My office will be closing early on Thursday, July 3, at noon and will be closed on Friday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. My office will reopen on Monday, July 7, at 9:00 a.m. I hope everyone has a safe and fun Independence Day weekend!
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Protecting Trans Kids and Their Families
This week, I reintroduced the Protection of Trans Kids and Their Families Act to ensure that medical decisions for young people are based on science and compassion, not politics or cable news soundbites. The bill makes it clear: accessing evidence-based care for gender-diverse children should never be the basis of child abuse investigations, nor should local or state governments interfere with that care.
Every major medical association affirms that gender-affirming treatment can be essential to a young person’s well-being. We have a duty to uphold the rights of all families to make informed, evidence-based decisions in consultation with their doctors, and my legislation will protect those rights.
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Protecting Our First Responders and Community from PFAS
The House passed a bill to phase out the use of firefighting foam containing PFAS, dangerous “forever chemicals” that put firefighters and our communities at risk. Thanks to all the constituents who reached out about this issue. With safer, PFAS-free alternatives now available and widely used, we have the ability to protect our health without compromising fire response. This bill helps departments transition responsibly while ensuring that fires can still be fought effectively. I’m proud to support this step toward cleaner water, safer equipment, and healthier communities, and I’m hopeful the Senate will quickly take up the bill to pass it.
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The Harms of the U.S. Senate-Passed Reconciliation Bill
The Senate Republicans in DC passed President Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill,” that slashes healthcare and food assistance for tens of millions of people. This bill would rip away support from working families, undermine clean energy, and fuel mass deportations --all to pay for tax cuts for the ultra-rich. Under the bill, Pennsylvania would also suffer major job losses, weakened public health protections and further destabilization of our rural and community hospitals. Thank you to the many of you who have advocated for the defeat of this damaging legislation. This is a battle worth fighting.
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Community Events and Resources
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Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Refugee Resettlement Program
The Pennsylvania Refugee Resettlement Program helps refugees and Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders connect with housing, food, job support, health care, childcare, education, English classes, and more.
The first step is a free Domestic Medical Evaluation, which helps connect individuals to essential services. All health information is confidential and protected by law. Call 717-787-8608 or visit the DHS’s Refugee Resettlement Program webpage for more information.
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Using Fireworks in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania State Police created a Fireworks FAQ webpage that outlines restrictions on where fireworks can be used. Be safe and considerate this weekend!
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Pennsylvania Insurance Department Women’s Health Survey
Deadline: July 7
Many women may not know what preventative healthcare services are covered in their insurance, or they may have experienced problems accessing services like health screenings, birth control, and pregnancy care. To better understand these issues, the state Insurance Department has created a quick, anonymous survey for women to share their real-life experiences.
Learn more and take the survey here.
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Jellyfish
Thursday, July 3, 5:00– 11:00 p.m. | The Carnegie Museum of Art - Sculpture Court
Jellyfish is a dance party celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and allies. Presented as part of the Carnegie Museum of Art’s Inside Out series, the event features music, dancing, and outdoor festivities.
Free, museum admission not included.
Learn more here.
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Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Americana Concert
Thursday, July 3, 7:00–8:30 p.m. | Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will perform at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall for its annual Americana Concert, a celebration of American music honoring our military personnel and veterans. This free community event features a stirring program and is open to all, though registration is required.
Doors open at 5:45 p.m.
Free.
Learn more here or call 412-392-4900 to reserve your seat.
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Greenfield 4th of July Races
Friday, July 4, 10 a.m. | Magee Field, 701 Greenfield Ave., 15207
Celebrate Independence Day with a beloved Greenfield tradition! The annual 4th of July Races happen rain or shine. With races and prizes for all ages, plus a family-friendly egg toss and sweet treats to close out the festivities, it’s a great way to start the holiday.
Learn more here.
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Fourth at the Fort
Friday, July 4, 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. | Fort Pitt Museum, Point State Park
Celebrate Independence Day at Point State Park with a flag-raising ceremony led by museum staff, local veterans, and Scouts. Afterward, enjoy hands-on history demonstrations and explore the Fort Pitt Museum’s special exhibition, Homelands: Native Nations of Allegheny.
The outdoor event is free; regular admission applies to museum entry.
Learn more here.
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Anthrocon Parade and Block Party
Saturday, July 5, 2 p.m. | Penn Avenue between 9th and 11th Streets
Anthrocon’s annual Fursuit Parade and Block Party is free and open to the public. The parade will begin at 2 p.m., and the block party will commence immediately after. Refreshments and food trucks will be available at the block party.
Learn more here.
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Neighborhood Flea: Schenley Plaza
Sunday, July 6, 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. | Schenley Plaza
New this year, the Neighborhood Flea is launching a monthly market at Schenley Plaza. Held on the first Sunday of each month from June through October, the event features vintage goods, handmade items, food vendors, and more. Presented in partnership with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, this open-air market is free to attend, takes place rain or shine, and offers free parking in Oakland on Sundays.
Free.
Learn more here.
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Music @ Main: Gadget Playground
Sunday, July 6, 1:30–3:00 p.m. | CLP – Main (Oakland)
This monthly event focuses on electronic music production and features guest speakers, live performances, and hands-on access to music gadgets and gear. Attendees can also explore the library’s collection of instruments and music equipment available for checkout.
Free.
Learn more here.
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30 Books in 30 Minutes: Disability Pride
Sunday, July 6, 2:00–3:00 p.m. | CLP – Squirrel Hill
In celebration of Disability Pride Month, library staff will share rapid-fire book recommendations that highlight the experiences of people with disabilities. Discover new titles and voices in just 30 minutes.
Free.
Learn more here.
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Cinema in the Park
Sunday, July 6 & Wednesday, July 9, dusk (roughly 8:50 p.m.) | Multiple Locations
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, July 6—Schenley Plaza—Paddington in Peru (PG)
Wednesday, July 9—Flagstaff Hill in Schenley Park— O Brother, Where Art Thou? (P-13)
Free and open to all.
Learn more here.
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Outdoor Movie: Cinderella
Sunday, July 6, 7:00 p.m. | Bakery Square
Bakery Square will host an outdoor screening of Cinderella (1950) in the courtyard. Attendees can enjoy complimentary popcorn from Pittsburgh Popcorn Company, meet Cinderella and Prince Charming, and watch the movie outside. The film begins at 7:30 p.m.
This event is free.
Learn more here.
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Confident City Cycling
Tuesday, July 8, 4:00–7:00 p.m. | The Pitt Bike Cave, 230 S Bouquet St
This hands-on class will teach you the skills you need to safely and confidently ride a bike in Pittsburgh. Led by certified instructors, the course covers bike handling, group riding, and local cycling infrastructure, ending with a guided group ride.
Participants must be at least 12 years old and bring their own bike and helmet (rentals available by request).
Suggested cost is $15; free registration available.
Learn more and register 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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