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In this Update:

• Renaming of 3300 Solly Ave to Father Judge 27 Way
• Honoring Andre Krug of KleinLife
• Delaire Landing Craft and Vendor Fair
• Lighthouse Soccer Club Check Presentation and Field Dedication
• Meeting with the Building Trades
• Meeting Seniors at St. Anselm’s
• Interview on Problem Gambling Caucus
• Scam Jam
• Second Office Opening!
• PA Taxpayer-Funded Childcare Programs Face More Accountability
• New Law Helps Protect Children from Online Exploitation
• Home Heating Assistance Program Accepting Applications
• Cold Weather Life Jacket Law in Effect

Renaming of 3300 Solly Ave to Father Judge 27 Way

 I recently joined the Father Judge High School community for a special ceremony officially renaming the 3300 block of Solly Avenue as “Father Judge 27 Way,” in honor of the 27 Judge graduates who lost their lives serving our country during the Vietnam War.

These 27 men made the ultimate sacrifice, and this dedication ensures their names and legacy will remain a permanent part of the Northeast Philadelphia community.

Thank you to Father Judge’s new president, Jim Meredith, and everyone who worked to make this tribute a reality. It’s important that we continue to honor their sacrifice and remember the price they paid for our freedom.

Honoring Andre Krug of KleinLife

Thursday, I was glad to join KleinLife for a special evening honoring its President and CEO, Andre Krug.

KleinLife is a big part of our Northeast Philadelphia community. From providing meals and essential services to seniors to offering educational programs, fitness classes, youth activities, and support for families and immigrants, KleinLife helps people of all ages stay active, connected, and supported.

Andre has spent years making sure these programs and services are available to the people who need them most. I was happy to present him with a Senate citation recognizing his dedication and the work he continues to do for our community.

Thank you, Andre, for everything you’ve done for Northeast Philadelphia and the many people who count on KleinLife!

Delaire Landing Craft and Vendor Fair

It was nice to spend an afternoon at Delaire Landing’s Vendor Fair! It was great to catch up with neighbors and meet some of the local vendors. 

What made the day even more special was the support for two great causes. Attendees collected new coats for children in need, while proceeds from the raffle baskets and 50/50 went to the Seiber family in honor of Shane Seiber, a Philadelphia police officer who was tragically killed in the line of duty last month. 

A big thank you to everyone who helped organize the event and made it such a great day!

Lighthouse Soccer Check Presentation and Field Dedication

I had a great afternoon at Lighthouse Soccer Club on Sunday.

We dedicated the field in memory of Jack O’Neill, a longtime coach who meant so much to the club and the countless athletes he coached over the years. It was a special way to honor his memory and the impact he had on Lighthouse.

I was also happy to present $52,800 in funding for new field lights, giving the next generation of players more time to get out there and enjoy the game they love. To make the day even more special, I had the chance to recognize each player with a Senate citation and celebrate the young athletes who make Lighthouse such a great part of Northeast Philadelphia.

Thanks to everyone at Lighthouse for having me, and to Rep. Martina White for joining us!

Meeting with the Building Trades

Great to meet with Butch Bennett and members of the Philadelphia Building Trades Council to discuss some of our recent wins for organized labor, including passing statewide electrician licensure legislation, securing funding for runway improvements at Northeast Philadelphia Airport, and ensuring prevailing wage for prefabricated components in government projects.

We also talked about my priorities moving forward, especially creating more job opportunities, strengthening our workforce, and making sure the next generation has a path to good-paying, family-sustaining careers.

I’ve always been a strong supporter of organized labor, and I’ll continue fighting for the hardworking men and women who build our city.

Meeting Seniors at St. Anselm’s

It was great spending some time with the seniors at St. Anselm’s this week!

I stopped by with lunch and enjoyed catching up with everyone. We talked about how to protect yourself from scam callers and our upcoming Scam Jam on December 4th at Bustleton Library, along with some important issues facing Northeast Philadelphia, including quality-of-life concerns, the future of our local hospitals, and safety concerns surrounding e-bikes and scooters.

Our seniors have seen our neighborhoods change over the years, and I always value hearing their perspectives and answering their questions.

Thanks to everyone at St. Anselm’s for the warm welcome and great conversation!

Interview on Problem Gambling Caucus

Gambling has become a part of everyday life, especially for people my age. I’ve seen firsthand how quickly it can go from a little fun to a serious financial problem.

I recently spoke with Casino Reports about why I helped launch Pennsylvania’s Bipartisan Problem Gambling Caucus and the common-sense guardrails we should be considering to protect consumers without taking away their freedom to make their own choices.

We don’t need to ban gambling, but we do need to make sure our laws keep up with technology.

Read the full interview here.

Scam Jam

Second Office Opening!

I am excited to share that our second district office in Rhawnhurst is officially open!

Our Parkwood office isn’t going anywhere – we’re simply adding another location so our team can be more accessible and help even more of our neighbors across Northeast Philadelphia.

Whether you need help with a state-related issue, have a question, or just want to stop in and talk with our team, we’re here to help!

Our new office’s address is 8400 Bustleton Avenue Unit 301, Philadelphia, PA 19152. Their phone number is 215-608-9002.

We are excited to become part of the Rhawnhurst community and continuing to serve you!

PA Taxpayer-Funded Childcare Programs Face More Accountability

Taxpayers have seen childcare fraud and abuse uncovered in other states, and we’ve passed a new law to strengthen oversight of Pennsylvania’s taxpayer-funded childcare programs.

Act 113 of 2026 requires the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to provide annual reports detailing inspections, investigations, enforcement actions and financial oversight activities related to childcare facilities and programs receiving public funding.

The reports will cover facility inspections, violations, complaints, investigations and enforcement actions. It would also require reporting on taxpayer-funded childcare payments, improper payments identified and efforts to recover misspent funds.

More than a billion taxpayer dollars are spent annually on childcare in Pennsylvania, and this law will help ensure it’s spent properly.

New Law Helps Protect Children from Online Exploitation

A new law I supported provides critical resources to law enforcement agencies and prosecutors working to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.

Act 71 of 2026 expands the Investigation and Prosecution of Internet Crimes Against Children Program, providing grants to help pay for investigators, prosecutors, forensic specialists and education for professionals working on cases involving human trafficking, sexual offenses, child sexual abuse, unlawful contact with minors and the sexual exploitation of children using online platforms.

The bill is called “Alicia’s Law” in honor of Alicia Kozak (Kozakiewicz), a Pittsburgh-area resident who was abducted, sexually assaulted and tortured at age 13 by a man she met online in what is recognized as the nation’s first known internet-facilitated child abduction case. Read more about Alicia’s Law.

Home Heating Assistance Program Accepting Applications

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) application period is now open.

Eligible applicants can receive a one-time cash grant to help pay a heating bill. Grants range from $200 to $1,000 based on household size, income and fuel type and is sent directly to the utility provider or fuel company.

Families experiencing an emergency related to household heat may be eligible to receive additional funds through a crisis grant. Learn more about the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program here.

Cold Weather Life Jacket Requirement in Effect

Nearly 80% of Pennsylvania boating fatalities occurred because boaters were not wearing life jackets. With that in mind, please note the state’s cold weather life jacket requirement is in effect through April 30.

Boaters are required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while underway or at anchor on boats less than 16 feet or on any kayak, canoe or paddleboard.

Even on warm days from late fall through early spring, water temperatures can remain frigid on rivers, lakes and streams. Wearing a life jacket helps you survive cold-water shock, which occurs when a person is unexpectedly plunged into cold water resulting in an involuntary gasp where water is often inhaled and swimming is difficult. Learn more from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.