educate women about perimenopause and menopause and give them tools to prepare (HB 1411).

We’re protecting kids by increasing penalties for retailers who illegally sell vaping products to minors (HB 1434) and requiring the state?to test baby food manufactured in PA for the presence of toxic heavy metals (HB 507).

We’re reducing utility bills by requiring electric utilities to procure grid-stabilizing battery storage, which would help reduce peak demand and lower system costs, while maintaining reliability and affordability (HB 2380).

We’re banning the sale of synthetic kratom and regulating the sale of natural kratom products (HB 2657).

We’re helping families by requiring child care providers to inform families, staff and the state at least 30 days before permanently closing (HB 2492).

As always, you can watch the House's deliberation, on the floor and in committee, and learn more about the bills we pass on the House website.

Libraries from across the state came to Harrisburg to advocate for further support – and I had the opportunity to meet with Colleen Stamm, the director of the Wyomissing Public Library. I am proud to support our libraries and the educational work they do for our community.

I joined colleagues at the Capitol to highlight the lifesaving power of organ donation. One organ donor can save multiple lives and help many more through tissue donation – becoming an organ donor is a simple decision that can leave an extraordinary impact.

Election Day is approaching, and it is important that everyone can make their voice heard at the ballot box!

You can check your voter registration, find your polling place, or sign up to vote here by October 19, and request a mail-in or absentee ballot here by October 27.

Polls will be open on Tuesday, November 3, from 7 AM – 8 PM.

Over the weekend, I joined Tower Health and Reading Hospital to emcee a panel of healthcare professionals on breast health and the importance of getting mammograms.

Breast cancer is among the most common forms of cancer, but it can be easily treated if caught early. It is important to get mammograms roughly every 1-2 years to ensure that you are healthy, and any irregularities can be identified early.

This year marked my second year emceeing this panel – I am looking forward to next year!

While we were in Harrisburg this week, I joined my colleagues in donning pink to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Routine mammograms are important for finding the first signs of breast cancer. Tower Health is conducting its 2026 Mobile Mammography stops across our community. You can find locations and days here.

A member of my staff recently attended the ribbon cutting ceremony and presented a House citation to the Reading Science Center to mark the Center's new expansion, which will expand opportunities for children and families to experience hands-on STEM education in our community.

This weekend, a member of my staff also attended an open house of the Nolde Mansion, a 100-year-old mansion located within the Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center. Nolde Forest encompasses more than 725 acres of deciduous woodlands and coniferous plantations, and is a great way to get out and connect with history right here in our community!