Harrisburg Happenings, Community Events & More

Rep. Dan B. Frankel January 31, 2025

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Friday, January 31, 2025

Harrisburg Happenings

Fighting for PA’s Safety Net & Research

This week, the organizations and government agencies that make up Pennsylvania’s social safety net were thrown into chaos by some of the first actions President Trump has taken since his inauguration. Researchers who work to keep us healthy, medical professionals who care for our most vulnerable community members, and professionals who help recent refugees acclimate to their new homes are just a few of those whose work was abruptly imperiled by executive orders and guidance put out by the new administration.

As your state representative and as the chair of the House Health Committee, I remain committed to protecting these vital services. Yesterday, I wrote to Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling on him to resume and protect the important work of our refugee resettlement agencies. I also recirculated my legislative memo to build support for vital protections established in the Affordable Care Act of 2010, which are now vulnerable to attacks by the courts and by political winds in Washington.

There is a great deal of uncertainty ahead, but I will always fight for the values that brought me to this work: protection of the vulnerable, trust in science and civil rights for all.

State Oversight of Medical Marijuana Testing Passes House Health Committee

In a bipartisan vote, the House Health Committee took an important step toward strengthening Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program. My bill, HB 33, would bolster patient protections by improving compliance testing, transparency, and lab oversight to ensure product safety and accuracy. The bill was amended to include additional oversight of physicians who certify patients for the program. Patients deserve the same confidence in these products as they have in their pharmaceutical prescriptions.

The bill’s next step is consideration on the House floor. I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues in both parties to get HB 33 to the governor’s desk.

Pennsylvania Healthcare Summit

This week, I joined a panel at the Pennsylvania Healthcare Summit to discuss our state’s critical healthcare workforce shortages. Pennsylvania’s aging population and financial strain on hospitals make retaining and training workers harder. For short-term plans, I spoke about how we must create flexible pathways — like allowing nurse aides to earn certification as medication aides — without lowering standards. Thinking long-term, we need career pipelines that help entry-level workers advance. We also must support diverse students from underserved areas and make it possible for them to stay in the profession.

Thank you, City and State PA, for inviting me to the Summit and all my fellow panelists for their insightful thoughts.

Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund Grants Awarded to Rodef Shalom and the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy

Rodef Shalom Congregation and the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy have been awarded state funding through the Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund (GEDTF) to support key community improvements. Rodef Shalom will receive $110,000 to upgrade lighting throughout its historic building, enhancing both sustainability and safety. Additionally, $70,000 will help the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy improve accessibility and stormwater management in Schenley Park and help create new connections between Schenley Park and CMU’s campus. These investments strengthen our shared spaces, ensuring they remain welcoming and accessible for all. I’m grateful for the collaboration with my state colleagues Senator Costa, Rep. Aerion Abney, and Rep. La’Tasha Mayes, who made these grants possible for our community.

Community Events and Resources

Free Tax Help for Seniors

AARP offers free tax help from trained and IRS certified volunteers for seniors (65+). They will e-file your federal, state, and local income tax returns. To schedule an appointment call (412) 530-5194 or register online.

Learn more and register here.

NFL PLAY 60 Training Camp

Saturday, Feb. 1, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Heinz History Center

Kids of all ages are invited to get up and get active with the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum for a football-fueled day of fun. Kids 17 and under will be able to show their skills in a variety of drills and competitions.

All NFL PLAY 60 Training Camp activities and access to History Center exhibitions are free for children aged 17 and under. Regular admission applies for adult visitors. Advance registration is encouraged but not required.

Learn more here.

Disco Night at Schenley Skating Park

Saturday, Feb. 1, 8-9:30 p.m. | Schenley Park Ice Rink

Schenley Park Ice Rink is having an adult-only (18+) disco night. Guests will skate to classic 70’s music.

Learn more here.

Mindful Writing: Cultivating Creativity Through Mindfulness

Sunday, February 2, 3-5 p.m. | JCC

This workshop will explore the connections between mindfulness, writing, and joy. Participants will be guided through meditation and creative writing prompts to find focus, experiment with word choice, and discover inner landscapes. Writers and meditators of all levels and backgrounds are welcome.

Learn more and get tickets here.

Kids Club: Billy Porter

Wednesday, Feb. 5, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. | Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh — Squirrel Hill

Kids will learn about Pittsburgh native and fashion icon Billy Porter. They will design a miniature version of a red carpet look for a paper doll, representing their own interests in a creative way. For kids in grades K-5.

Learn more here.

Squirrel Hill Cookbook Club

Wednesday, February 5, 7 p.m. | Riverstone Books, 5841 Forbes Ave.

The Squirrel Hill Cookbook Club will share sweet and savory dishes for Valentines and Galentines Day. Guests are asked to bring containers to take home leftovers. The book club is free and open to all, but registration is required.

Learn more and register here.

JFCS Career Services: City of Pittsburgh Employer Information Session

Thursday, February 6, 10-11:15 a.m. | Virtual

JFCS Career Services is holding a virtual information session for those interested in employment opportunities at the City of Pittsburgh.

The event is free and open to all.

Learn more and register here.

Righteous Among the Neighbors Celebration

Thursday, February 6, 7-8:15 p.m. | JCC

Righteous Among the Neighbors is a project of the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh that honors non-Jewish Pittsburghers who support the Jewish community and take action to uproot antisemitism. The event is free and open to all.

Learn more and get tickets here.

Incubator Comics Presents: Ink This! Comic Book Art Workshop for Teens

Friday, February 7, 1-3 p.m. | Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Main (Oakland)

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is hosting a free workshop for aspiring cartoonists. The workshop will touch on a variety of cartooning topics from materials and techniques to publishing.