My office will be closed from Wednesday, November 26 through Friday, November 28 for Thanksgiving. I hope you all have an enjoyable and restful holiday.

If you need assistance with any state-related issues during the time we are closed, please leave a message at (412) 348-8028 or email us at repvenkat@pahouse.net. We will contact you once we reopen on Monday.

Epinephrine is the definitive therapy for severe allergic reactions. With the development of nasal epinephrine, our state laws need to reflect modern pharmacy formulations for use in schools, now and into the future.

This week, the House Health Committee unanimously approved my bipartisan legislation, H.B. 1043, to update our Public School Code on the use of epinephrine to treat severe allergic reactions in schools. You can see my remarks on the legislation in the video above.

I had the honor of welcoming my fall legislative intern, Ally Braunsdorf, to the Capitol this week where she also met Speaker Joanna McClinton.

A junior at the University of Pittsburgh, Ally studies political science, art and architectural history, and international studies. Ally has been working in my district office for this semester through the Internship & Seminar program at Pitt’s Institute of Politics.

Ally, thank you for all your hard work and dedication to public service!

I am proud to have partnered with Senators Williams, Robinson, and Fontana as well as Reps. Powell and Shaffer to secure over $750,000 in grant funding for our community. This funding will support critical projects for recreational facilities, borough buildings, infrastructure, parks & playgrounds, and emergency medical services. You can learn more about these projects here.

Contingency management is an evidence-based way to address stimulant use disorders. It was great to join PCN to discuss H.B. 1974, my bipartisan legislation with Rep. Jamie Flick to support contingency management support programs in Pennsylvania. You can view my interview in the video above.

The Girls Volleyball team from Avonworth are the Class 2A PIAA Champions! I had an amazing visit with them as they wrapped up their practice before the championship match and the opportunity to watch their victory. Congratulations Lady Lopes!

I joined my colleagues from the Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center to learn more about the Allegheny Regional Asset District, which supports artistic and cultural institutions, libraries, and parks across Allegheny County. Thank you for the invitation and your critical work in our region.

I am honored to be recognized as Legislator of the Year by the Pennsylvania Society of Oncology and Hematology.

As an emergency physician, I have cared for thousands of patients with cancer & blood disorders and studied how to better treat these patients when needing emergency care. As a state Representative, I am proud to advocate for critical policies for hematologists, oncologists, radiation oncologists, and their patients, including my bipartisan legislation, H.B. 79, to prevent medical debt.

Thank you for this recognition and what you do every day to advance the health of our community.

Due to an error by the Allegheny County Department of Court Records, over 1,000 people here in the county are receiving notices that their license will be suspended because of a driving-related court case that concluded years ago – in some cases, as long as 12 years. If you are impacted, you will receive notice of that suspension in a letter from PennDOT.

There will be a meeting to help appeal these suspensions held by the Allegheny Lawyers Initiative for Justice and Frank Walker Law on Tuesday, November 25 from 5 – 7 p.m. at Community Forge (1256 Franklin Ave., Wilkinsburg). You can also join the meeting virtually here. You will need to bring the PennDOT letter notifying you of your suspension.

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful has announced the return of their Litter Hawk Youth Award Program. This year’s theme is Celebrate America250 – Keep It Beautiful, inviting Pennsylvania students in grades K–6 to share their creativity and inspire pride in our communities as we approach America’s 250th anniversary.

Whether through art, writing, or video, young leaders can show how powerful their voices can be. As an added bonus, winners will be announced in April 2026 in coordination with an awards ceremony at the PA State Capitol Building.

All winners and their families, guardians and teachers are welcome to attend. Special guests will include representatives from the Department of Environmental Protection and America250PA.

The program deadline is January 31, 2026. Contest details and the application can be found here: Litter Hawk Youth Award Program - Keep PA Beautiful.

Please remember that my talented staff can assist you with a variety of state-related matters—from filing a Property Tax/Rent Rebate to obtaining a disability placard or senior bus pass, just to name 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.

District Office

9800B McKnight Road, Suite 130
Pittsburgh, PA 15237

(412) 348-8028

Pennsylvania State Capitol

101 B East Wing

PO Box 202030

Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 772-2363