Harrisburg Happenings, Community Events & More

Rep. Dan B. Frankel March 27, 2026 | 12:32 PM

PA Representative Dan Frankel banner image

Friday, March 27, 2026

As many in our community prepare to observe Passover next week, I extend warm wishes for a meaningful and peaceful holiday. May it be a time of reflection, connection, and renewal for all who celebrate.

Harrisburg Happenings

Trained volunteers stand ready to help with your taxes!

Checking out our Local Tax Prep Options

I dropped into United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania’s free Tax Prep site at the JCC last week, and I saw Pitt accounting students hard at work helping our neighbors prepare for the tax filing deadline. You can schedule your own appointment at the JCC or at the Oakland Branch of Carnegie Library by dialing 2-1-1, texting your ZIP code to 898-211, or using the online resources.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide also 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.

Big Wins for Pennsylvania Families, Workers and Ratepayers

It was a big week on the House floor, and I'm proud to share updates on several important bills we advanced for Pennsylvania families.

Codifying Marriage Equality

We passed legislation to update Pennsylvania's outdated marriage statutes, replacing language from 1996 that still — on paper — bans same-sex marriage. The bill passed 127–72 with bipartisan support. While the Supreme Court's Obergefell v. Hodges ruling already guarantees the right to marry regardless of gender, Pennsylvania's written law never caught up. This bill fixes that, redefining marriage in state statute as a union between "two individuals" and repealing provisions that refuse to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states.

This isn't just a symbolic cleanup. The federal Respect for Marriage Act protects the recognition of existing marriages, but it does not require states to issue new licenses if Obergefell were ever overturned. Passing this bill closes that gap and makes it clear that Pennsylvania stands behind every couple's right to marry. The bill now heads to the Senate.

The Family Care Act

We also passed the Family Care Act — bipartisan legislation that would create a paid family and medical leave insurance program in Pennsylvania. Right now, nearly 4 million Pennsylvanians — 66% of our workforce — have no access to paid family or medical leave. Federal law offers 12 weeks of unpaid leave, but for most working families, unpaid isn't an option.

Under this bill, eligible workers could receive up to 12 weeks of partial wage replacement when welcoming a new child or dealing with a serious illness. And it's good for small businesses, too: states with similar programs report higher employee retention and better productivity. New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland have already moved in this direction. It's time Pennsylvania does, too. The bill is now in the Senate's hands.

Minimum Wage and Data Centers

I also cast my vote this week to raise Pennsylvania's minimum wage — again. It's the third time since Democrats took the majority in 2023 that we have passed this bill, and we are not giving up. Moving to $15 an hour by 2029 is the right thing to do for working Pennsylvanians, plain and simple. Our neighbors in New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware are already there. The Senate needs to stop sitting on this and get it done.

We also passed common-sense guardrails on data centers, making sure that the burden of paying for the energy demands they place on our grid goes right back to them—not to families or small businesses. With 56 data centers already operating across the state and dozens more proposed, we can't afford to wait.

Both bills deserve swift action from the Senate—not to be buried in committee while Pennsylvanians pay the price. I'm calling on Senate leadership to take them up without delay.

Community Events and Resources

Hazelwood Hands-On: CPR Certification
Friday, March 27, 4 – 5 p.m. | Jada House International, 4944 Second Ave.

Join Hazelwood Local and JADA House International for a FREE CPR Certification Workshop. Refreshments provided. Space is limited.

Community Legal Resource Fair

March 28 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Main (Oakland)

Community members are invited to a day of learning and connection focused on improving access to legal information and resources. The event will include a presentation from the Allegheny County Law Library on using professional legal research databases available to the public, and a drop-in community resource fair where attendees can speak directly with professionals who specialize in areas such as housing, family law, and employee rights.

Learn more and RSVP here.

Regent Square Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, March 28, 10:30–11:30 a.m. | Parklet at Richmond & Sanders

Bring the kids out for a free, family-friendly Easter Egg Hunt in Edgewood. Children ages 8 and under are invited to search for candy-filled eggs starting promptly at 10:30 a.m., followed by spring-themed activities for the whole family. Be sure to bring a small basket or container for collecting eggs and keep an eye out—the Easter Bunny may stop by for photos.

Note there are no restrooms available at the parklet. In the event of heavy rain, the event will be held at the same time on Sunday.

Learn more here.

Housing Justice Summit
Saturday, March 28, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Frick Fine Arts Building, 650 Schenley Dr.

The Pittsburgh Human Rights City Alliance and the Pittsburgh Housing Justice Table will host the 3rd Annual Housing Justice Summit, where attendees can learn how to advocate for the right to safe, secure, and affordable housing.

The event will bring together community members, advocates, and partner organizations for a day of discussion and engagement focused on housing justice and community priorities. The venue is wheelchair accessible.

Learn more here.

No Kings Rallies

Saturday, March 28, 12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | City-County building

Saturday, March 28 1-3 p.m. | Allegheny Commons Park, North Side

Saturday, March 28, 5-6 p.m. | Shady & 5th Ave.

Volunteer-organized rallies in Pittsburgh will take place as part of the “No Kings” movement, a grassroots response to concerns over signs of authoritarianism and corruption. Locally organized in partnership with community organizations, the event will emphasize nonviolent protest and civic engagement. Participants are encouraged to bring meaningful or patriotic flags and are asked to uphold a commitment to peaceful demonstration.

Learn more, RSVP and find more rally locations here.

Banned Book Bingo

Saturday, March 28, 1-3 p.m. | CLP-Squirrel Hill

This interactive event invites participants to play bingo using cards featuring books that have been challenged or removed from schools and libraries, along with related themes. Brief context about the selected titles will be shared throughout the program.

Attendees can expect a casual group setting, prizes, and informational resources.

This event is free and open to the public. Space is limited, and advanced registration is encouraged. Learn more here.

Barrio with the Filipino Student Association

Saturday, March 28 5- 9 p.m. | William Pitt Union

“Barrio” means neighborhood or community in Tagalog. The University of Pittsburgh Filipino Student Association’s Barrio event shares and celebrates Filipino culture through special guest performances, Filipino food, singing, dancing, and more.

Learn more here.