 |
|
| |
| 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.
|
| Public Safety Jeopardized with PA’s Cashless Bail System |
| |
 |
During my time working at the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, things were very different than the reality we are living in today. Then, it was nearly unheard of to have a repeat, violent offender released on a non-monetary bond. Now, private money and interests have flooded the pre-trial division.
When someone has repeatedly committed violent crimes, is trafficking dangerous narcotics, or has assaulted law enforcement officers, we would expect our criminal justice system to consider previous criminal activity when setting bail. Unfortunately, this is not the case and why I am proud to support legislation that would increase transparency and ensure community safety is our number one priority.
Click here to watch a podcast on the topic.
Click here for a complete list of legislation I am working on.
|
| Bethel Park Dance Studio Celebrates 50 Years! |
| |
 |
Judy Murtaugh Dance Studio in Bethel Park recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. Offering classes for all skill levels, Judy is a beloved teacher and has mentored over 5,000 students. Congratulations!
|
| Election Day is Tuesday |
| |
 |
Be certain to remember that Election Day is next week, Tuesday, Nov. 3!
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Click here to verify your polling place for in-person voting.
Voters who have chosen to vote by mail-in or civilian absentee ballot must have those ballots back to their county Board of Elections no later than 8 p.m. on election day.
If you choose to deliver it in person, you can only return your own ballot, not anyone else’s. And no one can deliver your ballot on your behalf unless you are a voter with a disability and have designated someone, in writing, to deliver your ballot, or if you need an emergency absentee ballot. Click here for more frequently asked questions about elections from the Department of State.
More information about voting is available at www.vote.pa.gov.
In Bethel Park, several polling locations have been changed as per information provided by Allegheny County:
| |
• |
Bethel Park 1-2 is now Old Admin Building (301 Church Road) |
| |
• |
Bethel Park 1-3 is now Old Admin Building (301 Church Road) |
| |
• |
Bethel Park 3-1 is now Masonic Hall (761 McNary Place) |
| |
• |
Bethel Park 5-1 is now Hamilton Presbyterian Church (4500 Hamilton Road) |
| |
• |
Bethel Park 9-1 is now John McMillan Presbyterian Church (875 Clifton Road) |
| |
• |
Bethel Park 9-2 is now Neil Armstrong 5/6 Middle School (5800 Murray Ave.) |
For more information about voting in the Commonwealth, visit www.vote.pa.gov.
|
| Peters Township Football Celebrating Veterans |
| |
 |
It was so special to represent the United States Navy as Honorary Captain at the Peters Township High School Football Game against West Allegheny.
|
| Water Safety Legislation Now Law |
| |
 |
Bethel Park High School honored the legacy of Mr. Jon Gentile, a former history teacher lost in a tragic kayaking accident in 2022 when he came across a low head dam, often called drowning machines. Despite being a highly experienced kayaker, the force from such a dam was simply too strong to stay afloat.
Shortly after his death, I learned that Pennsylvania has more low head dams than any other state, and also experiences more drownings related to them. Worse yet, many are unmarked, including the one responsible for Mr. Gentile’s drowning. This is why I introduced House Bill 961, also known as Jon’s law. In addition to establishing a public database of these dams, it requires them to be adequately marked to warn boaters and swimmers.
Seniors Cami Fisher and Nora Welch (pictured) championed the effort to contact leaders in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. They garnered the support of at least 200 fellow Bethel Park residents who sent messages to Majority Leader Matt Bradford.
Because of their efforts, House Bill 961 moved through the legislative process and was passed in both the House and Senate unanimously. Last week, Jon’s Law was signed by the governor and is now Act 69 of 2026.
Click here to watch a podcast on the topic.
|
| USC Quarterback Named Player of the Week |
| |
 |
Upper St. Clair High School Junior Josh Snyder was recognized as Trib HSSN Football Player of The Week for his stellar season. Playing quarterback and defensive back, during Week 9, Josh helped USC capture first place in the Class 5A Allegheny Six Conference with 11 of 14 completions, passing for 209 yards and three touchdowns. Read more here.
|
| October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month |
| |
 |
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, which is a time to celebrate our friends with Down syndrome and make others aware of their many abilities and accomplishments.
Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal condition diagnosed in the United States and is associated with delays in physical growth, characteristic facial features and intellectual challenges. Approximately 5,700 babies are born with Down syndrome in the United States each year. However, due to improved research and medical treatments, children born with Down syndrome can live long, happy and productive lives.
|
| Don’t Forget to ‘Fall Back’ Saturday Night
|
| |
 |
Daylight saving time will end at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1. Be sure to turn your clocks back one hour before going to bed on Saturday night.
It’s also a good time to check or change the batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms in your home. In addition to regular battery changes, experts say the alarm devices should be replaced every 10 years to better ensure your safety.
|
|
|