Many Pennsylvanians rely on their local pharmacies to receive vaccines. Unfortunately, new federal policies are set to threaten that access.

This week, following Governor Shapiro’s urging, the State Board of Pharmacy took action to provide immediate relief from barriers to receiving vaccines in pharmacies. But more work remains to ensure this threat is removed permanently.

That is why I am partnering with Reps. Khan, Kosierowski, and O’Mara to introduce legislation that will protect Pennsylvanians’ access to vaccines administered by pharmacists across our state.

You can read our proposal here. You can also learn more about this effort and what the Shapiro administration is doing to expand vaccine access in TribLive and Erie News Now.

I was proud to join local and state leaders in standing with the men and women of organized labor at the Pittsburgh Labor Day Parade. It was also great to see the North Allegheny Marching Band during the festivities. Be sure to thank a union for the protections and benefits so many of us often take for granted in the workplace.

Pittsburgh and our region are defined by the Three Rivers. It was great to join the House Democratic Policy Committee, along with several of my colleagues, including Reps. Goughnour and Kinkead, to discuss how waterfront development tax credits have benefited our rivers and how continuing these credits will help them keep thriving.

I had the opportunity to join PennEnvironment, the PA Solar Center, Pittsburgh Public Schools, and Rep. Mandy Steele to discuss the potential monetary savings of installing solar panels at our schools. The state’s Solar for Schools program is crucial for advancing this initiative in our community and across Pennsylvania.

I enjoyed visiting the DePaul School for Hearing and Speech to learn about their homegrown apprenticeship program for training teachers of students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Thank you for all that you do to educate and support individuals with hearing and speech impairments.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will be closing the Kilbuck Access Ramp, which provides fishing and boating access to the Ohio River, at the beginning of next week. A new boat ramp will be constructed during the closure, which will take place from Sept. 8–10.

Anglers and boaters are advised to plan accordingly and use alternate access points to the Ohio River. Options include the New Brighton Access downstream or other local access points.

The Allegheny Regional Asset District has announced a year-long expansion of its RAD Pass platform, which provides Allegheny County library cardholders with free and discounted access to some of the region’s most beloved cultural destinations.

This program removes the cost barrier for classic attractions such as the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

You can learn more about this expanded program and the participating organizations here.

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