As we sit in Harrisburg this week trying to come to a compromise on the budget, I am reminded that this is how government works, even when it seems dysfunctional.

The great compromise produced our nation, and as we are on the cusp of our country’s 250th anniversary, I wanted to take a moment to remind everyone to celebrate it.

There are many feelings we all have regarding where we are as a country, and regardless of the self-centered noise coming from Washington, let us remember this is our country collectively and it is something to celebrate.

I proudly serve the 175th District, where 250 years ago this week, our Founding Fathers met to begin our quest for independence. We should be proud to call this our home and welcome all those who come to see our communities – warts and all! This is us and we must continue to do what we can to make it a better place, not just for now, but for future generations.

Happy Independence Day!

Sincerely,

I stood with fellow legislators this week, recognizing the end of Pride Month by wearing rainbow colors! I’m grateful to my colleagues for standing together in support of equality, and I’ll continue fighting for our LGBTQ+ community in the Commonwealth and beyond.

This week, House and Senate Democrats met to mark 20 years to the day since the vote to raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to the current $7.25 per hour. The message to Senate Republican leaders is clear, Pennsylvania workers should not be tied for dead last in America on payday, and families cannot live on this $7.25 wage any longer. I’ll keep calling for a livable wage until the Senate gives Commonwealth workers what they deserve.

This week, the House passed House Bill 2198, a bill that would prevent municipalities from entering into secret agreements with Big Tech and make sure the people get all the facts about potential Data Center development.

This bill is one of several the House has passed over the past several months, making sure Data Center regulation remains a legislative priority. If Data Centers are going to do business in the Commonwealth, Pennsylvanians should expect nothing but the utmost transparency to protect their communities.

With Philadelphia under a heat advisory this week, I hope everyone is properly hydrating and staying cool under these conditions. Make sure to check in on your neighbors, especially older adults and those with underlying health conditions. A quick call, text or visit can make a life-saving difference.

You can also call the Philadelphia Heatline at (215) 765-9040 to find the nearest cooling center to you or to receive further heat-related guidance.

A reminder that due to the Independence Day holiday, my office will be closed on Friday. We will return to regular office hours on Monday!

District Office

610 North Second Street

Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 503-3245

Pennsylvania State Capitol
300 Main Capitol Building

P.O. Box 202175

Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-8098