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| The Latest News from Your State Representative |
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House Advances Bill to Level the Playing Field in High School Sports
We took a significant step this week toward improving fairness in high school athletics by advancing House Bill 41, legislation that would allow the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) to separate public and private schools into different postseason playoff systems. I supported the legislation. The bill heads to the Senate for consideration.
House Bill 41 aims to give the PIAA flexibility to address competitive imbalances by organizing playoffs in a way that reflects how schools build their teams.
This legislation is long overdue. Many parents, coaches and community members have voiced concerns to me that private schools often hold a competitive advantage in postseason play, as they can recruit student athletes from across regions, while public schools are limited to those who live within their district boundaries. The result can be an uneven playing field despite the dedication and effort of all student athletes involved.
The legislation is about making competition fair for everyone. Student athletes from all schools put in a lot of time and effort, and they deserve a system that treats them equally.
Beyond competition, school sports play a vital role in shaping young people. They teach discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship, while also strengthening community pride as families and neighbors rally behind their local teams. By addressing longstanding concerns about competitive balance, House Bill 41 seeks to preserve those values and enhance the experience for student-athletes statewide.
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Fairness in Women’s Sports
If you have been following our efforts to protect fairness and opportunity for girls and women in sports, you are probably wondering, where do these bills stand right now?
The answer is not encouraging.
Back in late December, the House Education Committee once again chose not to act. Instead, they sent two important bills, the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, House Bill 158, and the Dads Defending Daughters bill, House Bill 1849, over to the House Judiciary Committee.
What happened next raised even more concerns.
Earlier this week, majority House Democrats on the Judiciary Committee moved the bills again. This was done quietly, without clear notice, without properly identifying the bills during the meeting, and without any opportunity for debate. If you watch the Judiciary Committee video, you can see how quickly it happened and how little discussion there was. Click here to watch.
For many people watching, it did not feel like a real process. It felt like a way to avoid one.
Polls show that about 80% of Americans, across political parties, believe women’s sports should be for biological women. These opportunities matter. Sports give young women the chance to build confidence, show their talent and earn recognition, including scholarships that can shape their future.
At the very least, this issue deserves an open and honest conversation. Instead, what we are seeing is a pattern. Bills are moved from committee to committee. Conversations are limited. Decisions are made without transparency. That is not what people expect from their government.
We deserve better, especially when it comes to something that affects their daughters.
We will keep pushing for fairness, accountability and for a process that listens to the people.
Join us in support of this effort by signing the “I Believe” promise at
defendingdaughters.com.
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Restoring Accountability in Education, Supporting Student Success
Policies that remove consequences for missing or incomplete work may sound helpful, but they can do more harm than good. No-zero grading can give credit that was not earned and leave students unprepared for college, careers and life.
I have introduced House Bill 1398, legislation that would restore accountability in the classroom while ensuring students have the support they need to succeed before moving forward. This approach recognizes every student deserves the chance to learn and improve, and their progress should reflect effort and achievement.
House Bill 1398 is about finding the right balance by promoting responsibility, maintaining high standards and making sure students get help when they fall behind. By focusing on accountability and support, we can better prepare students for success after graduation.
Watch the video below to learn more.
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Exploring Our History
Can you believe it? On Saturday, July 4, we will be celebrating America’s 250th birthday. It is a great time to reflect on the incredible history of our region and how remarkable it has been.
George Washington, our first president, made six visits to Pittsburgh. That alone says a lot about the importance of our area in shaping the early days of our nation.
I had the chance to talk with Brady Crytzer, an author, historian and professor at Robert Morris University, to discuss more about this history. We discussed why Washington traveled to Pittsburgh, what he was tasked with during those visits and the route he took along the way.
One of the most surprising parts of the conversation was learning he even received death threats while carrying out his mission.
This is an incredible story! Check out the video below.
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Celebrating History at Carpenters’ Hall
I attended an event at Carpenters’ Hall in Philadelphia, where history and the future came together.
Surrounded by fellow commissioners of America250PA and members of The Pennsylvania Society, the event served as both a tribute to our shared past and a celebration of what lies ahead.
Carpenters’ Hall, the site of the First Continental Congress in 1774, provided a fitting backdrop for reflecting on the enduring principles that shaped our nation. In the spirit of that legacy, America250PA continues to honor Pennsylvania’s deep commitment to education and civic engagement.
As part of the Commonwealth’s commemoration of America’s 250th birthday, America250PA will be announcing the recipients of a significant scholarship program. Twenty-five Pennsylvania high school seniors will be awarded $10,000 scholarships to support their studies at accredited Pennsylvania colleges or universities for the 2026–2027 academic year.
The event celebrated history while also supporting the next generation, helping inspire students across Pennsylvania for years to come.
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Sewickley Has Community Spirit!
Every community has something unique to offer, and the Borough of Sewickley is no exception.
I had the opportunity to talk with Amanda Schaffer, executive director of the Sewickley Valley Historical Society, to talk about how the borough is preparing to celebrate its history as the countdown continues for America’s 250th birthday.
We also discussed how everyone can take part in these efforts by sharing memorabilia and personal stories that help preserve Sewickley’s past. For me, this conversation really hit home as my family was involved in the Sewickley Bridge replacement project back in the mid-1970s.
This is a great opportunity to reflect on the community’s rich history and the people who helped shape it.
Please watch this video to learn more about what is planned and how you can be part of it.
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Don’t Miss My Upcoming Events
Our Senior Resource Session will be on Thursday, May 7, 10 a.m. to noon, at the Fair Oaks Volunteer Fire Department, 190 Ambridge Ave., Ambridge. Staff will be available to help senior citizens with Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications, Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) ConnectCards and unclaimed property. We will also be happy to answer questions about other state-related services.
The Day Care Policy discussion will take place on Thursday, Sept. 17, starting at 4:30 p.m., at the Sewickley Valley YMCA, 625 Blackburn Road, Sewickley. Participate in a discussion about the policies, procedures and safety practices of daycare programs. Due to time constraints, live testimony will be limited. You may submit written testimony for the record by emailing ccramer@pahousegop.com.
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Key Dates for Upcoming Election
Pennsylvania’s primary election is coming up on Tuesday, May 19. Voters will have the opportunity to choose their party’s candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, U.S. House of Representatives, state House and Senate (in even-numbered senatorial districts), as well as state and local committee members.
This Monday, May 4, is the deadline to register to vote. You may register online here or visit your county voter registration office. Not sure of your registration status? Check it here.
Tuesday, May 12, is the deadline to apply for mail-in or absentee ballots, which also may be done online or at your county elections office. Ballots must be completed and returned to your county election officials by 8 p.m. on May 19.
More information about voting and elections in the Commonwealth is available here.
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Rail Safety Funding
There has been a lot of talk about rail safety lately, but it is important to focus on what is happening.
Last week, the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration announced more than $1.1 billion in funding through the Railroad Crossing Elimination program, also known as the Crossing Safety program. This is a major investment aimed at improving safety at rail crossings across the country.
This funding supports upgrades and removal of dangerous crossings. The resources are there. The question is whether they will be used.
To help communities better understand how to access these funds, a rail safety webinar will be held on May 6, beginning at 1 p.m. It will walk through eligible projects, the application process, and answer questions directly. Those interested can register here.
Safety concerns are being raised, but funding is already available. The window to apply is short, so communities need to act quickly.
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Honoring PA’s Gold Star Families
A new memorial paying tribute to fallen military heroes and their families was officially dedicated at the state Capitol last week. The Gold Star Memorial was created after passage of Act 145 of 2024, which I was honored to support.
This permanent fixture gives Gold Star families a place to gather, reflect, pray and share in fellowship with one another while honoring the sacrifice of their beloved service members. It also serves as a powerful reminder to all of us that our heroes live on through the impact they made. We honor the bravery of those who served and the steadfast strength of the families who supported them. Freedom is never free, and we remain forever thankful.
Highlights of the dedication ceremony are available here.
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Watch Out for These Social Media Scams
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), people reported losing $2.1 billion to social media scams in 2025.
Shopping scams were the most reported scam on social media. Scammers post ads offering high-priced items for cheap. If you click, you might end up on a site that’s impersonating a well-known brand.
More than half of the reported losses came from investment scams. Scammers use ads and testimonials offering to teach you a fool-proof way to beat the stock market. But investing always comes with risk.
Nearly 60% of people who reported losing money to a romance scam in 2025 said it started on social media. Scammers use what’s in your profile to build a connection only to later invent a problem that requires you to send them money.
To avoid scams on social media:
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Limit who can see your posts and contacts. Visit your privacy settings to set restrictions so scammers have less to work with. |
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Never let someone you meet on social media direct your investment decisions. Instead, learn more about spotting investment scams. |
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Before you buy, check out the company. Search online for its name plus “scam” or “complaint.” |
Learn more ways to spot and avoid scams at consumer.ftc.gov/scams. If you spot a scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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Keep PA Beautiful, PennDOT Invite Students to Join Young Ambassadors Program
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful are inviting environmentally conscious students in grades 10-12 to help preserve Pennsylvania’s natural resources through the Young Ambassadors of Pennsylvania program.
The program empowers young Pennsylvanians to train and learn from leaders across the private sector, state government, local media, and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful to protect Pennsylvania’s environment and build leadership and problem-solving skills.
Ambassadors will learn about topics related to the impact of litter on roadways, litter prevention, waste management and recycling, civic engagement and public policy, volunteer management, and social media marketing.
For more information and how to apply, click here.
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Government Entities Eligible for Railway Grants
The U.S. Department of Transportation has opened a round of funding for Railroad Crossing Elimination grants, which are also known as the Crossing Safety grants. Eligible projects include those relocating railroad tracks or closing a grade crossing.
The program will host a webinar on Wednesday, May 6. Applications are due Monday, June 8.
Learn more at this page.
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