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.

Come celebrate the Whiskey Rebellion on Aug. 12 at Braddock’s Battlefield History Center! You'll find food from Goated Wings, Bombay to Burgh and other local restaurants, reenactors, whiskey tasting, and more! The event is free – pay only for what you purchase. See below for details! 

Last week, we visited the Promise Center of Homewood, which is hosting a pilot literacy program for youth in coordination with Carlow University. We had worked with the center earlier this year to help launch the program, and it was wonderful to see it in action. Promise Center Founder and Director Nate Goodson (above center) said he has noticed a big improvement in students’ reading skills, comprehension, and behavior. Carlow University Dyslexia Center and Learning Lab Director Sarah Sora is pictured above right with Promise Center Program Coordinator Tammy DeBruce.

Below, we attended an excellent legislative tour of operations at the ALCOSAN wastewater treatment facility and got to see first-hand their expansion plans!  

We also attended Mon Valley Initiative’s grand opening of a home they refurbished in Rankin! Visit this page to read more about MVI’s community projects.

The new state budget continues the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, which can lower your tax bill and possibly provide you with a refund. The state tax credit is modeled after the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, so if you qualify for the federal credit, you automatically qualify for the state credit. Visit this page to learn more, including whether you are eligible, and to calculate your estimated credit amount.  

Last week, we said goodbye to our summer intern Justin, who did wonderful work helping residents and left us with these parting thoughts:

“My time in Representative Salisbury’s office allowed me to develop a deeper connection with the community that has welcomed me over the past year. I could not have asked for a better introduction to public service. The guidance, mentorship, and opportunities I received will have a lasting impact on my future career.

“While I enjoyed learning as much as I could, the most rewarding part of this experience was having the opportunity to make a tangible difference in people's lives.

“This fall, I will be returning to the University of Pittsburgh to continue my master's program. I am excited to bring the knowledge and perspective I gained from this experience back into the classroom. As a constituent of District 34, I am grateful to be part of this community.

“Thank you to everyone who made this experience so meaningful and memorable.”

It’s important to be prepared – even for events we hope will never happen. On Aug. 29 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Greater Valley Community Services and partners will host a training on how to stop traumatic bleeding and deal with gunshot wounds. The training is for youth age 25 and younger who live in or frequent Braddock and North Braddock. Parents and caretakers are welcome to learn alongside their child.

All participants will have the option to receive a free trauma kit. Food will be provided.

Please RSVP in advance by texting 412-407-2038 or by visiting this page.

The Main Street Matters program is accepting applications for the latest round of grants. Funding may be used for planning activities, façade grant programs, business improvement grant programs, accessible housing programs, and district development grants. The program is open to local governments; redevelopment and housing authorities; nonprofit organizations; community development corporations; and business, neighborhood, and downtown improvement districts. Apply by Aug. 31.

You can find a list of other recent state grant program openings 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!

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