Dear Neighbor,
Earlier this week, the House returned to fall session to continue working on the budget and to pass a package of gun-violence prevention bills. One of those bills was my HB 1859, also known as Extreme Risk Protection Orders. Sadly, the bill did not pass out of the House, failing 101-102 with every single Republican & one Democrat voting NO. I could not be more disappointed in my colleagues who are choosing politics over people. These bills will save lives and they are needed now more than ever as gun violence continues to haunt our communities.
While I was on the way to the Capitol, my family experienced a medical emergency and I had to turn around and go home. But my prepared remarks were submitted for the record, and I want to share them with you. You can read my remarks here: ERPO legislation. My commitment to ending gun violence will not be deterred by Republican legislators who abdicate their responsibility. I will not stop working until ERPO becomes law in Pennsylvania.
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Annual Senior Fair!
It’s important to me that local seniors have up-to-date information on government programs and services, plus easy access to vaccines, so I’m excited to host my annual Senior Fair on October 23. It will be from 9 am to noon at the Springfield YMCA, 194 W. Sproul Rd.
You can get your flu shot and COVID vaccine from local pharmacists, so bring your insurance cards. My staff and I will be on hand to answer questions and offer direction on a host of programs and services. For instance, do you have your SEPTA senior card? Are you getting your property tax rebate? We can help with those and more. We’ll have staff from SEPTA and other government agencies in attendance, and we’ll have vendors from home healthcare agencies and local non-profits that serve seniors.
I hope to see you there!
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Join us for a Mental Health Fair in Media
My office has teamed up with ZenCare Express to host a Mental Health Fair next Saturday, October 11. We’ll be outside the county courthouse between 11 am and 2 pm, so stop by for fun hands-on activities, local mental health resources, wellness demos, food trucks, and more!
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House approves my resolutions on suicide prevention and sensitivity
Suicide is a serious, but preventable, public health problem. Raising awareness about it and removing the stigma surrounding it are important steps in preventing it. I’m grateful that the House recently approved on bipartisan votes my resolutions seeking increased awareness and sensitivity. H.R. 291 recognized September as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in Pennsylvania, and H.R. 313 encourages the use of sensitive language when discussing suicides to help reduce the associated stigma.
For more information on the issue, visit the websites for the International Association for Suicide Prevention and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
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High schoolers: Tap your creativity for youth suicide prevention
The Office of Mental Health Substance Abuse Services is partnering with Prevent Suicide PA to run the 2026 PSA contest for Youth Suicide Prevention. They’re looking for powerful public service announcements to spread awareness about youth suicide. It’s your chance to make a difference, so check out the details in the notice below.
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PA joins Northeast Public Health Collaborative
Public health threats don’t respect state lines. That’s why Gov. Shapiro has announced that Pennsylvania will join several neighboring states in the Northeast Public Health Collaborative. This voluntary coalition strengthens public health by coordinating responses to disease outbreaks, improving vaccine access, and ensuring equitable care for all.
While each state keeps its independence, shared planning allows us to be better prepared and ensure science and evidence guide our public health decisions. Learn more about the collaborative here.
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Delco Arts Week starts tomorrow
Delco Arts Week runs from October 4 to 12, and various events will be held around the county for arts lovers of all ages. To see a list of all the events, visit delcoarts.org.
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Check out Media’s State Street Fall Festival & Springfield’s Family Fun Day on Sunday
The Media Business Authority will once again host its popular fall festival Sunday, with vendors, live music, a food court, and kids zone. So stop by and enjoy! Springfield is also hosting their Family Fun Day on Sunday. My office will be at Springfield Family Fun Day with coloring books, stickers, resources, and more! Make sure to stop by and say hello!
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College scholarship opportunities for PA students
To honor Pennsylvania’s historically strong commitment to education, the state commission planning America’s 250th anniversary celebration will award $250,000 in scholarships to deserving PA students attending in-state colleges next school year. Any Pennsylvania high school senior who plans to attend a PA college for 2026-27 may apply. Twenty-five scholarships, totaling $10,000 each, will be awarded by the America250PA commission.
Applications are due January 31, 2026. More details can be found here.
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Be safe: Observe Fire Prevention Week
Next week is Fire Prevention Week, the perfect time to make sure your home is protected from fire dangers. So test your smoke detectors and make sure you have a fire escape plan, among other precautions. For more information, visit the website for the National Fire Protection Association.
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Beware of this text scam
Scammers are sending fake texts pretending to be from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, trying to steal your personal and financial information by promising a refund. Don’t reply or click on any links.
The Department of Revenue does NOT send unsolicited text messages asking for your banking info or Social Security number. To safely check your refund status, visit myPATH or call 1-888-PATAXES. If you have questions or want to report a scam, contact the Department of Revenue at 717-425-2495, Ext. 72267
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Upcoming Events:
Dining Under the Stars
Weekly on Wednesdays, starting at 5 pm
State Street in Media
Swarthmore Farmers Market
Weekly on Saturdays, 9 am to 12 pm
Swarthmore Borough Parking Lot
Media Farmers Market
Weekly on Sundays, 10 am to 1 pm
Edgemont Avenue, between State and Front streets
Media State Street Fall Festival
Sunday, October 5, 11 am to 5 pm
State Street, downtown Media
Springfield Family Fun Day
Sunday, October 5, 11 am to 3 pm
50 Powell Road
Mental Health Fair 2025
Saturday, October 11, 11 am to 2 pm
201 W. Front St., Media
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
217 Irvis Office Building
P.O. Box 202165
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2165
(717) 783-4090
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District Office
26 E. 4th Street
Media, PA 19063-3042
(610) 544-9878
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