My office will be closed on Monday, October 13, in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, October 14, during regular business hours.
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100 Days Without a Commonwealth Budget
On Wednesday, the 100th day after a state budget was due, the House once again passed a budget proposal for consideration by Senate Republicans. Despite the urgency of this 100-day budget impasse, the Senate refused to even come to the table. The House has compromised repeatedly, coming down more than a billion dollars from the governor’s original proposal to reach common ground with the Senate Republicans.
Because the Senate won’t negotiate a budget with us, counties, schools, and nonprofits that rely on state funding are struggling to keep their doors open. The Senate’s refusal to act is not about fiscal discipline — it’s about politics. Every day this stalemate continues, Pennsylvanians pay the price.
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Talk & Tour of the 4 Mile Run Stormwater Project
Last Friday, I joined other lawmakers, advocates, and concerned citizens to discuss stormwater management in Four Mile Run.
Flooding in The Run is nothing new, and climate change and development in the East End are exacerbating the risk. While we’ve been fortunate that we haven’t seen major flooding since 2019, work must be done to prevent future disasters. The Mon Water Project led a discussion and tour of the neighborhood to facilitate a conversation on how we can move forward in finding solutions.
I want to thank The Mon Water Project for organizing the event and look forward to finding a path forward with all the stakeholders involved.
Second Anniversary of October 7th Attack
Our hearts were heavy this week on the anniversary of Hamas’ brutal murder of 1,200 people and kidnapping of hundreds more, simply because they were Jews. Two years later, Gaza’s unbearable suffering weighs on us all — but now, finally, there is news of a ceasefire and the impending release of the hostages. Let us all seek unity as we mourn, reflect, and hope for lasting peace.
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Community Events and Resources
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Oktoberfest Pittsburgh
Now – Sunday, October 12 | Ft. Duquesne Boulevard (Between Stanwix St and 7th St) & Sixth Street Bridge
Celebrate Bavarian tradition in downtown Pittsburgh with live music, authentic German food, a biergarten, and family-friendly activities. Enjoy polka and Oompah tunes, Karneval-style games, and cheer on competitors in the Stein Holding contest. Food, drinks, and alcoholic beverages (21+) are available for purchase.
Festival hours vary. Admission is free; tickets are required for select activities.
Learn more here.
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City Steps Pittsburgh
Saturday, October 11, 12:00 – 4:00 PM | CLP – Hazelwood
Authors Laura Zurowski, Charles Succop, and Matthew Jacob will present the history of Pittsburgh’s city steps, accompanied by maps and walking tours that showcase the city’s unique public stairways. The program will include a walking tour of Hazelwood’s steps, weather permitting.
Free.
Learn more here.
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Speaker Saturday: Overshadowed by These Occult Influences
Saturday, October 11, 2025, 1:00 – 3:00 PM | Fort Pitt Museum
Discover the hidden beliefs and superstitions that lingered in the Ohio Valley during the 18th century. Peter Gilmore, ruling elder at Sixth Presbyterian Church, will discuss the occult practices of Irish Presbyterians in the region. The program will be held in the Fort Pitt Auditorium on the museum’s first floor.
Included with general admission.
Learn more here.
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Halloween at Hammer: Trunk or Treat
Saturday, October 12, 4-8 PM | Hammer Field
Families with children ages 3 to 8 are invited to enjoy an evening of fun Halloween activities and baseball with the Greenfield Baseball Association. The event will feature Trunk or Treat, basket raffles, and food for purchase. Guests can cheer on the t-ball and coach pitch teams while collecting treats from the decorated trunks. All proceeds support the league’s youngest fall-ball players.
Free to attend, with food for purchase. Please note: This event is cash only.
Learn more here.
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Sunday Storytime at Riverstone Books – Squirrel Hill
Sunday, October 12, 2025, 10:30 AM | Riverstone Books, 5841 Forbes Ave., 15217
Riverstone Books invites families to Sunday Storytime in Squirrel Hill. Each week features a new theme, with stories and a fun craft or activity. Attendance is limited to 12 children for safety, and advance RSVP is required.
Free admission with RSVP.
Learn more and RSVP here.
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Trees and Fungi with Tree Pittsburgh
Tuesday, October 14, 5:30–7:00 PM | Tree Pittsburgh, 3262nd Street,15201
Join Tree Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy for a walk and talk exploring the world of fungi and their role in urban forests. Mycologist and educator Stephen Bucklin will guide participants through the ecological connections between trees and fungi in the city.
Tickets are $20.
Register here to attend.
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Tales from the Graves of Smithfield Cemetery
Tuesday, October 14, 7:30 PM | Church of the Redeemer, 5700 Forbes Avenue or Virtual
In the spirit of Halloween, Jan Kurth, editor of Print, Pittsburgh’s East End newspaper, will share stories about some of the people buried in Smithfield Cemetery.
Learn more here.
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Frick Park Stewardship Days
Wednesday, October 15, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | Frick Environmental Center
Join Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy for a stewardship day focused on ecological restoration and invasive species management. Help restore Clayton Hill by removing invasive plants and supporting native plant life under the guidance of Ecological Restoration Coordinator Rachel Hoag. Volunteers of all experience levels are welcome.
Register here to participate.
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Let’s Talk: Domestic Violence Awareness and Intervention
Wednesday, October 15, 6:00–7:30 PM | 294 Semple Street, 15213 and Virtual
In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Oakland Planning and Development Corporation will host a workshop on recognizing the signs of intimate partner violence and learning how to intervene. The event will feature resources from local organizations and an open community discussion.
Join online here.
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Gardening in Mellon Park
Third Wednesday of each month through gardening season, 5:00 – 7:00 PM | Mellon Park Oval
Meet your neighbors and lend a hand in caring for the beautiful gardens of Mellon Park. Volunteers from Friends of Mellon Park and Phipps Conservatory will guide participants in light gardening activities. No experience is necessary.
Learn more here.
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Fall Fest 2025
Thursday, October 16 – Sunday, October 26 | Pittsburgh Playhouse & Forbes Avenue
The second annual Fall Fest brings a Downtown celebration for all ages! Enjoy food and drinks, games, local vendors, arts and crafts, and rolling performances of Boo’s Halloween House Party. Explore activities throughout the Playhouse and along Forbes Avenue.
Fall Fest is free and tickets for Boo’s Halloween House Party are $20.
Learn more and get tickets here.
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Virtual Higher Ed Financial Aid Night Presentation
Thursday, October 16, 7:00–8:00 PM | Online
Amy Kotzev, Higher Education Access Partner with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), will present an overview of the financial aid application process. The program will cover types of aid available for students and strategies for planning ahead when considering post-secondary education. Time will also be set aside for participants to ask questions about the financial aid process.
Free.
Learn more and register here.
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Wanted: Trunk or Treat Hosts!
Thursday, October 24, 5:30–8:00 PM | Greenfield Elementary School
The Greenfield K8 PTO is seeking volunteers to host decorated trunks for this year’s Fall Fest. Volunteers are asked to bring one vehicle, decorate with a fun theme, and hand out candy, host a game, or lead a craft for children. Please plan for around 200 participants, arrive at least one hour early for setup, and stay for the full event. Space is limited, and all types of vehicles are welcome.
Those interested should email ptogreenfieldk8@gmail.com today, October 10.
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Day of Service: Commemorative Volunteering
Saturday, October 26, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
Join the community in a day of volunteering to honor the eleven lives lost in the October 27, 2018, synagogue shooting. Participants can engage in a variety of service activities to commemorate the lives and continue the work of healing.
Learn more and register here.
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Voting Resources – 2025 General Election
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Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Sample Ballots Sample ballots for the 2025 General Election are now available. To view your ballot, you’ll need to know your municipality, ward, and district. This information is on your voter registration card or can be found using the PA Voter Services tool.
Check Your Voter Registration
Registered voters can verify their registration online via the Pennsylvania Department of State portal. The portal provides:
- Election Day polling places
- Mail-in/absentee ballot status
- Contact info for County Boards of Elections
Register to Vote / Update Your Registration
Deadline: October 20
Voters turning 18 by Election Day can register before their birthday.
Voting with a Criminal Conviction
Individuals with misdemeanor or felony convictions are eligible to vote in Pennsylvania.
Voting eligibility includes jail/prison (misdemeanor), house arrest, probation/parole, halfway house, or pretrial detention.
Some voters may require absentee ballots.
No action needed to regain voting rights after completing a felony sentence.
College Students
Can vote at college or home address (one location only).
Can register at home and request a mail-in/absentee ballot to school.
Mailing address does not need to match home address.
Mail-in / Absentee Ballots
Application Deadline: October 28
The Allegheny County Elections Division has begun sending out mail-in and absentee ballots. Voters can track their ballots here.
Satellite Voting Offices
Vote, register, or request a mail-in ballot in one trip.
Open Saturday & Sunday, October 25 & 26, 10 AM- 2 PM
- CCAC Homewood, 701 N. Homewood Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15208
- North Park Ice Rink, 1200 Pearce Mill Road, Wexford, PA 15090
- South Park Ice Rink, 300 Corrigan Drive, Bethel Park, PA 15102
- County Office Building Lobby (Ross Street entrance), 436 Grant St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Allegheny County Ballot Return Sites
Voters that applied for a mail-in or absentee ballot can return only their own ballot here, instead of mailing it.
Open:
- Friday, October 31, 11 AM- 7 PM
- Saturday, November 1, 9 AM- 5 PM
- Sunday, November 2, 9 AM- 5 PM
- Monday, November 3, 11 AM- 7 PM
Locations:
- Allegheny County Emergency Servies Building, 150 Hookstown Grade Rd, Moon Township, PA 15108
- Avalon Public Library, 317 S Home Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15202
- Boyce Park Four Season Lodge, 901 Centerview Dr, Plum, PA 15239
- Carnegie Library Squirrel Hill, 5801 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
- CCAC Homewood, 701 N Homewood Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15208
- County Office Building, 542 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
- Dormont Pool, 1801 Dormont Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15216
- Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank, 1 N Linden St, Duquesne, PA 15110
- North Park Ice Rink, 1200 Pearce Mill Rd, Wexford, PA 15090
- South Park Ice Rink, 300 Corrigan Dr, Bethel Park, PA 15102
Accessible Voting
All polling places must have at least one accessible voting system.
Check accessibility before Election Day.
Permanent absentee ballots are available for voters with permanent disabilities.
Poll Workers Wanted
Earn $150-175 on Election Day.
Apply online.
Voter Education Toolkit
Provides tools to educate voters about:
- Election deadlines
- How to vote
- Secure voting systems in PA
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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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