To follow up on the success of last year’s program, our office is again partnering with the Community College of Allegheny County and the Health and Education Alliance to provide a new round of scholarships to CCAC’s Grant Writing & Non-Profit Management course.

To qualify, applicants must reside in a low-income census tract. To determine whether you are eligible, visit this page and use the search tool to enter your address. If it falls within a green zone designated as a low-income tract, you are eligible to apply. Contact Krishna Patel at patelk.hea@gmail.com to apply. Questions? Contact our office at (412) 273-3400.

Winners will be announced at our third annual Nonprofit Symposium. Details below!

Community changemakers—join us for the third annual Nonprofit Symposium! Hear from experts about the latest legal developments affecting nonprofits, learn how to maximize state funding, develop a small-donor plan, and more. Enjoy a complimentary lunch, pick up a free copy of the latest state grant directory, and network with colleagues from across the nonprofit sector!

Registration is required. You can register by visiting this page. Please email RepSalisbury@pahouse.net or call (412) 273-3400 if you need assistance.

Pittsburgh Regional Transit will be able to avoid steep rate hikes and route cuts for the immediate future after PennDOT approved a transfer of nearly $107 million in state capital funds designated for upgrades and repairs. Although the funding is good news for now, it’s only a short-term fix.

This summer, the House proposed legislation that would get more funding flowing to public transit statewide, but the state Senate failed to advance the bill. My House colleagues and I remain committed to finding a long-term funding solution that will protect commuters from the impacts of future budget deficits.

Under new federal rules, you may be required to work, volunteer, or participate in a training or education program for at least 20 hours per week and report your compliance to keep your SNAP benefits. These rules apply to SNAP recipients who:

• Are between 18 and 54 years old
• Do not have a dependent child under age 18
• Are considered physically and mentally able to work
• Do not meet certain exemptions listed on the DHS website

Starting November 1, the requirements are scheduled to expand to include adults ages 18 to 64 who do not have a dependent child under age 14.

For more details on the requirements, how to report compliance, and to find out if you qualify for an exemption, visit this page. 

Note: Your SNAP benefits will NOT change without direct notice from DHS. Make sure the agency has your current address on file. To report an address change, visit COMPASS here or contact the Allegheny County Assistance Office.  

It’s always heartwarming to see a local business give back to the community. Last week, Bombay to Burgh owner Gaurav Navin turned an accidental vendor delivery of 100 pounds of beef into 132 meals plus food packages for the Wilkinsburg Food Pantry, the Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, and local residents who stopped by. Additional thanks to Braddock Hills Councilwoman Cassi Schaffer, who helped with packaging.  

The Allegheny County Housing Stabilization Collaborative connects renters with legal and financial assistance to help them avoid eviction. Last week, the group hosted an excellent meeting to share insights on eviction trends, the state of the social safety net, and opportunities to support collaborative solutions that improve housing stability in the region. Visit this page to learn more about available services.

Our constituent services advisor, Simon Alexander, recently attended a community meeting hosted by the Forest Hills Borough Environmental Advisory Council. Environmentalist Patricia DeMarco joined other experts to discuss how neighbors can work together to strengthen community resilience and what policies local governments can adopt to reduce the likelihood of extended blackouts.

Office staff also joined members of the Braddock community to welcome students from PSU's Landscape Architecture program. The students walked through Braddock and spoke with residents to learn more about the community and gather feedback for developing plans for community projects.

JFCS Food Pantry is an excellent resource for the community. Last week, our District Office Director, Aaron Gray, toured their newly renovated facility and helped celebrate 25 years of their work combating food insecurity. You can read more about the pantry here.

Breakfast with Business Partners, hosted by the Community College of Allegheny County at its Braddock Hills campus last Wednesday, provided a closer look at some of CCAC’s workforce development programs. Visit this page to learn more.  

The community came out last week for an excellent meeting hosted by the PA Environmental Council and Friends of the Riverfront to learn more about—and offer input on—the Turtle Creek Connector. The planned 9-mile bicycle and pedestrian route will connect the Carrie Furnace with the Westmoreland Heritage Trail. You can take a virtual tour here.

Congratulations to the Allegheny County Mounted Police on receiving a $25,000 grant to purchase equipment for rescuing injured large animals. I’m grateful to Sen. Nick Pisciottano for inviting me, knowing that this cause is important to me.

Last week, I met with Duquesne Light to discuss storm preparedness, and I look forward to continuing that conversation this week. The power company has agreed to attend the next meeting of the county’s Special Committee on Emergency Preparedness and After-Action Review. The meeting—which is open to the public—will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 17, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Allegheny County Courthouse (Conference Room 1), 436 Grant St., Pittsburgh.

Wilkinsburg Thursday Market is hosting a Community Wellness Day featuring food, fun, music, exercise, and local vendors. The event will take place on Thursday, September 18, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Harold Young Sr. Parklet, located at 739 Penn Ave. in Wilkinsburg.

Learn more about the Carrie Furnace Hot Metal Bridge renovation at one of the following open houses:

• Wednesday, Sept. 24, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. – 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd., Pittsburgh, 15218.
• Tuesday, Sept. 30, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. – 510 E. 10th Ave., Munhall, 15120.

The Pittsburgh-based nonprofit Beverly’s PGH is organizing free community baby showers in Braddock on Nov. 6. Spots are limited, so those interested should sign up as soon as possible. Visit this page to learn more and sign up.

In addition, the free Babies in the Burgh Mobile Unit will be at 300 Holland Ave. in Braddock on Nov. 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., to support expecting parents and families caring for babies under age 1. The mobile unit provides infant formula, breastfeeding supplies, lactation support, baby items, and other resources. Visit this page to learn more.

Local officials/municipalities/housing & redevelopment authorities/fire & EMS companies: Check out the following state grant opportunities above!

Visit this page for a list of the latest state grant openings, and this page to search grants by topic.

Finally, please remember that our talented staff can assist 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, as well as addressing questions or resolving issues with 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.

Pennsylvania State Capitol

123-B East Wing Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 783-1914

District Office

501 Braddock Ave.
Braddock, PA 15104

(412) 273-3400