LGBTQ+ Rights, Protecting Workers from Secondhand Smoke, and Gun Violence Prevention
As Pride Month begins, I joined my colleagues in the LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus to reintroduce the Fairness Act, legislation that would finally outlaw discrimination against LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians in housing, employment, and public accommodations. I started introducing the Fairness Act more than 20 years ago, and I won’t stop fighting until every Pennsylvanian is protected under the law.
I also stood with the United Auto Workers to rally for my bill, the Protecting Workers from Secondhand Smoke Act, and their other legislative priorities for this session.
Pennsylvania’s Clean Indoor Air Act leaves far too many workers behind—bartenders, casino dealers, and club staff who are still forced to breathe toxic air to earn a paycheck. That’s not just unfair—it’s dangerous. This bill will close loopholes and protect workers’ rights to breathe clean air on the job.
Finally, I joined CeaseFirePA to call for $100 million in this year’s budget for community-led violence prevention. Gun violence has taken too many lives, but we’ve seen the impact of investing in what works—like in Pittsburgh, where gun homicides dropped 41% last year. These programs save lives and taxpayer dollars.
We must match our values with action. Whether it's protecting workers, affirming equality, or saving lives from gun violence, I’m committed to building a safer, fairer, healthier Pennsylvania for all.
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Boulder, Colorado
Following a horrifying antisemitic firebombing attack on peaceful demonstrators in Boulder, Colorado, the Pennsylvania Jewish Legislative Caucus condemned this violence and demanded action.
Unfortunately, this is part of a broader, disturbing pattern. Antisemitic incidents are surging nationwide and here in Pennsylvania—from hateful flyers in Squirrel Hill to disturbing displays in Philadelphia.
The Jewish Legislative Caucus is urging the General Assembly to expand funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund and pass my package of bills to strengthen our anti-hate crimes laws. When antisemitism is tolerated, it turns deadly. We cannot be complacent.
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Community Events and Resources
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Charles Anderson Bridge Project Update: Boulevard of the Allies and Parkview Avenue CLOSED
Construction has begun at the intersection of Boulevard of the Allies and Parkview Avenue as part of the City of Pittsburgh’s Charles Anderson Memorial Bridge Project. The intersection closed on June 2 to accommodate reconstruction work, with detours in place via Dawson Street and Oakland Square.
Learn more about the closures and the Charles Anderson Bridge project here.
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SCOOPED: AN ICE CREAM TRAIL
VisitPA is encouraging Pennsylvanians to try some of the commonwealth’s best local creameries. Participants can win prizes by visiting select ice cream shops all over Pennsylvania from now until Sept. 7.
Learn more here.
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Flights of Imagination Summer Reading Challenge
June 1 – Aug. 10
The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh invites readers of all ages to join its Flights of Imagination Summer Reading Challenge. Children, teens, and adults are encouraged to read or listen to at least five books this summer to stay sharp, prevent summer learning loss, and enter to win prizes.
Participants can track their reading online through Beanstack or by stopping by a local CLP branch. Reading logs, summer reading bags, bookmarks, vinyl stickers, coloring pages, and even a free book (for kids and teens) are available while supplies last. Each book logged beyond the initial five counts as an additional entry for prizes.
Pittsburgh Public School students are encouraged to participate in the separate PPS Students: Flights of Imagination 2025 program.
Free.
Learn more here.
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Wear Orange Weekend
Today-Sunday, June 6-8,
Join gun-control advocates all over the country for this year's Wear Orange Weekend to honor survivors, remember lives taken, and build community with others working to end gun violence.
Learn more here.
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Three Rivers Art Festival
Now-June 8 | Strip District
The Three Rivers Arts Festival hosts over 400 artists and nightly live music beginning at 7:30 p.m. The festival has moved to the 15th Street Plaza in the Strip District due to construction in the Cultural District.
Free and open to the public.
Learn more here.
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Simple Gifts Folk Concert
Today, June 6, 2025, 6-7 p.m. | Schenley Plaza
Enjoy an evening of vibrant, multicultural folk music as Simple Gifts performs under the tent at Schenley Plaza. This award-winning duo brings a global flair to their performance, featuring Irish jigs, American reels, Klezmer, and Gypsy melodies on a dozen instruments. Limited seating is available; lawn chairs and blankets are welcome.
Free to attend.
Learn more here.
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Observer Film Screening and Outdoor Exploration
Saturday, June 7 | 3-6 p.m. p.m.
The Frick Environmental Center will host a special screening of OBSERVER, an independent documentary that follows filmmaker Ian Cheney on a global journey exploring how we see and understand the world. After the screening, participants will take part in a guided outdoor exploration led by naturalist Stephen Bucklin, using their own senses to uncover often-overlooked natural wonders in the Frick woodlands.
There is an admission fee.
Learn more and register here.
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Live Music on the Lawn: The Laurel Lowlifes
Saturday, June 7, 2025 | 6-9 p.m. p.m.
Bakery Square’s Summer Music Series will host a performance by The Laurel Lowlifes. Guests are invited to enjoy an evening of live local music on the outdoor courtyard patio.
Free and open to all.
Learn more here.
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District 4 Drop-In Office Hours on PPS Restructuring Plan
Sunday, June 8, 10-11:30 a.m.| Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Squirrel Hill Branch
District 4 Pittsburgh Public Schools Director Yael Silk will host drop-in office hours at the Squirrel Hill Library to hear from constituents about the updated Pittsburgh Public Schools restructuring plan. These sessions are open to the public, and all are welcome to share their questions, concerns, and ideas.
No registration required.
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Cinema in the Park
Sunday, June 8 & Wednesday, June 11, dusk (roughly 8:45 p.m.)
The City of Pittsburgh hosts free movie nights. Participants are asked to bring lawn chairs or blankets to make themselves comfortable on the lawn. The movies will begin at dusk throughout the summer, so start times will vary slightly from day to day.
Sunday, June 8—Schenley Plaza—Wicked (PG)
Wednesday, June 11– Flagstaff Hill in Schenley Park— Twisters (PG-13)
Learn more here.
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Frankel & Costa Satellite Office Hours
Wednesday, Jun 11, Noon-4 p.m. | CLP, Squirrel Hill
State Sen. Jay Costa’s office and mine will be hosting joint satellite office hours to provide assistance with a range of services, including notary needs, help with Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program forms, applications for senior bus passes, and more. Please come by and say hello!
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Summer Job Fair
Friday, June 13, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | CLP – Main (Oakland)
Jobseekers are invited to connect with more than 20 hiring reps from fields like education, banking, and health care, plus local organizations offering resources and services. Registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.
Free.
Learn more here.
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Movie Night on the Lawn | The Minecraft Movie
Friday, June 13, Gates Open at 6:30 p.m., Movie Starts at 7:30 p.m. | Hazelwood Green, Mill 19
Hazelwood Local and Row House Cinema present a free outdoor screening of The Minecraft Movie (PG). Before the show, enjoy Minecraft gaming with the Pixel Reboot Gaming Truck, complimentary popcorn while supplies last, and face painting.
Free and open to all.
Learn more here.
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DinoFest at Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Saturday, June 14, 2025 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
DinoFest returns with a full day of family-friendly fossil fun and expert-led programming at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Guests of all ages can enjoy hands-on activities, meet paleontologists, and dive into new scientific discoveries. Highlights include fossil identification stations, Dino Yoga, expert talks on dinosaur coloration and giant-clawed predators, and behind-the-scenes insights from the museum's PaleoLab.
Activities are included with museum admission. Advance registration is strongly recommended.
Learn more and register here.
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CitiParks Pools
Pools open Monday, June 16
Regular pool hours include adult lap swim and open swim times throughout the week, with varied hours depending on location.
Pools opening this season include: Ream, Ammon, Banksville, Bloomfield, Highland Park, Jack Stack, Magee, McBride, Moore, Ormsby, Phillips, Riverview, Schenley, Sue Murray, West Penn, and Westwood.
Homewood and Sheraden pools will remain closed for renovations.
Pool tags will be available at pool entrances beginning June 16. To save time, residents are encouraged to complete the 2025 Pool Tag Application online before visiting.
Learn more here.
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Learn to Ride with BikePGH
Whether you're a beginner or looking to boost your confidence riding in the city, BikePGH offers cycling classes all summer long. From POGOH 101 to Confident City Cycling and Learn 2 Ride, there's something for every skill level. Private lessons and group workshops are available, along with educational presentations for schools and organizations.
Free to low-cost, depending on the class.
Learn more and sign up here.
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
152 Main Capitol Building
PO Box 202023
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 705-1875
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District Office
2345 Murray Avenue
Suite 205
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
(412) 422-1774
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