I’m pleased to report that our communities have been awarded $4.75 million in new grants for three major projects through the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program:

• Kane McKeesport: $3 million for a project that includes replacing the roofing, windows, vents and doors throughout the facility.
• Steel Valley School District: $1 million to assist with construction of a new, state-of-the-art elementary campus.
• Carnegie Library of Homestead Music Hall: $750,000 for renovations to the stage and ceiling, HVAC and electrical upgrades, and ADA features.

These are big-ticket projects that will help our seniors, students and arts community. This is how we keep the Mon Valley moving forward!

Last week we passed a balanced, bipartisan state budget that avoids tax increases and avoids any withdrawals from the state’s Rainy Day Fund. I was proud to support it. The budget sends more money to schools, seniors programs, state police, and veterans programs, as well as rape crisis centers that have been underfunded for years. The budget also includes key economic development initiatives and consumer protections. And it includes a major victory for retired teachers, police, and firefighters who need a long-overdue cost-of-living increase to help make life more affordable.

It’s a state budget that delivers for our communities, and you can read more about it here.

To help everyone stay safe when temperatures rise, I want to share some important tips and resources from state and county officials:

• To find a cooling center, residents can call 211 or visit southwest.pa211.org/summer-resources/.
• Older adults seeking a cool place can call Allegheny County’s SeniorLine (412-350-5460) and can also visit Allegheny Connect for a countywide list of senior centers.  

Be sure to check on neighbors, friends, and relatives—especially older adults, those with health conditions, and those without air conditioning—and remember these additional heat-related tips from the Allegheny County Emergency Services:

• Drink plenty of water   

• Limit time outdoors, especially mid-day   

• Never leave kids or pets in a car   
• If you need to be outdoors, be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion: dizziness, nausea, headache, or excessive sweating.
• When in doubt, take a break, cool down and seek help.  

Pennsylvania veterans struggling to locate lost DD-214 forms or other military documents can now get free assistance from the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). These records are essential for accessing benefits, employment, and retirement credits.

Over the past year, DMVA has handled more than 1,300 record requests. Veterans can call 1-800-547-2838 or email RA-REQ@pa.gov. DMVA also assists with DD-215 corrections.

Pro tip: File your military papers safely as soon as you separate to avoid future headaches. For updates, sign up for the DMVA Veterans Registry at https://www.pa.gov/form/dmva/pennsylvania-veterans-registry.html.

As always, if you need help with DMVA or any other state department, agency or issue, you can contact my district office and we’ll be happy to help.

PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Department of Education have launched a competitive grant program to expand career pathways in the Heavy Highway Industry. Eligible educational institutions—including K-12 schools, career centers, and colleges—can apply for up to $500,000 to fund training, certifications, and on-the-job learning for skilled trades like welding, electrical work, and surveying.

With 92% of contractors struggling to fill positions and 41% of the workforce set to retire by 2031, the $12 million program addresses critical shortages. Applications must demonstrate collaboration with industry partners. The new competitive grant program will accept applications until Sept. 1.

The Children’s Health Insurance Program, or CHIP, is Pennsylvania’s program to provide health insurance for kids and teens who need it, but it’s not just for those on low incomes. Some parents might think their kids can't get CHIP coverage because they make too much money. Not true!

CHIP covers uninsured kids and teens up to age 19 who are not eligible for Medical Assistance. Apply today: chipcoverspakids.com.

Eligible Allegheny County residents over 60 can receive $25 in vouchers for fresh, local produce. Unlike in previous years, you can now apply online and have vouchers mailed directly to your home. If you’d prefer a paper application, just stop by my office so my staff can help you apply.

Learn more about eligibility and apply online here.

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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