Why does it take so long to get my power restored?; housing resource fair; FAFSA deadlines – and more!

Rep. Abigail Salisbury April 14, 2026 | 11:45 AM

Why does it take so long to get my power restored?

I recently sat down with IBEW workers to get an insider’s look at some of the major challenges facing residents when it comes to their electrical service, from rising rates to extended outages. This second part in our series explains how staffing shortages, outdated infrastructure, and long travel times for outsourced crews all play a role.

Protecting vulnerable Pennsylvanians

I was pleased that the House Judiciary Committee voted unanimously last week to advance my bill to expand notice of guardianship proceedings. Under current law, these proceedings are not widely publicized, which can prevent qualified and caring individuals from stepping forward. The bill would expand the list of those entitled to notice, helping courts make more informed decisions that lead to appointment of the best possible guardian.

Upcoming events

If you are looking for affordable housing options, stop by the One Roof Housing Resource Fair on Friday, May 1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Commonwealth Charter Academy, 162 East Bridge St., Homestead. You'll have a chance to explore and sign up for housing opportunities from multiple providers, attend workshops, and more!

Join me and fellow contestants next Sunday, April 19, for the 2026 Rotary Club of Forest Hills 17th Chili Cook-off! Vote for your favorite entry and enjoy the DJ, music, raffles, and other fun. Please consider bringing a non-perishable food item for the local food bank. The event will be held from noon to 3 p.m. at St. Maurice Church, Keane Hall, 2001 Ardmore Boulevard, Forest Hills. Visit this page for ticket information and other details, or email fhillsrotary@gmail.com.

Come join neighbors on Saturday, April 18 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. to help clean up Whitney Park, located at 915 Wilkins Ave., Pittsburgh. Bring your gloves, rake, trimmer, wheelbarrow, broom or other favorite gardening tools! The rain date is Sunday, April 19.

In case you missed it …

Our staffer Simon recently attended the PRT Public Engagement Meeting, where district residents got a look at newly proposed routes to enhance local service. If you were unable to attend, you can learn more here.

Students: Don’t forget to file the FAFSA!

PHEAA is reminding students and families to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form, which allows students to be considered for federal student aid. In addition, states and colleges use FAFSA information to award their own grants, scholarships, and loans. Please be aware of these deadlines:

First-time applicants enrolled in a community college, business school, trade or technical school, hospital school of nursing, designated Pennsylvania open-admission institution, or nontransferable two-year program: Aug. 1, 2026, midnight Central Time.

All other applicants: May 1, 2026, midnight CT. You can also find more information on PHEAA’s FAFSA website here: FAFSA.

Don’t forget about these state tax credits!

With April 15 nearly here, I urge everyone to consider whether they qualify for the new state Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit. The credit is expected to deliver $193 million in tax savings to approximately 940,000 Pennsylvanians this year. If you qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, you automatically qualify for the state credit. Visit this page to learn more.

The state Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit is available to taxpayers who qualify for the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit and can range from $600 to $2,100, depending on your income level and number of dependents. Visit this page to learn more.

On a related note, please be aware that the PA Department of Revenue is extending its call center hours. Taxpayers needing assistance can call 717-787-8201 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. this Monday through Wednesday, April 15. Online assistance is also available here.

Creative arts, neighborhood assistance grants open

The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts recently opened the Creative Innovation and Impact Grant program portal to provide new and expanded opportunities for artists and creative industries. Visit this page to learn more and apply.

On a related note, PCA recently announced $87,000 in seed funding to launch Pittsburgh IS Craft – a new initiative aimed at positioning Pittsburgh as a premier destination for craft in the United States.

In other grant news, applications are open for the Neighborhood Assistance Program, which provides tax credits based on pending contributions from for-profit companies. Visit this page to learn more. The application deadline is May 29.

You can find a list of the latest state grant program openings here and a handy grant-finding tool at this page.

Finally, please remember that our office can help with a wide range of state-related matters – from filing a Property Tax/Rent Rebate or obtaining a Senior ConnectCard, to navigating state benefits and more. Contact us to find out how we can help!