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| The Latest News from Your State Representative |
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Taking Action to Protect Our Children, Vulnerable Adults, Communities
The most important work we do happens right here in our communities. I make it a priority to host events that bring information, resources and experts directly to the people I represent.
Human trafficking is a serious issue that can affect families and communities anywhere, and more than you may believe. One of my upcoming events will focus on how we can help prevent it and protect vulnerable victims.
Human trafficking often hides in plain sight, with traffickers using social media, online gaming, manipulation, false promises and financial hardships to target vulnerable children and adults. Knowing the warning signs can make all the difference.
I am hosting a free Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention program on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 6 p.m., at the Sewickley Hills Borough Building, 349 Magee Road in Sewickley. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday will join me to discuss how traffickers target victims, warning signs to watch for, ways families can stay safe and what to do if you suspect someone is being exploited.
As a member of the Pennsylvania Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus, I have worked to strengthen our response to this terrible crime. I supported Act 31 of 2026, requiring human trafficking awareness training for Pennsylvania hospitality employees, and Act 41 of 2026, which strengthens law enforcement tools and increases penalties for traffickers.
But legislation is only part of the solution. Awareness and education can help prevent trafficking and protect vulnerable people. I hope you will join me for this important program.
More Upcoming Events!
Childcare Policy Discussion – Thursday, Sept. 17, 4:30 p.m.
Sewickley Valley YMCA, 625 Blackburn Road, Sewickley. We will discuss daycare policies, safety, and ways to better support children and families.
Shredding Event – Saturday, Oct. 3, 9-11 a.m.
Edgeworth Elementary School, 200 Meadow Lane, Edgeworth. Securely shred documents containing personal information at no cost.
PFAS and Pennsylvania’s Drinking Water – Thursday, Oct. 15, 5:30-7 p.m.
Moon Township Municipal Building, 1000 Beaver Grade Road. Join me and local water and environmental experts to learn about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), drinking water monitoring, treatment and efforts to protect our water. A tour of the West View Water Authority’s Neville Island Plant will be available before the event. Call my office at 412-262-3780 to register.
I am proud to bring these important issues and resources directly to our communities, and I hope you will take part.
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Staying Connected With Our Seniors
It was a pleasure to host a legislative update at Tapestry Senior Living Moon Township and spend time with residents who are engaged, informed and interested in what is happening across Pennsylvania.
I appreciated hearing directly from residents as they shared questions and concerns about state services and other issues that matter to them. These conversations are an important part of my work because they give me a better understanding of what people are experiencing and where my office may be able to help.
Tapestry Senior Living Moon Township is also home to Moon Township’s Senior Connection, which provides programming and activities for seniors from Moon Township and surrounding communities.
I’m grateful to everyone who participated in the question-and-answer session and shared their thoughts. Staying connected with the people I represent helps ensure my office is ready to assist with state-related questions, services and concerns.
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Honoring the Tuskegee Airmen
It was a privilege to take part in the annual memorial service honoring the Tuskegee Airmen at Sewickley Cemetery.
The Tuskegee Airmen, many of whom had roots in Sewickley and Western Pennsylvania, faced prejudice and low expectations but refused to let either define what they could accomplish. They proved what is possible when determination, courage and confidence overcome doubt.
As I shared in my remarks, this memorial is not a tribute to those who said, “I think I can.” It is a tribute to those who believed, “I know I can.”
Please watch my remarks and take a moment to experience some of the sights and sounds from this event honoring their courage and legacy.
Thank you to Allegheny Commandery No. 35, Knights Templar of PA, for hosting this special memorial service and to the Edgeworth Garden Club for caring for the beautiful plantings.
My sincere gratitude goes to the Tuskegee Airmen for the example they set for generations to come.
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West A Kicks Off the School Year With Spirit!
Last Friday night was all about school spirit at West Allegheny Senior High School as students, faculty, administrators and families came together for an outstanding pep rally.
It was a fun way to kick off the new school year and get everyone fired up for West A football, soccer, cheer and all of the fall sports teams. The energy was contagious, and it was great to see so many students excited to be back and ready for a new year.
The pep rally also included a great community effort to “Stuff the Bus” with non-perishable food items. Students brought donations to help support those in need, showing that West A spirit is about more than what happens on the playing field.
If you missed the event, there’s still time to help! Donations will be collected by the end of next week, so consider bringing a non-perishable food item to help fill that bus.
There is nothing quite like the excitement of a new school year, and West A is off to a great start.
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Pizza, Police, Safety Talk
Pizza and police made for a great combination in Edgeworth this week.
I enjoyed joining residents for Pizza with Police, hosted by the Borough of Edgeworth. The event gave everyone a chance to grab some police station pizza, meet with local officers and have some fun while learning about important safety topics.
Pedestrian safety was one of the key topics, along with a discussion about the rules and responsibilities surrounding scooters. These are the types of everyday issues that can make a real difference in keeping our neighborhoods safe, especially as children head back to school.
Thank you to the Edgeworth Borough Council members, Mayor Gary Smith and Police Chief William Och for hosting and bringing the community together.
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Don’t Fall for Fake Law Enforcement Scams
North Fayette Police Department has informed me that officers are seeing an increase in scams involving fake law enforcement notices, phone calls and even AI-generated flyers designed to look official.
These scams can be convincing, but there are several warning signs to watch for including:
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Demands for immediate payment to avoid arrest or legal action. |
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Requests to deposit money at Walmart, Walgreens or another retailer. |
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Instructions to pay using gift cards, cryptocurrency or money transfers. |
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Pressure to act quickly or keep the matter secret. |
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Phone calls, texts or notices claiming to be from law enforcement and demanding money. |
Remember, the Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office and local law enforcement agencies, including the North Fayette Township Police Department, will never demand payment over the phone or ask you to pay through gift cards or retail store transactions.
If something seems off, it probably is. Take a moment to stop, verify the information and contact your local police department directly if you have concerns.
If you believe you have been targeted by a scam, call the North Fayette Police Department non-emergency line and request to speak with a police officer.
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Veterans – Don’t Fall for This Scam
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning veterans and their spouses about a postcard promising extra monthly benefits. But the “Veterans Savings Program” mentioned in the postcard doesn’t actually exist. It’s just a scammer phishing for personal or financial information.
While the postcard might list the state you’re living in and mention real VA benefits like CHAMPVA or TRICARE For Life, those programs are just being mentioned in an effort to make the mailing look legitimate and trick veterans into sharing personal information like your Social Security number or bank account details.
If you get a postcard like this:
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Don’t respond. Legitimate VA communications will not pressure you to respond immediately or give sensitive information over the phone. |
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Contact the VA directly if you have questions about your benefits. Always use a number you know is real, never the one on the postcard. Start with the VA Benefits Hotline at 1-800-827-1000. |
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Spread the word. Scammers typically don’t just contact one person. Sharing this advice can help others in your community spot and avoid the scam. Sign up for email updates to get the latest on scams like this one at MilitaryConsumer.gov. |
If you spot this or another VA benefits scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the VA at VSAFE.gov or 1-833-38V-SAFE.
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Working to Strengthen PA Law Enforcement Workforce
Recognizing the need to ensure public safety in communities across the Commonwealth, the House Republican Policy Committee was in Berks County last week for a hearing titled “Protecting Pennsylvania: Law Enforcement Recruitment and Retention” where law enforcement leaders discussed solutions to workforce challenges.
Pennsylvania employed approximately 24,300 police officers and sheriff’s deputies in 2024, an 11-year low and a 14% decline since 2013. Openings that used to generate hundreds of applications now get just a handful. Existing officers are being forced to work overtime to ensure the safety of our communities, which leads to additional stress and fatigue.
To boost the recruitment of new officers and retention of existing ones, testifiers encouraged policies to strengthen career pipelines; improve training; and support the physical, mental and financial well-being of officers.
A full video of the hearing can be found here.
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Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy Accepting Applications
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs’ (DMVA) Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA) is now accepting applications for its first class of 2027, which begins in January.
The academy’s mission is to provide 16- to 18-year-old teens in jeopardy of not graduating on time or dropping out of school with a second chance at learning skills such as leadership, self-discipline, health and hygiene, public service, physical fitness and more. There is no tuition cost to attend, and meals, housing, uniforms and school supplies are provided at no charge.
With KSCA’s online eligibility checker at pa.gov/ksca, applicants can quickly confirm their eligibility before completing the full application. Applicants can also request a mailed form by emailing RA-MVPACHALLENGE@pa.gov or calling 717-861-7767 or 717-861-8831.
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PA Game, Fish and Boat Commissions Seek Feedback
The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) are inviting public input about their draft 2025-2035 Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan.
The draft plan and public comment form are available online. Comments must be submitted by Sept. 19.
According to the agencies, the Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan was first developed in 2005 and has since served as the Commonwealth’s blueprint “to conserve Pennsylvania’s native fish and wildlife, maintain resilient habitat, and protect and enhance Species of Greatest Conservation Need.” As required by Congress, state wildlife action plans must be revised no less than every 10 years.
A wildlife action plan approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is required for states to receive State and Tribal Wildlife Grant Program funds. The Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan is scheduled to be delivered to the USFWS by Oct. 1.
Read more here.
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