Harrisburg Happenings, Community Events & More

Rep. Dan B. Frankel February 28, 2025 | 12:16 PM

PA Representative Dan Frankel banner image

Friday, February 28, 2025

Harrisburg Happenings

The Defense of Medicaid

Medicaid is a lifeline for millions of Pennsylvanians, providing critical care for seniors, people with disabilities, and families in need. But now, Washington is threatening to slash $1.5 trillion from the program—putting lives, hospitals, and jobs at risk.

At a news conference this morning, I stood alongside advocates and elected officials to demand that the federal government keep its Medicaid promise.

When Pennsylvania expanded Medicaid in 2015, 1.7 million people gained health care, hospitals saw a 32% drop in unpaid care costs, and our economy grew by $3 billion annually. Now, all that progress is under threat.

If we can afford tax breaks for billionaires, we can afford healthcare for the people who need it most. If these cuts go through, hospitals will close, families will lose coverage, and too many people will be forced to choose between rent and medicine.

I won’t stand by and let that happen. I’m fighting for every Pennsylvanian who relies on Medicaid, and I know that so many of you are, too.

Bird Flu Hearing

On Wednesday, the PA House Health and Agriculture committees heard from experts on avian influenza, and their message was clear: this virus isn’t going away anytime soon. The panel emphasized the importance of continued surveillance, testing, and vaccine development—but they also raised serious concerns about potential federal funding cuts that could undermine these efforts.

I take these warnings seriously. As chair of the PA House Health Committee, I’ll keep pushing for strong state-level monitoring and response efforts, and I’ll work with my colleagues to advocate for the state and federal resources we need to protect our farms, workers, and food supply.

Community Events and Resources

Free Tax Help for Seniors

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

PA House of Representatives Scholarship Program
Deadline: April 15| Apply Online

Applications are now open for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Scholarship Program, which awards two four-year scholarships each year to graduating high school seniors residing in Pennsylvania. The scholarship covers the value of one semester of tuition at a State System of Higher Education school for each of four years, contingent on maintaining eligibility.

Eligibility Criteria:

Graduating high school senior
Legal residency in Pennsylvania
Enrollment at a PA college, university, or career school as a full-time student
Minimum 3.0 cumulative high school GPA
Demonstrated commitment to community and leadership qualities
Involvement in extracurricular activities
Financial need

Applicants must submit a completed application, official high school transcript, FAFSA Submission Summary, personal essay, and three reference letters.

Learn more and apply here.

Forbes & Schenley POGOH Station Moving

The Forbes & Schenley POGOH station in Oakland has been moved to Filmore & South Bellefield Street.

Learn more about POGH and location of stations here.

Kara Walker Opening Day
Saturday, March 1, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | The Frick Pittsburgh

Celebrate the opening of Kara Walker: Harper’s Pictorial History of the Civil War (Annotated) with a day of special programs, including a keynote lecture by art historian Gwendolyn DuBois Shaw at 2 p.m., in-gallery talks, a creative collage activity, and live music. The exhibition explores Walker’s reimagining of Civil War-era illustrations, engaging with themes of race, history, and representation.

Learn more here.

Founding an Independent Research Lab to Change our Planetary Future

Monday, March 3, noon – 1 p.m. | Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Earth Theater or Virtual

Dr. Suzanne Pierre will speak at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s R.W. Moriarty Science Seminar to discuss the founding of the Critical Ecology Lab and its mission to reshape global climate change science. Her research integrates Earth system science with social justice, examining the links between climate change, colonialism, and inequality.

This lecture is free, and museum admission is not required. Registration is only required for virtual attendance.

Learn more here.

Sharaka Community Event
Sunday, March 2, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | JCC Squirrel Hill

Join Sharaka, a nonprofit born from the Abraham Accords, for an evening of storytelling and dialogue on peacebuilding in the Middle East. Featuring a diverse delegation of Muslims, Christians, and Jews from Bahrain, Israel, and Morocco, this event will explore the power of interfaith and international friendships in fostering coexistence.

This event is free and open to the public.

Learn more and register here.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Annual Public Meeting

Monday, March 3, 6 p.m. | Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Main (Oakland) or Virtual

Join the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Board and library staff at the Library’s Annual Public Meeting. Learn about the library’s 2024 accomplishments and 2025 plans, ask questions, celebrate the work of library advocates, and enjoy light refreshments and conversations with board members after the meeting.

Learn more and get the virtual link here.

Greenfield Community Association Development and Transportation Committee Meeting

Monday, March 3, 6:30 p.m. | Magee Healthy Living Center

The Greenfield Community Association’s Development and Transportation Committee will host a representative from DOMI to share updates and highlight minor design adjustments planned in Greenfield for the spring. All members of the Greenfield community are welcome to attend.

Learn more here.

Irish Genealogy Workshop
Tuesday, March 4, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Heinz History Center & Online

The Ulster Historical Foundation, in partnership with the Westmoreland Historical Society, is hosting a genealogy workshop for beginners and experienced researchers. Experts Fintan Mullan and Gillian Hunt will lead sessions on Irish and Scots Irish family history, historical records, and best practices for genealogy research.

There is a fee for the workshop. One-on-one consultation sessions are available on March 5.

Learn more and register here.

Stand Up for Science

Friday, March 7, 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Schenley Plaza

Scientists and supporters across the country are rallying to defend science in response to recent attacks on research funding. Participants are encouraged to show their support for evidence-based policy and scientific integrity.

I’ll be there, and I hope to see you there, too!

Learn more here.

Community Kitchen PGH Lenten Fish Fry Fridays

Fridays, March 7–April 18, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Community Kitchen Pittsburgh, 107 Flowers Ave., 15207

Community Kitchen Pittsburgh’s Lenten Fish Fry Fridays returns, offering both dine-in and pickup options. The menu includes hand-battered haddock sandwiches, homemade sides, and desserts, with proceeds supporting job training and hunger relief programs.

Pre-orders open each Monday at 9 a.m. for Friday pickup. Guests can also drop in to order. Hazel Grove Brewing will provide beer. Local Girl Scouts will sell cookies on March 7, 14, and 21.