Students are back in school, but unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that the state will provide local school districts with additional funding this year. The state budget is still being negotiated, and of the two chambers in the General Assembly, only the House has approved a budget bill that sends more money to Pennsylvania schools.

House Democrats understand the importance of educating our children, and we recognize that school districts need help managing rising costs. When we passed a budget bill this summer that boosts school funding, the GOP-controlled Senate refused to bring it to a vote. Instead, the Senate approved a bill that provides zero additional dollars to Pennsylvania schools.

I will continue to fight for increased school funding in the state budget and will keep working to get it done as soon as possible so that Mon Valley schools have the resources they need to educate our students.

That’s right—a new law requiring drivers to put down their phones recently went into effect. Signed last year by Gov. Shapiro, “Paul Miller’s Law” prohibits the use of handheld devices while driving, even when stopped at a red light or in a traffic jam. Exceptions exist for contacting emergency officials and using hands-free technology. For now, police will issue written warnings to violators, with summary citations set to begin on June 6, 2026.

Looking for work? Check out the JFCS “Welcome & Work” job fair on September 12 at the Allegheny County Human Services Building in downtown Pittsburgh. You’ll find employers from a variety of industries—including UPMC, PNC Bank, and Rivers Casino—along with community resources. Bring your resume and make those important connections!

Are you a retiree earning less than $29,906 per year? You may qualify for a reduced vehicle registration fee of $12 through PennDOT. My office can help you check your eligibility and complete the application. Call us for assistance!

The PA Department of Education is accepting applications for grants of up to $750,000, which can be used for library renovation or construction. A municipality must submit the application on behalf of a library project, and the deadline is Oct. 10. For more information, visit the PDE Website.

Human service professionals, community advocates, and utility leaders are encouraged to register for an upcoming conference hosted by the PA Public Utility Commission on utility education and consumer advocacy. The conference, centered on the theme “Embracing Collective Solutions: Empowering Stability in Our Communities,” will feature expert panels, interactive discussions, and valuable resources.

The conference will take place on Sept. 18 at the Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh-Southpointe in Canonsburg. You can register here.

The PA House Fellowship Program is accepting applications from eligible Pennsylvania college students for the Spring 2026 semester. Fellows work in committees or leadership offices at the state Capitol. The program provides compensation and may also include college credit. 

Eligible applicants include college juniors, seniors, graduate students, or law students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applications are due by October 1. For more information, you can visit this page.

It was great attending the first game at the newly renovated Tyler Boyd Stadium in Clairton. The improvements look incredible—a new turf, scoreboard, lighting, and more—and they’re not even finished yet!

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