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In this Update:
Press Conference on Second Degree Murder Legislation
Earlier this week, I stood alongside my colleagues to call on the House to take up Senate Bill 1400 before Friday’s court deadline. Senate Bill 1400 is in response to the recent PA Supreme Court decision of Commonwealth v. Lee, which found Pennsylvania’s sentencing law for second-degree murder unconstitutional, with the court imposing a 120-day stay of its order. The bill establishes a uniform statewide standard, allowing those convicted of second-degree murder to become eligible for parole only after serving at least (1) 35 years in prison or (2) reaching age 70 after serving at least 20 years. Without this legislation, parole decisions will be left to individual district attorneys and courts across Pennsylvania, creating inconsistent outcomes. If the House does not act by Friday, July 24th, more than 1,100 individuals convicted of violent crimes could seek release from prison, leaving those decisions to courts across Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. Victims and their families have already endured enough. We cannot allow uncertainty to reopen old wounds. The House must act to ensure justice is served and that those convicted of these horrific crimes remain being held accountable. Presenting a Citation to Jordan Mailata of the Philadelphia Eagles!
It was amazing to join Jay Pross of Art History 101 in Mayfair for the unveiling of his special collaboration with Eagles left tackle Jordan Mailata. I was proud to present Jordan with a citation recognizing not only his accomplishments on the field, but his commitment to giving back. Through his newly launched Mailata Family Foundation, Jordan and his wife, Niki, are helping create opportunities for Philly teens through scholarships, mentorship, and resources to empower the next generation to succeed. To learn more about the Mailata Family Foundation and its mission, visit the website here. Events like these remind us of what makes Northeast Philadelphia such a special place. Congratulations to Jay and Jordan on an incredible day and collaboration. GO BIRDS Welcoming Principal Michelle Todd-Coleman to Lawton Elementary
I was so happy to visit Lawton Elementary School and welcome their new Principal, Michelle-Todd Coleman! Principal Todd-Coleman previously served the students and families at Edwin Forrest Elementary School, and I know she will bring the same dedication, leadership, and passion for education to her new role. It was also great catching up with Principal Vance McNear, who is continuing the incredible work at Edwin Forrest. Strong schools begin with strong leadership, and I’m grateful for the commitment both principals have shown to your students, teachers, and families. I look forward to working alongside them as they continue to build bright futures for our students in the Northeast. Best wishes to Principal Todd-Coleman on this new chapter! Visit to Rock Lititz
I recently joined John Bear, CEO and Chief Innovation Officer of GSL Public Strategies, for a tour of Rock Lititz, a one-of-a-kind production campus in Lancaster County that has become a global hub for the entertainment industry. Rock Lititz is where many of the world’s biggest concert tours prepare before taking the stage. The campus is home to state-of-the-art rehearsal studios and companies specializing in lighting. Staging, audio, video, and other live event technology. It was great to see how the Pennsylvania Entertainment Economic Enhancement Program is helping to strengthen this industry and expand PA’s entertainment economy. To learn more about Rock Lititz, you can visit their website here. Visit to Our Lady of Calvary Church
I was happy to spend time with Reverend John Babowich, Pastor of Our Lady of Calvary Church and Parochial Administration of Christ the King Church, to talk about how I can continue supporting both parish communities and the families they serve. I also enjoyed touring Our Lady of Calvary School with Principal Jeanne Costello. We talked about the upcoming school year, future capital projects, and the school’s proud history while looking at its Wall of Honor. Our parish schools are the heart of Northeast Philadelphia, and I’m committed to doing everything I can to help them continue serving students and families for years to come. 1st Annual Tacony Community Arts Day!
Veteran Office Hours
We will be hosting Veteran Office Hours at my district office on August 11th! A Veteran Service Officer will be on hand to assist veterans and their families with benefits, claims, and available resources. Please bring your DD-214 paperwork to the office hours. 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. Standing Up for Rape Crisis Services
Rape crisis centers across Pennsylvania play a vital role in supporting victims of sexual violence, and I’m pleased that this year’s budget includes a historic $12 million increase for rape crisis centers. The significant funding for rape crisis centers would not have been possible without Senate Republicans pushing for support well above the governor’s request. With total state funding now amounting to nearly $25 million, this increase almost doubles the funding available for services, including 24-hour crisis hotlines, counseling, medical and legal advocacy, prevention education and accompaniment for survivors navigating hospitals, police investigations and court proceedings. If you or someone you know have been the victim of sexual assault and need to access rape crisis services, click here to find a center located near you. Protecting Our Communities from Child Predators and Human Trafficking
We are making progress in the never-ending fight against child predators and human trafficking in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 45, which I supported and which was recently signed into law as Act 41 of 2026, will help Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday and law enforcement officials across the state target and prosecute human trafficking more effectively. This is a huge step forward. And in the new state budget, we also increased funding for two key programs overseen by AG Sunday – the Child Predator Interception Unit and the Human Trafficking Enforcement and Prevention program. If you believe you may have information about a trafficking situation, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. Investing in the Future of PA College Students
The successful Grow PA Scholarship program invests in Pennsylvania students looking to pursue a college education, develops the future of our workforce and incentivizes jobs to remain here in the commonwealth. Importantly, the program secures a commitment for students to stay and work in Pennsylvania communities after graduation, helping to address the state’s future economic and demographic challenges. With demand rising for Grow PA scholarships, the Senate secured a $10 million funding increase for the program in the 2026-27 state budget – bringing the annual funding total to $42.5 million. Grow PA, established in 2024, offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who pursue a degree or certification in an in-demand occupation and is administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. Learn more about this program here. Honoring Veterans with Visual Impairments with a Capitol Monument
A Braille Flag monument honoring veterans with visual impairments could be installed at the Pennsylvania Capitol Building under legislation passed by the Senate and sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. The Braille Flag was created to honor the service of veterans who have been left with life-long visual disabilities. Under Senate Bill 1303, the monument would be made of bronze and include the Pledge of Allegiance in Braille. The display would be sponsored by the Moose Lodge and the American Braille Flag Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to the placement of these flags throughout the country. Read more about Senate Bill 1303 here. |
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