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| The Latest News from Your State Representative |
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Childcare Challenges Demand Solutions
When parents can’t find affordable childcare and providers struggle to keep their doors open, the consequences reach far beyond the home. Families face difficult choices, employers lose workers and communities feel the economic impact. Pennsylvania needs practical solutions that make quality childcare more accessible, affordable and sustainable.
Recently, I hosted a childcare policy discussion at the Sewickley Valley YMCA, bringing together parents, childcare providers, community members and expert panelists to discuss these challenges and explore meaningful solutions.
In this recap video, I highlight key takeaways from the discussion, including the need to reduce unnecessary barriers for providers, strengthen the childcare workforce and ensure families have access to safe, affordable, quality care. The conversation reinforced the importance of listening to parents and providers who experience these challenges firsthand and making sure their concerns help shape policy decisions.
Click below to watch the recap video.
A strong childcare system helps families, supports our workforce and strengthens our economy.
Watch the entire event here.
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House Passes Resolution Recognizing Hungarian Revolution Memorial Day
This week, I was proud to join my colleague, Rep. Paul Takac (D-Centre), in welcoming members of the Hungarian American Coalition to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in support of my House Resolution 626, which overwhelmingly passed the House.
The resolution designates Oct. 23, 2026, as Hungarian Revolution Memorial Day in Pennsylvania, recognizing the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, when the Hungarian people revolted against Soviet rule in their fight for freedom and independence. The date also recognizes Hungary’s peaceful transition from communist rule to democracy in 1989.
Our guests, who were introduced by the speaker of the House, included Edith Schwartz, honorary consul of Hungary to Philadelphia; Zsuzsanna Fekete, diaspora liaison at the Embassy of Hungary; Judit Trunkos, a Hungarian American Coalition board member; and Kati Csoman, director of the University of Pittsburgh’s Nationality Rooms and Intercultural Exchange Programs, among others.
Pennsylvania has deep ties to Hungary, particularly in western Pennsylvania, where generations of Hungarian immigrants and their descendants helped build our communities and contributed to our steel and industrial workforce.
As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary this year, it’s fitting to recognize the Hungarian people’s struggle for freedom and the lasting contributions of Hungarian Americans throughout our Commonwealth. This resolution honors that shared history and the importance of liberty and independence.
Please watch my remarks on the House floor below.
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Protecting Children Online Now Law
I was proud to co-sponsor Alicia’s Law; legislation passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by the governor, to strengthen efforts to investigate and prosecute online predators who target children.
As technology continues to change how children interact with the world, we must ensure law enforcement has the resources needed to keep them safe. Alicia’s Law establishes a state grant program through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to fund additional law enforcement task forces, train investigators and support existing efforts to combat internet crimes against children.
Pennsylvania currently has just one federally funded task force dedicated to investigating these crimes. House Bill 1098 will help expand those efforts, allowing law enforcement to better identify predators, investigate cases and hold offenders accountable.
Online predators can target children in any community, and we must give law enforcement the tools they need to find these criminals and stop them. Alicia’s Law is an important step toward protecting our children, holding offenders accountable and giving families greater peace of mind.
Named for Alicia Kozak, a Pittsburgh-area survivor who was abducted at age 13 by a man she met online, this legislation is the result of dedicated advocacy to prevent other children from experiencing similar harm. This is an important step toward making Pennsylvania safer for our children.
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Protecting Lives on Pennsylvania’s Waterways
Pittsburgh-area waterways are crucial lifelines for commerce and recreation, but locks and dams in our communities can pose hidden, deadly dangers. I was pleased to support House Bill 961, which passed the General Assembly and would strengthen safety requirements around dams across Pennsylvania.
The legislation would require highly visible warning signs and buoys above and below dams and along nearby banks to alert the public to dangerous currents. It also would require the Department of Environmental Protection to maintain a statewide database and map of dams and establish penalties for those who fail to comply with safety requirements.
Clear warnings can make the difference between a safe day on the water and a tragedy. By making these hazards easier to identify, we can help boaters, swimmers and anglers make safer decisions before they reach dangerous areas.
These protections are very important following tragedies such as the 2017 drownings of Helene Brandy and Brittany Evans at Dashields Dam on the Ohio River and the 2022 death of Jon Gentile in a kayaking accident. These tragedies highlight the need for clearer warnings and stronger safety measures to help prevent future loss of life on our waterways.
We must do everything we can to prevent these tragedies from happening again. Our waterways are an important part of Pennsylvania’s heritage, and improving safety will help protect the people who enjoy them.
The legislation heads to the governor for his signature.
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Helping Young Adults Build a Stronger Future
Every young person deserves the opportunity to build a stable future, but for those aging out of foster care or experiencing housing instability, getting that start can be especially challenging. Having the right support and resources can make all the difference.
Recently, I toured Auberle’s 412 Youth Zone in downtown Pittsburgh with state Rep. Jason Ortitay and members of the Auberle team to learn more about how they are helping young adults overcome obstacles and work toward independence.
Serving young people ages 16-23, the Youth Zone provides essential resources, including meals, showers, laundry facilities and medical care, along with creative spaces and one-on-one coaching. Youth coaches help young adults navigate housing, education and employment opportunities while developing the skills they need to build independent lives.
The impact is significant. Last year, the Youth Zone served more than 1,000 young people. Among those who worked with a youth coach for at least six months, 81% achieved key milestones, including securing stable housing, establishing reliable income, obtaining identification and gaining health insurance.
These services do more than address immediate needs. They help young people gain stability, build confidence and create a path toward a brighter future.
Thank you to Darla Poole, Auberle chief executive officer, and John Patrick Lydon, chief executive officer emeritus, for taking the time to show us the Youth Zone’s work.
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Supporting Seniors in North Fayette Township
I enjoyed joining North Fayette Township officials at Lafayette Square Senior Apartments in Oakdale to meet with residents and discuss issues affecting them and our area.
We had a great conversation about local and state government updates, answered residents’ questions and heard their concerns. It was also an opportunity to discuss my ongoing legislative efforts to support seniors, address their needs and ensure their voices are heard.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to join us and share their thoughts. Staying connected with our communities and listening to residents is an important part of understanding the issues that matter most and working toward solutions.
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Preserving Local History at Wilson Elementary School
Some of our most interesting history can be found in places we might not expect.
During a visit to Wilson Elementary School in the West Allegheny School District, I had the opportunity to tour the historic McAdow-McAdam Wilson Log House and learn more about its place in our area’s history.
Dr. Rachel Gray, the school’s principal, shared the story behind the log house, its significance to the community, and the history of Log House Day. We also discussed educational programs and future tours that will help keep its history alive for generations to come.
Thank you to Dr. Gray and the West Allegheny School District for sharing this important piece of local history.
Please take a moment to watch the video below to learn more about this historic landmark.
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House Approves School Cell Phone Ban
Legislation that would require schools across the Commonwealth to ban the use of cell phones during the school day was approved by the House and Senate this week and is now awaiting the governor’s signature to become law.
The measure includes some exemptions, including students who require a mobile device due to a medical condition of the student or an immediate family member; students who have individual education plans that require them to use their phones; English-language learners who use their phones for translation services; and students who receive permission from the teacher when certain criteria are met.
A school entity would be required to inform parents, guardians, teachers and students about the policy at the beginning of each school year. The policy would have to include information about how parents or guardians can sign up for emergency notifications and how they can contact their child during the school day.
If the law is enacted, a school entity that adopted a policy related to mobile devices prior to the bill’s effective date would be required to amend its policy to comply with this bill no later than the start of the 2027-28 school year.
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Looking to Vote by Mail?
Voters looking to cast their ballots by mail in the 2026 General Election must apply for their mail-in or civilian absentee ballot by Tuesday, Oct. 27. You may click here to do so, or visit the county Bureau of Elections in your county of residence.
Completed ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on Election Day, which is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
This election includes the positions of governor, lieutenant governor, U.S. House of Representatives, and state House and Senate (in even-numbered senatorial districts).
For more information about voting in the Commonwealth, visit www.vote.pa.gov.
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