Storm response public hearing, new scam alert, check your mailbox

Storm response public hearing, new scam alert, check your mailbox – and more!

Rep. Abigail Salisbury August 5, 2025 | 9:29 AM

County to hold public hearing Aug. 20

to address storm response

In the wake of the devastating April 29 storm that left 400,000 residents in our region without power, Allegheny County Council has formed a special committee to hold hearings on the county’s response.

Duquesne Light is scheduled to testify at the next hearing, which will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 20 at 5 p.m. at the county courthouse, located at 436 Grant St. in Pittsburgh. I encourage everyone to attend. If you are unable to make it but would like answers to specific questions, please email them to me before the meeting at RepSalisbury@pahouse.net.

At the most recent hearing, I had the opportunity to question County Emergency Services Manager Matt Brown. My takeaway is that we need to join forces and strengthen intergovernmental cooperation at all levels of government to forge a more effective response in the future.

To help make that happen, I have introduced legislation that would require PEMA to send state legislative offices the same emergency storm information the agency sends local county officials and to create a direct line of communication with state offices. You can read more about my legislation here and find a list of county emergency management coordinators below.

Around the district

Our district office director, Aaron, attended the launch of Disability Lead SWPA last week. This dynamic group will help equip leaders with disabilities to lead with power and purpose and drive meaningful change. You can read more about them here.

Aaron also toured PNC Park with Allegheny County Delegation Chair Aerion Abney and several other state representatives and staff to learn about how the Pirates are committed to inclusion and access for fans and employees.

At an event marking the 60th anniversary of Medicare, Allegheny County Council Representative Anita Prizio (above right) introduced a proclamation recognizing Medicare’s critical role in meeting the health care needs of seniors and people with disabilities. It was an important reminder of the need to speak out in the face of privatization attempts and ongoing federal attacks on essential services.

Braddock Youth Project participants have been busy with some amazing mentoring, arts, and urban agriculture projects this summer. Visit this page to learn more about the program.

Speaking of Braddock, check out Braddock Community Day on Saturday, Aug. 9 from noon to 6 p.m. The event, which will take place along Braddock Ave., will feature food, fun, children’s activities, and more. Our staff will be on site to assist you with state-related matters and provide children’s coloring and activity books about safety, PA history, and the state Capitol.

Check your mailbox to see if you have

unclaimed property waiting!

The PA Treasury is advising residents to check their mailboxes – about 40,000 people are receiving letters from the PA Money Match program, which returns unclaimed property worth $500 or less automatically. People who receive letters and confirm their address could receive a check within 45 days.

You can search online for unclaimed property here. Our office can also help you search.

Watch out for these transportation-related scams!

State legislative transportation chairs are warning Pennsylvanians about phishing texts and email scams impersonating PennDOT, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, EZ Pass, and other transportation-related agencies. The fraudulent messages direct users to click a link and make an urgent payment or face penalties such as vehicle registration suspensions, driver’s license suspensions, fines, and other penalties.

Don’t click these links or any others claiming to be from transportation agencies if you did not initiate the contact, and don’t mail payments unless you have confirmed that a request is legitimate through official channels.

Finding funding and help with state services

Eligible organizations or municipalities looking to fund revitalization projects can apply to the Main Street Matters program through Aug. 31. Eligible museums and county historical societies can apply for a Cultural and Historical Support grant through Friday, Aug. 22.

PennDOT has announced that applications are now open for the Rail Transportation Assistance Program and the Rail Freight Assistance Program through Aug. 29. You can find a list of all the latest state grant openings here.

Finally, please remember that my talented staff and I are here to assist with a wide range of state-related matters, from filing an application with the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program or other programs and services to solving state-related questions and problems. Stop by, e-mail us, or give us a call to see how we can help!

You can read my e-newsletter in a way that’s preferable to you by visiting my legislative website here and clicking on the accessibility icon in the lower right corner.