The state budget is late, and a transportation funding plan is idled. That’s causing problems for schools, human services, and transit systems—some are looking to borrow, some are tapping reserves, and some are eyeing service cuts while they wait on the state to approve a spending plan. It shouldn’t be this way.

The House approved a budget last month, but the GOP-controlled Senate hasn’t touched it. We also passed a transit funding plan for PRT and other transit systems, but the state Senate hasn’t touched that either. The PA House budget was a compromise plan that scaled back the budget proposal from Gov. Josh Shapiro, and our transportation plan would send more funds to public transit plus road and bridge repairs without raising taxes. Both are reasonable.

I’m urging the Senate to get moving on the budget and a transportation plan, and I’m urging you to do the same. Contact the offices of Senate Republicans and tell them to get to work.

The PA Game Commission last week announced 13 Sundays of hunting this fall under a new law signed by Gov. Shapiro ending the state’s longstanding ban on Sunday hunting. This year, Sunday hunting will begin Sept. 14 and include every Sunday through Dec. 7, which is the second Sunday of firearm deer season.

The new dates apply to all species with open seasons with one exception. Sunday hunting was not added for migratory bird season because those seasons are set through federal frameworks and adding Sundays would result in fewer hunting days this year, the commission said.

The second round of antlerless license sales for both resident and nonresident hunters is now open. Hunters can purchase one antlerless license per round in each of the first three rounds of licensing. The third round will begin Aug. 11 at 8 a.m.

For more information, visit the PA Game Commission.

The Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County is accepting applications through Aug. 22 for community and economic development grants to be awarded from the state gaming fund.

Grants can be used for a variety of projects and job training and must be between $150,000 and $500,000. Eligible applicants in include non-profits, for-profit businesses, municipalities, and authorities.

For more information, visit the RAAC Website.

The PA Department of Community and Economic Development is accepting applications through Aug. 31 for grants that can help revitalize neighborhoods and downtowns in a variety of ways—from aesthetic improvements to security measures. Eligible applicants for the Main Street Matters program include local governments, redevelopment or housing authorities, nonprofits, community development corporations, and business and neighborhood improvement districts.

For more information, visit the DCED Website.

Scammers have been sending fraudulent text messages trying to convince people they have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid turnpike tolls, and state officials want to warn you about it. The fraudulent messages claim to be from the so-called “Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles” and threaten several consequences, including a suspended license and possible prosecution.

The scam urges you to click on a link to pay to avoid legal trouble, but DO NOT CLICK ON IT because the messages are not legitimate.

I had a blast making the rounds last weekend in our 35th Legislative District! It was great to see everyone at Duquesne Community Day and White Oaks Community Day, and I really enjoyed the golf outing for the McKeesport Tigers golf team. ??

For more updates on issues facing our state and district, follow me on Facebook. Find me at www.facebook.com/RepGoughnour.

My team and I are here to assist with a variety of state government-related services, so please don’t hesitate to visit the district office at Tube City Center in McKeesport, call us at 412-664-0035, or visit my website, www.repgoughnour.com. 

Pennsylvania State Capitol

117-A East Wing

Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-1018

District Office

409 Walnut St. First Floor

McKeesport, PA 15132-2524

(412) 664-0035