On June 17, the House unanimously adopted my amendment to House Bill 133, which would create a pathway for parental rights reinstatement. This bill, and the adopted amendment, are all about fulfilling what's in the best interest of Pennsylvania's most vulnerable children.
House Resolution 547 responds to a significant policy need. While many states have demonstrated the potential of Electronic Monitoring (EM) to improve public safety and reduce incarceration costs, Pennsylvania lacks comprehensive data. This resolution lays the groundwork for data-driven, bipartisan leadership on criminal justice modernization. The findings are expected to highlight disparities, identify best practices, and provide a roadmap for scaling successful EM programs statewide.
On June 3, House Republicans unveiled a legislative bill package to transform the childcare landscape in Pennsylvania. Together, our initiatives represent a coordinated effort to modernize Pennsylvania’s childcare system and ensure that families, providers, and communities have the support they need to thrive.
In the House Health Committee, lawmakers advanced my House Resolution 531, which would designate June 2026 as Scoliosis Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. The inspiration for this resolution came from a constituent, Ella, who underwent spinal fusion surgery after a severe idiopathic scoliosis diagnosis and has since returned to her regular activities, including soccer. The measure received support from members of both parties as it moved out of committee unanimously. I am looking forward to consideration by the House chamber.
On June 2, House Bill 133 advanced unanimously from the House Children and Youth Committee. This marks an important step toward giving families a path to reunification when it truly serves a child’s best interests.
May 16-22 is National Safe Boating Week. Here are some ways you can enjoy Pennsylvania's many beautiful waterways, while staying safe.
On April 26, I appeared on CBS 21’s Face the State. I was glad to discuss my legislation to enhance penalties for repeat violators of PFAs, as well as my bill to preserve foster child benefits, with host Joel D. Smith.
On April 23, I hosted my 14th annual Tribute to Veterans Breakfast for veterans and active-duty military personnel in the 88th District. This year’s theme was “Celebrating Our History in Preparation for America250.” Sen. Greg Rothman (R-Cumberland/Dauphin/Perry) was our guest speaker and Lt. Col. Devin Hammond was our keynote speaker. It was a great time of fellowship among our local heroes.
On April 13, it was a pleasure to stand alongside former foster youth and fellow advocates to spread the word about House Bill 151. This bill would protect benefits for foster youth by allowing counties to screen for and conserve benefits in a savings account for when a foster youth exits care. This simple modification would ensure foster youth have savings to support housing, education and health care when they enter the workforce as an adult.
On April 13, my House Bill 711 passed the House Housing and Community Development Committee unanimously. This legislation would support Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities and autism by exempting community homes from discriminatory sprinkler system requirements, creating more housing opportunities for individuals in the ID/A community.
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