It was another busy week in Harrisburg, advancing important bills to the Senate including the regulation of Kratom, an herbal extract supplement which has been abused for years and has become destructive to many communities and families across the Commonwealth. We also passed a bill to ban the toxic additive known as DEHP from medical distribution equipment. When a person is getting treatment for a medical condition, they shouldn’t have to worry about potential carcinogens being distributed with their medicine.

I was also very proud that we advanced a package of legislation providing medical and workplace protections for women experiencing menopause and perimenopause. The challenges women face as they age have been long overlooked, and we took strong steps to ensure access to medical coverage and workplace accommodations are available. I hope the Senate will do their part and get these bills to the Governor’s desk promptly.

During this week’s House Liquor Control Committee meeting, we took testimony from the Liquor Board, the City of Philadelphia and the City of Pittsburgh about the successes and lessons learned from special permits to extend liquor sales during the FIFA World Cup and NFL Draft. While we all celebrated our state shining on the world stage for these large events, we also recognize the resources needed to keep our communities safe when alcohol is available on this large of a scale

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I hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Sincerely,

The House adopted House Resolution 638 this week, recognizing the month of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. This resolution both acknowledges the prevalence of domestic violence in the commonwealth and serves as a statement of solidarity with domestic violence survivors. If you or someone you know is in a domestic violence situation, please visit PA.Gov for vital resources or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-779-SAFE. To all victims and survivors, my House colleagues and I stand with you.

We advanced several other bills this week, aimed at protecting Pennsylvania consumers and their families:

• House Bill 2380 would reduce utility bills by requiring electric utilities to procure grid-stabilizing battery storage, helping to reduce peak demand and lower system costs while maintaining reliability and affordability.
• House Bill 2124 would allow property owners to use a transfer-on-death deed to make passing down property easier.
• House Bill 2492 would require child care providers to inform families, staff and the commonwealth at least 30 days before permanently closing.
• House Bill 1652 would add Gaucher disease to Pennsylvania’s Newborn Child Screening and Follow-up Program, helping ensure newborns with the condition can be identified earlier.

The November 3rd general election is approaching fast, and it’s time to start making your plan to cast your ballot.

The final day to register to vote is Monday, October 19th, and you can visit the PA Online Voter Registration link to fill out your application. Your registration is not complete until processed and accepted by the county’s voter registration office, so keep watch for further correspondence.

For mail-in and absentee voters, the final day to request a ballot is on Tuesday, October 27th, and you can visit the application page at this link. Remember, voting by mail is a safe and secure way to make your voice heard in November.

I’m proud to announce that $132,500 in PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grant funding will be going toward land acquisition at Orkney Park! Funding will help this gem in Northern Liberties continue to serve as a community hub for decades to come, and I appreciate the commonwealth’s support for our parks.

Meredith Elementary recently unveiled its new mosaic entitled “Snapshots of Childhood Joy,” celebrating the wonder, laughter and timeless memories of growing up. Stop by and check out this wonderful project if you’re in the neighborhood!

On Wednesday, Lombard Street, between 6th and 7th Street, turned into Bishop Richard Allen Way with a ceremonial street renaming. In June, City Council unanimously passed a resolution to rename the street after Bishop Richard Allen, a pioneering Philadelphian who was the founder and first bishop of the Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. It’s great to see this icon of the city properly honored at the location he made famous.

The PennDOT Innovations Challenge is back for the 2026-27 edition, giving high school students a chance to help solve the commonwealth’s transportation problems. Students are tasked with developing an innovative solution that helps prevent over-height vehicles from striking Pennsylvania’s bridges and tunnels.

If you know a student that would be interested, have them visit the challenge website and click on “PennDOT Innovations Challenge” by Friday, January 29, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. The statewide winning team will receive a monetary award.

My next Shredding & E-Recycling events will be held on Saturday, October 17th from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. at 343 Fairmount Ave., and on Saturday, October 31st from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Mummers Museum, 1100 S. 2nd St. These are great opportunities to safely dispose of personal and sensitive documents.

My fall Senior Fair is scheduled for Friday, October 23rd from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Holy Name Church, bringing resources to seniors and caregivers like information on healthcare, volunteer opportunities, prescription drug plans, preventing identity theft and more.

My office is always here and ready to assist you with a bevy of services. We can help with programs like Property Tax/Rent Rebate, LIHEAP, SEPTA senior fare cards, Unclaimed Property searches and more! We can also provide assistance with things like unemployment, small business resources and other senior services. Come visit us Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., at 610 N. Second Street, or give us a call at 215-503-3245, and we’ll be happy to help you.

Just a reminder that my office will be closed on Monday, October 12, and will return on Tuesday, October 13 at 9 a.m. I hope everyone has a great long weekend!

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