Introduction

As a Legislative & Policy Intern and the Founding Executive Director of Senator Katie Muth’s Youth Advisory Council, I have had the unique opportunity to merge my passion for public service with real-world policy experience. Since 2023, I have played a central role in advancing youth civic engagement, legislative advocacy, and constituent outreach within the Pennsylvania State Senate. From conducting in-depth policy research and managing legislative correspondence to organizing events and leading a council of 90 students across three counties, my work has centered on amplifying community voices and empowering the next generation of leaders. This portfolio reflects the depth and diversity of my contributions to Senator Muth’s office, and the impact of youth-driven advocacy on our Commonwealth’s future.

Explore my professional experiences and achievements during my time in Senator Muth's office, showcasing dedication and commitment.

Legislative Staff

State Senator Katie J. Muth,

44th Senatorial District

1500 Internship Hours

July 2023-August 2025

Chief of Staff - Nikki Whitlock

Nicola.Whitlock@PASenate.com

Résumé

Internship Overview:

As a Legislative & Policy Intern in the office of State Senator Katie J. Muth, I have been actively engaged in the core functions of a legislative office, gaining direct experience in policy development, communications, and legislative operations. My responsibilities have included drafting policy memos, conducting research on key legislative issues, managing legislative correspondence, and providing support during Senate session days. I regularly utilized platforms such as IConstituent to effectively track and respond to thousands of constituent communications on a wide range of topics.

One of my most impactful contributions has been providing policy and advocacy support for Senator Muth’s legislative agenda, including work on Senate Bills 512 and 513. I helped prepare briefing materials, developed talking points, and contributed to strategic planning for advancing these bills. My internship has deepened my understanding of the legislative process and strengthened my skills in public policy, communication, and civic engagement.

Senator Muth's Youth Advisory Council

In Fall 2023, I founded the inaugural Youth Advisory Council for Pennsylvania State Senator Katie Muth to create a formal platform for students to engage with state government and influence public policy. Inspired by a vision to elevate youth voices and expand civic education beyond the classroom, I led the development and implementation of the council—ensuring it would serve as a space where students could learn, lead, and legislate.

Year 1 (2023–2024): The first council brought together 60 students from across the 44th Senatorial District. I built the program from the ground up, creating the application process, establishing program goals, and designing a curriculum focused on key policy areas like education, mental health, climate action, and gun violence prevention. I facilitated workshops, moderated discussions with elected officials, and introduced mock legislative exercises to give students hands-on experience in the policymaking process.

Year 2 (2024–2025): Due to overwhelming interest and demonstrated impact, I expanded the council to include 90 students across Berks, Chester, and Montgomery Counties. This year’s program includes visits to Harrisburg on session days, deeper policy research projects, and civic engagement training that prepares students to advocate effectively at the state level. I also introduced peer leadership opportunities and partnered with educators to integrate the council’s work into school civic programs. Students continue to collaborate on mock legislation and engage directly with Senator Muth and her team to shape discussions on youth-centered policy.

The Youth Advisory Council has become a leading example of student-driven civic engagement in Pennsylvania. Under my leadership, it has empowered nearly 150 students in two years to take ownership of their role in democracy and contribute to meaningful legislative dialogue in their communities.

Constituent Services

As a Legislative & Policy Intern in the district office of Senator Katie J. Muth, I had the privilege of serving as a direct line of support between our office and the constituents of the 44th Senatorial District. My work in constituent services was not just about answering calls or processing forms—it was about helping people navigate state systems that often feel overwhelming and inaccessible. Whether assisting an elderly resident with their SEPTA Senior Card application or helping a family secure rent rebate relief, I approached every case with patience, diligence, and empathy.

Over the course of my internship, I successfully resolved more than 60 individual constituent casework matters, many of which involved complex issues such as healthcare access, delayed unemployment claims, housing insecurity, and veterans’ services. I helped constituents complete critical applications and worked with state agencies to accelerate approvals, ensuring that families and individuals received the assistance they needed in a timely manner.

In addition to one-on-one casework, I led large-scale service initiatives that reached hundreds of constituents. I personally processed and issued over 200 SEPTA Senior Fare Cards, enabling older adults to access essential transportation services throughout southeastern Pennsylvania. I also completed more than 100 Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications, providing financial relief to senior citizens and residents with disabilities. These efforts directly improved the quality of life for hundreds of people across Berks, Chester, and Montgomery Counties.

My role also involved managing high volumes of constituent communication. Using platforms such as IConstituent, I responded to thousands of emails and tracked ongoing legislative inquiries. I answered over 1,500 phone calls, providing guidance on bills, state programs, and navigating bureaucratic systems. I also helped draft and process thousands of pieces of legislative correspondence, ensuring every constituent’s voice was acknowledged and responded to.

Through this work, I developed a deep appreciation for the power of accessible, responsive government. Constituent services are where policy meets people—and I’m proud to have played a role in making our state government more approachable, compassionate, and effective.

Legislative Outreach and Correspondence

During my internship with Senator Katie Muth’s office, I played a significant role in supporting the legislative advancement of Senate Bills 512 and 513—bills aimed at mandating the presence of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in all Pennsylvania public schools and at school-sponsored athletic events. I conducted in-depth policy research on cardiac arrest in youth populations, analyzed school safety protocols across the Commonwealth, and contributed to drafting memos and advocacy materials used to build legislative and community support. These bills reflect a critical step toward safeguarding students, staff, and spectators, and my work on them solidified my commitment to using legislation as a tool to promote public health, equity, and preventive safety measures in our education system.

Events & Outreach: Connecting Communities with Policy in Action

As a Legislative & Policy Intern in Senator Katie Muth’s office, I played a key role in organizing and executing a range of public events that connected constituents directly with their government. These initiatives strengthened civic engagement, promoted access to essential services, and fostered collaboration between community members and policymakers. My work spanned event planning, promotion, stakeholder coordination, and on-the-ground execution.

PennDOT Town Hall (October 2024)

I helped plan a district-wide transportation town hall featuring the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Representative Paul Friel. This event offered constituents the opportunity to voice concerns and receive updates on infrastructure and mobility issues. I coordinated outreach, managed logistics, and supported Q&A facilitation during the event.

EMS Town Hall (May 2025)

Focused on the state of emergency medical services in Pennsylvania, I led the planning of an EMS Town Hall that convened EMTs, legislators, and healthcare professionals. I used my firsthand experience as an EMT to develop a meaningful agenda and supported constituent engagement throughout the event.

Law Enforcement Roundtable with Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (May 2025)

I organized a police-community roundtable that brought together law enforcement leaders and residents to engage in open dialogue around public safety and trust. I worked closely with Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan’s office to coordinate logistics, outreach, and content development.

Shredding & E-Waste Recycling Event (April 2025)

This large-scale environmental service event drew over 3,000 cars, offering secure document shredding and electronics recycling for residents across the district. I managed volunteer coordination, vendor communication, and event-day logistics to ensure efficient service and community satisfaction.

Veterans Expos (Fall 2023 & Fall 2024)

I helped organize and execute two successful Veterans Expos in consecutive years, collectively welcoming over 1,000 veterans. These events provided access to healthcare resources, benefit navigation, and veterans’ service organizations in one centralized location. I coordinated logistics, vendor communications, and promotional outreach, ensuring a respectful and well-organized experience for all who attended.

Conclusion of the Internship

My internship with Senator Katie Muth’s office has been a transformative experience that profoundly shaped my understanding of public service, policymaking, and community engagement. Through hands-on legislative research, direct constituent services, and organizing impactful events, I gained invaluable insight into how government operates at the state level and how policy decisions tangibly affect people’s lives. This experience has deepened my commitment to pursuing a career where I can actively contribute to creating equitable and effective solutions for the challenges facing our communities.

Moving forward, I am inspired to seek roles that combine policy analysis, advocacy, and community outreach—fields where I can leverage the skills I developed during this internship. The opportunity to engage with diverse stakeholders, navigate complex legislation, and support constituents has reinforced my passion for public service and government work. I now understand the importance of listening to the people affected by policy, building coalitions, and maintaining transparency and accountability in leadership. This internship has not only clarified my career goals but also equipped me with the tools and confidence necessary to make a meaningful impact in the public sector.

Monthly Reflections

Links to Monthly Reflection:

April: Anthony Fiore - Monthly Reflection: April - Google Docs

March: Anthony Fiore - Monthly Reflection: March - Google Docs

January/February: Anthony Fiore - Monthly Reflection: January/February 2025 - Google Docs

December: Anthony Fiore - Monthly Reflection: December 2024 - Google Docs

November: Anthony Fiore - Monthly Reflection: November 2024 - Google Docs

October: Anthony Fiore - Monthly Reflection: October 2024 - Google Docs

September: Anthony Fiore - Monthly Reflection: September 2024 - Google Docs