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| The Latest News from Your State Representative |
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Just Say ‘No’ to More Government Overreach
The COVID pandemic taught us many lessons. One of the most important is government authority must have reasonable limits. I am concerned about proposed Pennsylvania Department of Health regulations now being considered by the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC).
Regulation #10-242 would make significant changes to Pennsylvania’s rules governing communicable and noncommunicable diseases. While protecting public health is important, we cannot ignore the potential impact these regulations could have on individual liberty, parental rights and privacy.
I am also concerned about provisions involving students and families. Parents should not have to wonder whether government officials can enter a school, privately question their child or obtain sensitive information without their knowledge.
We should not be creating sweeping powers through regulation that could affect the daily lives of millions of Pennsylvanians without a full and open debate in the Legislature.
We have been down this road before. We should not repeat the mistakes of the COVID era.
There is a proper role for government in protecting public health. But protecting public health should never become a blank check for government authority.
Pennsylvania families deserve transparency and accountability. They deserve to know that their constitutional rights and parental authority will be respected.
I am calling on the Shapiro administration to withdraw these proposed regulations and work with the Legislature on any changes that are necessary.
The public has an opportunity to speak up. Comments on Regulation #10-242, IRRC #3490, are being accepted through Sept. 21, 2026.
You can submit your comments by emailing RA-DHCHAPTR27PROPREG@pa.gov. Please reference Rulemaking #10-242: Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases; IRRC #3490.
Government exists to protect our rights, not to decide how much freedom we are allowed to keep. I will continue standing up for Pennsylvania families and pushing back against government overreach.
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Standing Up for Those Who Served
We have a responsibility to remember the people who spent their careers serving us.
I am pleased the 2026-27 state budget includes a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for certain members of the State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS) and Public School Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS) who retired before July 2, 2001, along with benefit adjustments for certain retired municipal police officers and firefighters.
These retirees dedicated decades of their lives to teaching our children, serving our communities, working for the Commonwealth and keeping our families safe. Many of them have been retired for years, yet they are facing the same rising costs every Pennsylvania family is dealing with today.
We need to make sure we are doing what we can to help those who spent their working years helping others.
I also appreciate these adjustments are being funded through existing gaming revenues, rather than putting another burden on taxpayers, school districts or municipalities. We can recognize the service of these retirees while still being responsible with taxpayer dollars.
I have heard from many constituents who have been passionate about this issue, and I am glad we were able to deliver some meaningful relief.
After a lifetime of service, these men and women deserve to know that Pennsylvania has not forgotten them.
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Sharing Lessons From Business
I’m looking forward to being the keynote speaker for the Sewickley Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Local Advantage Series on Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 11:30 a.m. 1 p.m.
Over the past three decades as an entrepreneur, business owner and investor, I have learned that building a successful business takes planning, persistence, access to the right resources, and a community that wants to see you succeed.
I started my first company in 1994, and since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work with entrepreneurs and small businesses at many different stages of growth. I’ve seen the challenges that come with starting something from the ground up, as well as the excitement that comes with watching an idea become a thriving business.
I’m looking forward to sharing some of those lessons and talking about what makes Sewickley such a great place to start and grow a business. There are tremendous opportunities here, and I believe communities are strongest when they encourage entrepreneurship and give people the tools they need to succeed.
Whether you’re thinking about starting a business, already own one or simply want to learn more about the local business community, I hope you’ll join me for a conversation about entrepreneurship, opportunity and the lessons I have learned along the way.
You can sign up for the Local Advantage Series through the Sewickley Valley Chamber of Commerce.
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Exciting Things are Happening at Fern Hollow!
Recently, I had the chance to tour the nearly completed Fern Hollow Nature Center in Sewickley with board President Jennifer Nastasi and board member Francye Kinney, and it was exciting to see it coming together!
Fern Hollow gives children, families and adults a chance to get outside, explore nature and learn through hands-on experiences. With 33 acres to explore and more than 10,000 visitors each year, it has become an important part of our community.
The renovation and 1,200-square-foot expansion will make an already great place even better. The new space will include indoor and outdoor classrooms, improved accessibility and additional room for Fern Hollow to expand its educational programs and serve even more students and families.
Jennifer and Francye showed me around and shared their vision for the future. It was great to see their enthusiasm and learn more about all the opportunities this expanded space will provide.
I’m looking forward to seeing the finished project and watching Fern Hollow continue to grow. Renovations are expected to be completed by Oct. 17!
Be sure to take a look at my tour to see the exciting changes for yourself!
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Reminder: Circle Your Calendar for My Upcoming Events
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House to Convene in Philadelphia’s Congress Hall
On Wednesday, Sept. 9, I will take part in an historic session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
In honor of the nation’s 250th birthday – and the foundational role Pennsylvania has played in our nation’s development – the House will convene legislative session in Philadelphia’s historic Congress Hall. The hall once served as the meeting place of the United States Congress, from 1790-1800.
In conjunction with the America250PA organization, the day’s events also include a full-day civic learning experience for students. I am pleased to host Sofia DiCicco who is a junior at Sewickley Academy. She shines in the classroom and the lacrosse field as a stellar goaltender.
The legislative session will be livestreamed here starting at 5:45 p.m.
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Thanking Our Workers
This Monday, Sept. 7, is Labor Day, a day set aside to recognize the achievements of American workers and the vital role they play in shaping the nation’s strength and prosperity. The holiday emerged in the late 19th century as states began adopting a day to honor workers; by 1894, Congress officially established Labor Day as a federal holiday.
Today, Labor Day serves as a moment to pause and appreciate the dedication, innovation and hard work that drive progress in every community. Whether marked with gatherings, parades or a well-earned day of rest, it’s a celebration of the people whose contributions continue to move our country forward.
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PennDOT Driver License, Photo Centers Closed for Labor Day Holiday
All PennDOT driver license and photo centers, including the Riverfront Office Center in Harrisburg, will be closed Saturday, Sept. 5, through Monday, Sept. 7, in observance of Labor Day.
Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services online through PennDOT's Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov.
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We Will Never Forget!
Next Friday marks the 25th anniversary of one of the worst days in our nation’s history. On Sept. 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 men and women were killed in devastating terrorist attacks in New York; Washington, D.C.; and Pennsylvania. Among the dead were more than 400 first responders who ran toward the danger, rather than away, in the effort to save the lives of others.
In addition to the annual remembrance events, special programming is planned at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in lower Manhattan and Pennsylvania’s own Flight 93 Memorial to help ensure the 100 million Americans who are too young to remember 9/11 learn about the significance of the day and the stories of bravery, compassion, unity and service it produced. To further the educational effort, on Sept. 10, officials will break ground for construction of a Visitor Education Center adjacent to the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The House of Representatives has also produced a 9/11 Remembrance video titled “We Were One That Day.” Only six current members of the House were in office when the tragedy occurred 25 years ago, and it is interesting to hear their perspectives on what happened that day and beyond. You can watch it here.
Also, if you are in the Harrisburg area, the House Archives has teamed up with the National Park Service and Flight 93 Memorial for a 9/11 exhibit on display in the Capitol’s East Wing Rotunda through Oct. 27.
It is important we remember this horrible tragedy and honor those who lost their lives that day and in the aftermath. Share your memories and perspectives with those who did not experience it firsthand to ensure these men and women are never forgotten.
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