What are your top three legislative priorities in 2025?
I want to invest in solutions that impact affordability and give opportunities to succeed for my constituents. Making lives better for working folks is my top priority – with energy costs rising and housing becoming more unattainable, it is harder for families to prosper. My priorities haven’t changed since assuming office – investing in quality education for every student, supporting common sense economic development that creates good jobs, and promoting safe communities by investing in police and fire departments. These pillars guide me as I advocate for my constituents in Harrisburg. Though I have many legislative goals for this session, a few of my recently introduced bills come to mind as priorities: SB 951, SB 930, and the introduction of warehouse solar legislation. With SB 951, first responders will receive improved training facilities and equipment, along with up-to-date education and community college partnerships to work on the current workforce shortage. SB 930 would enhance school safety for students, educators, and visitors based on the recommendations from the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee’s report. Lastly, soon to be introduced legislation on warehouse solar will work on improving energy affordability for consumers by creating a rooftop solar program on unused industrial warehouse roofs in Pennsylvania. I am excited to finish 2025 strong as I work on these and other legislative priorities in Harrisburg.
What are the important issues facing your district?
I represent residents in 20 municipalities across Lehigh and Northampton counties. From state game lands to the urban core of Allentown, my district is a microcosm of the commonwealth with wide-ranging assets and challenges. The primary issues I hear about from my constituents include rising housing and energy costs, ensuring students have access to quality education without placing undue burden on property taxpayers, and enhancing road infrastructure to meet the demand of a growing region. These challenges require thoughtful collaboration across multiple levels of government and community stakeholders. I am grateful for the Lehigh Valley’s well-known spirit of collaboration to work towards shared goals for the good of the region.
What is your favorite vacation destination?
Rincón, Puerto Rico.
How can state government better support local retailers in overcoming today’s challenges and thrive?
We must simplify the licensing and permitting process for businesses. Conversations I’ve had with local business owners highlight the need for support. Thanks to Governor Shapiro’s commitment to advancing priorities such as the SPEED program, we are actively working to drive real economic momentum and move government at the speed that is needed to be competitive. As a co-sponsor of the PA SITES legislation, the goal was to make Pennsylvania a top destination for business growth and job creation. Through that program, we have invested in dozens of sites for preparation back to productive use. This will help address the issues we have heard from local business owners of the need to reduce red tape, promote investment, and create good-paying jobs.
What are your biggest challenges and successes as a legislator?
One of my biggest challenges is the desire to help everyone and find solutions immediately. When I hear about an issue, my instinct is to promptly connect with the people affected and work with my team to find a solution as quickly as possible. That sense of urgency comes from a commitment to making a tangible difference, and a belief that government can move swiftly and efficiently to improve the quality of life for the people that we represent. Some of my most fulfilling moments as a state Senator have come from turning those conversations into action: the opening of the new Salisbury Township Emergency Operations Center, the Lehigh Valley Dairy redevelopment moving forward, and significant historic statewide investment in school facilities to make learning environments safe for students and educators.
What is your favorite food or meal to cook?
My go-to meal is salmon, broccoli, and rice.
What do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy walking through our parks such as Trexler Park, one of my favorite parks in the Lehigh Valley.
What is your greatest success as a legislator over the past few years?
Helping the Boys and Girls Club of Allentown renovate their Sixth Street Gym is a success at home that I am especially proud of. In May 2024, I secured a $100,000 grant to fund the necessary renovations they needed to update the gym after visiting and hearing about their desire to update their facility. Fast forward to February 2025 and the Boys and Girls Club of Allentown invited me to celebrate the ribbon-cutting ceremony for their newly renovated gym. I take great pride in fostering our community partnership with the Boys and Girls Club where we delivered solutions, and witnessing the renovations completed in such a short timeframe showcased their commitment to responsibly utilizing taxpayer funds for new gym floors and fresh paint throughout the facility. Seeing the smiles and cheers from students who are now able to enjoy a gym that is up-to-date and ready to make new memories in was meaningful and demonstrates the positive impact that public-private partnerships can have. We have also worked hard to deliver on statewide initiatives as well – one of which being my time served on the Basic Education Funding Commission and historic investment in education that resulted from the commission’s work. I’m especially proud that this impacts the future workforce of tomorrow, providing students with quality educations around the commonwealth. ■