Public Transit is critical for all our communities – for employees, patients, senior citizens, and anyone who wants to see a sporting event as just some examples. We are out of time to save public transit in Pennsylvania. I joined my colleagues on Sunday and Monday to vote for the fifth time to provide funding that will maintain Pittsburgh Regional Transit and public transit across Pennsylvania to prevent cuts to service and increases to fares that started yesterday in Philadelphia and will now spread across the state.

We will be seeing major events across Pennsylvania next year, including the NFL draft in Pittsburgh and celebrations of our nation’s 250th anniversary, the MLB All-Star Game, and the World Cup in Philadelphia that will need effective public transit. I will continue fighting to get public transit the funding it needs. It is time Senate Republicans do the same, not kick the can down the road by proposing pulling funds from vital maintenance to continue transit operations.

See my remarks on this pressing issue in the video above.

Nearly 500,000 Pennsylvanians purchase health insurance through Pennie. Unfortunately, working and middle-class Pennsylvanians will see their costs go up in January 2026 because Congress and President Trump decided to extend tax cuts for billionaires but end tax credits for everyday Americans to pay for health insurance.

You can learn more about these price increases here. I will continue to fight for passage of measures to address healthcare costs, including my bipartisan bill to require transparency in hospital-based financial assistance programs (HB 79).

This Thursday marked 90 years since the establishment of Social Security. It is critical that we continue to uphold the promise of this program to our senior citizens, the disabled, and many others.

It was great to join several of my colleagues from the Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation and our staff to tour 412 Food Rescue, a non-profit that does incredible work to reduce food waste and meet the needs of those with food insecurity.

Thank you for the opportunity to learn about your efforts and the positive impact you have on our community.

I also had the opportunity to join Animal Friends for their Advocacy Summer Camp in Ohio Township and Kilbuck, where I learned from students about important issues relating to the well-being of pets and animals. It was great to see the passion and dedication of our local students on such important matters.

It was great to meet with Dennis Olson of the Duquesne University Small Business Development Center. Supported by the federal and state governments, this center helps small businesses start and grow. You can learn more about their work here.

Last Friday, our intern Shreya completed her service in our office and to our community. It was wonderful to celebrate with her and my incredible team as we wished her well for her return to college this fall. Thank you, Shreya, for all your hard work this summer!

Salk Health Activist Fellowship is a program available to graduate students and early-stage health professionals who are passionate about health equity and advocating for better policies to support the health of our communities. The deadline to apply has been extended to August 18th. You can learn more and apply here.

The PA Department of Community and Economic Development is accepting applications through August 31st for grants that can help revitalize neighborhoods and downtowns—from aesthetic improvements to security measures. Eligible applicants for the Main Street Matters program include redevelopment or housing authorities, nonprofits, community development corporations, business and neighborhood improvement districts, and local governments.  For more information, visit the DCED Website.

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. 

Pennsylvania State Capitol

101 B East Wing

PO Box 202030

Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 772-2363

District Office

9800B McKnight Road, Suite 130
Pittsburgh, PA 15237

(412) 348-8028