Harrisburg Happenings, Community Events & More

Rep. Dan B. Frankel October 2, 2026 | 9:28 AM

PA Representative Dan Frankel banner image

Friday, October 2, 2026

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

Harrisburg Happenings

Health Committee Advances Bipartisan Legislation on Kratom, Health Care Transparency and More

Kratom products are easier to access than cold medicine in the Commonwealth, even though they have been a factor in dozens of overdose deaths in Allegheny County alone in the last two years.

House Bill 2657, which I helped usher through the House Health Committee this week, would ban all synthetic kratom products, including 7-OH and synthesized mitragynine, while regulating kratom in its natural leaf or powder form. The bill would preserve access to products that some find therapeutic, while eliminating the most dangerous products and forms that might be appealing to young people.

House Bill 2702 also advanced with overwhelming support. The bill, which I crafted with Republican Rep. Bryan Cutler, would eliminate an outdated sunset provision for the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4), an independent state agency that collects and publishes information about health care costs, quality and hospital performance, helping patients, policymakers and health care providers make more informed decisions. The bill would ensure this important resource can continue its work without the uncertainty of an expiration date.

Our committee also overwhelmingly advanced House Bill 1411, sponsored by Rep. Liz Hanbidge. The bill would promote education about perimenopause and menopause, helping Pennsylvanians access information about these stages of life.

As majority chair of the House Health Committee, I work daily to advance legislation that protects public health and improves access to high-quality health care. I am proud that, even in this period of deep partisanship, we have continued to make gains toward that goal.

Community Events and Resources

Registration is open for 24th Annual Gingerbread House Display & Competition
Registration is open through Sunday, Nov. 8 | City-County Building

Pittsburgh's annual gingerbread house competition is set to return to the City-County Building. Completed houses must be delivered Nov. 13–15, and houses will be on display from Nov. 20 through early January.

Learn more here.

Are You Prepared for Upcoming Changes in Medicaid Coverage?

President Trump’s draconian cuts in Medicaid coverage have created a confusing landscape for Pennsylvanians. It’s hard to know which changes may apply to your household or where to go for information. If you need help with your Medical Assistance coverage, call my office at 412-422-1774, email us or stop by 2345 Murray Ave., and we can help you figure out your next steps.

Inclusive Story Hike
Saturday, Oct. 3, 2 – 3 p.m. | Frick Environmental Center

Join Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy and LAMP/Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians for a reading of "A Sky That Sings" by Anita Sanchez and George Steele, followed by a hike on Frick Park's Sensory Nature Trail with tactile object exploration. This free event is designed for families with children ages 3–8 and members of the blind and low vision community.

Satellite Election Offices Opening!
Wednesday, Oct. 7 – Sunday, Oct. 25, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Multiple locations

Allegheny County is opening election offices in October where voters can get the same help available at the main elections office. Over-the-counter voting – which allows you to apply for, receive, vote, and return mail-in and absentee ballots all in one visit – will be available. On Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 7 and 8, you can visit Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall Auditorium. On Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 17, 18, 24 and 25, offices will be open at the Community College of Allegheny County Homewood campus, North Park Ice Rink, South Park Ice Rink and the County Office Building.

Over the counter voting is also available at the County Office from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, at the County Office Building.

Learn more here.

Watershed Wide Workshops: Hazelwood
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 6 – 8 p.m. | Spartan Community Center of Hazelwood, 134 East Elizabeth St.

Join the Mon Water Project and the Hazelwood Initiative for the last of four free watershed workshops, this one focused on the region's three rivers — how they're recovering from historical harm, what still threatens them and how residents can help protect them.

Learn more and RSVP here.

Keep Our Kids Safe Online
Thursdays, Oct. 8 and 15, 6 – 8 p.m. | Cardinal Great Hall Pastoral Center, 2900 Noblestown Road

The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Catholic Schools are hosting two free programs on cybersecurity and digital media safety for families.

On Oct. 8, experts from the FBI, the U.S. Attorney's Office and the Pennsylvania State Police will speak. This session is in person only, and childcare is available by request when you register. On Oct. 15, a hands-on technology workshop with Protect Young Eyes will help families secure apps and devices. Attendees can join in person or virtually, and there will be tech giveaways.

Pittsburgh Next: Youth Career Resource & Opportunity Fair
Deadline to register Monday, Oct. 5, event Tuesday, Oct. 13 | Acrisure Stadium

Pittsburgh Public Schools students are invited to explore career opportunities, job resources and networking at this event. Activities include mock interviews and headshots, and food, raffles and giveaways will be available.

The afternoon session, for ages 18 – 22, runs 1 – 3 p.m. The evening session, for ages 14 – 17, runs 5 – 7 p.m. Registration is required by Monday, Oct. 5.

A Community for New Moms (0-18 Months)

Wednesdays, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. in person & 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. via Zoom | Kids+, The Well, 4070 Beechwood Blvd.

Gather with a community for moms and their babies (ages 0–18 months) to connect, share and support one another through the postpartum journey. Sessions feature open, guided discussion in a laid-back setting. Babies in arms are always welcome.

Learn more about in-person and virtual sessions and register here.