In this update:

• Animal Vaccines for Veterans’ Pets 10/30
• How I Voted in Harrisburg
• Free Dental, Hearing, and Vision Exams

• Police Expo
• Breast Cancer Awareness Month
• And so much more!

Please note that my office will be closed on Monday, October 13 in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day and will reopen on Tuesday, October 14.

We are now over 100 days into the state budget impasse, and candidly, I can no longer pretend that this is a problem of the legislature at large. State Senate Republicans are the ones holding up our ability to finish the job. This week, for the third time this year, my colleagues in the PA House—both Democrats and Republicans—sent a bipartisan, balanced, no-tax-increase budget to the Senate, specifically addressing the concerns raised by the Senate Majority.

And for the third time, they have walked away from the table. Instead, they have repeatedly pushed for passing a copy-and-paste version of last year’s budget, which fails to address rising costs for our police and other essential services, while also falling short of our constitutional obligation to continue increasing the state’s share of public school funding. In short, passing last year’s budget would result in cuts to services and would be unconstitutional.

In the House, we are doing everything we can to deliver a budget that keeps Pennsylvania moving forward. We take our responsibility to govern and serve Pennsylvanians very seriously. What the Senate is doing is not governing—it is playing politics with the lives of real Pennsylvanians, who can least afford to be political footballs.

Schools, counties, and community organizations – like rape crisis centers and Head Start programs – are all feeling the effects of Senate inaction and have been forced to cut services or take out loans to cover expenses normally paid for with state funding.

Please join me in calling on Senate Republican leaders to come back to Harrisburg and pass the House state budget that funds schools and services, does not increase taxes, and is based on thoughtful compromise and a commitment to govern.

In addition to passing a budget bill for the third time, we advanced some other great legislation to the Senate this week:

• H.B. 145 – Protecting workers by allowing them to collect unemployment compensation benefits if their unemployment is due to a stoppage of work because of a labor dispute.
• H.B. 1701 – Supporting safe school infrastructure by creating a school facilities inventory within the state Department of Education.
• H.B. 1702 – Modernizing our state liquor laws by allowing businesses with liquor licenses to have premixed cocktails on tap, just like beer.

Visit pahouse.com/deliveringforpa to read more about the many bills we’ve passed this session, like my bill to create a state-run landslide insurance program.

Each October, my colleagues and I gather at the Capitol for Breast Cancer Awareness Month to honor survivors, support those currently fighting, and remember loved ones lost to breast cancer. It is also a time to raise awareness, encourage early detection, and stand united in hope of a cure.

As part of this effort, the Capitol fountain is dyed pink in October—a visible symbol of our shared commitment to raising breast cancer awareness.

Click here to learn about the PA Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.

Casey and I kicked off this trunk or treat season at the Ross Township Municipal Building. We had a lovely afternoon full of fun, candy, costumes, and shared the powerful reminder that mental health matters.

Danielle tabled at Brighton Heights Citizens Federation’s final Summer Concert Series event in Legion Park on Saturday, sharing the joy of live music and providing attendees with information about state services.

Rob and I had a wonderful day at Riverview Park Day on Sunday! The weather was beautiful, the community spirit was strong, and it was great to connect with so many of our neighbors. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our table to say hello!

Remember to verify your voter registration status before October 20 you can vote in the municipal election on November 4.

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.

RiverBOO! Park 5K on Friday, October 10. Volunteers are needed. If interested, please email Christine.Whispell@pittsburghpa.gov.

Check out Carnegie Library’s activities and information about protecting the freedom to read.

Volunteers are needed for West View’s Community Clean Up Day on October 18. Contact lynnwebster@wvcapgh.org for more information.

Recycling collection event for e-waste and more on Saturday, October 18.

RSVP here for the Pittsburgh Police Expo happening October 24.

Free dental, hearing, and vision examinations are available at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center on October 24 and 25.

Animal Friends will support veterans and current service members by providing free vaccinations for their cats and dogs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on October 30. Proof of military or veteran status is required. No appointments are necessary. Microchips and treatments for fleas and ticks will also be available for an additional cost.

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.

Pennsylvania State Capitol

116-B East Wing

Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 787-5470

District Office

658 Lincoln Ave.

Bellevue, PA 15202
(412) 321-5523