Due to forecasts predicting significant snowfall this weekend, my office will be closed on Monday, and my staff will be working remotely. Please email repfrankel@pahouse.net to get in touch with us.
To prepare for the storm, please make sure you are signed up for Duquesne Light’s outage notifications here. If you are experiencing a power outage, report it on DLC's mobile app or website. ?
Please check on your neighbors, try to stay off the roads, and call 911 if you are in danger.
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Ensuring families have access to vaccines AND accurate information
This week in Harrisburg, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. held a “MAHA” rally and continued to spread dangerous misinformation. I feel an obligation to respond to these events because anti-science rhetoric has real consequences — it undermines trust in actual experts and puts Pennsylvania’s children at risk.
Fortunately, Governor Shapiro has taken steps to protect access to expert-recommended vaccines here in Pennsylvania. But access alone isn’t enough if parents become fearful of long-established preventative care. We must ensure that parents’ questions are met with facts, context, and guidance grounded in decades of research — delivered by experts who treat families with compassion and respect.
You can read my full statement responding to the rally here.
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State funding for projects in our neighborhoods
Pedestrian safety is a top priority for our community, and I’m pleased to share some good news. Three local projects in the 23rd Legislative District have been awarded over $872,000 in state grants to support pedestrian safety improvements. Funded through the Multimodal Transportation Fund, these investments will help strengthen sidewalks, enhance walkways, and improve connectivity across our neighborhoods.
The funding supports key projects, including sidewalk renovations at the Forbes Avenue Bridge with Carnegie Mellon University, reconstruction of a pedestrian walkway on Wilkins Avenue with Tree of Life, and streetscape and safety improvements at the Louisa Street steps with Walnut Capital–McKee. These enhancements will make it safer and easier for people of all ages to walk, bike, and access local amenities.
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ICE in Our Community
I am closely monitoring ICE activity in our district and the Pittsburgh region and working at the state level to keep our neighbors safe. Casa San Jose and Frontline Dignity are two local organizations that offer a variety of resources for immigrants in our communities and information about how to support our neighbors. Check out their websites to learn more about emergency response, training, volunteering and providing financial support.
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Community Events and Resources
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Free Tax Help
Now – Mid-April 2026 | Various Locations, Pittsburgh, PA Area
Get help preparing and filing your federal and state tax returns for free through two trusted programs this tax season:
- United Way’s Free Tax Prep Coalition and PA 211 can connect taxpayers with Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites that provide free in-person tax preparation for eligible households. Locations in our community include Carnegie Library’s main branch and the JCC. Schedule an appointment by dialing 2-1-1, texting your ZIP code to 898-211, or using the online resources.
- AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free tax preparation and assistance for low-to-moderate income taxpayers, with a focus on adults over 50. IRS-certified volunteers can prepare your return or provide coaching so you can complete it yourself, and services are available in person and online from early February through mid-April. Carnegie Library’s Squirrel Hill branch is among the locations for Tax-Aide, and no AARP membership is required. Learn more and make online appointments here or call 412-530-5194.
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Mascot Skate at Schenley Ice Rink
Saturday, January 24, 1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m. | Schenley Park Skating Rink
Skate with your favorite Pittsburgh mascots at Schenley Ice Rink. Skaters can take pictures with the mascots on and off the ice.
Ticket prices are $3-6. Learn more and get your tickets here.
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Reflections with Lissette Norman, Cultural Worker, Poet & Author
Saturday, January 24, 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. | 6901 Lynn Way, Suite 206
The Black Archive Speaker Series welcomes award-winning cultural worker and author Lissette Norman, creator of picture books including My Feet Are Laughing, Plátanos Go with Everything, and Abuela’s Library, for a discussion with New York City–based writer and educator Kleaver Cruz.
Register for this free event here.
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Preview Night of “Freedom House: Giving Life a Second Chance”
Friday, January 23, 7:30 p.m. | New Hazlett Center for Performing Arts
Experience a new stage production that tells the inspiring true story of Freedom House Ambulance Service, the first mobile emergency medical unit in the United States, founded in Pittsburgh’s Hill District in 1967. Written by L.E. McCullough and directed by Scott P. Calhoon, the play celebrates innovation, community service, and the origins of modern emergency medicine.
Buy “pay what you can” tickets and learn about other showings here.
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Steel Collective Contemporary Music Ensemble Performance
Sunday, January 25, 2:00 p.m. | Frick Fine Arts Auditorium @ University of Pittsburgh
Music on the Edge presents a collaboration between Pitt’s graduate student contemporary music ensemble and solo bassist Ryan McMasters.
Free. Learn more here.
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Pajama Storytime
Monday, January 26, 6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Carnegie Library – Oakland
Gather for 30 minutes of stories, songs and action rhymes that develop early literacy skills for children, ages birth to five years, and their caregivers.
RSVP here for this free event.
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Tapescape Opening Weekend
Saturday and Sunday, January 24 and 25, 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. | Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
The Children’s Museum unveils the fourth edition of Tapescape, an indoor climbing, sliding, and rolling art installation created by Eric Lennartson. Made from over 50 miles of packing tape stretched across a steel frame, Tapescape invites visitors to explore twisting tunnels and curving walls in this one-of-a-kind climbing experience.
Included in the price of museum admission, which ranges from $19-$21. 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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