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In this edition:
Hearings on Proposed State Budget Begin Next Week
Senate hearings begin next week on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2026-27 state budget, a plan that spends too much and steers the state ever closer to a massive tax increase. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will join my colleagues to question department heads as we seek to reduce the size of the $53.3 billion spending plan that would increase spending by $2.7 billion – a 5.4% increase. It would take $4.6 billion out of the state’s Rainy-Day Fund, which is made up of emergency reserves that protect against future tax hikes. The committee begins two weeks of hearings on Monday. I’ll share recaps of each week’s hearings in this e-newsletter so you know what’s being planned for your tax dollars. Information about the budget hearings, including livestream links, is available here. Preventing Food Allergies and Cutting Costs for Taxpayers
Making preventative supplements available to families could prevent more than 80% of peanut and egg allergies and save taxpayers millions, according to testimony given at a Senate Majority Policy Committee public hearing. Approximately 1.3 million Pennsylvanians are afflicted with a food allergy. One expert testified that the rate of children with a food allergy has grown by 50% over the past 20 years, with rates of peanut and tree nut allergies rising by 300%. The average cost of providing needed assistance to a child with a peanut allergy is more than $7,200 per year. Among the topics discussed was legislation that would require no-cost health insurance coverage for early peanut and egg introduction dietary supplements for infants. Video of the hearing and written testimony can be viewed here. Touring Eos Energy’s Turtle Creek Facility
I recently toured Eos Energy’s Turtle Creek facility where I got an in-depth look at their manufacturing process and saw firsthand how their innovative zinc-powered batteries are built. I’m looking forward to welcoming Eos Energy to their new site in Marshall Township! Learn more about Eos Energy here. Join Rep. Mihalek & Me for Our Senior Assistance Clinic
It’s not too late to RSVP to join Rep. Natalie Mihalek (R-40) and me for our upcoming Senior Assistance Clinic on Thursday, Feb. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bethel Park Community Center. Knowledgeable staff will be available to provide assistance with popular government services such as applying for the Property Tax and Rent Rebate, a Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) Senior ConnectCard, or reclaiming unclaimed property from the Pennsylvania Treasury Department. Interested seniors are kindly asked to RSVP by 5 p.m. this Monday, Feb. 23, by calling Rep. Mihalek’s office at 724-942-2045. More details about the event are available here. Legislators Tour A.W. Beattie Career Center
Thank you to the ambassadors from A.W. Beattie Career Center for a wonderful tour of the technical school alongside Sen. Lindsey Williams (D-38), Rep. Jeremy Shaffer (R-28), and Rep. Arvind Venkat (D-30). There are so many great programs for students to gain experience in culinary arts, emergency response technology, advertising design, automotive technology, and more. These students have a bright future ahead of them! Check out more photos from the tour here. Findlay Township Senior Luncheon
It was great to stop by the Findlay Township Senior Luncheon to talk with constituents about the Property Tax Rent Rebate (PTRR) program! My staff joined me to assist seniors with filling out their PTRR forms and help answer any questions residents had. Check out more photos from the luncheon here. Boot Barn Opens in Collier Township
I had a great time attending the grand opening of the new Boot Barn in Collier Township. The store offers a great selection of western wear and boots. Inspired by all the options, I even bought myself a new pair of boots! Check out more photos from the grand opening here. Partner4Work Facilities Tour
Last week, I had the opportunity to tour Partner4Work’s downtown Pittsburgh facility and learn more about the work this non-profit organization is doing in our region. Partner4Work is a workforce development organization that connects funding, expertise, and opportunities for employers, job seekers, agencies, and policymakers to develop a thriving workforce in the Pittsburgh area. Learn more about Partner4Work here. Troop 228 Eagle Scout Ceremony
Congratulations to Boy Scout Troop 228’s Brice Faber and Colin Frederick on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout! These scouts embody the Scout Law, adhering to high standards of being trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. Thank you for your dedication and service to our community. Check out more photos from the ceremony here. Bethel Park Historical Society Portrait Unveiling
Recently, I joined America250PA for a portrait unveiling at the Bethel Park Historical Society to commemorate our nation’s semiquincentennial with artwork that conveys the ideals of democracy. As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of America, we often hear about Philadelphia; however, Pittsburgh was really at the forefront of the revolution. It was one of the reasons that the colonists were rebelling against England. Too little recognition is given to places like Bethel Park for the key role they played during this time period, so the opportunity to display these paintings commemorating the 250th anniversary of our country is really special. I appreciate all the hard work that went into creating these works. Learn more about the paintings here. Check out more photos from the event here. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Editorial Board SUPPORTS Bill to Make PA Schools Phone-FreeThe Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Editorial Board recently published an editorial where they, again, voiced their support for Senate Bill 1014, my legislation with Sens. Vincent Hughes (D-7) and Steve Santarsiero (D-10) to require public schools across the commonwealth to adopt policies prohibiting student cellphone use during the school day: “There is an emerging consensus that too much digital connectedness is bad for children, who are still forming their sense of themselves and their place in their communities. The consensus has become strongest on the problem of smartphones in schools…” “Senate Bill 1014, introduced by Bridgeville Republican Sen. Devlin Robinson, would place that prohibition in state law. It was very encouraging to see the Senate move so quickly and with near unanimity, voting 46 to one with three abstentions, to catch Pennsylvania up with the rest of America.” “As we have previously written, the evidence for the harms of smartphones, and of social media in particular, on the maturation, education and mental health of young people is overwhelming. Over the past 10 to 15 years, children and teens have experienced massive spikes in the incidence of anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation. And when phones are removed from schools, attention both to teachers and to each other returns…” “We urge the House to pass this bill quickly, so schools can be ready to implement it for next school year.” Read the full editorial here. Lao Sze Chuan Grand Opening in Marshall Township
Congratulations to Joe and the staff at Lao Sze Chuan Pittsburgh on the opening of their new location! This award-winning fine dining experience offers authentic, high-end Chinese food in Pittsburgh. Thank you for investing in Marshall Township, and I wish you many years of success in our community! Check out the delicious menu here. Fish Fries Near YouAs we enter the Lenten season, fish fries have officially begun! I enjoy attending these events for good food and fellowship. Find a fish fry near you here. Free Webinars Help Families Plan for Higher Education
For students and parents needing help with college financial aid, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) offers free webinars on applying for aid and reviewing offers, options for non-traditional students, and other important topics. Upcoming webinars include:
Check the full list here for dates and times. The page includes past webinar recordings for topics you might have missed. Avoiding the Emotional and Financial Toll of Romance Scams
Valentine’s Day is behind us, but romance scammers never go away. You can help yourself or a loved one avoid heartbreak and serious financial loss by knowing the warning signs. These scammers research a target’s social media to gather personal details, allowing them to mirror interests and build trust. According to state Attorney General Dave Sunday, common romance scammer behavior includes:
Consumers who feel they may have been victimized by this or any other scam may submit a complaint to the Bureau of Consumer Protection, report a scam to the Better Business Bureau, email scams@attorneygeneral.gov, or call 1-800-441-2555. Remembering the 81st Anniversary of Iwo Jima
On February 19, we remember the anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima. Fought from February 19 to March 26, 1945, Iwo Jima was one of the bloodiest battles in Marine Corps History. During this battle, the United States Armed Forces lost 6,821 troops, and more than 19,000 were wounded or captured. While the loss was incomprehensible, the valor was unmatched. More medals of honor were awarded during this battle than any other in American history. I was honored to be gifted a small bottle of authentic sand from the beach at Iwo Jima. I keep it in my Bethel Park District Office to serve as a reminder of those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom during this intense battle. May we always honor those who served and sacrificed during this moment in history 81 years ago. Celebrating Religious ObservancesThis week marked the beginning of two significant holy seasons in different major world religions – Ash Wednesday and Ramadan. I want to wish all those who observe these holidays a peaceful and reflective journey for the next few weeks as we head towards Easter and Eid al-Fitr. National Love Your Pet Day
Yesterday was National Love Your Pet Day! In honor of this sweet holiday, my staff wanted to share photos of their beloved pets with you. 🐶🐱 Be sure to give your pets extra love this weekend!
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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