Supporting workers on the issues that matter, a reminder about school bus safety, and more

Rep. Dan Goughnour September 2, 2026 | 10:16 AM

Proud to support workers on the issues that matter

As Labor Day approaches, I’m proud to say that my House colleagues and I have been fighting for PA workers on the issues that really matter. Here’s a sampling of bills we’ve advanced:

A higher minimum wage of $15 per hour by 2029.
Paid family and medical leave for PA workers.
Unemployment compensation for striking workers in PA.
OSHA standards for Pennsylvania’s public workers.
Requirements aimed at preventing workplace violence in the healthcare sector.

I’ve also supported recent state budgets that help eligible working families keep more of what they earn and make significant investments in workforce training, apprenticeships, and career pathways.

As a longstanding member of Teamsters Local 205 and member of the House Labor & Industry Committee, I greatly appreciate the contributions that all of our workers make to our communities and economy. You deserve respect and recognition for your hard work and I hope you’re able to take the day to relax and recharge this Labor Day.

In observance of Labor Day, my office will close at noon on Friday and reopen on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

School bus safety is everyone’s responsibility

With children back to school, I want to pass along an important reminder about using caution in school zones and around buses and kids walking to and from school. Everyone must play a role in keeping students safe.

Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law requires motorists to stop at least 10 feet away from school buses with red lights flashing and the stop arm extended. Penalties include a $250 fine, a 60-day license suspension, and five points on your driving record.

Drivers should also obey school zone speed limits and avoid using their phones (a new law bans hand-held phones while driving in Pennsylvania). Parents should ensure that children know the safest route to their school or bus stop, and students should keep their headphones off whenever they are near traffic.

Cutting the ribbon for the new Steel Valley Elementary School

I had the honor of attending the recent ribbon-cutting ceremony for the brand-new Steel Valley Elementary School. It was wonderful to see local elected officials, educators, families, and community members come together to celebrate this historic milestone for Steel Valley. I’d also like to thank my colleagues from Harrisburg, Sen. Nick Pisciottano and Lt. Governor Austin Davis, for being part of this special occasion and for their continued support of our community.

This beautiful new school represents an investment in our children, our families, and the future of our community. I will be excited to see all the learning, opportunities, and memories that this school will foster for years to come.

Congratulations to everyone who helped make this vision a reality! Here’s to a bright future for Steel Valley and our students!

Dedicating Munhall’s municipal building

I was proud to join Munhall officials recently for the dedication of their municipal building!

Munhall is an awesome community with dedicated leaders, and it’s a privilege to represent Munhall in Harrisburg.

Connecting with Lifespan in Clairton

I recently spent an afternoon at Lifespan in Clairton, explaining the services my office and team offers. It was a great day connecting with the Clairton community, and I look forward to doing it again!

Mark your calendar: My Oct. 24 shred event

I will be hosting a free shredding event Oct. 24 to help you safely dispose of papers and disks with sensitive information. It will be 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at McKeesport High School parking lot. It’s a great way to protect your identity by ensuring documents don’t fall into the wrong hands—documents such as financial statements, cancelled checks, legal and insurance papers.

So plan on stopping by if you have any documents you’d like to shred, and feel free to call my office with any questions at (412)664-0035.

PA State Police expands pathways to a career as a trooper

The Pennsylvania State Police is expanding opportunities for students and aspiring law enforcement professionals through partnerships with colleges and universities. Through the Academy Internship Program, eligible college seniors can complete their final semester at the PSP Academy, earn academic credits, and begin their careers as a trooper after successfully completing cadet training. Interested students must apply by Sept. 30, 2026.

The 2026-27 state budget provides funding for approximately 380 new cadet appointments, reinforcing efforts to strengthen public safety and recruit the next generation of troopers.

Learn more at https://patrooper.com/.

Investing in your safety with nonprofit security grants

I want to inform nonprofit organizations that they can apply now for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program to enhance security and protect against hate crimes at their facilities. I voted to include this $10 million program administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency in the 2026-27 state budget.

Grants can range from $5,000 to $150,000 for a variety of eligible items, including:

Safety and security planning and training;
Purchase safety and security equipment and technology;
Upgrade existing structures that enhance safety and security; and
Vulnerability and threat assessments.

The deadline for organizations to apply online is Sept. 10.

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.