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.

Nonprofit board members, staffers and volunteers – if you haven’t already done so, there’s still time to register for our free Fourth Annual Nonprofit Symposium! This year’s event will be the most comprehensive yet, packed with information you need to keep your organization thriving!  Check out the highlights below, or visit this page for a more detailed agenda. Please note that the deadline to register is Tuesday, Oct. 13! If you haven’t already done so, visit this page to register!

Nearly $600,000 in state grants will fund a bike park in Wilkins Township, open space and park planning in North Braddock, an urban wood-reuse project, a community forestry workforce development program, and new tree-planting and stewardship programs around the region! Visit this page to read more!

And speaking of trees, check out the events below, hosted by Tree Pittsburgh!

Last week in the House, I voted for – and we passed – bills that would:

• Regulate the sale of natural kratom and ban the sale of synthetic kratom.
• Increase penalties for retailers who illegally sell vaping products to minors.
• Ensure healthcare coverage for menopause care, both from private insurers and Medicaid, and require employers to provide reasonable workplace accommodations to help workers experiencing pregnancy or menopause.
• Require the state?to test baby food manufactured in PA for the presence of toxic heavy metals.
• Reduce utility bills by requiring electric utilities to procure grid-stabilizing battery storage, which would help reduce peak demand and lower system costs.
• Require child care providers to inform families, staff and the state at least 30 days before permanently closing.

Visit this page to read more about these and other bills.  

Our staffer Leslie recently attended the domestic violence awareness gathering “You Are Not Alone,” a campaign to honor the memories of those killed by domestic violence and send a message to survivors that they are not alone.

The campaign was started by Colleen Bowers, top left, whose daughter Melissa was stabbed to death by her boyfriend in Carnegie in 2012. Leslie said the event was heartbreaking but also filled with beautiful remembrances.

If you or someone you love is facing domestic violence, call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit this page to connect in other ways. To find a domestic violence help program near you, visit this page.

Last week, Leslie and Rich provided state services at the North Braddock Borough Fall Festival and Parade, where residents enjoyed food and community vendors, line dancing, live entertainment by The Franchise Band, music by DJ L Beezy, and a special performance by the talented Propel School Propel Performing Arts Academy choir!

Pittsburgh Tomorrow’s Newcomer Ambassador Program matches local residents with new ones, to help newcomers feel less isolated and more supported and welcome. Apply here by Oct. 30 if you would like to volunteer as an ambassador!

Seniors – Medicare Open Enrollment is happening Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. During this time, you can join, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Part D prescription drug plans, or switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Please be aware that the state offers free, confidential advice through the PA MEDI program that can help you select the best plan for your needs and budget. Call 1-800-783-7067 or visit this page to learn more.

The state Department of Human Services has announced increases to SNAP monthly benefit amounts and income limits, meaning current beneficiaries could see higher benefits and more Pennsylvanians may now quality. Visit this page to find out if you qualify for benefits and apply. Our office is also available to help!

The Nov. 3 General Election is rapidly approaching! If you haven’t yet registered to vote, please remember that the deadline is next Monday, Oct. 19. Visit this page to register or update your registration, this page to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot by Oct. 27, and this page for more voter information.

Wishing everyone a meaningful day as we honor the history, resilience, and enduring cultures of native communities. Please be aware that our office will be closed this Monday in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, Oct. 13 for regular business hours.

Nonprofits, schools, local businesses, and county conservation districts: Applications are now open for more than $400,000 in environmental education grants, which can fund a wide range of projects, including hands-on programs for students, teacher training workshops, and community conservation projects for adults. Visit this page to learn more and apply!

You can find a list of all the latest state grant openings at this page and a handy search tool at this page. If you work or volunteer for a nonprofit, don’t forget to register for our Fourth Annual Nonprofit Symposium by Oct. 13!

Please remember that our talented staff can help you with a wide range of state-related matters, including filing applications for state programs and services, resolving questions or problems involving state benefits, assisting with unemployment issues, obtaining a PRT Senior ConnectCard or a disability placard, solving state-related problems, and much more.

Seniors and residents with a disability: if you are eligible for a rebate on property taxes or rent you paid in 2025, please remember that the deadline to apply to the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is Dec. 31! Please contact us if you have questions or need help applying!

District Office

501 Braddock Ave.
Braddock, PA 15104

(412) 273-3400

Pennsylvania State Capitol

123-B East Wing Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 783-1914