In this update:

• Pirates Fighting Hunger on 9/3
• State Budget Update
• Feedback on Riverview Park Playground

• West View Elementary
• SNAP Theft in PA
• And so much more!

A month ago, on July 14, the House passed a budget to fund our Commonwealth and sent it to the Senate. On Monday, we sent the Senate our fifth mass transit funding proposal, one that included provisions Senate Republican leaders claimed they wanted in order to agree to the funding. And despite claims that this proposal only helped Philadelphia, the truth is that transit riders in more rural areas stand to gain the most from it. Below is a breakdown of how much transit riders in some of our surrounding counties would receive under our proposal.

After six weeks of doing nothing — six weeks without a state budget and without funding for our public transit systems – on Tuesday, the Pennsylvania Senate finally came back to Harrisburg. But guess what? We still don’t have either, because Senate Republicans refuse to do their job.

Instead of taking up any of the many proposals that we have sent them, they passed their own budget bill that doesn’t invest in mass transit or meet our constitutional obligation to fully fund schools. And rather than consider the public transit funding bill that included provisions they demanded, they doubled down on a plan that would jeopardize service for riders across the Commonwealth by taking money away from every transit system in Pennsylvania, and they passed it knowing full well that the House and Governor Shapiro won’t support it. In his Floor speech, Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman talked only about Southeast Pennsylvania as if that is the only region facing a public transit crisis, but public transit exists in all 67 counties and these games hurt everyone.

I encourage you to contact leaders in the Republican-controlled Senate and urge them to get serious and come back to the table. While this dysfunction may just be political theater to some, it has devastating consequences for everyday Pennsylvanians.

Tomorrow I’ll be speaking at a press conference with Congresswoman Summer Lee and state Rep. Abigail Salisbury on SNAP theft, which has robbed families of over $17 million in benefits since 2022.

Unfortunately, SNAP theft has become a major issue for my constituents and individuals across Pennsylvania. While the federal government is refusing to continue reimbursing stolen benefits and, in fact, slashing SNAP benefits in general, we are working hard at the state level to protect people.

Most urgently, SNAP recipients should download the ConnectEBT app and lock their cards when not actively using them. It’s one of the most effective tools we have right now to prevent SNAP theft.

Congratulations to the entire West View community on the grand reopening of West View Elementary School! The ribbon cutting ceremony celebrated more than a stunning $40 million renovation — it also marked the 100th anniversary of this historic building, which first opened its doors as West View Junior High in 1925. The updated school beautifully blends modern learning spaces with tributes to West View’s and Pittsburgh’s rich history, preserving its legacy for generations to come.

Perhaps the best part was seeing North Hills School Board President Allison Mathis and Superintendent Dr. Patrick Mannarino invite lead custodian Chad Mueller to do the honor of cutting the official ribbon, a surprise recognition for his years of hard work during the renovation. He is a true embodiment of community spirit and what it means to be NH Proud.

Don’t miss Rhythm & Brews in Bellevue this Saturday, Aug. 16! It’s going to be a great night celebrating our region’s breweries and local businesses with live music!

Get more information here.

September is Hunger Action Month, and the Pittsburgh Pirates are stepping up to the plate! See how you can help the Pirates fight hunger at PNC Park on Wednesday, September 3.

The Ross/West View EMSA is hosting a blood drive from 1:30 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 9 at 5325 Perrysville Ave.

Schedule an appointment and help save lives in our community!

The Pittsburgh Department of Public Works recently posted an updated playground design for the Riverview Park playground and is asking for the community feedback on the design and renderings.

Learn more about the project and share your feedback here.

If you have any questions about the content of this email or need assistance with any state-related matter, my staff and I are here to help! Reach out at RepKinkead@pahouse.net or call 412-321-5523.

Pennsylvania State Capitol

116-B East Wing

Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 787-5470

District Office

658 Lincoln Ave.

Bellevue, PA 15202
(412) 321-5523