Hello, Northsiders! I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable Labor Day and a peaceful Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur to all who celebrated. I’m eager to share with you some of the important work I’ve been doing in Harrisburg and here at home.

As my fellow representatives and I return to Harrisburg to work on improving the Commonwealth for all, a bill I’m proud to co-sponsor with my House colleague from Philadelphia, Rep. Christopher Rabb, and others was recently introduced. The legislation, H.B. 1649, would require local and state correctional institutions to establish Incarcerated People’s Benefit funds. The dollars in these accounts, accrued via labor performed by those incarcerated, by their Internet use or other means, would be utilized to educate and promote the well-being of these individuals. Advocating for incarcerated individuals is one of my biggest priorities as a state legislator, and I will continue to champion any and all efforts that provide them with opportunities to start their lives anew and succeed upon their release.

I also want to applaud Gov. Josh Shapiro for signing Executive Order 2023-18. The order gives small and diverse Commonwealth businesses additional tools and resources to help them open their doors and thrive, which translates into additional good-paying jobs and making them better equipped to compete for state contracts. In August, I hosted a Pennsylvania House Majority Policy Committee hearing in Pittsburgh on supplier diversity, and this order reflects much of the good discussion at that event. I look forward to working with the governor and his administration on measures to close the inclusivity gap and more.

Back at home, I was privileged to stand with laborers across Allegheny County on Labor Day. As cliché as it might sound, workers are the backbone of our state and nation. Their resolve to keep us moving forward every day cannot and should not be understated. I’m committed to supporting them and seeing that they’re paid a livable wage for all they do.

The Steel City celebrated Roberto Clemente Day recently at PNC Park as well, and I was privileged to help honor the legacy of this philanthropist and altruistic man. I want to give a big thank you to his family, the foundation that bears his name, and the Pittsburgh Pirates for all they do in the community.

Have a safe and happy Halloween, and I’ll talk to you all next month!