As the sponsor of a bipartisan bill that would restrict cell phone use in schools, I was impressed by the evidence on the benefits of restricting phone use for students at a joint committee hearing on the issue this week. The House Education and Health committees heard testimony from several educators and experts who detailed the academic, emotional, social and safety benefits of restricting cell phones in schools. They explained how unfettered access to phones during the school day can contribute to distractions, cyberbullying, and reduced engagement in the classroom.

Yet Pennsylvania remains one of the states without a statewide standard restricting phone use in schools. My H.B. 1814, currently pending in the Education Committee, would require all public schools to restrict student cell phone possession and use during the school day, with exceptions for certain emergency and medical needs approved by school authorities.

Read more about the hearing here.

On a bipartisan vote, the House this week approved my bill to help conserve land and protect vulnerable habitats by making it easier for the Pennsylvania Game Commission to acquire land in certain counties. H.B. 1811 would remove a price-per-acre cap on PGC purchases in counties of the first through fifth classes, which will mean THOUSANDS OF ADDITIONAL acres of forest protected! Under current law, PGC purchases are capped at $400 per acre, except in counties of the second class.

My bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. You can watch my floor speech by clicking on the link below.

I was pleased to announce this week that the Commonwealth Financing Authority awarded $345,000 to invest in projects that will benefit our local economy. Grants from the Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund will fund four projects in our district. Read more about the awards here.

I was thrilled to welcome my district office interns to the Capitol this week. Sanaa Ballenger and Kim Francisco Martinez are doing great work and are on paths to make a real impact in the world!

With more families struggling to put food on the table, my office is serving as a drop-off site for food donations. If you are able, please consider donating non-perishable food items, which we will deliver weekly to food banks and pantries in our area. Stop by any weekday between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at my Cheswick office at 1296 Pittsburgh St.

State officials are warning veterans of a scam using a direct-mail postcard claiming to offer an extra $160 in benefits checks through something called the “PA Veteran Savings Program 2025.”  This fake program does not actually exist. It urges veterans to call within five days, a tactic often used to pressure older folks into responding quickly.

If you or your veteran family member are solicited by scams such as this, contact the PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) at 800-547-2838. Accredited Veteran Service Officers are available at no cost to provide guidance, confirm legitimacy, and help protect veterans from scams that threaten their financial well-being.

District Office

1296 Pittsburgh Street

Cheswick, PA 15024

(724) 826-5151

Pennsylvania State Capitol

111 B East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 705-7141