- Acetaminophen & Autism
- Establishing PA’s Landslide & Sinkhole Insurance Program
- Resources for Survivors of Domestic Violence
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- RiverBOO! Park This Saturday
- Fall Farm Tour in Western PA
- And so much more!
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Landslide & Sinkhole Insurance Program Bill Advances to Senate
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“…there’s a will from both parties to create a self-replenishing state insurance fund, which could pay out up to $150,000 to policy holders if a disaster strikes.”
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Since my first day in office, I’ve been working to create an insurance program to protect homeowners from landslides, which happen regularly here in southwestern Pennsylvania. I’m proud to report that this week in Harrisburg, the PA House passed my legislation to establish this program with strong bipartisan support and is heading to the Senate. I want to thank Rep. Valerie Gaydos and all others who have supported this effort over the years.
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Too many families lose everything to landslides or sinkholes with no safety net. Pennsylvania homeowners deserve the option to purchase insurance for these disasters, just like they can for floods and other natural disasters.
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House Passes Background Checks for All Firearms
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This week the House also passed legislation (H.B. 1593) to require background checks for all firearm purchases. Gun violence is absolutely out of control in the United States and commonsense measures like this will help keep firearms away from those who wish to harm others. I am proud to be a co-sponsor this bill and look forward to advancing similar firearm safety policies in the future.
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New Legislation Protecting Survivors of Domestic Violence
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As Domestic Violence Awareness Month begins, I joined my colleagues state Reps. Nate Davidson and Justin Fleming in introducing two bills designed to hold repeat Protection from Abuse Order violators accountable and give courts better tools to protect survivors of domestic violence.
PFAs are only as strong as the enforcement behind them. When abusers violate these orders and face little or no consequences, the belief that the system will not protect survivors is reinforced. With these bills, we are sending a clear message: PFAs will be enforced, and those who defy them will be held accountable.
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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
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Learn about protections available to survivors here. If you or someone you know is currently affected by domestic violence, Crisis Center North provides local, free, and confidential support. Survivors may call their 24/7 hotline at 412-364-5556 or text 1-877-522-6093.
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Budget Impasse Threatens Resources for Sexual Violence Survivors
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“Many centers have already had to slash benefits, furlough staff and max out lines of credit; some are considering temporarily closing if this goes on much longer.”
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After being flat funded in the state budget for the last five years, Pennsylvania’s rape crisis centers were already on the verge of collapse. As the state budget impasse enters its fourth month, many of these critical support centers are considering closing.
Read more about how they are struggling to keep their doors open for survivors.
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The House Majority Policy Committee held a hearing this week addressing harmful misinformation from the White House after they announced a supposed link between acetaminophen and autism.
These claims have been thoroughly debunked and refuted by multiple organizations and medical professionals, as our hearing demonstrated.
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Federal government shutdown does not serve the people
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Republicans control both chambers in Congress and the White House. The GOP is fully responsible for this shutdown. They continue to govern cruelly, cutting SNAP and Medicaid, eliminating tax credits for healthcare, and driving up the costs of essentials like groceries and energy bills for everyday Americans.
Their cruelty reverberates in our state legislature, too. Here in Harrisburg, the inability of Republicans to govern is hurting our schools, starving local organizations, and abandoning our communities. My Democratic colleagues and I will continue to do everything in our power to govern in a way that best serves the people of Pennsylvania. I am calling on Republicans in Congress and in our state Senate to do the same – stop the chaos, stop the cruelty, and finally put people over politics.
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Fall Farm Tour with House Ag Committee
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As we enter fall, my colleagues and I on the House Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee were grateful to join state Agriculture Secretary Redding and many Western PA Ag leaders at Harvest Valley Farms for a great conversation on the future of farming in our Commonwealth.
I’m so proud to see farmers in Western PA leading the way toward a stronger food system for all of Pennsylvania!
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Fighting Hunger with the Capitol All-Stars
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While the Capitol All-Stars game has been postponed, we were still able to raise $55,000 to support Pennsylvania’s charitable food network – that’s over 220,000 meals for Pennsylvanians facing food insecurity!
I want to thank everyone who is working to fight hunger in our Commonwealth. Stay tuned for updates on the Capitol All-Stars game happening in Spring 2026.
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Ross Township Community Day
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There was something fun for everyone at Ross Township’s Community Day on Saturday! My team and I had a blast connecting with so many of you.
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We also had a great time tabling at Avalon’s annual Touch a Truck event, which provides the unique opportunity for children and adults to experience up close the firetrucks, construction vehicles, and other big rigs that keep our community running.
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Congratulations to Ross Township Manager Ron Borczyk for recognized as a "Life Long Connector" by CONNECT – The Congress of Neighboring Communities. I’m proud to work together with leaders like Ron in to make our corner of Allegheny County a better place to live, work, and play for everyone!
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Join Senator Lindsey Williams and me from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Oct. 30, at the Ross Township Community Center (1000 Ross Municipal Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15237) for some Halloween fun! We’ll be sharing the latest information on state programs, along with dozens of health-related vendors offering resources for local seniors.
Contact my office for more information.
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Banned books week is Oct. 5-11. Check out Carnegie Library’s activities and information about protecting the freedom to read.
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If you have questions about anything in this email or need assistance with any state-related matter, my staff and I are here to help! Reach out at RepKinkead@pahouse.net or call 412-321-5523.
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
116-B East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 787-5470
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District Office
658 Lincoln Ave.
Bellevue, PA 15202
(412) 321-5523
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