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| The Latest News from Your State Representative |
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Strengthening Our Bail Laws to Keep Us Safe
Public safety is one of the most fundamental roles of government, and every family deserves to feel safe in their homes, communities, playgrounds and workplaces.
I joined Reps. Jeremy Shaffer (R-Allegheny) and Natalie Mihalek (R-Allegheny/Washington), Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-Allegheny) and other officials Wednesday at Moon Park to call for stronger bail laws that put public safety first. As a co-prime sponsor of this legislative effort, I am working with my colleagues to ensure judges have the information and authority they need to make informed decisions about pretrial release.
Recent cases involving violent crime have raised serious questions about whether our current bail system is doing enough to protect victims and the public. We cannot afford to ignore warning signs or allow critical information about a defendant’s criminal history to go overlooked when bail decisions are made.
We need practical, common-sense reforms that strengthen accountability while respecting due process. The legislative proposals we discussed include:
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House Bill 2856: This legislation would require courts to consider prior violent convictions, burglary convictions, pending criminal charges and protection-from-abuse orders when making bail decisions. |
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Criminal history review legislation: This proposal would require judges to receive a complete, current criminal history report, including Pennsylvania, out-of-state and federal records, before setting or modifying bail. |
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Senate Bill 490: This legislation would restrict release without monetary bail for certain individuals who pose a public safety risk. The bill passed the Senate and is with the House Judiciary Committee for consideration. |
These proposals will make sure judges have the full picture before deciding whether someone should be released and what conditions are necessary to protect the community.
No law can prevent every crime, and everyone deserves due process. But we have a responsibility to take potential threats seriously, protect victims and give our courts the tools they need to make sound decisions.
Please watch my remarks below about this very serious issue.
Click here to watch the entire press conference.
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Join Us to Celebrate Pennsylvania’s Hungarian American Heritage!
On Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 11 a.m., the Capitol will host Hungarian Day to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. The event will also feature the presentation of my House Resolution 626, designating Oct. 23, 2026, as Hungarian Revolution Memorial Day in Pennsylvania.
This special occasion will bring together state legislators, community leaders and friends of Hungary to honor those who courageously fought for freedom, democracy and national sovereignty.
House Resolution 626 passed unanimously out of the House Tourism, Recreation and Economic Development Committee and now moves to the full House for consideration next week.
Watch my remarks to the committee to learn more about Hungary’s fight for freedom and the enduring bond between Hungary and Pennsylvania.
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History Behind the Sewickley Bridge
Did you know the Sewickley Bridge has been connecting our communities for more than a century? This local landmark has a fascinating history, from the early days of river crossings to the bridge we know today.
The original Sewickley Bridge opened in 1911, but how did people cross the Ohio River before it was built? The region’s bridge history goes back even further, with an earlier crossing connecting Pittsburgh and Rochester.
In 1981, a new bridge was built, but remnants of the original structure remain as reminders of the area’s rich history.
Take a look as I explore the story behind the Sewickley Bridge and how this important connection has evolved over the years.
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Celebrating Our First Responders at the Quaker Valley Fire Safety Fair
I enjoyed attending the Quaker Valley Fire Safety Fair last weekend. We celebrated with our first responders, learned more about their work and toasted the volunteers who help keep our communities safe.
The Quaker Valley Fire District brings together the Leetsdale, Leet and Bell Acres volunteer fire departments to share resources and equipment and strengthen emergency response. The fair also featured Cochran Hose Company, Sewickley Fire Department, Fair Oaks Volunteer Fire Department, Aleppo Township Fire Department, Valley Ambulance Authority and the Allegheny County Hazardous Materials Team, Region 13.
One of the highlights was meeting Goose, Valley Ambulance Authority’s cortisol detection dog, and watching him in action.
A big thank-you to all our firefighters, EMS personnel and emergency responders for their dedication and service.
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New Business in Leetsdale
I enjoyed stopping by DiVino Wine Bar and Retail, a wonderful new addition to Leetsdale! It’s always exciting to see new businesses putting down roots in our communities and bringing something special to the area.
Owners Nate and Valeriya Harsch have given new life to a piece of local history, transforming the former St. Matthew’s Church, built in 1891, into a beautifully restored wine bar that preserves the building’s stunning historic character.
As a member of the House Liquor Control Committee, I appreciate the important role establishments like DiVino play in supporting our local economy, creating gathering places and adding to the character of our communities.
DiVino also hosts live music every weekend, welcoming local performers for Friday and Saturday evening shows from 6-9 p.m.
Congratulations to Nate and Valeriya on this exciting venture! I wish them continued success as they become part of Leetsdale’s vibrant business community.
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Audubon Road Closure Extended Through Oct. 23
PennDOT announced the closure of Audubon Road (Route 4039) in Sewickley Heights Borough has been extended through Friday, Oct. 23, to accommodate guide rail work.
The road remains closed around the clock, including overnight and weekends, between Barberry Road and Magee Road.
Motorists will be detoured via Little Sewickley Creek Road (Route 4034) and Magee Road (Route 4041). The same detour will be used in the opposite direction for motorists approaching from the south.
Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and follow posted detour signs.
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Voter Registration Deadline Oct. 19
The 2026 General Election is coming up on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The ballot includes candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, U.S. House of Representatives, and state House and Senate (in even-numbered senatorial districts).
If you are not already registered to vote, the deadline to do so is Monday, Oct. 19. You may register in person at your county elections office, by mail or by visiting the state’s online voter registration website.
The last day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot is Tuesday, Oct. 27. Completed ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
For more information about voting in the Commonwealth, including how to check your registration and voting location, visit www.vote.pa.gov.
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Skill Games Update
A PA Supreme Court ruling that deemed skill game machines to be illegal slot machines in the Commonwealth took effect earlier this week after no legislation to properly authorize and regulate them was enacted.
The court issued its ruling in June but placed a 120-day stay on the decision to give lawmakers time to address the issue. The stay ended on Oct. 13.
Skill games have been around in the Commonwealth for more than a decade, used in small businesses as well as veterans and other social clubs to generate revenue to help keep their doors open and support community initiatives.
Majority House Democrats, who are in control of the House agenda, have failed to call up legislation that could have helped our small business owners, veterans, emergency responders and others by allowing the games to stay in place. Primary points of contention have been how much to tax the machines – Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed a 52% tax – and how to spend the revenue that would be generated.
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Help Available During Medicare Open Enrollment
Medicare’s annual open enrollment period is underway, and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) is reminding people they can receive free, unbiased help understanding their options by talking with specially trained Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight (PA MEDI) counselors.
PA MEDI counselors can help older adults make informed health insurance decisions that best fit their needs and budgets. They can also determine if an older adult may be eligible for any of Pennsylvania’s Medicare cost-savings programs, such as PACE/PACENET or Extra Help.
The counselors do not sell insurance products, nor do they endorse or recommend any insurance company, product or agent.
Call your local Area Agency on Aging or locate a PA MEDI event in your area by visiting the Pennsylvania Department of Aging’s website. More information is available by calling the toll-free PA MEDI helpline at 1-800-783-7067 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Medicare Open Enrollment lasts until Monday, Dec. 7.
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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, domestic violence affects an average of 24 people per minute. Statistics show one in four women (24.3%) and one in seven men (13.8%) aged 18 and older in the United States have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month aims to help people recognize and put a stop to this pattern of abusive behavior used to establish power and control over an intimate partner, causing both physical and emotional harm. Victims may be subjected to abuse, harassment, threats, vandalism, trespassing, burglary, theft and stalking.
As one of the most chronically underreported crimes, domestic violence affects men and women in all racial, ethnic, religious, educational, social and economic backgrounds.
More information about domestic violence and services available to help victims is available here.
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Looking for a Career in Law Enforcement?
The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) is accepting applications from people interested in a rewarding career in public service as a state trooper.
Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate and a valid driver’s license from any state. They must be at least 20 years old at the time of application, and they must be at least 21 years old and cannot have reached age 40 upon entry into the PSP academy.
Applications for the current cadet hiring cycle should be submitted via the Commonwealth’s employment website by Nov. 27.
For more information on becoming a state trooper, including applicant requirements and job benefits, visit PATrooper.com.
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House Archives Internship Opportunity
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archives Internship Program is currently accepting applications for the spring 2027 semester.
The 13-week internship is based at the Pennsylvania State Capitol and focuses on teaching archival processes and procedures, which include arranging and describing paper-based collections, housing materials in a safe and secure manner, and preparing finding aids for potential researchers using ArchivesSpace. Additionally, interns learn techniques on preparing and installing museum displays, photographing objects and much more.
At the time of the internship, students must be attending a college or university in Pennsylvania OR be a resident of Pennsylvania; be a second-semester junior, senior or graduate student; and have a GPA of at least 3.0. Both full-time and part-time opportunities are available, and interns are paid $12 per hour.
For more information or to fill out the application, click here. Applications are due by Sunday, Nov. 1.
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Pumpkin Palooza: Where Gourds Go Glam
Put your artistic talents to the test by entering a painted or carved pumpkin in the PA Preferred Pumpkin Palooza contest, hosted by the PA Department of Agriculture.
To be eligible, pumpkins must be purchased from a Pennsylvania farm, market or pumpkin patch. Enter your creation in one of three age categories: child (11 and under), youth (12-17) or adult (18+).
Email a photo of your pumpkin to agcontests@pa.gov by Oct. 26. The subject line should say “PA Pumpkin Palooza Entry” and the message must include your name, age, hometown, county, contact information, and the PA farm or market where you bought your pumpkin. Participants must give the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania permission to use your name and photos of your submission; those under the age of 18 must have the consent of a parent/guardian.
Click here for more details!
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