Our first responders protect our communities 24/7, usually while struggling to raise funds and recruit volunteers. So I’m happy to report that a total of roughly $250,000 has been awarded to fire and EMS companies in the 35th District -- including the companies listed above. The grants were awarded from the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, which is administered by the Office of State Fire Commissioner — a program that I’m committed to supporting as your representative in Harrisburg.

Learn more about the grant program here.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has scheduled a community open house to discuss the next section of work on the Mon/Fayette Expressway PA Route 51 to I-376 Southern Section Project. It will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, February 25, at Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 3122 Lebanon Church Rd., West Mifflin.

Representatives from the turnpike commission and contracted specialists will be on hand to specifically discuss the 53B1A construction section which stretches about one mile north of the Camp Hollow roundabouts in West Mifflin Borough, where it will tie in with a new interchange at Pittsburgh McKeesport Blvd. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss traffic restrictions, blasting zones, and additional construction-related information.

Anyone having special needs or requiring aid should contact Renee Vid Colburn, PTC operations communications officer, at 724-755-5260.

The price of housing here in the Mon Valley is making it harder than ever for people to afford a place to call home. I’m proud to fight alongside Gov. Josh Shapiro so you can have your piece of the American Dream that’s perfect for you and your family.

The Housing Action Plan cuts red tape so more housing can be built and existing housing can be revitalized so everyone has a chance to afford their first home. The plan puts you and your neighbors first – not the private equity firms buying up vacant properties as investments or short-term rentals. The plan helps homeowners and renters address the cost of living.

You can learn more about the plan here, and I’ll keep you up to date about it to make sure everyone has a place to call home.

Tax season is rapidly approaching, and United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania has FREE in-person programs for tax preparation across our region. You can get more information and schedule an appointment here.

The PA Department of Transportation is seeking input from Pennsylvanians on traffic safety and driving behaviors through an online survey that will be available through February 28. The survey will help inform PennDOT on how the Shapiro Administration can continue to improve traffic safety -- and save lives -- across the state. The survey should take only five minutes to complete.

For more information on PennDOT's highway safety efforts, visit: www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety

The state Department of Aging is reminding older adults that the annual Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is underway. Running through March 31, this period allows beneficiaries to switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to original Medicare.

The Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight, or PA MEDI, program offers free, unbiased counseling to help seniors make informed health insurance decisions. This initiative ensures that older adults can optimize their cost savings and access to health care.

Find local program phone numbers and a statewide helpline by clicking here.

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.

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.

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.  

Pennsylvania State Capitol

117-A East Wing

Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-1018

District Office

409 Walnut St. First Floor

McKeesport, PA 15132-2524

(412) 664-0035

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