As every year passes by, I keep saying how fast the year went. To me now, 2025 has seemed to go by especially quickly. At this time last year, I was happy and grateful to have gotten through another election cycle and was welcoming a new grandson.
Now it is a year later, and I have announced that 2026 will be my last year as the State Representative for the 45th District. My tenure in the state House has been an amazing journey and I am looking forward to spending next year with all the wonderful people in our district.
2025 is ending fairly well for our state government. While the budget was very late, the budget that was finally passed is a solid one. All in all, the budget is a good compromise between the four caucuses (both parties in the Senate and the House) and the Governor’s office.
This year also saw a greater level of cooperation between the House and Senate. While the House has passed and sent through a greater number of bills than the Senate, there have been a number of bills that have been passed between the two bodies. When this happens, more bills become law, and more progress is made in Pennsylvania.
It has also been a good year for our district as numerous grants have been awarded to municipalities and nonprofit organizations.
Our District Office has had a great year providing services to constituents. Please remember that if you have not yet filed your property tax or rent rebate and need assistance, you can come to our office at 1350 Fifth Ave. in Coraopolis or call 412-264-4260 for help. We will be able to assist constituents with this up to Dec. 15.
The 2025-2026 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) began taking applications on Dec. 3. The program will run until April 10, 2026. Constituents are welcome to stop by our office for assistance.
My staff and I are currently planning district events for next year. Two Shred events are being scheduled, as well as other events for our constituents.
As we come upon the holiday season, please remember to include local food banks and church and charitable organizations in your holiday plans. There is a lot of need in our communities. We are also in the midst of local holiday activities, holiday concerts and church services that make this season very special in our 10 district communities.
In many ways, it seems that this year we truly “need a little Christmas.” I know the joy I feel when I attend a holiday event. These events are often provided as a community service, but many are also fundraisers for our local fire departments, our church organizations and other community programs. I hope you will consider attending them and sharing the Christmas and holiday spirit with your family, friends and neighbors. If you have the means, you may also be able to help support those events that are fundraisers for the hosting organization.
I again offer my sincere thanks to you for the privilege of serving as your state representative, and I extend my very best wishes for a blessed and happy holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours!
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