Storm recovery; local students shine in robotics and the arts; new state consumer protection resources – and more!

Rep. Arvind Venkat May 2, 2025 | 3:43 PM

Power Recovery Efforts Continue throughout Community

Utility workers continue efforts to restore power from the severe storm that swept through our region Tuesday evening. Please visit my Facebook page here for periodic updates on progress.

Around the District

It was wonderful to join civic-minded neighbors in Franklin Park last week for the litter cleanup day organized by the Franklin Park Environmental Advisory Council (EAC). Thank you to the EAC, the Franklin Park Police, and everyone who turned out to clean up our community.

At the Northland Public Library Garden Gala, I joined my colleagues Reps. Emily Kinkead and Jeremy Shaffer (in partnership with Sens. Lindsey Williams and Devlin Robinson) to present a check for $650,000 in state grant funds for the library’s nearly complete renovation. Veena and I had a wonderful time at the event!

As a physician-legislator, I have seen the extent to which public policy influences the practice and quality of health care, and I believe it is critical for more medical professionals to become engaged in community health issues and advocacy. It was wonderful to meet with Pitt School of Medicine students last week (below) for an Allegheny County Medical Society program on how medical professionals can advance the health and well-being of patients and the community.

I also joined my colleagues in the Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation to tour the laboratories and meet the leadership of the University of Pittsburgh Department of Medicine. As a physician and former clinical researcher, I understand how important biomedical research is to our region’s health and prosperity, and I appreciate the scientists and physicians at Pitt who work to advance those causes every day.

Beyond our immediate community, I recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to join fellow members of the Pennsylvania College of Emergency Physicians to advocate for more affordable and accessible emergency health care.

Local Students Shine in Robotics, Writing and Music

Congratulations to local robotics teams 412 Power Crew and Brainstem 8393 for making it to the First Robotics world championship in Houston recently! 412 Power Crew won the Rising All Star award, competing against 160 teams from around the world, and Brainstem made it to the elimination rounds.

Kudos, as well, to Avonworth 8th grader Kate Jeon (below left), who won a National Silver Medal in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for her personal essay, “As Seasons Pass By.” Visit this page to see the original post by Avonworth School District.

In music, three North Allegheny students (above right) successfully auditioned for the National Association for Music Education All-Eastern Division honors ensembles. Congratulations to Casey Richey, who joined the All-Eastern Honors Treble Choir, Karin Hoppo, who joined the All-Eastern Division Honors Orchestra, and Adam Briggs, who earned a spot in the All-Eastern Division Honors Band. Visit this page to see the original post by the North Allegheny School District.

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Vouchers to be Distributed June 10

On Tuesday, June 10, Allegheny County Senior Community Centers will conduct in-person distribution of Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers. Please be aware that applications WILL NOT be accepted by mail. In-person distribution will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Please visit this page for eligibility guidelines and more.

State Launches new Consumer Protection Resources

The state has launched a new, centralized consumer protection hotline, website, and email address to make it easier for Pennsylvanians to report scams, resolve financial and insurance issues, and access help. Pennsylvanians can now call 1-866-PACOMPLAINT (1-866-722-6675), visit pa.gov/consumer, or email consumer@pa.gov to report financial, insurance, and consumer concerns. You can read more here.

PUC Seeking Public Comment on Managing Large Energy Demands

The Public Utility Commission recently held a hearing to examine the impact of massive data centers and other large energy users on our electricity grid. Stakeholders testified regarding the need for clear and fair rules to ensure grid reliability, manage infrastructure needs, and safeguard ratepayers. The commission is now seeking public comment to help guide policy on these issues. Visit this page to learn more.

Primary Voting Resources

Primary Election Day is just a few weeks away. Please remember that the deadline to register to vote is May 5, and the deadline to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot is May 13.

The North Park Ice Rink will be holding hours for residents to obtain, complete, and return a mail-in ballot and to deposit ballots for the upcoming primary as well.

Upcoming Events, Programs & Deadlines

PA CareerLink is hosting two veterans appreciation events – on May 7 and May 14 – to honor veterans for their service and help connect them with veteran-friendly employers and resource providers. Scan the QR code above to learn more, and please call (412) 248-JOBS with any questions.

Safely dispose of common household chemicals on Saturday, May 3 at the Pennsylvania Resources Council’s household chemical collection event. Visit this page to learn more and register.

The Allegheny Regional Asset District is bringing back its Summer Staycation program, which allows free admission to select Pittsburgh attractions through August 31. Please click here to learn more, including the participating institutions, and book your RAD Pass today!

This is a reminder that applications for the Young Ambassadors of Pennsylvania Program are due by June 10. The program gives students in grades 10 through 12 a chance to attend workshops, conduct community cleanups and education events, and train and network with industry leaders, state agencies, local media, and the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful network. Interested applicants can visit this page to learn more and apply.

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 for 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!

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.