State Budget Complete; Veterans Scam; Free Lead Testing; and more

Rep. Emily Kinkead November 17, 2025 | 9:38 AM

In this update:

Farm Show 2026
Federal Shutdown Ends
Light Up Bellevue

Cookie Donations Wanted
Coats for Kids
And so much more!

State Budget Signed into Law

After more than four months, the state budget impasse has finally ended, with the General Assembly delivering a budget that boosts public school funding by hundreds of millions of dollars, provides historic investments in anti-hunger programs, funds essential services, and creates a new tax credit that will benefit nearly 1 million Pennsylvanians.

It’s disgraceful that it took Republican leaders in the state Senate over 134 days to finish the job, but they have finally reached a compromise on a bipartisan, balanced budget. In a divided legislature, no one gets everything they want. While there were many missed opportunities here, there is also much to celebrate in this budget.

Dive into more details of the 2025-26 state budget at houseappropriations.com.

Learn About the PA Budget

Support Local Food Banks

While the federal government shutdown has come to an end and SNAP benefits are expected to resume, anxiety created by the suspension of those benefits will linger for the millions of Americans who rely on them.

We must continue to support our local food banks to ensure nobody goes hungry in the wealthiest nation on Earth.

Find additional food resources and more at panavigate.org.

Find Your Local Food Bank

Coats for Kids

I was grateful to join the incredible Pittsburgh Fire Fighters for their annual Coats for Kids drive! This event helps kids across our region stay warm all winter long and it’s a wonderful reminder of what we can accomplish when neighbors come together.

Apply for State Grant Funding

Interested in learning more about state grant opportunities? Check out my website to see a list of grant programs currently accepting applications. My team and I are here to help you with the grant application process and can write a letter of support – contact my office for assistance.

New Scam Targets Veterans

The state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is warning veterans and their families of a new scam effort that includes a fraudulent solicitation similar to the above.

If you or a veteran you know is ever unsure about a notice or offer like this, please contact the DMVA at 800-547-2838 to discuss it with an accredited veteran service officer at no cost.

Free Lead Paint Testing

Lead is toxic to humans, especially children, yet many older homes still contain lead-based paint. If you have young children or a pregnant person living in a home built before 1978, check out Allegheny County’s Lead Safe Homes program. It offers free lead-paint testing and treatment for qualifying homeowners, renters, and landlords.

For more information, call the Lead Safe Homes Hotline at (412) 227-5700 or visit alleghenycounty.us/leadsafeprogram.

Upcoming Events

Light Up Bellevue is happening from 5 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 6. Get the details here.

The North Hills High School Student Council and Hands for Service clubs are teaming up to host a Cookie Walk fundraiser to benefit North Hills Cares on Thursday, Dec. 11. Cookies will be available for just $10 dozen. The clubs are currently seeking cookie and candy donations for the event Learn more here.

The 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show is happening from January 10 – 17. There’s still time to enter the Farm Show’s National Anthem Singing Contest. Submit your performance before November 24.

Organizations in the disability and mental health spaces may apply to be an exhibitor at the 13th Annual Disability and Mental Health Summit, a free, one-of-a-kind event that brings hundreds of people and participating organizations together.

Visit disabilitysummit.com to get more details.

If you have questions about anything in 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.