Dear Neighbor,

With children back in school, I wish our children and educators a happy and successful year of learning—and a safe one, too. Please remember to use caution in school zones and around buses and kids walking to and from school. Everyone must play a role in keeping students safe.

Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law requires motorists to stop at least 10 feet away from school buses with red lights flashing and the stop arm extended. Penalties include a $250 fine, a 60-day license suspension, and five points on your driving record.

Drivers should also obey school zone speed limits and avoid using their phones (a new law bans hand-held phones while driving in Pennsylvania). Parents should ensure that children know the safest route to their school or bus stop, and students should keep their headphones off whenever they are near traffic.

As Labor Day approaches, I’m proud to say that my House colleagues and I have been fighting for PA workers on the issues that really matter. One is my House Bill 200, dubbed The Family Care Act, which would provide paid family and medical leave for Pennsylvania workers. Here’s a sampling of other bills we’ve advanced:

• A higher minimum wage of $15 per hour by 2029.
• Unemployment compensation for striking workers in PA.
• OSHA standards for Pennsylvania’s public workers.
• Requirements aimed at preventing workplace violence in the healthcare sector.

I’ve also supported recent state budgets that help eligible working families keep more of what they earn and make significant investments in workforce training, apprenticeships, and career pathways.

I greatly appreciate the contributions that all of our workers make to our communities and economy. You deserve respect and recognition for your hard work and I hope you’re able to take the day to relax and recharge this Labor Day.

In observance of Labor Day, my office will be closed Monday and will reopen Tuesday, Sept. 8.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, share resources, and remind one another that help is always available. Suicide is a national public health crisis, causing immeasurable pain for people, families, and communities.

If you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts, know that it’s easy to find help. Simply dial 988 to reach one of the state’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Call Centers, staffed 24/7 with trained counselors. It’s free and confidential.

For more information on the issue and the September prevention efforts, visit the website for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Congratulations to Media on Plum Street Plaza being recognized as a 2026 Great Place in PA! If you haven't had a chance to visit the newly renovated space, make sure to stop by next time you're in Media! You can read more about it at https://shorturl.at/J15JU

I was thrilled to see so many people turn out Monday for my event to address the national blood crisis at Media Community Center. I teamed up with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive after the Red Cross declared a national blood crisis for only the second time in its history.  Blood donations have fallen to a four-year summer low.

If you were unable to make it but are interested in donating, find information about the Red Cross’ blood donation centers in Southeastern Pennsylvania here.

I was deeply saddened last week to learn of the passing of Phil Eastman, a dedicated member of the Springfield School District Board of Directors and a valued member of our community. My heartfelt condolences go out to Phil's family, loved ones, fellow school board members, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. Please join me in keeping his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Are you a retiree earning less than $30,778 a year? You may qualify for a reduced vehicle registration fee of $12 through PennDOT. My office can help you check your eligibility and complete the application, so feel free to contact us for assistance. You can also learn more here.

Amateur photographers in PA have an opportunity to win money, earn credit for their work, and raise awareness about littering. It’s the Lens on Litter Photo Contest. I encourage any adult and student photographers from our area to consider entering. The deadline is Oct. 31.

Additional information can be found at www.prc.org/lens-litter/.

Sincerely,

District Office

26 E. 4th Street

Media, PA 19063-3042
(610) 544-9878

Pennsylvania State Capitol
217 Irvis Office Building

P.O. Box 202165

Harrisburg, PA 17120-2165
(717) 783-4090