Meeting with local officials; brainstorming with residents; remember these tax credits; expungement clinic

Meeting with local officials; brainstorming with residents; remember these tax credits; expungement clinic – and more!

Rep. Abigail Salisbury February 16, 2026 | 3:37 PM

Around the District

Last week, I hosted our fourth annual intermunicipal elected officials meeting. We had an excellent discussion about ways we can work together to improve services for the community. Representatives from PennDOT and DEP also attended. Thanks to everyone who participated to make this a productive dialogue!

We also had a terrific legislative Q&A last week with neighbors from around the district, who asked great questions about issues facing residents and our community.

Our staffer Leslie (center) attended an excellent presentation by United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania to learn more about how #211 operates and how it can help residents. Check out this page to read more about this excellent resource.

Residents of The Avenue, Brinton Towers, and Wood Towers apartments: we will be hosting mobile offices on site next week! You can get help filing for a Property Tax/Rent Rebate or help with other services. Looking forward to seeing you!

We will be hosting mobile offices at the following times and dates:

The Avenue: Tuesday, Feb. 17, 10 a.m. to noon.
Brinton Towers: Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Wood Towers: Thursday, Feb. 19, 10 a.m. to noon.

I recently learned that Foster Love Project, which provides a store-like experience that allows youth in the foster system to shop for free clothing, shoes, toiletries, books, and other items, was having difficulty finding larger hoodies and shoes. We connected them with Dick’s Sporting Goods, which made a generous donation of merchandise.

I’m pictured above with (left to right):, Foster Love Project Director of Development and Communications Jina O’Neil, Dick’s Sporting Goods Senior Brand Manager Alexsandra Camardo-Webb, and Foster Love Project Founder and Executive Director Kelly Hughes.

Woody High Food Pantry is running low on supplies for the many students and families it serves, and the staff said that they can use help replenishing their stock. Please visit this page if you would like to assist.

If you are looking for a fresh start, don’t miss the excellent resources at this upcoming expungement clinic, which will be held on Saturday, March 14, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Greater Valley Community Services, 300 Holland Ave., in Braddock.

Tax season reminders

With tax season approaching, please remember that eligible residents can take advantage of Pennsylvania’s Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit before the April 15, 2026, tax filing deadline. The credit was recently expanded and provides financial relief for working families with child or dependent care expenses. The credit matches 100% of the federal Child Care Tax Credit.

Also, new this year, eligible workers can now claim the new Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, a refundable credit that can put money back in your pocket.

Finally, the state is reminding Pennsylvanians who received Unemployment Compensation benefits in 2025 to watch for their 1099-G tax form, which they’ll need to file a tax return this year.

PA House Scholarship now accepting applicants

Graduating high school seniors living in PA: applications are now open for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Scholarship Program. Two 4-year scholarships are awarded each year. Each scholarship covers the cost of one semester of tuition at a State System of Higher Education school per year for four years. Applications are due April 15. Requirements and the application form can be found here.

Keystone Contractors Association scholarships

The Keystone Contractors Association is now accepting applications for its scholarship program, which supports students pursuing construction-related degrees. More information, including application paperwork, can be found here. Applications are due March 1.

Youth tick awareness art competition

The Pennsylvania Department of Health is hosting an art competition for students to create content raising awareness around ticks and Lyme disease. More information can be found here, and submissions are due March 13.

Please be aware that our office will be closed on Monday, Feb. 16, for Presidents’ Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, Feb. 17, for regular business hours.

Finding funding and access to state services

If you’re looking for state grants, you can find a list of the latest program openings here and a helpful search tool here.

Finally, please remember that my talented staff can help with a wide range of state-related matters. Call us at (412) 273-3400, email RepSalisbury@pahouse.net, or stop into our 501 Braddock Ave. district office Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.!

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.