On Aug. 11, I chatted with Sarah Gerdes, a student at the Catholic University of America, about mental health. I was glad to talk about the need to destigmatize mental health struggles, promote resources in the region for mental health and domestic violence, and share my thoughts on how we must continue adapting to best support our friends, family and neighbors in need of extra support. Mental health impacts every one of us.
On Aug. 11, I had the pleasure of chatting with Cumberland Valley High School senior Rohan Jawale about children and youth issues. I was glad to recap my time as Republican Chair of the House Children and Youth Committee, as well as share information about a bipartisan bill I’m working on to assure court guidance on the issue of intended parentage.
The state budget was due June 30, but instead of working toward meeting that goal for the people of Pennsylvania, the House was called into session to vote on one bill - House Bill 1788. This mass transportation funding bill is not an agreed-to product with the Senate. The General Assembly and the governor need to do the hard work of reaching a compromise for taxpayers.
On June 10, the House Children and Youth Committee passed a bill I am co-sponsoring with bipartisan support. House Bill 350 would provide stability for children and families, especially those conceived through surrogacy and IVF.
On June 10, a bipartisan bill I am co-sponsoring passed the House Children and Youth Committee. Under House Bill 350, known as the Uniform Parentage Act, clear rules would be established for the legal determination of parentage, particularly for children born through assisted reproduction. It would also create safeguards for women acting as surrogates, and equal protection for children and families.
Cyber charter schools need systematic, commonsense reform. However, House Bill 1500 is not the right way to do it. This bill would greatly impact education options for students and families.
No family should have to wait for justice because local police are under-resourced. That’s why I am co-sponsoring bipartisan House Bill 1511, which would provide grant money that could help law enforcement reanalyze old evidence and submit it for additional testing. I believe additional funding is needed to help our police get violent offenders off the streets, as well as provide peace for families who have long been awaiting justice for the victim they knew and loved.
I was glad to be a guest on Pennsylvania Newsmakers where I discussed criminal justice reform, specifically my Clean Slate initiatives, with host Gene Barr. I appreciated the opportunity to call attention to an issue I'm passionate about.
On April 10, I hosted my second-ever Job and Government Services Fair to connect 88th District residents with available employment opportunities and government services. I interviewed a representative from Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Pennsylvania, an organization whose members are seeking employees and apprentices. IEC offers a four-year apprenticeship program that combines classroom and hands-on experience.
On April 10, I hosted my second-ever Job and Government Services Fair to connect 88th District residents with available employment opportunities and government services. I interviewed Avon representative, Melissa Hiler, who is looking for independent contractors to join her sales team. Avon provides the necessary training, so prior experience is not needed. Full- and part-time positions are available.
Keep up-to-date on the latest legislative and community news. Your email address will be used strictly for legislative purposes.