Community changemakers – we’re just 10 days away from my third annual Nonprofit Symposium, which will take place on Thursday, Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local 9 PA, located at 100 Kingston Drive in Wilkins Township.

The free event will feature expert-led sessions with tips and strategies on developing a small donor plan, maximizing state grant funding, working with elected officials to achieve your organization's goals, finance and budgeting, and much more!

Lunch will be provided, and you’ll receive a free copy of the latest state grant directory. Free parking is available on site, and there are additional parking and bathroom options this year.

Please note that registration is required. Visit this page to register by Oct. 28.

If you need help registering or have any questions, please call the office at (412) 273-3400 or email RepSalisbury@pahouse.net.

New tax credits totaling close to $1 million have been awarded to spur investments in a Wilkinsburg affordable senior housing project. The work involving the Gable Ridge development would preserve six one- and two-story buildings – a total of 50 one-bedroom units, including five accessible units – for residents 62 or older.

In other senior news, Medicare Open Enrollment is going on now through Dec. 7 and provides a chance to join, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plans. (Any changes made will take effect Jan. 1, 2026.)

Please be aware that you can obtain free professional Medicare benefits counseling through the state’s PA MEDI program. Contact the PA MEDI Helpline, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 800-783-7067 or visit this page. 

Last Wednesday, our staffer Leslie and I toured POWER, an amazing nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive, gender-responsive, trauma-informed drug and alcohol substance abuse treatment to help women reclaim their lives.

The North Braddock Fall Festival earlier this month gave residents a perfect chance to catch up with neighbors, browse local vendors, and welcome the new season.

Our district office director, Aaron, toured the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center to learn more about their cutting-edge research in cancer treatment and prevention.

Aaron also joined the Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh and Self-Advocate Co-Chair Liz Sattler for the 31st Annual Buddy Walk. Visit this page to learn more about the association and the walk.  

Our staffer Leslie joined lawmakers and other legislative staffers last week for a tour of the Pittsburgh Zoo, which featured a presentation on the plan to update and revitalize the zoo campus.

Our staffer Simon joined Charles Howell (above) of the Mon Valley Initiative and other community partners and stakeholders for the Regional Clean Tech Readiness Roundtable on sustainability and clean energy initiatives in the Mon Valley and Eastern Suburban Region.

Last week at the 2025 Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Awards, we presented a legislative citation to August “Augie” Carlino (above left) for his award-winning efforts to preserve the Carrie Blast Furnace as a National Historic Landmark. Sen. John Gordner (above right), a member of the Capitol Preservation Committee, also accepted an award on behalf of the committee for its work to preserve the state Capitol’s Governor’s Suite. 

 Visit this page or click on the image below to read more about the awards.

Municipal and judicial elections are coming up Nov. 4, but there are several October deadlines to be aware of. If you’re not yet registered to vote, the deadline to register is Monday, Oct. 20. Visit this page to register. If you’re not sure whether you’re registered, visit this page to check your status.

If you plan to vote by mail, please note that the deadline to apply for a mail ballot is Tuesday, Oct. 28. You can find the application here.

For questions, call 877-868-3772 or visit this page.

This is a reminder that under new federal rules, SNAP beneficiaries may be required to work, volunteer, or participate in a training or education program for at least 20 hours per week and report their compliance to keep their SNAP benefits. There are certain exemptions that apply.

For more details on the requirements, how to report compliance, and to find out if you qualify for an exemption, visit dhs.pa.gov/work. And remember to keep your address up to date with DHS and the U.S. Postal Service! 

Join UpstreamPgh on Tuesday, Oct. 21, for an update on Ripple — a new plan for the Nine Mile Run Watershed, which includes Wilkinsburg and parts of East Hills, Homewood, Point Breeze, Edgewood, Squirrel Hill and Swissvale (all the land that funnels stormwater into the Nine Mile Run stream). The plan outlines places to build new rain gardens and identifies new ordinances and policies for a healthier environment.

There will be a brief presentation at 6 p.m., though neighbors are welcome to stop by anytime between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The open house will be held at the Imani Christian Academy, 2150 East Hills Dr., Pittsburgh. Visit this page for more details.

Fire companies, emergency medical services, and volunteer rescue squads: please be aware that the application period for applying for a Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant closes TODAY, Monday, Oct. 20.

Funding of $2,500 to $20,000 for fire companies and up to $15,000 for EMS providers is available for facility improvements, equipment purchases, debt reduction, training, education, and recruitment and retention. Visit this page for more information.  

You can browse all the latest state grant openings at this page and search for grants by topic using this tool.

Finally, please remember that our talented staff can assist with many state-related services, from filing for a Property Tax/Rent Rebate or obtaining a Senior ConnectCard or disability placard to resolving issues with PennDOT and other state agencies. 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.

District Office

501 Braddock Ave.
Braddock, PA 15104

(412) 273-3400

Pennsylvania State Capitol

123-B East Wing Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 783-1914