Funding Mass Transit in the Commonwealth
This week, the House passed a bipartisan bill to expand and stabilize transit funding across Pennsylvania. The Public Transportation Trust Fund Transfer (HB1364) increases the share of Sales and Use Tax dedicated to public transportation, supports bonding for road and bridge projects, and creates a commission to plan for the state’s long-term transportation needs.
Transit agencies in all 67 counties are facing a looming fiscal cliff. Without new funding, Pennsylvanians would see steep fare hikes and harmful service cuts. This legislation helps avoid those outcomes by investing in local transit systems—everything from buses and trains to medical transport and senior ride programs.
The bill also authorizes $500 million in bonding for road and bridge repairs and creates the Transportation Funding Advisory Commission to recommend long-term solutions.
The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. I am hopeful that the Senate takes up this bill quickly, as it has Republican support.
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Assassination in Minnesota
The assassination of former Speaker Melissa Hortman and the violent attack on Sen. John Hoffman and his wife are shocking and deeply disturbing. My heart is with their families, colleagues, and the people they served. This was not just an act of violence—it was an attack on democracy itself. No elected official should ever be targeted for doing the work of the people. I join my colleagues across the country in condemning this act of political violence and standing firm against the extremism that fuels it.
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Your Well Wishes and Condolences
Thank you to the many friends, colleagues, and community members who reached out with condolences and kind words following the passing of my mother, Rebeca Frankel. Your support has meant a great deal during this difficult time. My mother had a deep love for Pittsburgh—its culture, its people, and the vibrant community that helped make it home. If you’d like to learn more about her and her unique path from Peru to Pittsburgh, you can read my eulogy here.
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Community Events and Resources
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Upcoming PRT Service Changes
Effective Sunday, June 22
Pittsburgh Regional Transit will implement routing, stop, and schedule updates for over two dozen bus routes starting June 22. PRT describes these service changes as part of routine adjustments designed to improve operations and support the official launch of permanent service along the downtown portion of the University Line.
Riders are encouraged to review the full list of changes in advance.
Learn more here.
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Summer Solstice at Shiloh Farm
Friday, June 20, 5:00 – 8:00 PM | 7209 Thomas Blvd, 15206
Grow Pittsburgh’s Summer Solstice celebration is a family-friendly event that will include live music, farm tours, and kids' activities and crafts.
Free and open to all.
Learn more here.
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BBQ Bash Fridays
Fridays, June 20–September 26, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Community Kitchen Pittsburgh
Community Kitchen Pittsburgh is hosting a series of BBQ Bash Fridays. Guests can enjoy grilled favorites prepared by Chef Dan while supporting local culinary and community programs. The series will run biweekly through the summer, with a special Thursday pickup on July 3 due to the holiday weekend.
Proceeds from each meal benefit Culinary Jobs Training and Community Meals initiatives, helping to strengthen the Hazelwood community.
Free admission; food available for purchase.
Learn more here.
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WPA Juneteenth & Black Music Celebration
Now- Sunday, June 22 | Mellon Park
WPA Juneteenth and Black Music Celebration will feature live entertainment from national artists and local bands, sporting tournaments and a fun-zone for youth, and more.
Free.
Learn more here.
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Juneteenth Grand Jubilee Parade
Saturday, June 21, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Downtown Pittsburgh
The Pittsburgh Juneteenth Parade will travel along Centre Avenue, Fifth Avenue, and Liberty Avenue, featuring steppers, dancers, horses, and community groups in a display of culture, pride, and history.
Free and open to the public.
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Greenfield Block Party: Yinzilla Day
Saturday, June 21, 3-7 p.m. | Alternative Histories Studio, 517 Greenfield Ave, 15207
This month’s Greenfield Block Party will celebrate YINZILLA DAY, a day to celebrate Pittsburgh’s favorite monster. The block party is a free and family-friendly, with face painting, live DJ sets, hot dogs, and more. The event will also include new art, limited-edition stickers and candles, and maybe even a surprise appearance by Yinzilla himself.
Leashed dogs are welcome.
Learn more here.
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2025 WYEP Summer Music Festival
Saturday, June 21, 4:00–11:00 PM | Schenley Plaza
The WYEP Summer Music Festival will feature performances by Sammy Rae & The Friends, Dehd, Fantastic Cat, Jack Swing, and Colatura. This family-friendly event invites everyone to bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy the lineup on the plaza lawn.
Free and open to all.
Learn more here.
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Bach, Beethoven, and Brunch
Sunday, June 22, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Mellon Park
Enjoy a free concert by the Pittsburgh Youth Concert Orchestra in Mellon Park. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic and a blanket or a chair but should note that alcohol is prohibited in the park. This series will run every Sunday from June 22 - July 27, each concert featuring a different musical group.
Free and open to all.
Learn more here.
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Bubbles Burgh
Sunday, June 22, 1:00 – 4:00 PM | The Waterfront
Bubbles Burgh is a free, family-friendly event that will offer a variety of bubble-related activities (bubble machines, interactive bubble zones, a bubble-blowing contest, and balloon animals), live music, as well as vendors that will serve food, craft beer, and other beverages.
Free and open to all.
Learn more here.
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Cinema in the Park
Sunday, June 22 & Wednesday, June 25, dusk (roughly 8:50 p.m.)
The City of Pittsburgh hosts free movie nights. Participants are asked to bring lawn chairs or blankets to make themselves comfortable on the lawn. The movies will begin at dusk throughout the summer, so start times will vary slightly from day to day.
Sunday, June 22—Schenley Plaza—The Wild Robot (PG)
Wednesday, June 25—Flagstaff Hill in Schenley Park— Dune: Part Two (PG-13)
Free and open to all.
Learn more here.
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College Scholarships and FAFSA Workshop
Monday, June 23, 6:30 – 7:30 PM | CLP – Main (Oakland) or Virtual
Whether you're a recent high school graduate or an adult planning to continue your education, this free class will walk you through the college application process, from writing a strong personal statement to navigating early decision timelines. Learn how to apply for financial aid, understand the FAFSA, and find scholarships tailored to your background and goals.
Free to attend.
Learn more here.
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Summer Explorer Series
Tuesdays & Saturdays | The Frick Pittsburgh
Families are invited to explore The Frick Pittsburgh with free, drop-in activities every Tuesday and Saturday. Each week features a different theme, engaging visitors of all ages through hands-on artmaking, storytelling, historical exploration, and interactive play. Guests can pick up a Summer Explorer passport at the Grable Visitor Center and earn a prize after completing five activities.
Free and open to all.
Learn more here.
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Summer Teen Intensive: Street Art with Max GEMS Gonzales
Tuesday-Thursday, June 24-26, 3:00 – 5:00 PM | CLP – Hazelwood
Teens in grades 6–12 are invited to a hands-on, three-day workshop exploring street art with professional muralist and educator Max GEMS Gonzales. Participants will learn the fundamentals of spray can art and explore themes of identity, agency, and style through creative expression.
Free to attend. Registration is required—contact the Hazelwood Library (412.421.2517) to sign up.
Learn more here.
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Greenfield Family Pride Night 2025
Friday, June 24, 5:00–8:00 PM | Magee Rec Center
The Greenfield Community Association, Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition, and Hazelwood Initiative invite neighbors of all ages to celebrate love, diversity, and community at this year’s Greenfield Family Pride Night. The event will feature LGBTQ+ crafts and activities, educational resources, local vendors, and an open swim at Magee Pool (standard pool fees apply). Attendees can enjoy food trucks, snacks, and pizza, or bring their own picnic to the park. This family-friendly evening is a celebration of inclusivity and solidarity across Greenfield, Squirrel Hill, and Hazelwood.
Free.
Learn more here.
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Yoga in the Park with 3 Rivers Outdoor Co.
Wednesday, June 26, 6:00 – 7:00 PM | Schenley Plaza
All are invited to join 3 Rivers Outdoor Co. for an hour of yoga at Schenley Plaza. Participants are asked to bring a yoga mat.
Donation-based cost / “Pay what you can.”
Learn more here.
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Calliope Summer Series in Schenley Plaza – Penna Players
Wednesday, June 26, 7:00–9:00 PM | Schenley Plaza
Part of their free summer concert series, this event features a mix of seasoned professionals and rising stars in a family-friendly outdoor setting. Seating under the plaza's oval tent is limited—guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair to relax on the grass and enjoy the show.
Free and open to all.
Learn more here.
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
152 Main Capitol Building
PO Box 202023
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 705-1875
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District Office
2345 Murray Avenue
Suite 205
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
(412) 422-1774
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