Visiting a great Allegheny Valley business
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I had the opportunity this week to visit one of the many local businesses that help drive our economy – Pittsburgh Brewing Co. and Iron City Distilling. I enjoyed touring their new distillery and hearing about the 19th century technique they use to make their whiskey. I was also impressed that they source all their ingredients from PA, from the grain for the whiskey to the oak for the barrels. It’s always wonderful to see businesses committed to Pennsylvania and the Allegheny Valley!
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Meta settles with PA and other states over online youth safety
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In a major development this week, Meta settled a federal lawsuit with Pennsylvania and other states over how its platforms lure young internet users into addiction. As part of the $17 billion settlement, Pennsylvania stands to gain more than $516 million and Meta agreed to implement new child safety measures on its platforms, which include Facebook and Instagram.
I’m grateful to all those who pushed back against the tech giant in this case, and I recognize that this is a big win for those of us who are working for a safer online environment for our children. However, we must keep working to prevent digital harm to our children. The mental health problems, social problems, and educational difficulties that arise from unfettered digital access are too serious to ignore.
In the state House, I’m the sponsor of H.B. 1814, bipartisan legislation that would prohibit students in public schools from using or possessing a cell phone during the school day. It passed the House in June, and I will keep pushing for it until it becomes law.
Read news coverage of this week’s settlement here.
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Mark your calendar: My Senior Fair is Sept. 25
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I’m looking forward to my annual Senior Fair on Friday, Sept. 25. It will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Allegheny Valley Volunteer Fire Company, 851 Parkway Dr., Harwick. We’ll offer flu shots and blood pressure checks, help with various services and programs, and a hot, to-go meal. I hope to see you there!
Please RSVP by calling my office at 724-826-5151 or clicking here.
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Partnering with the county to help you with
tax and licensing matters
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On Sept. 14, a representative from the Office of Allegheny County Treasurer Erica Rocchi Brusselars will be at my office from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to help residents with a variety of tax and licensing matters. You can pay county property taxes, apply for the Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion or Senior Citizen Tax Relief programs, or obtain hunting, fishing, or dog licenses. I encourage residents to take advantage of these special hours at my office, located at 1296 Pittsburgh St.
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PA reports first measles deaths in 35 years
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Pennsylvania health officials announced this week that two Lancaster County residents have died from measles – the commonwealth’s first measles-related deaths in 35 years. Neither individual was from our region, but the disease has reached Allegheny County, with UPMC Children’s Hospital confirming a measles case last week. Pennsylvania has reported 393 cases across 28 counties this year.
Both Lancaster County residents who died were unvaccinated. Measles is highly preventable, with two doses of the MMR vaccine proving 97% effective at preventing measles, while one dose is about 93% effective, according to the CDC.
With students returning to school, now is a good time to check your family’s vaccination records and talk with your healthcare provider if you have questions. Read more about how to protect your children and family on the PA Department of Health website at https://www.pa.gov/agencies/health/diseases-conditions/infectious-disease/measles
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My office is hiring college interns for fall semester
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My district office, located in Cheswick, is hiring two paid college interns for the fall semester. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about state government and the legislative process while assisting the residents of our district. Click here for all the details and application information:
District Office - Intern/Temporary | Job Details tab | Career Pages
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Join Sharpsburg Borough as they celebrate 200 years
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Sharpsburg Borough is holding their First Annual Summer Jam Music Festival followed by a Drone Show on Saturday, Sept. 19. It will be at Kennedy Park and start with live music at 1 p.m. There will also be food trucks & beverage options, a live painting and more to celebrate the Sharpsburg Bicentennial.
More Information:
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Veterans services at my office
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Twice a month, a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) will be at my Cheswick office, 1296 Pittsburgh St., to assist veterans with a variety of services. The VSO will be available on the third Wednesday and Thursday of each month.
Call to schedule an appointment at (724) 826-5151.
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District Office
1296 Pittsburgh Street
Cheswick, PA 15024
(724) 826-5151
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
111 B East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 705-7141
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