Be One of the First Users of MyGov365.com

For me, it is important that I have an open line of communication with my constituents. I work hard to respond to each and every phone call, e-mail and letter so that I can best represent your voices in Harrisburg. In order for that to be effective, you also need to know what legislation is before us and what projects I am involved in so that you can weigh in with your thoughts.

As one way to accomplish that, I have become one of the first users of a new and revolutionary communications tool called MyGov365. Created as a one-stop shop to access information related to politics, civics and government, MyGov365 improves communication between citizens and their elected officials. On MyGov365, citizens, elected officials and organizations can engage each other on the issues facing the Pittsburgh region, the state and the nation.

MyGov365 has launched a private beta for a limited number of political professionals and citizens. I have requested that my constituents be included in this exciting endeavor. Once you've logged in, you'll be able to search, review and vote on legislation; participate in polls; stay connected with your elected officials; compare candidates and voting records; interact with different organizations and more. These tools provide me with critical, real-time, relevant feedback from you - the constituent - and allow me and other elected officials to better represent you.

Please take a moment to check out the site and see the many tools available to you - and check back often, MyGov365.com is a work in progress that is constantly changing to become a better tool for all of its users.

To create an account, go to: http://beta.mygov365.com and then enter invite code: fontanaguest.

As an example of what you can do on the site, login and visit the “Discussions” page - or go to the following link - http://beta.mygov365.com/forum/discussion/42 - where I’ve begun a conversation about Senate Bill 1175. The legislation (non-profit essential services fee bill) offers one solution for addressing the loss of tax revenues because of large non-profits purchasing property and taking them off the tax rolls. The Senate Democratic Policy Committee held a hearing on the issue earlier this week and I’d love to hear your feedback as well.