I’m pleased to report that the House Judiciary Committee voted unanimously this week to advance House Bill 2190, my bipartisan bill to keep more law enforcement officers on the job by allowing more officers access to binding arbitration.

As a former McKeesport police officer, I recognize that law enforcement at various levels helps keep us safe, and my bill would extend arbitration rights to transit police, campus police, and certain state units.

My bill now moves to the full House. Read more about the bill here.

Pennsylvania will hold its primary election on May 19, and some important election deadlines are coming up soon. First, make sure you’re registered—you have until Monday, May 4.

If voting in person doesn’t fit your schedule, Pennsylvania offers dependable vote-by-mail options. The deadline to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot is May 12. Allegheny County recently approved ballot return sites, where voters can return a mail-in ballot without relying on the mail. You can read more about them here.

Get more info on voting by mail at www.pa.gov.

The House this week approved the FOURTH bill in our data center oversight package, and I was proud to support it. House Bill 2246, the Protecting Our Clean Water Act, requires data centers to report their actual water usage rather than an estimate, gives DEP oversight and permitting power, and makes sure that water used by data centers is returned safe for the environment.

Other bills in our package would ensure that the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission creates rules to prevent data centers from passing electric infrastructure costs on to residents and small businesses; provide local elected officials with optional ordinance language they can use for standards on sound, location, equipment, and building design; and ensure that data centers report their energy and water use to the Department of Environmental Protection.

All four bills are now under consideration in the Senate.

I was happy to help so many people shred their sensitive documents last weekend at my shred event at McKeesport High School. These free events are a great way to protect your identity by ensuring that documents don’t fall into the wrong hands, including financial statements, canceled checks, and legal or insurance papers.

If you were unable to make it last weekend, don’t worry. I’ll hold another free shred event later this year. Stay tuned to my newsletters and my Facebook page for details.

Mon Valley residents can connect with housing opportunities and resources this week at the One Roof Housing Resource Fair. It will be held this Friday, May 1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Commonwealth Charter Academy at The Waterfront (the former Macy’s), 162 East Bridge St., Homestead. It is hosted by RentHelpPGH, ACTION-Housing, ACHA, TREK, and Allegheny County.

This event will bring together affordable housing providers so residents can explore and apply for multiple housing opportunities in one location. Housing, legal, professional, and other resources will be available for residents who are already housed but seeking greater stability.

Last week, members of my staff joined Donate Life and UPMC McKeesport to celebrate National Donate Life Month. A flag was raised at UPMC McKeesport in honor of those who have given the gift of life through donations, as well as their families.

If you’re interested in learning more about Donate Life, please visit their website at https://donatelife.net/

PACE and PACENET are the state’s prescription programs that help cover the cost of medication for eligible residents age 65+. There are income limits which are listed above.

For more information, click here. Or stop by my office and we can help you with eligibility questions or applications.

Good news for eligible residents who need help paying their heating bills: The application period for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program has been extended until May 8. Through the program, you can apply for a cash grant to help pay your heating bill—from $200 to $1,000, based on your household size, income, and fuel type.

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

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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