As 2026 begins, prices are rising, yet nearly 300,000 Pennsylvanians still earn between $7.25 and $12 an hour. That needs to change. Believe it or not, 22 other states have already raised their minimum wage, while Pennsylvania remains stuck at $7.25.

House Democrats have taken action. Last June, we passed H.B. 1549, which would ensure every Pennsylvania worker earns at least $12 an hour by 2028. But the Senate hasn’t acted. As a longtime Teamster and member of the House Labor & Industry Committee, I will keep fighting for a fair day’s pay for every worker.

Please join me this Friday in recognizing Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. As a former McKeesport police officer, I understand firsthand the challenges and sacrifices our men and women in law enforcement make to keep our communities safe.

On Friday, you can show your support in several ways: wear blue, share a positive story on social media, send a card to a local department or agency, or simply thank an officer when you see one. Every gesture matters.

The state Public Utility Commission this week released a full post-storm review aimed at strengthening future storm planning and coordination in Pennsylvania—a review that followed last spring’s severe storms in our area. The PUC’s analysis resulted in ten recommendations aimed at improving how utilities prepare for, respond to, and recover from widespread service outages.

I support these recommendations because the state has a responsibility to take every possible step to minimize the impact of severe storms on the people of Pennsylvania.

Applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) are now open. Through this program, you may qualify for a cash grant to help pay your heating bill—ranging from $200 to $1,000, depending on your household size, income, and fuel type.

For more information, click here . You can also contact my office if you need assistance applying for LIHEAP or help with any utility-related issues.

PennDOT announced recently that they are accepting applications for a new round of Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) grants. Applications are due by February 13.

The MTF provides grants to municipalities, councils of governments, businesses, economic development organizations, public transit agencies, and ports and rail freight entities to improve transportation assets that strengthen communities, enhance pedestrian safety, and expand transit access.

More information about applying for the MTF grants is available by clicking here.

PA ABLE is a tax-advantaged savings program for people with disabilities. It helps individuals with qualifying disabilities take greater control of their finances and plan for a more secure future. Funds saved through PA ABLE are easily accessible and can be used for a wide range of disability-related expenses—from everyday costs like groceries and rent to larger expenses such as assistive technology, vehicle adaptations, and more.

To learn more, visit www.paable.gov, or call 855-529-ABLE (2253).

To honor Pennsylvania’s long-standing commitment to education, the state commission planning America’s 250th anniversary will award $250,000 in scholarships to deserving Pennsylvania students attending in-state colleges next school year. Any Pennsylvania high school senior planning to attend a PA college for 2026–27 is eligible to apply. Twenty-five scholarships of $10,000 each will be awarded by the America250PA commission.

Applications are due January 31. More details can be found here.

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

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