Harrisburg Happenings, Community Events & More

Rep. Dan B. Frankel February 7, 2025 | 9:37 AM

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Friday, February 7, 2025

Harrisburg Happenings

Governor’s Budget Address

On Tuesday, Gov. Josh Shapiro delivered his annual budget address, which included much-needed investments in health care transparency, aging services, raising the minimum wage, gun violence prevention, and home repair programs.

I was especially encouraged by his call to finally legalize cannabis – a long-overdue step that would bring us in line with neighboring states. Soon, Rep. Rick Krajewski and I will introduce our bill to create a legal cannabis market that benefits Pennsylvania communities, workers, and small businesses while ensuring social justice through automatic expungement and restorative justice measures.

The governor highlighted a growing crisis in our health care system – private equity firms buying up hospitals, nursing homes, and doctors’ practices. This is an issue I’ve heard about time and again in Health Committee hearings, and it’s clear that when profit-driven companies take over, patient care suffers. I’m committed to reorienting our health care system to ensure Pennsylvanians receive quality care, no matter who owns their hospital or clinic.

I’m also grateful that Gov. Shapiro reaffirmed his support for enshrining Affordable Care Act provisions into state law, including my bill to ban lifetime and annual coverage limits.

This budget lays the groundwork for a Pennsylvania that uplifts communities, strengthens our economy, and puts people first. I look forward to working with my colleagues to make this vision a reality.

Parking Protected Bike Lanes

This week, the House passed HB 291 with strong bipartisan support, bringing us one step closer to making Pennsylvania’s roads safer for cyclists and pedestrians. I’m grateful to sponsors Rep. Mary Jo Daley and Rep. Tarik Khan for their leadership on this important legislation, which allows municipalities to create parking-protected bike lanes – placing parked cars between cyclists and moving traffic.

For me, and for so many others, this issue is personal. The bill passed a decade after the death of my constituent, Susan Hicks, who was killed in Oakland while biking home. If HB 291 had been law then, Pittsburgh could have taken steps to better protect her and others like her.

Now, we must get this bill through the Senate and to Gov. Shapiro’s desk to prevent future tragedies and save lives across our Commonwealth.

Food Allergy Safety Legislation

The House passed Rep. Arvind Venkat and Rep. Natalie Mihalek’s Food Allergy Safety legislation on Wednesday with overwhelming bipartisan support. The bill requires restaurants to display educational posters for employees, include menu disclaimers about allergens, and train staff on food allergy safety to help prevent life-threatening reactions. I’m glad to see both parties coming together to make a common-sense fix to make dining safer and more inclusive for all Pennsylvanians with food allergies.

The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Community Events and Resources

Chili Bowl IV

Saturday, February 8, 12-3 p.m. | 3Rivers Outdoor Co., 1130 S. Braddock Ave., 15218

The Fourth Annual 3ROC Chili Bowl invites the community to showcase their best chili recipes or sample a variety of entries. The outdoor event features a chili competition with prizes, voting by attendees, and beer available. Participants can register as a Chili Chef for free or a Chili Taster for ticket price.

Learn more and register here.

Code & Coffee

Saturday, Feb. 8, 1:30-3:30 | Prototype PGH, 460 Melwood Ave. #208, 15213

Code & Coffee is a monthly opportunity to practice coding skills, meet people in the community, and get help on a coding project. All skill levels and programming languages are welcome.

Learn more here.

St. Olaf Choir

Sunday, February 9, 7:30-9 p.m. | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Ave., 15206

St. Olaf Choir, one of the nation's premier a cappella ensembles, will perform for one night only in Pittsburgh as part of its 2025 Tour. Tickets are $35.

Learn more and get tickets here.

Greenfield Community Association Meet & Greet

Monday, February 10, 6-8 p.m. | Mondays Brewing Company, 563 Greenfield Ave., 15207

The Greenfield Community Association (GCA) is hosting a meet-and-greet where Greenfield residents can meet their GCA board members, share their thoughts on the community, and learn how to get involved.

Learn more here.

Winter Seed Sowing Workshop

Tuesday, Feb. 11, 5:30-7 p.m. | UpstreamPGH Office, 321 Pennwood Ave, suite 202, 15221

UpstreamPGH is hosting a free workshop on how to sow native plant seeds.

Learn more and register here.

Working Moms Support Group

Tuesday, February 11, 5:30-7 p.m. | Anathan House, 1620 Murray Ave, 15217

The National Council of Jewish Women Pittsburgh hosts a free support group for working mothers. A therapist facilitates the session, which includes complimentary dinner and childcare.

Learn more and register here.

City of Pittsburgh Park Rangers present Seeds of Love

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 4-5 p.m. | Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh—Hazelwood

Join the City of Pittsburgh Park rangers to make Valentine’s Day cards with recycled materials for local senior centers. Each card will also include wildflower seeds for the seniors to plant, and kids will learn about our local fauna. This event is geared toward children ages 3-6; however, all ages are welcome.

Learn more here.

Construction and Trades Resource Fair

Thursday, Feb. 13, 11:30 a.m.- 3 p.m. | Spartan Community Center of Hazelwood, 134 E. Elizabeth St, 15207

Turner Imbutec/MBA is hosting a resource fair for anyone interested in getting involved in construction or the building trades.

Learn more here.

Winter Forest Bathing with 10.27 Healing Partnership

Thursday, Feb. 13, 1-2:30 p.m. | Frick Environmental Center

The 10.27 Healing Partnership and the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy will host slow, gentle walks in nature with frequent invitations to meditate or connect. This program is geared toward adults, but all are welcome and invited to participate.

Learn more and register here.

Gut Yontif: A Patchwork Holiday Experience

Thursday, Feb 13, 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Heinz History Center

The Heinz History Center’s Rauh Jewish History Program & Archives will celebrate the Jewish holiday of Tu Bishvat with a participatory experience that blends hand-crafted art and tradition.

Admission is $5.

Learn more and get tickets here.

Sensory Friendly Weekend

Saturday & Sunday, Feb. 22 & 23, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Carnegie Museum of Natural History

Families with members who have sensory processing needs will be able to explore the museum galleries with reduced audio and visual elements. Calming spaces with support materials, including single-use earplugs, sunglasses, fidget toys, etc., will be available. Every program is designed to welcome all ages and abilities.

Advance registration is recommended to provide the most sensory-friendly environment possible. Pre-registration is available online until 3:00 p.m. on the day before the program. Everyone who pre-registers will receive a welcome packet via e-mail with detailed information about the event.