Thanks to PennDOT’s approval of a funding transfer, Pittsburgh Regional Transit can avoid heavy route cuts and fare hikes next year. That’s the good news. The bad news is that the transit agency will continue operating by transferring nearly $107 million originally meant for upgrades and repairs.

The bottom line: PRT and other transit systems in Pennsylvania still need a long-term solution to address their budget deficits. Using these transferred funds to cover operating expenses—without any commitment to replacing them—is not sustainable. It’s a Band-Aid.

I understand how much PRT benefits workers, employers, seniors, students, and others in Allegheny County, and I remain committed to finding a true funding solution for Pennsylvania transit. Without that, our transit problems won’t be solved—they’ll only be postponed.

Like many people in Allegheny County, I appreciate everything our rivers have to offer us. That’s why I co-hosted a roundtable hearing recently on the benefits of a state tax-credit program for waterfront development. We discussed the success of PA’s existing Waterfront Development Tax Credit program and how expanding it would create more opportunities for jobs, investments, and community spaces along our state’s waterways.

The hearing before the PA House Majority Policy Committee was aboard Shore Thing, a Riverlife project on the North Shore of the Allegheny River. Read more about the hearing here.

The Office of the State Fire Commissioner is accepting grant applications from fire companies and EMS squads for a wide range of purposes. Grants may be used for facility improvements, equipment purchases, debt reduction, training, education, and recruitment and retention efforts. Grant amounts will range from $2,500 to $20,000 per fire company and up to $15,000 per emergency medical service.

The application deadline is October 20, 2025. For more information, visit the Office of State Fire Commissioner Website.

If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or an established business owner looking to grow, check out the Neighborhood Community Development Fund (NCDF), a vital resource for entrepreneurs and communities in Allegheny County. NCDF provides financing and technical assistance to help small businesses thrive, develop affordable housing, and revitalize commercial properties in neighborhoods that need it most. By focusing on low- to moderate-income areas, NCDF helps create jobs, strengthen local economies, and build more vibrant communities right here in our district.

To learn more, contact Senior Loan Manager Rich Newell at newell@ncd-fund.org or 412-342-7015.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and PA’s Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is reminding everyone of the resources available for those in crisis. Because veterans are at an elevated risk of suicide, the DMVA encourages everyone to reach out to the veterans in their lives and remind them that someone cares about them, even if it has been a while since you last spoke.

For any veteran in crisis, free and confidential support is available 24/7. Call the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988, then press 1, or send a text message to 838255, or chat online. Another resource is VETConnect, an outreach program that connects veterans with various local resources they may need.

Older Pennsylvanians can more easily connect with nature and improve their overall health through a new toolkit unveiled by three state agencies. The toolkit provides guides for bringing nature indoors, strategies for overcoming access barriers, research on the mental and physical health benefits of outdoor recreation, and more. It is a collaborative effort between the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, and the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Find the toolkit here.

I was happy to donate fishing licenses for veterans to take part in a meaningful event hosted by Rods 4 Recovery, a nonprofit dedicated to helping people recover from addiction through the healing power of fishing.

They held a fantastic 'Fishing With a Veteran' event last weekend, and you can learn more about their work on their Facebook page here.

The Allegheny Regional Asset District has expanded its RAD Pass program, which provides Allegheny County library cardholders with free or discounted access to many local cultural destinations. This program removes the cost barrier for popular attractions such as the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, and Phipps Conservatory.

Learn more about the program and participating organizations here.

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