Happy Labor Day!

As we embark on the celebration of honoring the dedication and contributions of workers in this country, let us remember how far we have come and all we still need to do.

Ensuring better pay, better working conditions, and a safer workplace goes hand-in-hand with the history of Labor Day. I commend all the hard work of our organized labor unions and the achievements they have had, not just for their members, but for all workers. We also need to recognize and support this fight for workers’ rights that continues for many in this country.

Next week, I have the honor of hosting the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for a session right here in the district. On September 9th, we will meet for session at Constitutional Hall in honor of America250PA celebrations. It is a great honor to serve you as your Representative, and I look forward to hosting my colleagues in our beautiful district.

Sincerely,

If you know a middle or high school student with innovative ideas and technological skills, I encourage you to sign them up for the 2026 Congressional App Challenge. This challenge to build an application, such as a phone app, gives our students a chance to showcase their skills on the national stage. Winners will have a chance to be featured in the U.S. Capitol Building and be invited for an exclusive event at the Capitol. You can apply using the QR Code above or contact Kevin Ramirez at 202-549-5386.

SEPTA and its project team held a groundbreaking ceremony this week to kick off the 11th St. Station ADA Project.

The project will add the following to keep the station safe and reliable for everyone:

• Two new elevators to provide access from street level to the eastbound and westbound platforms.
• New lighting and electrical improvements.
• Communication system upgrades such as AVPA, emergency call boxes, HD security cameras and supporting equipment.
• New attendant booth and realigned ADA fare line to optimize egress and efficiency.
• Architectural upgrades include new floor and wall tiles, tactile edge, column covers and painted ceilings.

Due to this project, the station and concourse will be closed to the public until August 2027. L trains will bypass the station, and riders can board or exit at 13th St. during this closure.

Monday marked International Overdose Awareness Day, and the citywide initiative Naloxone in Black has helped prevent overdoses by increasing access to naloxone (also known as Narcan) in city fire stations. City officials gathered Monday outside of Engine 11, at 6th and South, to commemorate the first anniversary of the program. The program has distributed 41,000 naloxone sprays thus far, with Engine 11 being the most successful program location in the city.

Families, couples, and friends from all over the city attended B.Y.O.C. (Bring Your Own Chair) South Street this past weekend, featuring live entertainment and activities for all ages. The first-time event was a success, and hopefully this will become a neighborhood tradition in the future!

The 30th annual Philadelphia Fringe Festival begins on Sept. 8 and runs through Sept. 27, bringing over 350 performances and events to the Philadelphia area.

The festival has been a longstanding celebration of Philly’s imaginative arts scene, and there are performances taking place right here in our district! Venues like the Icebox Project Space Gallery will be hosting performances throughout the month. Visit https://phillyfringe.org/ for all event listings and ticket information.

A reminder that my office will be closed on Friday and Monday in observance of Labor Day. We will return at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8th to assist you with state government services and information.

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