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In this Update:
Preventing Childhood Food Allergies
Efforts to protect children from developing lifelong food allergies will be reviewed at a Senate Majority Policy Committee public hearing Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 2 p.m. at the Arc of Washington County, 111 W. Pike St., Canonsburg. I have invited the committee, chaired by Sen. Dave Argall (R-29), to Washington County to learn more about the impacts of allergies on families and the latest guidance to prevent them. I have also introduced legislation requiring health insurance plans to provide coverage for dietary supplements proven to prevent more than 80% of peanut and egg allergies. Panelists will include medical professionals and local patient advocates. The hearing will be streamed live on the committee’s website. Focus on the 46th
There was reason to celebrate this week at the Amwell Township Municipal Building as we presented more than $3.3 million in total funding for the Lone Pine Water Project, a major investment in the future of this community. I partnered with State Rep. Tim O’Neal to strongly support the funding that includes PA DEP Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation and Statewide LSA grants to move this critical waterline extension forward. Congratulations to the Amwell Township officials and staff, Southwestern PA Water Authority, and to the township residents and business owners. Also a special thank you to Bankson Engineers for all of their hard work on this project. You can watch highlights from the celebration by clicking or tapping the image above.
It was a pleasure to join State Rep. Natalie Mihalek at Peters Township High School to celebrate an incredible Fall 2025 season for five outstanding athletic teams. From a historic first-ever WPIAL Class 4A Championship for the Girls’ Volleyball Team, to a WPIAL Class AAA title for the Girls’ Golf Team, to a thrilling 20–19 victory that secured the Class 5A Football Championship – these student-athletes represented Peters Township with pride, determination and excellence. We also recognized the Boys’ Golf Team for advancing to the WPIAL Team Final and earning a third-place finish in the semifinals, as well as the Girls’ Field Hockey Team for their impressive run to the WPIAL Final. It was an honor to present each team with citations of congratulations from both the Pennsylvania Senate and House of Representatives. These accomplishments don’t happen by accident. They are the result of long hours, strong leadership and a commitment to teamwork. Thank you to the coaches, assistant coaches, athletic trainers, athletic director and staff, school leadership, and especially the families who support these athletes every step of the way. You can see more photos from the event including the team pictures by clicking this link.
I had wonderful time earlier this week at the 2026 WPIAL Rifle Team Championships at the Dormont-Mt. Lebanon Sportsmen’s Club and meeting many of the teams competing. The 46th District was incredibly well represented with Trinity earning the Section I Championship, McGuffey earning Section I Runner-Ups, and West Greene earning Section II Runner-Ups. These student-athletes showed amazing focus, discipline and sportsmanship. Rifle is a sport that demands patience and our local teams delivered. Congratulations to all the shooters, coaches, and the families who support these young athletes every step of the way. A special thank you to Ted Hildabrand and all the members and volunteers at the Sportsmen’s Club for hosting not only the WPIAL Championships this week, but also the western portion of the PIAA State Championships next week. We appreciate all you do to support our students and our communities!
Last month, we celebrated the opening of four unique businesses at the brand-new Midtown Market at 48 W. Pike St. in downtown Canonsburg. This multi-tenant indoor facility feels like a modern take on an old-school arcade, offering dining, shopping, and entertainment. A hearty congratulations to Andrew Andronas, a Canonsburg native and developer of Midtown Market, whose vision continues the transformation of West Pike Street into a true regional destination. Thank you as well to Mayor David Rhome and to the Greater Canonsburg Chamber for organizing such a truly unique event. Currently inside you’ll find Joe’s Soda Shop, Major Mallard’s Duckpin Bowling, 1802 / B&B Distillery, and MP Coney Island hotdogs. Midtown Market is open 7 days a week, starting at 11 a.m. although shops operate at separate hours so be sure to check before you arrive. You can learn more by visiting their website by clicking here. Congratulations to everyone, and I can’t wait to see Midtown Market thrive!
It was a pleasure welcoming Caroline Monvoisin, Consul General of France in Washington, D.C., and Diane Cosson, Deputy Economic Counselor at the French Embassy, to southwestern Pennsylvania. A special thank you to Mathias Barlat, Honorary Consul of France in Pittsburgh, for arranging a terrific visit and facilitating the discussion. We talked about strengthening the long-standing partnership between France and Pennsylvania, including the strong economic ties. French companies support 30,000 jobs right here in the Commonwealth. From energy and manufacturing to technology and innovation, there’s a real opportunity to deepen our collaboration. As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, it was meaningful to reflect on the historic friendship between our nations and look ahead to what’s next. Pictured from left to right is Mathias, Diane, and Caroline.
Last Sunday, I went to Saint Andrew the Apostle Church in Charleroi and picked up 15 pancake breakfasts and 8 quarts of soup. The Knights of Columbus Council 956 always does such a great job! The soups were stuffed pepper or Italian wedding soup. I got four quarts of each. A big shout out to my friends, Mark Alterici and Matt Guzar, who were part of the KC crew and helped pack up all of the food for me to take to the hard-working volunteers at the Elrama VFD. The volunteers at the Elrama VFD, and others from Elizabeth, fire department, etc., have been working around the clock, trying to salvage what they can after the 48” water main broke and flooded the fire station and destroyed much of their equipment and at least one fire truck. If you can, please make sure to always donate to your local volunteer first responders! They do so much with so little – and their costs keep skyrocketing every year. Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program Now Accepting Applications
Eligible Pennsylvanians can now apply for a Grow PA Scholarship Grant for the 2026-27 academic year. Applications are available at pheaa.org/growpa. This program 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 administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). Courses of study that qualify for the grant include agriculture, computer science, business, education, special education, STEM education, engineering, nursing, allied health, criminal justice and other programs as approved by PHEAA. The full list is available here. To qualify, applicants must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as agree to live and work in Pennsylvania in that occupation after graduation for 12 months for each year they received the grant. Please note: Applicants who received this grant last year MUST reapply to receive the grant again for the upcoming academic year. Strengthening Pennsylvania’s Economy and Creating More Jobs
As we prepare to examine Gov. Josh Shapiro’s new state budget proposal, one of the things I’ll be most focused on is improving our state’s economy and laying the groundwork to allow businesses to create more family-sustaining jobs. Over the past several years, we’ve steadily improved the tax climate in Pennsylvania by, for example, reducing the corporate net income tax, which used to be second-highest in the nation. We’ve also positioned Pennsylvania to be a national leader in the emerging field of drone research and deployment, protected seasonal workers from unemployment compensation benefit cuts (UC), improved the systems for training barbers and cosmetologists, and much more. One of the most important things we can do to make our state’s economy work better is to enact a state budget that includes responsible state spending. We must also take steps to make Pennsylvania a better place for entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses, bringing more jobs to the commonwealth and strengthening our communities. Concerned About Winter Energy Bills? Call Utilities Now
January and February are usually the months when home energy bills tend to peak, due largely to increased heating demand. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission encourages consumers who are concerned about their utility bills to call their utility company to discuss available options. Utilities can help customers explore payment arrangements, budget billing and assistance programs that may help manage winter energy costs before a bill becomes unmanageable. Utility representatives can also help direct consumers to additional state and local resources. Read more about reducing energy use and how to find help with bills here. The Dangers of Walking on Frozen Bodies of Water
Cold weather means more frozen bodies of water and the risk that comes with walking on them, especially rivers and streams. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission offers this safety advice:
Look for new ice, which is clear or has a blue tint, and remember that ice thickness is not consistent across the surface of a lake or pond. Learn more about ice fishing and ice safety, including an ice thickness and safety chart, here. Celebrating Presidents’ Day
Monday is Presidents’ Day, a federal holiday that began as a celebration of George Washington’s Feb. 22 birthday and was expanded to cover Abraham Lincoln’s on Feb. 12. While it’s now considered an occasion to honor all the nation’s chief executives, the first and 16th presidents hold a special place in the hearts of Americans. General George Washington led the Continental Army and became the nation’s first president, stepping aside after two terms. President Lincoln guided the country through a horrific Civil War, holding the United States together when victory was not assured, and setting the tone for unity by declaring “malice toward none.”
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