We had a productive, engaged dialogue at last Thursday’s town hall to discuss strengthening our storm response at all levels of government. Representatives from PEMA and local emergency management discussed storm preparedness and responded to residents’ questions as we discussed ways we can work together for better results.

Among other topics, we discussed the importance of being more engaged with neighbors and keeping an eye on each another – particularly when it comes to older and more vulnerable neighbors.

You can find information about severe weather alert tools here, general county emergency services information here, and a copy of the Pennsylvania Emergency Preparedness Guide here. You can also pick up a hard copy of the guide at our office.

To improve storm response at the state level, I have introduced legislation with my colleagues Reps. Mandy Steele and Valerie Gaydos that would require PEMA to share weather emergency notifications with state legislative offices and create a direct communication channel for our offices. Click on the image above to hear more!

Last week in the PA House, I supported – and the House passed – legislation that would:

• Safeguard hotel workers from assault by requiring employers to provide devices that serve as “panic buttons” for employees working alone servicing guestrooms.
• Protect the rights of children in youth development centers and other facilities that hold children in custody.
• Provide counsel for children in juvenile facilities.
• Protect consumers by requiring companies to provide notification before each automatic renewal, be transparent about renewal terms, and allow subscribers to cancel their subscription services exclusively online if they initially subscribed online.
• Protect access to Pre-K Counts programs.
• Guide modification of child custody orders to keep the focus on the best interests of the child.
• Encourage restoration and reuse of old factory buildings.

Visit this page to read more about bills being considered and other House news.

If you’re searching for state grant funding, please remember that the state has a handy search tool, which you can find here. Visit this page to see a list of all the latest grant openings.

Finally, please remember that our talented staff can help with a wide range of state-related services, from filing for a Property Tax/Rent Rebate to obtaining a Senior ConnectCard or disability placard, to solving questions or problems involving any state agency. Contact us to see how we can help!

You can read my e-newsletter in a way that’s preferable to you by visiting my legislative website here and clicking on the accessibility icon in the lower right corner.

Pennsylvania State Capitol

123-B East Wing Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 783-1914

District Office

501 Braddock Ave.
Braddock, PA 15104

(412) 273-3400