On Oct. 6, the House State Government Committee adopted House Resolution 638, a bipartisan initiative I'm proud to co-prime sponsor alongside Rep. Carol Hill-Evans. For years, we have been re-introducing this resolution to designate October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. We must continue standing with survivors, raising awareness and boosting education.
National Child Passenger Safety Week was Sept. 20-26. To raise awareness and offer important services, I hosted a Car Seat Check and Damaged License Plate Replacement Event. Certified car seat technicians ensured car seats were properly installed, and local police facilitated damaged license plate replacements. I was glad to once again offer these services to the 88th District to promote public safety.
On Sept. 28, the House passed legislation to preserve benefits belonging to foster youth. I was proud to work alongside Rep. Rick Krajewski (D-Philadelphia) and other advocates on this important legislation that would ensure PA's foster youth are ready to step into their futures with the financial support that is rightfully theirs.
On Sept. 10, I hosted my final Fall Document Shredding Event for residents of the 88th District. Catching up with friends and neighbors was bittersweet, as my office provided this identity theft prevention service for the last time.
In recognition of our Commonwealth’s foundational role in the development of our nation, I joined my fellow legislators in a historic session at Philadelphia’s Congress Hall. It was an honor to gather at what was once the meeting place of the United States Congress, from 1790-1800.
In this week's video, I explain Pennsylvania’s uniformity clause and how that impacts our legislation to eliminate school property taxes.
On July 24, I appeared on CBS 21 News' Face the State. I spoke with Joel D. Smith about the General Assembly's obligation to create clear, constitutional guidance for judges to review second degree murder (also called felony murder) cases.
As someone who has long stood with crime victims, I was deeply disappointed by the actions taken yesterday in Harrisburg. And as an advocate for second chances, I’ve seen firsthand what can be achieved when lawmakers work together toward meaningful, balanced solutions. Unfortunately, House Bill 1042 fell short on both fronts. It neither supported victims nor reflected the kind of bipartisan cooperation our communities deserve. This is not responsible governance. It’s a rushed decision that risks destabilizing our justice system and causing renewed pain for families already carrying heavy burdens.
On July 23, the House debated legislation that should’ve created clear, constitutional guidance for judges to review second degree murder (also called felony murder) cases. Instead, House Democrats amended an agreed-to, bipartisan compromise with the Senate with controversial provisions. As a result, the Legislature will miss the deadline set by the state Supreme Court. The victims we've lost and the families they’ve left behind deserve better.
On July 12, the General Assembly passed its state budget. I supported the compromise, which funded education at a historic level, ensured senior services, and allocated dollars for law enforcement training.
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