Tragedy struck the Mon Valley last week when an explosion at Clairton Coke Works killed two workers and injured ten others. I extend my deepest condolences to the victims, their families, and everyone affected. I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the first responders from across Allegheny County who acted swiftly in the immediate aftermath of the explosion.

We are a strong community, but a tragedy like this hits us hard. That is why we look out for one another. I will continue to monitor the multiple investigations by government agencies into the incident, and my office remains available to support anyone affected in any way we can. Please do not hesitate to reach out if we can help.

Funding for PRT and other struggling transit systems hit a roadblock last week when the GOP-led Senate refused to vote on a House bill that would have provided more money for mass transit, as well as road and bridge projects, without raising taxes. Facing a deficit of more than $100 million, PRT has announced severe route cuts, layoffs, and fare increases set to take effect in February.

Last week, the House approved a plan—for the fifth time—to deliver much-needed funding to public transit, but the Senate countered with a proposal that provides no additional dollars. Instead, the Senate bill allows transit systems to redirect money intended for repairs and upgrades, forcing them to choose between offering rides or maintaining safety.

I understand how vital PRT is to workers, employers, seniors, and students in Allegheny County, and I will continue to advocate for funding these essential transit routes as your representative in Harrisburg.

I had the pleasure of visiting Lifespan, Inc. on Monday, where we enjoyed some donuts and discussed the issues most important to our seniors. Thank you to Lifespan for hosting me and my staff. To learn more about the great work Lifespan does, check out their Facebook page here.

Turnout was fantastic last week at the open house at my Munhall district office. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to learn about the services my staff and I can provide! If you couldn’t make it, remember that my Munhall district office is located at 3905 Main St. and is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. You can also reach us by phone at 412-476-3046.

Life happens—we change jobs, lose jobs, move, get married, or have children. If life events like these have affected your health insurance, check out Pennie, the state’s official health insurance marketplace. It can help you stay covered. Visit pennie.com for more information. Qualifying life events typically trigger a special enrollment period, so it’s important to act promptly to avoid any gaps in coverage.

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency is accepting applications through Sept. 12 for grants to support training for those who treat adult or child victims of sexual abuse. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, public agencies, hospitals, local governments, schools, and colleges. PCCD expects to award five grants, each with budgets of up to $50,000 for a period of up to two years. For more information, visit the PCCD Website.

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is offering webinars through the end of the year to help families navigate paying for college. Topics include completing grant forms, searching for scholarships, and covering financing gaps.

For more information, visit www.pheaa.org/virtual.

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