Dear Neighbors,

I hope this email finds you well.

I want to share with you some valuable information on state programs and services and exciting updates from around the district. My staff and I are available to assist you with your concerns and access to state-related programs and services at my Whitehall office, located at 1080 Schadt Ave., so please stop by or call 610-266-1273.

You can also send me an email by clicking here.

And thank you for allowing me into your inbox to keep you informed of what’s happening in Harrisburg and our legislative district.

It was a fabulous day at the George Taylor House, with crowds of people, vendors, reenactors and more. The weather may have been super-hot, but the number of people who came and stayed till the end was amazing.

I had the opportunity to tour the house as well and learn more about George Taylor’s role as a signer of the Declaration of Independence and the continued efforts to maintain the property for future generations.

I am fortunate to have two wonderful interns working in my office over the summer. Lillian Fares and Aileigh Mulligan have been doing such great work helping me serve you! Aileigh is a student at Elizabethtown College and Lillian attends Moravian University.

I was so glad they had a chance to visit the Capitol in Harrisburg and that they got to meet our amazing Speaker of the PA House, Joanna McClinton.

Pictured above, from left to right, are Speaker McClinton, Lillian, Aileigh, me, and another star in my office, Ida Acquino.

Congratulations to the 2026 Whitehall Township Police Department Youth Law Enforcement Academy Graduates! You all did a great job learning about your local police department and police work!

The cadets enjoyed a great year organized by Officer Matthew Christman. Residents of Whitehall Township should know that School Resource Officer Christman, Chief Michael Marks, Sergeant Shawn McHugh, School Resource Officer Quadir Carter, and Officers Sierra Keegan, Jordan Isaac, and Edwin Nistal went above and beyond serving as mentors and team leaders to this group of young cadets from the community.

Thank you to everyone involved - including the cadets' parents!

ATTENTION PPL Electric Utilities Customers:

If you lost power during the recent storms, you may be eligible for credit on your electric account for ice and water purchases.

Customers can purchase up to three 10-pound bags of ice and three gallons of water per day from any local vendor and submit their receipts for reimbursement as account credit.

Mail your receipts, including your PPL account number, to:

PPL Electric Utilities

Attn: Ice and Water

827 Hausman Road

Allentown, PA 18104

Help spread the word, so those impacted by the storms know about this available assistance.

PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Department of Education have launched a competitive grant program to expand career pathways in the heavy highway industry. From July 7 to Sept. 1, eligible educational institutions – including K-12 schools, career centers, and colleges – can apply for up to $500,000 to fund training, certifications, and on-the-job learning for skilled trades like welding, electrical work, and surveying.

With 92% of contractors struggling to fill positions and 41% of the workforce set to retire by 2031, the $12 million program addresses critical shortages. Applications must demonstrate collaboration with industry partners.

“These grants will help schools start or expand programs to expose students to the trades that will continue building Pennsylvania,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll.

The initiative builds on the Shapiro Administration’s $65 million CTE investment and supports the Commonwealth Workforce Transformation Program. Learn more at PennDOT or PDE.

Pennsylvania veterans struggling to locate lost DD-214 forms or other military documents can now get free assistance from the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. These records are essential for accessing benefits, employment, and retirement credits.

Over the past year, DMVA has handled more than 1,300 record requests. Veterans can call 1-800-547-2838, email RA-REQ@pa.gov, or visit the Lickdale Veterans’ Outreach Center in Jonestown for walk-in help. DMVA also assists with DD-215 corrections.

Pro tip: File your military papers safely as soon as you separate to avoid future headaches. For updates, sign up for the DMVA Veterans Registry at https://www.pa.gov/form/dmva/pennsylvania-veterans-registry.html.

As always, if you need help with DMVA or any other state department, agency or issue, you can contact my district office.

Summer heat can quickly become dangerous for our pets.

As the author of Victoria's Law and a supporter of stronger protections for animals, I encourage everyone to take a few extra precautions this summer. Keep pets hydrated, provide access to shade, avoid hot pavement, and never leave them in a parked vehicle.

A little extra care can save a life.

As Pride Month ended, my colleagues and I got together to take a photo dressed in colors of the rainbow to show our support and stand in solidarity with Pennsylvania’s LGBTQ+ community. While Pride Month is officially over, our commitment to treating every person with dignity, respect, and fairness continues all year long.

I was proud to join a growing group of legislators in supporting an increase in state funding for PA 211 to $2.5 million. This investment would help sustain Pennsylvania’s 24/7 connection to critical community resources while creating a stronger balance between public investment and private support for this essential statewide service.

District Office

1080 Schadt Avenue
Whitehall, PA 18052

(610) 266-1273

Pennsylvania State Capitol
38A East Wing Main Capitol

PO Box 202133

Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 772-9902