Time to speak out; focus on Black maternal health; welcoming a new House colleague; upcoming events – and more!

Rep. Arvind Venkat April 17, 2025 | 6:19 PM

Time to Speak Out

This weekend, I again had a chance to meet with residents in Hampton Township. Sadly, the consistent emotion I heard was fear. Fear of funding cuts that threaten vital services, of attacks on immigrants, of the loss of individual rights and liberties, and more. I urge everyone with concerns to raise their voices, peacefully, but loudly, and speak out. Read more.

Focus on Black Maternal Health

During Black Maternal Health Week, I joined the PA Black Maternal Health Caucus and the PA House Democratic Policy Committee for a tour of Beverly’s PGH, a non-profit group that helps infants, moms, and families thrive. As a physician-legislator, I am committed to promoting policies that address the needs of women and infants in our state. The Pennsylvania Momnibus package of bills is an important part of doing so.

Welcoming a New House Colleague

Last week, our Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation welcomed our newest member, state Rep. Dan Goughnour (above, sixth from left). I look forward to working with Dan during the session ahead to enhance life for residents in our county and communities!

A Great Community Cleanup

The McCandless Roadside Litter Cleanup last Saturday showcased the town’s abundance of community spirit. My son, Ashok, and I had a great time joining U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio and more than 100 neighbors! Thank you to everyone who participated, the sponsors for the food and materials, and the McCandless Environmental Advisory Committee, Police Department, and Department of Public Works for a wonderful, productive event!

Student Champs Excel in Business, Trades, the Arts, & Sports

Kudos to Hampton High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) members for their outstanding performances at the PA FBLA State Leadership Conference. They include:

Shreyas Chalikonda, Dominic Jordan, and Jake Killian – 1st Place, Marketing
Timothy Ha – 5th Place, Introduction to Programming
Braden Cox and Cayden Frank – 8th Place, Sports & Entertainment Management

It’s great to know that the future of our business community is in good hands! You can read more here.

Congratulations, as well, to North Allegheny A.W. Beattie students who demonstrated excellence in two state championships! Noah Ellis, Lauren Helkowski, and Andrew Mura (above) each placed first at the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) State Leadership Conference.

And kudos to Julia Cibula, Sarah Harkins, Kyle Langdon, Zoey Sexton, Zachary Yurkovich, Adler Hicks, and Abigail Schappert, who all medaled at the SkillsUSA Pennsylvania State Championships!

Multiple North Allegheny students distinguished themselves at the 2025
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Congratulations to all, including Gold Medal and American Visions Winner Iris Huang, Grade 12, and Grade 10 Silver Medal Winners David Mao and Casey Yang.

You can read more about all the North Allegheny student champs here.

Finally, congratulations to North Allegheny junior Adhav Ramadas and senior Nick Scheuring for capturing the WPIAL Class 3A section doubles title in tennis, and to their NA teammates, sophomores Shivum Telang and Ronit Ginde, for making it to the championship match! Visit North Allegheny Sports Network here to read more.

Upcoming Events

Join me and Franklin Park residents at the 4th Annual Spring roadside litter cleanup on Saturday, April 26 at 10 a.m. on Nicholson Rd. If interested, please email your name, email, phone number and address to dplatt@franklinparkborough.us.

Saturday, April 26, is National Drug Take Back Day – a great time to do your part to ensure prescription medications don’t fall into the wrong hands. Please check for unneeded or expired medications and take them to a nearby drug take-back site for safe disposal. Visit this page to find area locations.

Finding Funding and Help with State Matters

This is a reminder that the state has a handy tool to help search for grants. Visit this page to search or this page to see a list of all the latest programs.

Please remember that my talented staff can help you with a wide variety of state-related matters, from filing for a Property Tax/Rent Rebate to obtaining a disability placard or senior bus pass – to name just a few. Contact us or stop by to see how we can help!

Finally, please be aware that my office is closed on Friday, April 18. You can leave a message at (412) 348-8028 or email repvenkat@pahouse.net, and we will return your message on Monday, April 21.

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.