 |
| |
| District and Legislative Update |
| #Listrak\DateStampLong# |
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.
|
| Policy Hearing: Second-Degree Murder |
| |
 |
I recently co-hosted a hearing titled Protecting Pennsylvania: Accountability and Justice in Second-Degree Murder Sentencing to discuss how Pennsylvania can establish a statutory second-degree murder sentencing framework that holds offenders accountable, protects the public and gives victims’ families a meaningful voice. We listened to testimony from local district attorneys, which included Allegheny County Deputy District Attorney Ronald M. Wabby Jr., as well as victims’ families to get feedback about potential sentencing standards, parole eligibility and the safeguards needed to prevent dangerous offenders from returning to Pennsylvania communities.
|
| Welcoming Taiwanese Ambassador in District Office |
| |
 |
I had the pleasure of meeting with Taiwanese Ambassador Tom Chih-Chiang Lee! It was an honor to welcome him to our district, and it was a great opportunity to strengthen our relations with other countries. Taiwan is the United States’ fourth-largest trading partner. Ambassador Lee was in Pittsburgh for the Pony League World Series Championship Game. Washington County and Chinese Taipei were the two undefeated baseball teams in the league.
|
| USC Schools Receive National Recognition |
| |
 |
I am proud to congratulate the Upper St. Clair School District for receiving the District Achievement Award from the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform. This honor, presented during the 2026 National Schools to Watch Conference in Washington, D.C., recognizes the district’s long-standing commitment to excellence in middle level education. Both Boyce and Fort Couch middle schools have consistently met the rigorous academic, developmental, equity and organizational standards required for Schools to Watch designation. Since first earning this recognition in 2008, they have continued to qualify through each comprehensive evaluation cycle. This achievement reflects the dedication of our students, educators, families and community, as well as demonstrates the strength of the learning environments that support every child’s success.
|
| Expanding STEM Education Through PA Schools |
| |
 |
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and robotics fields are growing in importance, and it is necessary to ensure our students have ample access to more opportunities. The incredible increase in student involvement in robotics showcases the growing interest in this field, increasing from just two high school students six years ago to more than 400 students now districtwide. This includes Upper St. Clair’s “TeraBridges” robotics team, which won the Western Edge Premier Event in California, beating 88 other teams from the U.S. and around the world. I strongly support Sen. Devlin Robinson and Sen. Nikhil Saval’s Senate Bill 1419 that plans to establish a statewide grant program that would support existing K-12 robotics teams and help schools start new programs. This bill will hopefully expand access and interest in robotics programs and STEM opportunities for students, unlocking new skills, interests and potentially even new career paths.
|
| Show Us Your Science Act Addresses Federal Loophole |
| |
 |
For a few years now, I have joined with countless moms and activists to demand changes within the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), one being an overhaul of the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) policies. The situation carved a path for product manufacturers to market products using chemicals they have self-declared as safe. They can voluntarily notify the FDA they are using what is known as the loophole GRAS instead of having their products evaluated or they can just simply go about selling their products untested and unbeknownst to the public.
There is some potentially good news about this, as recently, a new proposal would at least require mandatory reporting. Unfortunately, that’s where the good news ends. The new reporting requirement would only apply to the use of new chemicals, essentially granting a pass to food manufacturers still using chemicals known to contribute to cancer and a whole list of other chronic diseases, as well as hyperactivity and inattention in children. Also, the items could be marketed and sold while the FDA is evaluating the notification.
It’s simple. Many of the chemicals being used in our foods are making us sick. Countries around the world have been banning them, while our healthcare costs explode. House Bill 1130, which is part of my Healthy PA package, would require that any companies manufacturing or selling food in Pennsylvania disclose the use of any GRAS substances. I call it the Show Us Your Science Act.
|
| Shop With a Cop Program Helps Local Students Begin School Year |
| |
 |
Thank you to everyone who helped put together the annual Shop with a Cop event at South Hills Village! A special thank you to the many first responders and officers from across the South Hills area that made the experience something to remember. This is all made possible through a partnership with Macy’s and a donation to the Allegheny County Camp Cadet Program. The students who have been selected enjoy the in-store, private shopping experience with local law enforcement.
|
| Nearly $700,000 in Grants to Improve Transportation in Area |
| |
 |
I am excited to announce Bethel Park and Peters Township will be awarded almost $700,000 through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s Green Light-Go Program. Overall, $38 million will be distributed to 86 municipalities across the Commonwealth. These investments aim to improve traffic safety and mobility by reducing congestion and improving traffic flow. Bethel Park will receive $212,220 to modernize signal equipment at the intersections of South Park Road and Industrial Boulevard, Highland Road and Oxford Drive, and Library Road (SR 88) and Milford Drive. Peters Township will receive $476,854 for traffic signal modernization at the intersection of Washington Road (Route 19) and Crosswinds Drive.
|
| Veterans Temporary Assistance Grants Available |
| |
 |
If you or a loved one is a veteran, don’t forget about the Veterans Temporary Assistance (VTA) Program! The PA Department of Military & Veterans Affairs is reminding veterans and their families about this program; it offers financial help for essential needs such as food, shelter, clothing and fuel. The VTA has provided over $8.6 million to more than 9,650 veterans, service members, and their families since it began. Eligible veterans or survivors may receive up to $1,600 within a 12-month period. Learn more here. If you live in Washington County and wish to apply, contact the Washington County Veterans Affairs Office at 724-228-1234. If you live in Allegheny County and wish to apply, contact the Allegheny County Veterans Affairs Office at 412-621-4357.
|
|