State grants for the Mon Valley, help for SNAP recipients, and more

Rep. Dan Goughnour January 21, 2026 | 9:24 AM

$2.7 million in grants for 12 Mon Valley projects

I’m pleased to join with Sen. Pisciottano to report that more than $2.7 in new grants were awarded yesterday to 12 projects in the Mon Valley. These grants will pay for improvements to our streets and sidewalks and our water and sewer systems.

Our communities rely on this funding, and I’m happy to help bring it home. Read more about these grants here.

35th District awarded $154K in public safety grants

I can also report that $154,000 in state grants has been awarded for four public safety needs in the 35th District. As a former McKeesport police officer, I’m proud to be one of your voices in Harrisburg for the Mon Valley’s public safety resources.

These grants will pay for equipment, police vehicles, security fencing and signage for local police and fire departments. Read more here.

PA launches tool to help SNAP recipients meet

new work requirements

The state Department of Human Services (DHS) has introduced a new online tool to help SNAP recipients find volunteer opportunities in their communities and comply with federal work and reporting requirements.

Under the new rules, certain SNAP participants must work, volunteer, or engage in education/training for at least 20 hours per week to maintain benefits. PA Navigate, a statewide community information tool, now allows recipients to search for local volunteer roles, connect with organizations, and track hours to stay eligible.

SNAP recipients can visit pa-navigate.org to find volunteer opportunities and learn how to report their hours. Questions can be directed to local County Assistance Offices or DHS’ Customer Service Center at 877-395-8930.

Game Commission to consider earlier deer hunting season

The PA Game Commission will consider preliminary seasons and bag limits for 2026-27 at its meeting January 23 and 24, and two proposals for the start of the firearms deer season are before the commission.

The first would open the season on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The second would maintain the current structure, with the season opening on the Saturday following Thanksgiving.

The board will hear public comments at its meeting on Saturday, January 24. If you’re unable to attend this meeting, you can send your questions, comments, or concerns on this proposed change to the board.

Read more about the meeting here. You can also watch the meeting live on the Game Commission’s YouTube channel.

Applications open for home heating help

Applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) are now open. Through this program, you may qualify for a cash grant to help pay your heating bill—ranging from $200 to $1,000, depending on your household size, income, and fuel type.

For more information, click here. You can also contact my office if you need assistance applying for LIHEAP or help with any utility-related issues.

Apply now for Property Tax or Rent Rebates

Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program helps older friends and neighbors stay in their homes while affording life’s necessities, and applications are now open. The program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are 65 or older, widows and widowers 50 or older, and people with disabilities 18 or older. Rebates range from $380 to $1,000, and the deadline for applying is June 30.

Learn more about the program here. My staff are available to assist with applications, so don’t hesitate to contact my district office.

Get your flu shot

Flu cases are surging this winter and emergency rooms are reporting higher flu caseloads. State health officials say it’s not too late to get vaccinated. According to the state Health Department, an annual vaccine lowers your risk of serious illness, protects your family and community, and helps reduce the spread of disease.

Pharmacies with available appointments can be found here.

Grants available for school improvement projects

The Commonwealth Financing Authority is accepting applications from school districts and career or technical schools for facility improvement projects. Projects can include roof replacements, HVAC equipment, plumbing systems, window replacements, and accessibility projects. The deadline for applications is March 13.

For more information, visit the CFA Website.

Connect with me or my district office: We’re here to help!

My team and I are here to assist with a variety of state government-related services, so please don’t hesitate to visit the district office at Tube City Center in McKeesport, call us at 412-664-0035, or visit my website, www.repgoughnour.com.