Opposing the Big Terrible Bill, reforming cyber charters, scam alert, Safer PA event

Opposing the Big Terrible Bill, reforming cyber charters, scam alert, Safer PA event – and more!

Rep. Arvind Venkat June 6, 2025 | 2:43 PM

Protecting Lifesaving Access to Care

As an emergency physician, I have seen the devastating impact to patients who delay treatment because they lack health care coverage. The Affordable Care Act changed things for the better by expanding Medicaid and making millions of people eligible for insurance, but the Trump administration’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” threatens to rip away that critical access. Earlier this week, I joined colleagues at the state Capitol to speak out against this legislation. You can listen to my remarks here.

Growing Our Ranks of Physicians

PA is facing a shortage of physicians. To address the problem, I introduced legislation with Rep. Kristin Marcell that would boost hiring of J-1 Visa Waiver physicians where they are needed most. Earlier this week, the House Health Committee advanced our legislation by a bipartisan majority, and it now heads for full House consideration. Click here or on the image above to hear my remarks in committee.

How We Voted This Week in the House

Cyber charters are public schools paid for by tax dollars, yet taxpayers have no input or oversight regarding how these school spend that money.

This week, my colleagues and I took steps to make these schools accountable by passing the Cyber Charter Reform Act . The act would bring an estimated half billion dollars back to public schools and taxpayers each year, including the Avonworth, Hampton, and North Allegheny School Districts, through commonsense reforms like setting a standardized, state-wide regular education tuition rate and banning incentives like gifts or vacations to get parents to enroll their kids.

I also voted for – and the House passed – bills that would:

Encourage better eating with the Pennsylvania Food Bucks Program.
Reduce barriers to contraceptive health care.
Support research on neurodegenerative conditions.
Improve access to social work services and professional counseling.
Prohibit dangerous asphalt sealants.
Allow eligible Property Tax/Rent Rebate claimants to get their rebate earlier.
Increase Lottery revenue to serve older Pennsylvanians.
Combat blight with contact information for property owners.
Help incarcerated people about to return to their community.
Ban the deceptive sales practice of “speculative ticketing.”

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

In other news from the Capitol, I was pleased to welcome North Allegheny students to Harrisburg for GirlGov, a program sponsored by the Women and Girls Foundation of Southwestern PA to encourage participation by young women in government. We need more women in positions of power.

Around the District

It was wonderful joining neighbors, advocates, and fellow lawmakers Sunday to help kick off Pride Month!

It’s always exciting engaging with student advocates. This week, I got to meet with students from the Youth Enrichment Services of Pittsburgh as we discussed the need for greater investment in afterschool programs. I want to thank these civic-minded students for their time and excellent advocacy.

As an Indian American legislator, I was honored to join my colleagues Reps. Jessica Benham and John Inglis to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at the Carnegie Library in Carrick. Thank you to the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Pittsburgh for inviting me!

I recently visited Hampton High School and was impressed by the detailed and thoughtful projects developed by ninth grade students, who researched ways to improve our community through emergency preparedness, adding sidewalks, and preserving green spaces.

Last week, my staff and I joined AAA Wexford and the Port Authority of Allegheny County for a peeling license plate event. I will be expediting the applications received as part of my office’s constituent services.

Please remember that my office can help with many transportation-related needs, including obtaining a Senior Citizen ConnectCard or disability placard or applying for a reduced vehicle registration fee. Seniors with an annual income of $29,906 or less may qualify. Visit this page or contact my office at 412-348-8028 to learn more.

Upcoming Events

Join me and advocates from CeaseFirePA for a community forum and Q&A on how we can reduce gun violence. The event will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 12 at St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church, 2365 McAleer Rd., in Franklin Park. A live stream of the event will also be available at this page.

Jobseekers – mark your calendar for the Summer Job Fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, June 13, at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Main Branch (4400 Forbes Avenue). The event will feature hiring professionals from a variety of industries as well as career and personal development resources. For questions, please contact sknox@jfcspgh.org.

Steer Clear of This Scam Targeting Drivers

In other transportation news, PennDOT has received reports about scammers trying to impersonate the agency or DMV to obtain personal data, such as bank account information, through a tactic known as smishing. The scam messages claim the recipient’s failure to pay an outstanding fee could result in additional fines, a suspended vehicle registration, or suspended driving privileges if not acted on immediately.

Please remember that PennDOT does not send texts about traffic violations or fines. You can read more here.

House Fellowship Program Now Accepting Applications

for the Fall

The PA House of Representatives Legislative Fellowship Program is currently accepting applications through July 1 for the Fall 2025 program. Based in the Harrisburg state Capitol building, the program offers fellows a chance to work on a committee or in a House leadership office, draft and present their own legislation, meet public officials, and more.

The program is available to college juniors or seniors, graduate students, or law school students who are enrolled in a PA college or university (or are PA residents enrolled in out of state schools) and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. You can learn more here and apply at pahousefellowship@pabmc.net.

Finding Funding and Help With State Services

This is a reminder that the state has a handy tool to help search for grants. Visit this page to search, and this page for a list of all the latest programs.

Please remember that my talented staff can help you with a variety of state-related matters, from filing for a Property Tax/Rent Rebate to obtaining a disability placard or senior bus pass – to name just a few. Contact us or stop by 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.