The last several weeks have shown us what strength in numbers and united community purpose truly looks like. Together, we’ve rallied, shared stories, and stood firm against the proposal from the PA Department of Corrections to close SCI Rockview and the Quehanna Boot Camp. These are more than just buildings—they are lifelines for hundreds of workers, their families, and the economic vitality of our region.  

I want you to know that I am fully committed to fighting for the future of both Rockview and Quehanna. At a rally in Harrisburg, I stood alongside corrections officers, staff, union representatives, and legislators to voice our collective opposition to closure. This is not just about preserving jobs; it’s about protecting the fabric of our community and ensuring transparency and accountability in decisions that affect us all.  

The potential economic impact of these closures would be staggering, with an estimated $118 million annual hit to our area. Beyond the numbers, it would uproot families, disrupt lives, and jeopardize the highly specialized programs that are making a profound difference for rehabilitation and public safety.  

I have held multiple listening sessions across our district to hear directly from those affected and, in doing so, I've heard a lot and learned a lot. It is not at all clear that closing these facilities would save the commonwealth money, and many of the needed repairs used as rationale for closure appear to have already been completed. Furthermore, I am concerned that taxpayers could be saddled with excessive ongoing maintenance costs as has happened in previous prison closures - with absolutely no public benefit. 

The Department must also address concerns about operational capacity and safety for both inmates and staff and the specialized mental health and medical programs.  

I called out these inconsistencies and concerns at the DOC’s Centre County public hearing and requested full information on all repairs and upgrades already completed and currently underway, as well as a detailed breakdown of the purported future savings, along with mothballing and ongoing maintenance costs should all or part of the facility be closed.  

The Department must also address concerns about operational capacity and safety for both inmates and staff and the specialized mental health and medical programs.  

This fight transcends party lines. It’s about people—our neighbors, friends, and families. We all deserve clear answers and a transparent process. Thank you for your continued support and engagement on this issue and know that I will continue to advocate tirelessly for the best outcome for everyone affected.  

If you could not attend the hearing, you can still provide feedback to the Department of Corrections until May 10th by emailing ra-crdocclose@pa.gov or leaving a voicemail at 888-316-8950. Make your voice heard! 

Speaking of supporting rural communities, I recently participated in a regional policy summit on Pathways to Rural Prosperity and Small-Town Resilience, sponsored by the Council of State Governments in Portland, Maine.

There I joined fellow legislators, staff, and experts from across the Northeast U.S. to discuss and explore creative approaches to some of the most pressing challenges affecting our rural areas, including housing, healthcare, and public transportation.

The connections I made and information I gathered will be a huge help in my work as a member of the PA Rural Population Revitalization Commission. 

Stay tuned. More to come! 

As many of you know, I love fly-fishing and have long been a passionate advocate for clean water and protecting our precious aquatic resources and habitats. Recently, I had the privilege of attending two events that highlight the incredible work being done in our community to preserve our local waterways.  

First, I joined the Second Annual State of the Watershed event hosted by the Spring Creek Watershed Commission at the Millbrook Marsh Nature Center. This organization, which I proudly chaired while on College Township Council, brings together local municipalities, governmental agencies, and environmental groups to monitor watershed health, restore habitats, and tackle stormwater challenges. 

Later that day, I attended a legislative briefing and luncheon with the PA Fish & Boat Commission at Fisherman’s Paradise. We talked about conservation officer training, legislative priorities and recent successes in dam removal and habitat restoration. 

Days like this help reaffirm the importance of our commitment to safeguarding central Pennsylvania’s natural beauty and ecological health. 

And last week, I once again had the pleasure of helping Fish and Boat Commission staff and community volunteers stock trout, including some beautiful trophy-sized golden and rainbow trout along Bald Eagle Creek.

The Commission stocks 3.2M fish annually to help support outdoor recreational opportunities across the commonwealth! We started at the hatchery in Pleasant Gap where we loaded the tanker trucks and then caravanned to the creek where we released them. Check out the video of my day. 

While in Harrisburg, I had the privilege of welcoming Penn State students and administrators to the State Capitol for PSU Advocacy Day. It is always inspiring to witness the energy and passion of Penn State’s best ambassadors - the students themselves - as they advocate for fair funding and share the incredible impact of the university on our commonwealth. 

As a proud supporter of public education, I always emphasize the importance of Penn State. Investing in our commonwealth’s largest public university strengthens our workforce, drives innovation, and builds a brighter future for Pennsylvania. 

Thank you to everyone who participated and made their voice heard. Your advocacy is a powerful testament to the importance and enduring spirit of Penn State. 

Click here to watch a video of me speaking about the importance of advocacy initiatives.  

I also recently stood alongside my PA House Democratic colleagues to support legislation that would establish a state-level Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for hardworking Pennsylvanians. This would mirror the existing federal credit and is designed to put more money back into the hands of those who need it most—our working families.  

The EITC is a proven, pro-growth policy that supports individuals and strengthens local economies by encouraging work and spending within our communities. For example, if Pennsylvania had this credit in 2023, the average eligible family would have received a tax credit of approximately $650 from the Commonwealth in 2024.  

By aligning Pennsylvania with the 32 other states that already offer a state-level EITC, we can take a meaningful step toward reducing poverty, rewarding work, and fostering economic stability for countless families across the Commonwealth.

Watch the video below to discover why this crucial legislation is a game-changer for our community. 

The nicer (mostly!) weather has also meant more opportunities to attend local events – such as the grand opening of the Nittany Meadows Goat Dairy, Earth Day and Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) celebrations, award presentations, and judging the National Civics Bee hosted by the Chamber for Business and Industry of Centre County. I’ve also had many folks and organizations visit me in Harrisburg.

Click on the video below for a sampling!  

And finally, I want you to know that I continue to hear you and share your deep concern and anger with the current chaos and incompetence in Washington, D.C. 

As your state representative, I remain laser-focused on protecting Pennsylvanians and minimizing the negative impacts of these reckless and harmful decisions. 

But while we are doing everything we can in Harrisburg, I urge you to make your voice heard by contacting our federal elected officials. Demand that they: 

• Keep their hands off Social Security, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act. 
• Restore funding for life-saving medical and agricultural research. 
• Honor their financial commitments to farmers, schools, teachers, and scientists.  
• Support our veterans, service members, and foreign allies. 
• Uphold the rule of law and ensure due process for everyone, including green-card holders, international students, and U.S. citizens. 

And finally, ask why billionaires need more tax breaks while the rest of us are burdened with higher taxes and inflation thanks to the Trump tariffs. 

Remember, these elected officials work for YOU, the American people. Your voice matters. Please reach out to them today and let them know where you stand. 

Pennsylvania State Capitol

103-B East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 772-0750

District Office

216 W. Hamilton Ave.
State College, PA 16801

(814) 308-0569