Fighting for Vaccine Access – and other Legislative Updates
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Vaccines have saved hundreds of millions of lives worldwide. Pennsylvanians who choose to receive vaccines rely upon insurance coverage for this life-saving intervention.
This week, my legislation, HB 1828, which ensures that insurance companies continue to cover vaccines without out-of-pocket costs for patients, passed the State House and now moves to the State Senate for consideration.
You can read more about the bill in PennLive here. You can listen to my remarks on the House floor here.
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Stimulant Use Disorder, involving cocaine and methamphetamines, is a serious public health issue in our Commonwealth. This week, my bipartisan legislation to establish the Contingency Management Support Grant Program passed out of the House Human Services Committee with broad support. The bill now moves to the full House for consideration.
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Supporting our Emergency Physicians
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Every day, emergency physicians care for those in need—no matter the condition or the time. I am proud and humbled to be an emergency physician and to work alongside these extraordinary clinicians.
It was wonderful to welcome members of the Pennsylvania College of Emergency Physicians to the State Capitol during their advocacy day. Thank you for all that you do to advance the health and well-being of everyone in our communities and across our Commonwealth.
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Spotlighting our Outstanding Students
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Several students in our region have had significant achievements this week.
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The North Allegheny Softball Team captured the WPISL Championship, defeating Montour 7-3. This is the team’s fifth championship overall, and first since 2020.
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The North Allegheny Cheerleaders traveled to compete in the UCA Ohio Regional, where they earned three UCA National bids with their junior varsity, varsity traditional, and gameday teams. Up next is the UCA Allegheny Regional in Pittsburgh on November 16.
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The North Allegheny Field Hockey team was runner-up for the WPIAL Championship.
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Ten students from the Avonworth School District were selected to participate in the PMEA District Band Festival in February, with five of them also chosen for the Honors Band in November. The district ranked third overall in our region, behind only North Allegheny and North Hills. These assignments include:
Honors + District Band:
- Gianna Gibson (Oboe) – 1st overall
- Emilia Bechtold (Oboe) – 4th overall
- Kaleb Amick (Horn) – 2nd overall
- Ben Cavanaugh (Tuba) – 2nd overall
- Zach Konieczki (Bass Trombone) – 1st overall
District Band:
- Elena Van Mater (Flute)
- Justin Herleman (Clarinet)
- Charlie King (Trumpet)
- Colin Anderson (Trombone)
- Brody Scigliano (Percussion)
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The North Allegheny Quiz Team earned third-place honors at the Sagacity XX Tournament. They have qualified for the HSNCT Nationals, PACE NSC, and the Eastern PA Championship Qualifier.
Congratulations to all our outstanding student athletes, musicians, and scholars on their amazing work, and best of luck with upcoming competitions and performances!
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The Emsworth Halloween Parade – and other District News
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It was wonderful to attend the Emsworth Halloween Parade and present awards to the costume winners. Thank you to the borough leadership and staff, first responders, the Avonworth Marching Band, and all the parade and costume contest participants and their families for making it a great event. Happy Halloween, everyone!
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I had the opportunity to visit St. Paul’s Child Care Preschool and Kidz Korner in McCandless to learn more about supporting childcare centers and staff, and to read to the children. I will continue to advocate for state policies that meet the needs of families in this region and across Pennsylvania.
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Election Day is Approaching
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The November 4th election is coming up. If you received a mail-in ballot, you must return it to the Allegheny County Board of Elections office downtown or to one of several drop boxes in the county, including the one at North Park Ice Rink (1200 Pearce Mill Rd.), by 8 p.m. on November 4th.
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Please remember that my talented staff can assist 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 most convenient for you by visiting my legislative website here and clicking on the accessibility icon in the lower right corner.
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
101 B East Wing
PO Box 202030
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 772-2363
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District Office
9800B McKnight Road, Suite 130
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
(412) 348-8028
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