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| The Latest News from Your State Representative |
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Momentum Builds to Eliminate Pennsylvania’s Inheritance Tax
It is time to end the inheritance tax in Pennsylvania. Our state is one of only a few that still imposes this tax when property is transferred after someone passes away, and many families feel the impact.
I am continuing to fight to eliminate Pennsylvania’s inheritance tax, and the momentum behind this effort keeps growing. Many of you have reached out to share your support, and my colleagues in the Legislature are also taking a serious interest in getting this done.
My legislation, House Bill 1394, would phase out Pennsylvania’s inheritance tax so families are not forced to pay the state simply for passing a lifetime of hard work on to their children. It is about making sure when someone passes away, their loved ones can keep what was built over a lifetime instead of losing part of it to the government.
This issue came up again during the House Appropriations Committee budget hearings when Rep. Eric Nelson (R-Westmoreland) questioned Pennsylvania Department of Revenue Secretary Pat Browne about the tax and whether changes could be coming. Secretary Browne acknowledged the concern and said discussions about possible changes are underway.
That is an encouraging sign. This issue is gaining traction, but we must continue to build the support needed to finally eliminate or reduce this burden on Pennsylvania residents.
Please watch the video below for more on this important discussion.
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Budget Hearings Offer Closer Look at Proposed State Spending
Three weeks of state budget hearings by the House Appropriations Committee have concluded, providing an important opportunity for legislators to review the governor’s proposed spending plan and question state agencies about how taxpayer dollars are used. The hearings began later than planned after winter weather caused cancellations early in the first week, but the schedule was adjusted so testimony could proceed.
During the first week, the committee heard from agencies including the Department of Community and Economic Development, the Department of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Insurance Department and PENNIE. These hearings offered an early look at economic programs, agricultural priorities and insurance-related services across the commonwealth.
The second week centered on two of the largest areas of state spending. Officials from the Department of Education and the Department of Human Services discussed funding for schools, student support programs, medical assistance and services that help children, families and vulnerable residents. In addition, testimony was provided by the Office of Attorney General and the departments of State, Labor and Industry, Environmental Protection and Conservation and Natural Resources. These discussions covered a wide range of topics including workforce development, election administration, environmental oversight and the management of Pennsylvania’s parks and natural resources.
During the final week, the committee heard from the Department of Health and the Judiciary. Testimony focused on public health programs, court operations and the role state funding plays in supporting services across Pennsylvania.
Budget hearings allow us to better understand how proposed funding will be used before a final state budget is considered.
This year’s hearings examined the governor’s proposed $53.26 billion budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year, which represents a $2.72 billion increase over the current year while projected revenue growth remains significantly lower. Information gathered during the hearings will help guide budget discussions in the months ahead. Video of the hearings, along with a short summary of each, is available at www.PABudget.com.
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Helping Military Veteran Entrepreneurs Get a Boost in Pittsburgh
Helping military veterans and their families start and grow businesses in the Pittsburgh area just got a lot easier. The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes is bringing its business incubator program to Pittsburgh, and veterans or military spouses with a business or business idea can apply to attend the free program from Wednesday, April 29, through Friday, May 1.
This announcement was made in Washington, D.C., recently, thanks to the efforts of U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick and Hivers and Strivers, which hosted Terry Williams, veteran entrepreneur program director of PenFed to highlight this important milestone. The program will bring new resources and capital to entrepreneurs in the region.
The expansion to Pittsburgh follows a visit last fall when PenFed, Hivers and Strivers, and other potential investors toured the local business and technology talent. That visit helped show the strength of the region and led to PenFed including Pittsburgh in its Veteran Entrepreneur Program.
The initiative will collaborate with Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pittsburgh, 171st Air Refueling Wing, 911th Airlift Wing, Army Ai2c, Navy, Pittsburgh Technology Council, Neighborhood91 and several corporate partners.
Veterans and military spouses who want to take part in this exciting program can find more information and apply here, penfedfoundation.org.
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We Have Tax Forms
If you need help with any state-related issue, my office is ready, willing and able to assist. With tax season here, it’s a good time to start thinking about getting your taxes done. While we do not prepare tax returns, our staff can help guide you to the right resources and provide support with a wide range of state services.
Please watch the video below for more information on how we can help.
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Moon Area School District Breaks Ground on New Tiger Stadium
The Moon Area School District recently celebrated the groundbreaking for its new Tiger Stadium.
This new facility promises to be a significant asset for the community, supporting student athletes, enhancing physical education programs and providing a welcoming space for residents to gather and celebrate together.
The groundbreaking marks the first step toward these exciting new developments, and I look forward to returning for the ribbon-cutting ceremony soon.
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Moon Area Wrestler Reigns Supreme at State Championships
Haley Smarsh from Moon Area High School has done it. She captured the girls PIAA State Wrestling Championship at 130 pounds in Hershey.
Her journey has been remarkable. Haley finished second as a freshman and sixth last year after an injury forced her to forfeit her final two matches. This season, she came back stronger than ever, dominating the tournament with multiple pins and finishing with a 17-6 victory in the championship match.
Haley, your hard work, determination and talent have not gone unnoticed. You have made your school and community incredibly proud.
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Honoring Our Local Heroes
Recently, we attended the Leet Township Commissioners’ meeting to present a House of Representatives citation to Police Chief Brian Jameson and Fair Oaks Volunteer Firefighter Jacob Mosholder.
On Tuesday, Feb. 24, they responded to a life-threatening emergency and acted quickly to save a community member. Their efforts included performing CPR and using an automated external defibrillator (AED), demonstrating courage and skill under pressure.
We are grateful for their dedication to protecting others. Our community is fortunate to have heroes like Chief Jameson and Firefighter Mosholder looking out for us.
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Staying Connected with Glen Osborne Borough
I appreciated the opportunity to attend the Glen Osborne Borough Council meeting and stay informed on the issues directly affecting the community. While there, I introduced the newest member of my team, Carson Cramer. He, along with my office staff, is available to assist constituents with the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, unclaimed property and other state-related services.
Council also welcomed its newest member, Jen Coyne. Her engineering background will be a valuable addition as the borough continues to address local infrastructure and planning needs.
During the meeting, we discussed the Ohio River Boulevard and River Road intersection, an important topic for both council members and residents.
It was great to be present and continue to support the efforts that help keep Glen Osborne families and residents safe.
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Celebrating Women in Construction Week
During the first week of March, we celebrated Women in Construction Week, a time to honor the remarkable women shaping the future of the construction industry. The week recognizes the architects, engineers, project managers and skilled tradeswomen who continue to break barriers and make a difference through their talent, leadership and dedication.
We are especially proud of Reagan Eichert from Quaker Valley School District. She earned a silver medal in Welding Sculpture at last year’s SkillsUSA competition and currently serves as president of the Parkway West Career and Technology Center student chapter. Reagan is an inspiration to all women in welding and the trades.
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Exploring Innovation at Moon Area High School
Recently, I had the pleasure of touring the Technology Education Department at Moon Area High School, and I came away incredibly impressed. The staff guided me through their facilities and showcased the hands-on learning that takes place every day.
I also had the chance to speak with students using their technology, woodworking and metalworking skills to work on some innovative projects.
A big thank you to the teachers and staff who are investing in these students and helping them turn ideas into reality. The future is bright at Moon Area High School!
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Parkway West CTC Welding Program Inspires Future Trades Professionals
It was a pleasure visiting Parkway West Career and Technology Center and seeing the impressive learning taking place in its welding program. Thanks to a partnership with Coterra Energy, a new mezzanine has been added, giving students more space to train, practice and build their skills.
During the tour, I had the chance to watch students work with industry-grade tools and machinery. They demonstrated the site-specific virtual welder, an innovative technology that gives students hands-on experience in a safe and accessible way.
We are proud of all Parkway West students, including those from Moon Area, West Allegheny and Quaker Valley school districts. Special recognition goes to Reagan Eichert of Quaker Valley High School and Jordan Edmunds of West Allegheny, who serve as presidents of Parkway West’s student chapter.
Thank you again to Coterra Energy for its continued support of career and technical education.
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A Story of Courage and the Power of Doing What’s Right
No Grier, No Game tells the story of doing the right thing regardless of the pressures around you and how one act of courage can make a lasting impact.
The book focuses on Bobby Grier, a member of the legendary University of Pittsburgh Panthers football team, and the role he played in one of the most important games in college sports history.
I was on hand for the book unveiling and signing, and it was inspiring to hear people reflect on how this story still matters today.
In the 1956 Sugar Bowl, played on Jan. 2, 1956, the Pittsburgh Panthers met the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in New Orleans. The game drew national attention because Bobby Grier was set to become the first Black player to take the field in the Sugar Bowl, which at the time was one of the most important postseason games in college football. Many people tried to stop him from playing because of segregation, but his teammates and supporters stood with him and made it clear that they would not play without him.
The Panthers ultimately lost the game 7-0, but Grier led both teams in rushing yards and made history simply by playing. His legacy continues to remind us doing the right thing can ripple across generations.
Please watch the video below!
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