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In this Update:
Op-Ed on COLA for Retired First RespondersFor decades, Pennsylvania’s police officers and firefighters have answered the call and sacrificed to keep our communities safe. Yet many retired first responders have watched the value of their pensions decline year after year due to inflation. I recently wrote an op-ed on why Pennsylvania should seriously consider cost-of-living adjustments for retired police officers and firefighters and why we must uphold our commitment to those who dedicated their lives to public service. Read more about it here. Congratulations to Olivia Forkin from Nazareth Academy!
I had the pleasure of Olivia Forkin with the Future Leader Award and a Senate Citation in recognition of her leadership, dedication, and positive impact at Nazareth Academy. Throughout her time at Nazareth, Olivia has led by example both inside and outside the classroom. From competing on the swim and track teams to participating in the All-Catholic Music Ensembles and serving as Co-Senior Executive of Community Outreach for Naz-A-Thon 2026, she has consistently demonstrated kindness, professionalism, and a strong commitment to her school community. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor, and best of luck at St. Joseph’s University! Tour of the Navy Yard
I recently had the opportunity to visit the Navy Yard alongside Senator Tina Tartaglione and see the incredible transformation of an area once expected to shut down years ago into a thriving center for jobs, innovation, and economic opportunity. During the visit, we discussed workforce development, the importance of career and technical education in our schools such as the programs at Father Judge, and how building strong talent pipelines helps attract employers and investment to Philadelphia. The Navy Yard continues to demonstrate what is possible when we invest in partnerships, long-term planning, and the future of our workforce. Thank you to PIDC and Hanwha Philly Shipyard for the tours and the important work you’re doing to help move our city forward. Visiting Government and Economics Students at MaST II Charter
It was great visiting MaST II and speaking with Government and Economics students about a wide range of issues impacting our communities, including AI, cell phone use in schools, public safety and housing issues. I always enjoy spending time with students and hearing their thoughts, questions, and perspectives on our neighborhoods and what ideas they have for the future. I was especially grateful for the invitation as it came from a student in our district, Izaiah, who was eager to bring this conversation to his classmates. Thank you to the students, teachers and faculty at MaST II for the warm welcome! Russo Park Groundbreaking
It was great to see the community come together as work officially got underway on the future of Russo Park! Our staff was proud to attend the groundbreaking for this major investment, which will include several upgrades, such as new athletic fields, upgraded courts, improved lighting and landscaping, stormwater improvements, and new trees to one of the Northeast’s most important community spaces. Projects like these make a real difference for neighborhoods and residents, and we are excited to see continued investment in the public spaces that help bring communities together. A special thank you to Councilman Mike Driscoll and Representative Pat Gallagher for their partnership, as well as Dr. Lizanne Pando, President of St. Hubert’s School, and Susan Slawson, Commissioner of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, for their commitment to helping make their vision a reality. Mobile Office Hours
My team and I are bringing constituents services directly into the community! We look forward to seeing you and helping you with any state-related issues. Photo of the Month
We are excited to launch a new community feature highlighting the people, places, and moments that make Northeast Philadelphia special. Residents can submit photos that capture the spirit of our neighborhoods. We look forward to showing the pride, character, and community that makes Northeast Philadelphia such a great place to live. You can submit your photos here. New Law Requires AEDs at School Sports Events
Legislation approved by the Senate to help prevent the leading cause of death among young athletes – sudden cardiac arrest – is now law. Senate Bill 375, now Act 17 of 2026, will require automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to be present at all PIAA-sanctioned athletic events and practices. The law also requires schools to develop and rehearse emergency action plans for cardiac incidents. AEDs are portable, life-saving devices used to restore normal heartbeats with electrical shock. The legislation was introduced after the tragic death of Greg Moyer, who passed away from sudden cardiac arrest during a high school basketball game in East Stroudsburg, Monroe County. Read more about passage of this new law here. Recapping Mammo May 2026
As we wrap up Mammo May, Mammography Month, I hope you or the women you know are better informed on the importance of early breast cancer detection. If you’re one of the average 38 Pennsylvania women diagnosed with breast cancer each day, catching it early greatly increases your odds of successful treatment. Some resources to keep handy: No-Cost Screenings Information Most mammograms take about 20 minutes. Please spread the word and share this important information from the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition. |
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