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| The Latest News from Your State Representative |
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We Will Never Forget!
Today marks the 25th anniversary of one of the worst days in our nation’s history. On Sept. 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 men and women were killed in devastating terrorist attacks in New York; Washington, D.C.; and Pennsylvania, including more than 400 first responders.
While most of us remember both the tragedy and bravery of that day, there are now an estimated 100 million Americans who are too young to remember 9/11. It is our duty to share our perspectives of that day – from fear and sadness to resilience and patriotism – to ensure the lives lost and lessons of that time in our history are never forgotten.
I vividly remember where I was and what I was doing on that horrific day. We all have memories of where we were and how that day changed us forever.
Please take a moment to watch my video and reflect on your own memories of Sept. 11. We each have a story from that day, and it is important that we continue to remember and share them.
In addition to the annual remembrance events, special programming is planned at Ground Zero and Pennsylvania’s own Flight 93 Memorial. On Sept. 12, officials will break ground for construction of a Visitor Education Center adjacent to the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in Washington, D.C.
May God bless the souls lost and the loved ones they left behind on this tragic day and always.
Please watch: We Were One That Day - The Pennsylvania House Remembers 9/11.
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Honoring Pennsylvania’s Role in Our Nation’s Story
As a commissioner for America250PA, I had the honor of joining my fellow legislators earlier this week for an historic session at Philadelphia’s Congress Hall.
It was especially meaningful to gather at a place that once served as the meeting place of the United States Congress from 1790 to 1800. Pennsylvania played a foundational role in the creation of our nation, and it was a privilege to be part of an event recognizing that history as we continue to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.
I was proud to be part of this historic celebration. We should always honor Pennsylvania’s extraordinary place in the story of America.
Please take a moment to watch my comments from Congress Hall.
The day also included a full-day civic learning experience for students through America250PA. I asked each school district in my legislative district to nominate a student to participate.
After reviewing several highly qualified nominees, all of whom were outstanding, I selected Sofia DiCicco, a junior at Sewickley Academy.
Sofia shines both in the classroom and on the lacrosse field, where she is a stellar goaltender. I was proud to have her represent our district and take part in this unique opportunity to learn more about our Commonwealth’s history, government and the principles that helped shape our nation.
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Continuing Pennsylvania’s 250th Celebration
I am honored to continue celebrating this incredible milestone and Pennsylvania’s important role in the story of our nation.
Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the Great American State Fair on the National Mall and see Pennsylvania’s history proudly on display. I was pleased to see U.S. Sens. Dave McCormick and John Fetterman put politics aside and work together to make sure Pennsylvania was represented at this historic celebration.
I also had the opportunity to tour the Pennsylvania display with Nathan Gerace from Sen. McCormick’s office. There are some incredible artifacts and pieces of our Commonwealth’s history on display, serving as a reminder of just how important Pennsylvania was to the founding of our country.
Be sure to watch my video and take a look at some of the incredible Pennsylvania history being showcased!
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Your Money Matters!
Harrisburg spends your money. You deserve to know where it goes.
Every dollar in Pennsylvania’s state budget comes from taxpayers. That means every dollar Harrisburg spends is a decision about your money and our state’s priorities.
Taxpayers deserve more than promises. They deserve accountability, responsible budgeting and results.
I am fighting to make sure your hard-earned money is invested where it matters most, not wasted on unnecessary government spending. We should be putting Pennsylvania’s resources toward safer communities; better roads and bridges; strong schools; public safety; and opportunities that help families, workers and small businesses succeed.
Government should never forget who is paying the bills.
Too often, spending decisions are made in Harrisburg without enough attention to the impact they have on the people who are footing the bill. As your state representative, my job is to ask the tough questions, challenge wasteful spending and make sure taxpayer dollars are being used wisely.
Watch my video to see how decisions made in Harrisburg affect your family, community and tax dollars here at home.
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Human Trafficking Is Here! We Must Fight It!
Human trafficking is not someone else’s problem. It is happening in our area and across the Commonwealth, and we cannot afford to look the other way.
The turnout and questions at my recent Help End Human Trafficking event in Sewickley Hills showed me that people want to learn more. They want to know how to spot the warning signs, understand the problem and help protect those who may be at risk.
I have been working to make sure Pennsylvania has stronger laws and better tools to confront human trafficking. In 2026, I advanced Act 31 and Act 41, which expand awareness training and strengthen enforcement tools.
But passing laws is only part of the fight.
We cannot fight human trafficking from the sidelines. We must recognize the warning signs, protect victims, equip law enforcement and bring every available resource together to identify traffickers and hold them accountable.
We heard powerful insights from Cate Colesar of The Asservo Project, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, Charity Trahan of Altus Solutions, Lisa Gibbs of Eden’s Farm and Kristen Beddard, co-lead of PA Unplugged. Their experiences reinforced the more we know, the harder it becomes for traffickers to hide.
Human trafficking thrives in the shadows. Our response cannot.
We must remain vigilant, strengthen our laws, support survivors and make sure Pennsylvania is a place where traffickers are held accountable and victims have a path toward freedom and recovery.
Please watch my comments, along with remarks from Attorney General Sunday and Kristen Beddard. This is a fight that requires all of us.
Click here to watch entire event.
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Settlement to Help Protect Kids on Social Media
Pennsylvania is part of a multistate coalition that recently reached a settlement with Meta that assures the social media company will implement sweeping changes to its existing age assurance framework, limit children’s time on its platforms and cut kids’ access to harmful content.
According to Attorney General Dave Sunday, the settlement, which involves up to $17.1 billion in national remediation payments, is the largest-ever settlement involving a big tech company. Pennsylvania is expected to receive $516 million over a period of years — and up to $729 million. The total is contingent on other major social media companies agreeing to the same sweeping changes.
Among the changes Meta must implement under the settlement are:
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Hard cap daily time limits and “productive pauses” for children to interrupt endless scrolling. |
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Nighttime blocks restricting children’s access from midnight to 6 a.m. |
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Limited school-time access for children by eliminating push notifications on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the school year. |
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Limits on social comparison features, including beauty filters and visible “like” counts. |
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Stronger, more user-friendly parental controls. |
Click here for more information and a link to the full settlement.
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Lessons I Have Learned in Business
I started my first company in 1994, and over the past three decades, I have learned that building a successful business takes hard work, persistence, good planning and a willingness to keep learning along the way.
I have had the opportunity to work with entrepreneurs and small business owners at many different stages and seen both the challenges and the rewards that come with turning an idea into a successful business.
I’m excited to be the keynote speaker for the Sewickley Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Local Advantage Series on Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
I will be sharing some of the lessons I have learned, including things I wish I had known when I was starting out, and talking about what makes Sewickley such a great place to build a business.
Whether you are thinking about starting a business or already own one, I hope you will join me for a discussion about entrepreneurship, opportunities and lessons learned along the way.
You can sign up for the Local Advantage Series through the Sewickley Valley Chamber of Commerce.
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Be Prepared!
September is National Preparedness Month, and this year’s theme, “Americans Stand Ready,” highlights preparedness as a civic responsibility and patriotic duty.
In the face of disasters like tornadoes, wildfires and hurricanes, Americans can take simple, practical steps to keep themselves and their families safe. By proactively preparing, Americans make the nation stronger and more resilient.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Ready Campaign offers these simple, affordable steps to help you stand ready:
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Be in the know. Make sure you know where to get information when you need it most. Sign up for your community’s warning system and download the FEMA App to get emergency safety alerts and resources. |
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Make a plan to keep you and your family, including pets, safe and prepared. The plan should include emergency contact information, emergency meeting places and medical information. |
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Build a kit with the essential items your family needs to stay safe and comfortable if something happens. |
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Be there for your community. From volunteering in your community to learning skills like first aid and CPR, you can take steps to prepare for disasters and keep your family safe and make your neighborhood and community more resilient. |
Learn more at Ready.gov/stand-ready.
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