The federal government shutdown and Trump administration policies have caused delays and created uncertainty for Pennsylvania SNAP recipients, including many people in our district. To help address this issue, Rep. Dan Frankel and I brought together about 40 community leaders at Our Giving Kitchen for a panel on strengthening resources.

Afterward, attendees prepared more than 100 meals to be delivered to a local food pantry. It’s great to have compassionate, committed partners in troubling times. You can read more here and you can watch a video from the event at this page.  

After a favorable court ruling and swift action by the Shapiro administration, full SNAP benefits for November are being disbursed. Program participants should continue to check their EBT card balances.

Unfortunately, uncertainty remains regarding future payments. The U.S. Senate has taken some preliminary steps toward reopening the federal government, including a proposal to resume full funding of SNAP benefits. However, the proposal must still be passed by both houses of Congress. In the meantime, please see the additional food resources listed below.

• Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank’s “Find Food” Map: findfood.pittsburghfoodbank.org and food distributions.
• Feeding PA food finder: https://www.feedingpa.org/find-food/local-food-pantries/
• Grow Pittsburgh is offering a $5-off discount at their Braddock Farm Stand on Saturdays 9am-1pm for the remainder of the season. Learn more here.
• PA 211: Call 211, text your ZIP code to 898-211, or go online at pa211.org to find multiple types of resources in your area.

Please call our office if you need assistance because we have a decision tree for where residents can access food on any given day.

Also, please be aware that scammers may attempt to take advantage of this period of uncertainty. Please remember to lock your EBT card when not in use to protect your PIN and benefits, and please remember that the Department of Human Services will never ask for personal information in an unsolicited text message, email, or phone call.

As I mentioned last week, the federal government shutdown has delayed the opening of the LIHEAP home heating assistance program until Dec. 3. Although the Department of Human Services will continue processing preseason applications for LIHEAP and other benefits, payments are on hold until federal funding is restored.

In some good news, however, Gov. Josh Shapiro and the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission secured a commitment from the state’s utility companies not to turn off heat or electricity in November for LIHEAP-eligible residents impacted by the government shutdown.

Visit this page to read about other utility assistance programs. You can also visit https://www.pa-navigate.org/

I want to thank our community’s veterans for their service and sacrifice on behalf of our nation. We are grateful on Veterans Day and every day.

We are also proud to have a veteran on our staff. Constituent Service Advisor Simon Alexander served in the U.S. Marine Corps and is now available to help others navigate military and veterans’ services and answer related questions. Please call to schedule an appointment with Simon.

Please note that my office will be closed on Tuesday, November 11 in honor of our veterans.

Finally, please be aware that The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is offering free admission on Veterans Day! Be sure to check out their exhibit on the Tuskegee Airmen!

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department has issued guidance reaffirming that COVID-19 vaccines and other recommended vaccines should be covered at no cost to consumers through at least Dec. 31, 2026, consistent with your plan’s policy language and national medical guidance. What does this mean for you?

• Vaccines should be provided without copays, deductibles, or other out-of-pocket costs when given by an in-network provider.
• Insurers should not impose unnecessary steps or barriers to getting vaccinated.
• Coverage follows recommendations from trusted medical authorities such as the CDC and FDA; pharmacists and other providers may follow updated guidelines approved by the State Board of Pharmacy.
• The guidance applies to most health plans sold in Pennsylvania, and insurers are encouraged to keep access consistent for members of self-funded employer plans.

Exciting news for our regional job market, the economy and sustainable clean energy: the governor recently announced that Eos Energy, a leading innovator and manufacturer of American-made zinc-based batteries, is investing nearly $353 million to relocate its headquarters to Pittsburgh and expand existing Allegheny County operations. You can read more here.

The Braddock Youth Project will host its Collard Greens Cook-Off on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Nyia Page Community Center, located at 416 Library St. in Braddock. You’ll find all-you-can-eat collards made by competing chefs and side dishes prepared by the BYP Gardening Team. Visit this page for more information.

Come hear more about the future of the Carrie Furnace! See below for details or visit this page.

The state Treasurer’s Office recently announced a special November incentive for Pennsylvania families. Parents who claim their child’s $100 Keystone Scholars scholarship this month and open and link a PA 529 College and Career Savings account will receive an extra $50 — giving their child a total of $150 in education savings to start!

Every child born in Pennsylvania since 2019 is eligible for Keystone Scholars. These funds grow over time and can be used after the child’s 18th birthday for college, community college, technical training, apprenticeships, and credential programs.

Families are encouraged to keep saving with the tax-advantaged PA 529 program.

To learn more or claim a child’s scholarship, visit pa529.com/keystone or contact my district office for assistance.

Schools, colleges, nonprofits, county conservation districts, and businesses: grants are available from the PA Department of Environmental Protection for environmental education projects that improve understanding of natural resources and environmental stewardship. The deadline to apply is Nov. 14. Visit this page for more information.

And a reminder to county & local officials, land banks, and redevelopment authorities: the Statewide Local Share Account is accepting applications for projects that improve quality of life for communities. (Nonprofits may apply in partnership with an eligible applicant.) The deadline to apply is Nov. 30. Visit this page for more information.

Visit this page for all the latest state grant program openings.

Finally, please remember that our office can assist with a wide range of state services, including applying for programs such as the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, obtaining a Senior Citizen ConnectCard or disability placard, solving questions or problems involving PennDOT and other agencies, and more! Stop by 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.

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