An encouraging budget proposal, hunting season news, and more

Rep. Dan Goughnour February 4, 2026 | 2:59 PM

Getting to work on an encouraging budget plan

I was encouraged this week by the 2026–2027 budget proposal unveiled by Gov. Josh Shapiro. The governor outlined a fiscally responsible plan focused on affordability, public safety, education, and job creation—without any broad-based tax increases. I was also honored to escort the governor into the House chamber for his address.

The governor’s proposal is a strong starting point in the budget process. I look forward to working over the coming months with my colleagues and the governor, and I’m confident we can reach agreement on a plan that supports working families, schools, vital services, and our economy.

In case you missed it, read the governor’s budget address here.

Earlier deer hunting season appears unlikely

The Pennsylvania Game Commission gave preliminary approval last week to dates and bag limits for the 2026 hunting seasons, rejecting a proposal to open the firearms deer season earlier. The board voted to maintain the current structure for rifle deer season, keeping the opening day on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, and opposed a proposal to move the opener to the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

A final vote is planned for the Game Commission’s meeting in April. Read more about the season dates that received preliminary approval here.

For winter travel info, check 511PA

When winter weather hits, you can check www.511pa.com before you travel. You can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles. 511PA also shows plow-truck locations and details of when state-maintained roadways were last plowed.

For more tips on winter driving, check out PennDOT.pa.gov/Winter.

Beware of this bitcoin scam involving legal matters

Police in Allegheny County are warning residents about a scam in which criminals ask victims to deposit money into a bitcoin machine to resolve a supposed legal issue. Scammers claim to be calling from the courthouse or the sheriff’s department and tell victims they missed a court hearing or that a relative has been arrested. The caller then insists a bitcoin deposit is required to take care of the matter.

If you receive a call like this, contact your local police.

Tax season reminder:
new tax credit for workers who need it most

With tax season officially underway, I encourage eligible workers to take advantage of new state tax credits championed by Gov. Shapiro and House Democrats that provide meaningful tax relief to those who need it most.

Eligible taxpayers can now claim the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit (WPTC), created in the 2025-26 budget which I supported last year. Modeled after the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the WPTC can provide up to $805 in tax relief.

The credit is expected to deliver $193 million in tax savings to approximately 940,000 Pennsylvanians this year. Anyone who qualifies for the federal EITC automatically qualifies for the state credit, helping to put more money back into the pockets of working Pennsylvanians. Visit pa.gov/wptc for more information and to check eligibility using an online calculator.

Applications open for home heating help

Applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) are now open. Eligible households may qualify for a cash grant of $200 to $1,000 to help cover heating costs, depending on 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 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 age 50 or older, and people with disabilities age 18 or older. Rebates range from $380 to $1,000, and the application deadline 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.

100 years of celebrating Black history

This month marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, and it’s particularly important now to recognize the struggle for freedom and the many contributions of Black Americans to our shared history. For programs and events dedicated to Black history in Allegheny County, check out Visit Pittsburgh’s Web site here.

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.