Harrisburg Happenings, Community Events & More

Rep. Dan B. Frankel July 17, 2026 | 9:53 AM

PA Representative Dan Frankel banner image

Friday, July 17, 2026

Smoke from Canadian and northern Minnesotan wildfires have blanketed Pennsylvania, leading to very unhealthy air quality. Please avoid outdoor activity and look here to see Allegheny County air quality data.

My office, above the Starbucks at Forward and Murray avenues, will be open Monday through Friday next week from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Harrisburg Happenings

Budget Delivers Long-Overdue Pension Increase for Retired Educators

I'm proud to have voted on Sunday for a state budget that makes meaningful investments in our communities while delivering a long-overdue cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for nearly 60,000 retired teachers and state employees who retired before 2002. After decades without an increase, these retirees will finally see a boost in their pensions to help keep pace with rising costs.

The budget also invests in public education, childcare, health care, public safety and nonprofit security while nearly doubling funding for rape crisis response and providing more support for food banks.

If you are a retiree and have questions about how the COLA will affect your pension, please contact your retirement system directly. SERS members may call 1-800-633-5461, and PSERS members may call 1-888-773-7748.

Investing in Pennsylvania's Students and Schools

The 2026-2027 budget makes one of the largest investments in public education in Pennsylvania history while advancing policies that help students succeed from pre-K through college and career.

The budget increases funding for public schools by $670 million statewide, including major investments in basic education, special education, early intervention, career and technical education, school safety, and student mental health. It also expands access to Pre-K Counts and increases Ready-to-Succeed scholarships to help more students afford higher education.

In addition to funding, the budget includes significant policy improvements that will make schools healthier and safer. It requires 30 minutes of daily recess for elementary school students and prohibits schools from withholding recess as a form of discipline. It also makes funds available for school districts to implement later start times, strengthens protections against cyberbullying, adds social media literacy education, improves school safety planning, creates resources to raise awareness about eating disorders, and gives parents more control over student health screenings. Additionally, it strengthens accountability for cyber charter schools through enhanced residency verification, truancy protections, and regular student wellness checks.

These investments and reforms reflect our commitment to ensuring every Pennsylvania student has access to a safe, healthy, and high-quality education, regardless of where they live.

The Work Isn't Finished

Passing the budget was an important step, but our work isn't done. While this budget makes meaningful investments in education, public safety, and health care, critical priorities remain underfunded because the General Assembly has not yet reached agreement on new revenue sources.

Programs that support public transit, health care access, the health care workforce, childcare, and other essential services simply won't receive the funding they need until we reach a deal on taxing skill games or legalizing adult-use cannabis. Every day these needs go unmet, the cost of addressing them continues to grow.

Passing a budget kept the government operating and ensured vital services could continue. Now it's time to finish the job by approving the revenue measures needed to make the investments Pennsylvanians are counting on.

$3.35 Million in State Grants Coming to the 23rd District

I'm proud to share that four projects impacting our district have been awarded a combined $3.35 million through Pennsylvania's Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP).

Carnegie Mellon University Robotics Innovation Center — $1,500,000
A Physical AI Accelerator giving CMU researchers and startups a shared space to collaborate on cutting-edge robotics and AI development.
Central Catholic High School — $350,000
A new Student Center to replace the school's aging gymnasium with a modern, multi-use facility.
Jewish Association on Aging — $500,000
Support for planning and site work toward improved personal care senior housing for older adults in our community.
Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Tech — $1,000,000
A new outdoor training space at the union's Ridge Road campus, expanding hands-on training for the next generation of skilled tradespeople.

I will always fight for investments in our neighborhoods, our students, and our future workforce.

Community Events and Resources

I-376 Closure Expected Through Aug. 3rd

July 10 – Aug. 3 | I-376 between Squirrel Hill Tunnel and Edgewood/Swissvale (Exit 77)

I-376 Parkway East and Commercial Street are currently closed for the replacement of the Commercial Street Bridge. Expect heavy delays and significant congestion in the area.

The closure is expected to end by Aug. 3. PennDOT will communicate on all official media channels, including X and Facebook, if there is a change in the expected date.

You can check your personalized detour route on PennDOT’s interactive mapping tool at www.511PA.com.

New Dashboard Provides Access to Measles Infection Data

In response to climbing rates of measles infections, the Pennsylvania Department of Health has created a dashboard to give families and communities timely, accessible information about cases across Pennsylvania.

Check out the dashboard to better understand where cases and hospitalizations are occurring, who is being affected, and the ongoing work to prevent the spread of this highly contagious virus.

Vaccination remains the best protection against measles.

Learn more and view the dashboard.

International Jaguar Festival Comes to Pittsburgh

Through Sunday, July 19 | Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, Schenley Park and other festival locations

Auto enthusiasts from across North America will gather in Pittsburgh as the International Jaguar Festival joins the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. The multi-day festival will feature concours competition, car shows, driving events, and the nation's only vintage street race, with acclaimed Jaguar designer Ian Callum serving as Grand Marshal.

The highlight of the weekend takes place Saturday at Schenley Park, where hundreds of Jaguars will be displayed during the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix International Car Show alongside more than 3,000 classic and modern vehicles from around the world. Proceeds from the festival benefit autism and intellectual and developmental disability charities.

Learn more and register for events here.

Explore the Great Pittsburgh Book Crawl

Saturday, July 18 – Sunday, July 26 | Participating bookstores across Southwestern Pennsylvania

Celebrate independent bookstores during the second annual Great Pittsburgh Book Crawl! Visit participating shops, pick up a free passport beginning July 18, and collect stamps as you explore. Participants who earn at least 15 stamps can enter to win a mystery prize.

This year's crawl features 30 independent bookstores across six counties, including several right here in our community: Amazing Books & Records, Riverstone Books, Kards Unlimited, and Cozy Corner Bookstore. Whether you're searching for your next great read or discovering a new neighborhood bookstore, it's a fun way to support local businesses and connect with fellow book lovers.

Learn more about participating bookstores and how the Book Crawl works here.

Read to Dream Experience
Saturday, July 18, noon-3 p.m. | August Wilson African American Cultural Center

Help your child discover the joy of reading this summer at the free Read to Dream Experience. Families will explore inspiring books, create personalized dream bags to support summer reading, and enjoy activities designed to encourage creativity, imagination and a lifelong love of learning. Open to children of all ages and their families.

Learn more here.

Nebbin', Knittin', N'at Crafter Movie Night
Monday, July 20, 6-8 p.m. | Sarah Jackson Black Community Center

Bring your knitting, crocheting, sewing, or any favorite craft and settle in for a cozy evening of creativity and community. While you work on your latest project, enjoy a screening of the beloved Studio Ghibli film Kiki's Delivery Service, along with snacks and great company.

Learn more and find more events at the Sarah Jackson Black Community Center here.

Creative Movement Workshop with Attack Theatre
Tuesday, July 21, 3–4 p.m. | Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Hazelwood

Children in grades K–5 are invited to discover the joy of dance and creative movement during Attack Theatre's Leap into Action workshop. Through imagination, curiosity, and interactive activities, participants will explore movement in a fun, welcoming environment.

Learn more here.