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| District and Legislative Update |
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The latest news from the State Capitol |
Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link.
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| USC Students Reach Impressive Milestones |
It was exciting to recognize TeraBridges 18603, a For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Tech Challenge robotics team from Upper St. Clair, for both their competitive achievements and growing role in STEM advocacy. The team recently achieved international success at the 2026 Western Edge Premier Event. The team exemplifies how student initiative and hands-on STEM education can positively influence regional opportunities, inspire younger students and strengthen the pipeline of future innovators in Pennsylvania.
TeraBridges developed a proposal aimed at reducing barriers for schools to establish their own competitive robotics teams. As part of this initiative, the team met with several state officials — including me — to present their vision for a Pittsburgh-area FIRST Robotics grant program, modeled after successful programs active in eastern Pennsylvania to expand access to schools that do not have a robotics program already. Their proposal emphasized how FIRST programs develop engineering skills, leadership, problem solving, teamwork and connections to real-world STEM fields.
In an impressive display of talent and tenacity, the Upper St. Clair High School baseball team secured the 2026 WPIAL Class 5A championship with a thrilling 3 - 2 victory over South Fayette High School, their first WPIAL title since 1992. The Panthers closed the season with a strong 14–10 record and advanced to the quarterfinals of the PIAA Championship tournament.
The Upper St. Clair High School track and field team had exceptional performances in regional and state competitions. Five outstanding student athletes earned individual and team accolades, including Holden Schwamberger, Sadie Tomczyk, Sydney Tomczyk, Jameson Tisdale and Melice Rubino.
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| Bethel Park Art and Music Festival Hosted |
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Between the art, live music and great food, the Bethel Park Art and Music Festival was a terrific way to spend the afternoon. Thank you to the Bethel Park Educational Foundation, Bethel Park Community Foundation, Bethel Park Historical Society and the Bethel Park Public Library for coming together to host such a great event!
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| Peters Township Clock Repaired |
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Recently, I joined local officials and community members for a dedication of a new town clock that sits just outside of Peters Township’s municipal building, library and police department. The funding for the clock came from the American Spirit Grant, which helped replaced a community symbol that was no longer ticking! With America’s 250th anniversary this year, the upgrades reflect the importance of investing in our communities’ landmarks. This new clock, which sits along the main route many Peters Township residents drive by every day, is a reminder of just that.
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| Satellite Offices to Resume Operations |
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While my satellite offices routinely pause operations during the summer, services will resume Tuesday, Aug. 18, offering appointments and walk-in hours for constituent casework, support, and community outreach. Feel free to drop by for in-person assistance! These offices are located at:
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Upper St. Clair (main office): 1121 Boyce Road, Suite 2200A, Upper St. Clair. |
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Bethel Park (satellite office): Bethel Park Historical Society, 2600 South Park Road, Bethel Park. Available every Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. |
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Peters Township (satellite office): Peters Township Community Recreation Center, 700 Meredith Drive, Venetia. Available every Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. |
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| Seeking to Improve Road Safety in Bethel Park |
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I had the pleasure of meeting with Bethel Park leaders and residents to discuss potential plans for creating safer roadways for all residents, especially in areas where there has been a pattern of major accidents. In addition to reviewing recent safety concerns, we explored potential infrastructure improvements, community led initiatives, and long term strategies to ensure that residents, drivers, pedestrians and cyclists alike, can travel confidently and securely throughout the area. It was encouraging to see such strong community engagement, and I look forward to continuing these conversations as we work together toward meaningful solutions.
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| Bethel Park National Night Out Well Attended |
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I will forever express my appreciation for those who risk their lives for our safety! Thank you to the organizers who arranged an incredible National Night Out event in Bethel Park earlier this month. It’s clear from how well the event was attended that our officers are an essential thread in the fabric of our community.
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| New Telemarketing Law to Benefit Consumers |
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Telemarketing companies will be prohibited from “spoofing” and limited in when they can make calls under a new law unanimously approved by the General Assembly and signed into law by the governor.
Act 47 of 2026 specifically bans telemarketing companies from faking their name or spoofing a local phone number on a caller ID in an attempt to trick people into answering. It also limits calling hours to between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, instead of the current 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Calls will be prohibited on Sundays and holidays as well.
Additionally, the law requires clear, upfront disclosures about the purpose of the call, the telemarketer’s identity and what’s being sold. It requires immediate cessation of a solicitation call when requested and expands to prohibit all deceptive or abusive telemarketing acts.
The law takes effect in 90 days.
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| Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program Accepting Applications |
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The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) is seeking applicants for $10 million in funding to support security enhancement projects for nonprofit organizations. Applicants are eligible for security enhancements designed to protect the safety and security of the users of a facility located in the Commonwealth. More information about the program is available on PCCD’s website. The deadline to apply is Thursday, Sept. 10.
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| It’s Been 25 Years |
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I’m honored to invite you to join me for our First Responder Appreciation Stair Climb and Recruitment Event at the Spencer Family YMCA. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to commemorate this milestone alongside Sen. Devlin Robinson, and our local officials.
We will be climbing mechanical stairs in firefighter gear as a tribute to our local first responders and to the brave men and women who answered the call on that unforgettable day.
I hope you’ll join me in participating. Constituents are invited to take part in exercises designed to mirror the demanding actions that our first responders undertake during emergencies. Bethel Park firefighters will also be available to discuss volunteer opportunities, including an educational partnership with the Community College of Allegheny County, which may include free college classes.
On this 25th anniversary, your presence would mean so much. Let’s honor the past, support those who serve today and strengthen our community together.
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