Moving a transit bill; the truth about SNAP benefits; know your rights when it comes to ICE -- and more!

Rep. Abigail Salisbury August 12, 2025 | 12:09 PM

House passes new bill to power public transit

On Monday in the PA House, we passed a comprehensive transportation funding bill that would infuse critically needed dollars into PRT and public transit systems statewide – without raising taxes – by increasing the portion of total sales tax revenue allocated to transit.

The ball is now in the state Senate’s court. We’re calling on our colleagues there to act immediately and send this bill to the governor’s desk to keep service flowing to thousands of Pittsburghers who rely on it.

Stop by for help with state services!

Our staff is taking their services on the road with the following mobile offices:

Tuesday, Aug. 12, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Wilkinsburg Library Senior Day, 605 Ross Ave.
Wednesday, Aug. 20, noon – 2 p.m. at Shady Park Place, 415 Lobinger Ave. in Braddock.

Staff can help you obtain a Senior Citizen ConnectCard, apply for a Property Tax/Rent Rebate, and get information about all the other services available through our district office. For rebate help, please remember to bring a valid photo ID, proof of all 2024 income, proof of 2024 property taxes paid (homeowners) or a completed PA rent certification (renters), and direct deposit information (if desired).

In addition to our mobile offices, our staff will also be on site at two Rankin events, including the Amachi Pittsburgh Block Party on Friday, Aug. 15 at the Woodland Hills Impact Center, located at 235 4th Ave. in Rankin, and the Rankin Rodeo Community Day on Saturday, Aug. 16, held on 4th Avenue. Stop by to learn about state services and pick up state-related materials, including children’s coloring and activity books about Pennsylvania and the state Capitol.

Last weekend, our staffers were on site at Braddock Community Day (below) and Churchill Borough Community Day.

Interactive web app shows the truth about SNAP benefits

Proponents of cutting snap benefits sometimes state that they are merely restoring the program to pre-COVID levels from 2019. Our intern, Alta, did a deep dive into SNAP benefit usage in each of the 13 municipalities in the district, uncovering that there has been very little change since before COVID to today.

In performing that research, which is accessible in the interactive map linked here, Alta was also able to get some great information about yearly population changes. We are very grateful to have had her visual mapping expertise this summer.

In other SNAP news, please join me, fellow lawmakers, and advocates on Friday, Aug. 15 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kingsley Association, located at 6435 Frankstown Ave. in Pittsburgh, for a press event organized by Just Harvest to address how SNAP recipients can protect themselves from benefits theft by card skimmers. Visit this page to learn more and register.

Know your rights when it comes to ICE

As ICE's presence grows, it’s important to understand the legal protections available under the law. Stop by Biddle’s Escape Coffee, located at 401 Biddle Ave. in Pittsburgh on Thursday, Aug. 14 at 4:30 p.m. for a discussion about your rights, what to do if/when you encounter ICE agents, and information for business owners and students abroad.

Inspiring a new generation of animal advocates

Last week, our district office director Aaron (top left), attended the Animal Friends Teen Advocacy Summit, which brought local teens together with experts to learn more about animal advocacy. Visit this page to learn more about Animal Friends and this Pittsburgh-based nonprofit’s work to save animals’ lives.

Finding funding – and help with state services

If you’re searching for state grant funding, please remember that the state has a handy search tool, which you can find here. Visit this page to see a list of all the latest grant openings.

Finally, please remember that our talented staff can help with a wide range of state-related services, from filing for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program to obtaining a Senior ConnectCard or disability placard, to solving questions or problems involving any state agency. Contact us 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.