In this update:

• Lane Closures on I-279
• Hunt for Nurdles
• Robotics Apprenticeship

• One Million Signatures
• Pitt Block Party
• And so much more!

I’m so excited to experience the new Arts Landing space in downtown Pittsburgh with all of you this summer! It was great to be at the ribbon cutting ceremony with so many of my friends and colleagues.

There’s a Pitt Block Party happening at Arts Landing this weekend, and the grand opening of the space is scheduled for June 5.

This week, the Commonwealth Court found that our state constitution protects a woman's right to choose whether or not to carry a pregnancy to term and prohibits the state from denying access to this legal procedure merely because they are insured through Medicaid.

As a woman, I am relieved to see my autonomy as a human being acknowledged and protected under our state's constitution because the rights of half our Commonwealth's population should not be at the whims of those in power. As a lawmaker who recently questioned Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday on this very topic, I know that we still have a long way to go.

Periodic single-lane closures on I-279 northbound and southbound under Jacks Run Road will occur between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. daily starting on Monday, April 27. The lane closures are required for the demolition of Jacks Run Bridge No. 3 and are expected to end in September.

Learn more here.

Do you know a student interested in a career in robotics or manufacturing? BotsIQ, a local workforce development program, is hosting an open house from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28 at their AHN Suburban location (100 S. Jackson Ave., 2nd Floor.)

Get all the details here.

Join Three Rivers Waterkeeper on Saturday, May 2 for the International Plastic Pellet Count! You can make a difference by participating in this community science initiative to document plastic pellets in our waterways.

Three Rivers Waterkeeper will be hosting a training at the Duck Hollow Trail in the morning about plastic pellets and how to search and document them. Community members will also receive supplies to conduct their own nurdle hunts!

Have you signed up for the 13th Annual Disability & Mental Health Summit?

This year’s event will feature a full day of educational sessions, a resource fair connecting attendees with valuable services, and a keynote speech from Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Kevin Dougherty.

Visit disabilitysummit.com to learn more and reserve your spot.

I hope you’ll join me at my office’s FREE document shredding event in Ross Township on Saturday, May 30. It’s an easy way to securely dispose of old paperwork that contains sensitive information while clearing out some clutter at home.

My team and I will be there to help with shredding, share tips on protecting your personal information, and connect you with helpful state resources.

If you have any questions ahead of time, please reach out to my office.

Have you signed the petition to raise the minimum wage in Pennsylvania?

Every state bordering Pennsylvania has a higher minimum wage, and 22 states have already raised theirs for 2026. Working Pennsylvanians deserve a living wage. Sign the petition today as we continue fighting at the state Capitol to ensure every worker is paid a living wage.

If you have any questions about this email or need assistance with any state-related matter, my staff and I are here to help you however we can! Reach out at RepKinkead@pahouse.net or call 412-321-5523.

Pennsylvania State Capitol

116-B East Wing

Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 787-5470

District Office

658 Lincoln Ave.

Bellevue, PA 15202
(412) 321-5523

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