I’m proud to report that I’ve been appointed to the House Labor & Industry Committee, a position that will allow me to shape legislation on the issues most important to working Pennsylvanians. As a longtime member of Teamsters Local 205, I’m eager to focus on initiatives that strengthen job opportunities, protect workers’ rights, and promote responsible economic growth.

Thank you to House Speaker Joanna McClinton for trusting me with this position. I’m looking forward to working with committee Chairman Jason Dawkins, D-Philadelphia.

I greatly appreciate that Gov. Josh Shapiro has taken state action to support families facing hunger due recent uncertainty over federally funded food programs. The governor released $5 million in state funds to Feeding Pennsylvania for distribution through its statewide network of food banks and signed a disaster emergency declaration to expedite relief efforts.

If you need help feeding your family, see the distribution schedule for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank here or learn more about the food bank at www.pittsburghfoodbank.org.

House Democrats have been concerned about the delayed opening of the LIHEAP heating program caused by the federal government shutdown. Last week, I co-signed a letter with my caucus colleagues to the state Public Utility Commission, urging commissioners to mandate a pause on the termination of heat-related services for LIHEAP-eligible households. Thankfully, Gov. Shapiro's office, in coordination with the PUC, recently announced that utilities will implement a moratorium on November shutoffs for LIHEAP-eligible families.

LIHEAP serves 300,000 PA households, including more than 150,000 seniors, families with young children, and people with disabilities. Read our letter here.

From now through January 15, Pennsylvanians can enroll in health coverage through Pennie, the state’s health insurance marketplace created through Obamacare. Unfortunately, Republicans in Congress have yet to agree to extend health care subsidies.  Consequently, we expect the cost of plans in our marketplace to go up significantly.

If you have questions or need help enrolling, visit Pennie.com/connect or call the Pennie Customer Service Center at 1-844-844-8040.

Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program helps older residents stay in their homes while affording groceries, medicine, and other necessities. The program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are 65 or older, widows and widowers 50 or older, and individuals with disabilities 18 or older.

Rebates range from $380 to $1,000, and the application deadline has been extended to December 31. My staff is available to assist with applications, so don’t hesitate to stop by my district office. 

You might not realize it, but the PA Treasury may have money that belongs to you. One in ten Pennsylvania residents has unclaimed property, with the average claim exceeding $1,000. The Treasury receives billions of dollars in unclaimed property, often due to misspelled names or incorrect addresses.

To see if you have unclaimed property waiting for you, visit here or reach out to my office for assistance.

Medicare beneficiaries have until Sunday, December 7 to sign up for or change Medicare Prescription Drug coverage and Medicare Advantage plans. Any new coverage or changes will take effect January 1, 2026.

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging provides free, unbiased counseling through Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight. You can also call Allegheny County’s PA MEDI Program for assistance at 412-661-1438.

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