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In this Update:

• Local Students Participate in Senator for a Day Event
• Moon Township Receives $472,000 in State Aid for Municipal Pensions
• DCNR Awards Funding for Recreation Projects
• National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week
• Jonathan Philip Attains Eagle Scout Rank
• Strengthening Government Transparency
• National Child Safety and Protection Month
• Happy Diwali
• Upcoming Events in the 37^th District

Local Students Participate in Senator for a Day Event

Thanks to all the students, teachers, public servants, and government relations professionals who joined me at Robert Morris University this week for my annual Senator for a Day event! The students debated issues like data centers, AI usage in schools, and second-degree murder sentencing guidelines as they learned what it’s like to be a Pennsylvania state senator.

See more photos from the event here.

To learn more about this exciting event, watch a recap video from the 2025 Senator for a Day program here.

Moon Township Receives $752,000 in State Aid for Municipal Pensions

Our police officers and firefighters dedicate their careers to protecting our communities, neighbors, and loved ones. Every day, they respond to emergencies and put their lives at risk to keep the rest of us safe. They deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing the retirement benefits they earned through years of service will be there when they need them. 

I’m proud that the Township of Moon has demonstrated the good stewardship of their pension system required to keep these financial promises to our public servants! 

Thanks to Pennsylvania Auditor General Tim DeFoor for highlighting Moon Township’s accomplishments. He also announced that more than 1,400 municipalities across Pennsylvania have received $427 million in state aid to support municipal pension plans for police, firefighters, and non-uniformed employees – including more than $427,000 for Moon Township!

Learn more about the Auditor General’s findings and funding announcement here.

DCNR Awards Funding for Recreation Projects 

I was glad to see several communities in my district receive funding to rehabilitate and develop recreation spaces in their area through Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Community Conservation Partnership Program. These projects will continue to provide safe places for kids and families to play and encourage a healthy lifestyle among residents.  

See the full list of projects here.

National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week

This National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, I’m proud to recognize the commitment of Animal Friends, Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh, and the shelters across the commonwealth that help protect animals and find them loving homes.

Thank you to the staff and volunteers who make a difference in our communities and in these animals’ lives every day!

Jonathan Philip Attains Eagle Scout Rank

Congratulations to Jonathan Philip from Boy Scouts of America Troop 2 for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout!

For his Eagle Scout project, Jonathan led a crew of family, friends, and community volunteers to restore the park benches, rebuild the deck, and restore the flagpole at Hills-Hendersonville Civic Association. To celebrate the project’s completion, the community held a flag raising ceremony, and the flag is now flying on that pole again for the first time in 12 years!

Congratulations again on this impressive accomplishment!

See more photos from Jonathan’s Court of Honor Ceremony here.

Strengthening Government Transparency

The General Assembly passed a new law ensuring public agencies provide meaningful notice before acting on important matters, after a Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling weakened Sunshine Law notice requirements.  

Senate Bill 1150, which I was proud to support, reinforces the 24-hour agenda posting requirement established under Act 65 of 2021 and ensures exceptions for emergencies and “de minimis” – or minor – matters remain limited.

Learn more about this legislation to strengthen government transparency here. 

National Child Safety and Protection Month

Every child deserves to feel safe and free from harm in their community. This Child Safety & Protection Month, we can celebrate Pennsylvania taking an important step forward with Alicia’s Law – legislation I was proud to sponsor.

This legislation provides critical funding and resources to strengthen investigations and prosecutions of internet crimes against children in Pennsylvania, helping protect them from online predators.

Thanks to Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-46) and Alicia Kozak for their partnership with me on this important bill, which is now law in Pennsylvania!

Happy Diwali

Diwali, an annual Hindu observance, celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Wishing a happy, joyous holiday to all who celebrate the Festival of Lights!

Upcoming Events in the 37^th District

Looking for things in the area to do this week? Check out these local events across the 37^th District!

Annakut Darshan 2026
Sunday, Nov. 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  
BAPS Pittsburgh, PA | 90 Grant St., Coraopolis  
Learn more about the event here.

Findlay Township Veterans Day BBQ Luncheon
Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 11 a.m.  
Findlay Township Activity Center | 310 Main St., Imperial 
Learn more about the event here. 

Marshall Township Parent Teen Safe Driving Workshop  
Tuesday, Nov 10 from 7 to 8:15 p.m.  
Marshall Township Municipal Building | 525 Pleasant Hill Rd., Wexford
Learn more about the event here.  

Veterans Day Celebration Dance 
Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 7:00 p.m.
Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall – Studio | 300 Beechwood Ave., Carnegie
Learn more about the event here.

Salute to Veterans Breakfast
Saturday, Nov. 14 at 10 a.m.
Blueberry Hill Park Activity Center |1604 Blaine’s Way, Sewickley
Learn more about the event here.