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In this edition:
100 Days Out from the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh!
This week, we celebrate 100 days until the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh! This massive event will undoubtedly have a positive economic impact on the region, and I’m thrilled that the spotlight will be on our great city. Read more about what to expect at the draft from Visit Pittsburgh here. Give Your Feedback on Proposed Rate Hikes to Water Service in Southwest PAEnsure your voice is heard! The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission is holding public input hearings by telephone on the proposed rate hikes for Pennsylvania American Water customers in our region. Pennsylvania American Water wants to improve their system, so they requested these rate hikes from the PUC to pay for the upgrades. However, some of these increases are drastic, including in my own municipality. Certain customers could see a 40% increase in their water bills if the PUC approves the plan! If these rate increases affect you, please consider calling in to one of these hearings to voice your concerns: Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 Time: 1:00 PM & 6:00 PM Type: Call-In Telephonic Public Input Hearings Pre-registration is encouraged by 4:00 P.M on January 19, 2026. Call-in numbers, instructions for pre-registration, and more important details about the hearings can be found here. U.S. Supreme Court Hears Cases on Fairness in Female Athletics
The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard arguments in two cases involving state laws designed to safeguard women’s sports. Here in Pennsylvania, I supported the Save Women’s Sports Act, which will ensure athletic teams designated for women are reserved for biological females in Pennsylvania’s K–12 and collegiate sports. Senate Bill 9 reinforces the original intent of Title IX by ensuring female athletes are not denied scholarships, placements, or opportunities due to unfair competition from biological males. It acknowledges biological realities and helps guarantee a safe, level playing field for women and girls. The bill passed the Senate in May 2025 and is awaiting action in the state House of Representatives. WIN Annual Award Celebration
I recently had the pleasure of attending the WIN annual award celebration. A number of fantastic community leaders were given well-deserved recognition for their service to our region:
Congratulations to all the awardees, and keep up the great work! 2025 Review: Improving Pennsylvania Health Care
Healthy and safe communities are one of my top priorities. The Senate passed several measures in 2025 aimed at improving health care across Pennsylvania. Legislation of note included bills expanding no-cost breast cancer screening, saving lives from overdoses, and preserving prescription drug coverage for seniors. The Senate also acted to alleviate staffing shortages in long-term care facilities, expand access to high-quality maternity services, and more. As we enter the second year of the 2025-26 legislative session, I’ll continue working to improve access to affordable, quality health care. Read more about health care legislation and other important bills here. Roots Natural Kitchen Grand Opening in South Fayette
Congratulations to Roots Natural Kitchen on the opening of their new location in South Fayette Township! I had a great time celebrating the grand opening of the store with the staff and Southwest Regional Chamber of Commerce. Our community is excited to enjoy the delicious and nutritious options on Roots Natural Kitchen’s menu! 2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Applications Now Being Accepted
The application period is now open for this year’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, which provides rebates from $380 to $1,000 to eligible older adults and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue is accepting applications for rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2025. Forms and instructions are available online, and eligible Pennsylvanians are encouraged to file their applications via myPATH to ensure their rebates are processed as quickly as possible. Please reach out to either of my district offices with any questions: BETHEL PARK OFFICE NORTH HILLS OFFICE Your Input Wanted on Program Helping PA Seniors and People with Disabilities
Older Pennsylvanians, people with disabilities, and their families can find services and support in their community through Pennsylvania Link to Aging and Disability Resources (PA Link). Public input is wanted on a plan to redesign and improve PA Link. The plan calls for developing performance metrics, expanding call center functionality, deploying volunteers for community engagement, and more. The Pennsylvania Department of Aging will hold a listening session Jan. 27, and the public comment period will be open until Feb. 9. You can review the draft plan, submit comments, and sign up for the listening session here. Tips for Preparing for Winter Storms and Power Outages
Winter storms are part of Pennsylvania living, and they’re made worse when the power goes out. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission offers these tips for what to do before and during winter storms:
Learn more about what to do if you lose power during the storm, how to stay safe while waiting for power to be restored, and what utilities do to deal with storms here. Deadline Approaching for PennDOT “Innovations Challenge”
How can artificial intelligence (AI) improve work zone safety? That’s the latest Pennsylvania Department of Transportation “Innovations Challenge” for high school students. Students are asked to develop a concept for the use of AI in work zones to dramatically improve safety for work crews and motorists. The concept should take into consideration cost-benefit information, statewide deployment implications, and public outreach. Regional winners will be invited to present their solutions to a panel of judges, who will determine the statewide winners. Teams must submit entries by Jan. 30 for a chance at a prize. Rules and submission information can be found here. Remembering Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream
Americans of all races and backgrounds are bound by a love of liberty, a can-do spirit, and other ideals that resonate strongly across the United States. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an opportunity to recommit to celebrating what brings us together, and to seeing each other as fellow citizens, judged by what we do and not what we look like.
In this Update:
U.S. Supreme Court Hears Cases on Fairness in Female Athletics
The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard arguments in two cases involving state laws designed to safeguard women’s sports. Here in Pennsylvania, I supported the Save Women’s Sports Act, which will ensure athletic teams designated for women are reserved for biological females in Pennsylvania’s K–12 and collegiate sports. Senate Bill 9 reinforces the original intent of Title IX by ensuring female athletes are not denied scholarships, placements or opportunities due to unfair competition from biological males. It acknowledges biological realities and helps guarantee a safe, level playing field for women and girls. The bill passed the Senate in May 2025 and is awaiting action in the state House of Representatives. 2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Applications Now Being Accepted
The application period is now open for this year’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, which provides rebates from $380 to $1,000 to eligible older adults and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue is accepting applications for rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2025. Forms and instructions are available online, and eligible Pennsylvanians are encouraged to file their applications via myPATH to ensure their rebates are processed as quickly as possible. Please reach out to my office with any questions. Your Input Wanted on Program Helping PA Seniors and People with Disabilities
Older Pennsylvanians, people with disabilities and their families can find services and support in their community through Pennsylvania Link to Aging and Disability Resources (PA Link). Public input is wanted on a plan to redesign and improve PA Link. The plan calls for developing performance metrics, expanding call center functionality, deploying volunteers for community engagement and more. The Pennsylvania Department of Aging will hold a listening session Jan. 27, and the public comment period will be open until Feb. 9. You can review the draft plan, submit comments and sign up for the listening session here. Tips for Preparing for Winter Storms and Power Outages
Winter storms are part of Pennsylvania living, and they’re made worse when the power goes out. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission offers these tips for what to do before and during winter storms:
Learn more about what to do if you lose power during the storm, how to stay safe while waiting for power to be restored and what utilities do to deal with storms here. Deadline Approaching for PennDOT “Innovations Challenge”
How can artificial intelligence (AI) improve work zone safety? That’s the latest Pennsylvania Department of Transportation “Innovations Challenge” for high school students. Students are asked to develop a concept for the use of AI in work zones to dramatically improve safety for work crews and motorists. The concept should take into consideration cost-benefit information, statewide deployment implications and public outreach. Regional winners will be invited to present their solutions to a panel of judges, who will determine the statewide winners. Teams must submit entries by Jan. 30 for a chance at a prize. Rules and submission information can be found here. Remembering Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream
Americans of all colors and backgrounds are bound by a love of liberty, a can-do spirit and other ideals that resonate strongly across the United States. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an opportunity to recommit to celebrating what brings us together and to seeing each other as fellow citizens, judged by what we do and not what we look like.
I’m proud to represent you in Harrisburg. Please contact me if my team can assist you with any state-level issues or services, including PennDOT, PA Department of Revenue, PA Department of Aging, PA State Treasury, etc. I’m always happy to hear from constituents, but if you need assistance or have concerns regarding a federal issue, you may want to contact your U.S. Senators and/or your member in the U.S. House of Representatives. Thank you. For anyone who hasn’t already signed up to receive my e-newsletters, you can get on the mailing list here. |
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