Awaiting a budget, Independence Day activities and more!

Rep. Jen Mazzocco July 8, 2026 | 3:59 PM

With a busy session month at the Capitol now winding down, we are still awaiting finalization of the state budget. It has been frustrating to see the Senate delay action after the House and Governor Shapiro reached an agreement on a budget framework months ago.

That delay affects school districts, municipalities, counties, and nonprofits that provide important services in communities like ours. I will continue pushing for a responsible budget that gives local governments and organizations the certainty they need to plan for the year ahead.

In the meantime, I have continued advancing legislation on behalf of Pennsylvanians. Three of my bills passed the House in June, and I will soon introduce legislation to clarify state law governing real estate and appraiser schools.

Here's why that matters: for years, these schools have been regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of State through the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs—not the Pennsylvania Department of Education. My bill provides a simple update to state law to reflect that long-standing practice after a recent dispute over which agency has oversight. By clarifying the law, we can avoid unnecessary bureaucracy, provide certainty for schools and professionals, and ensure state government is operating efficiently.

As always, I am working every day to represent our district in Harrisburg. I'll continue keeping you updated as the budget moves forward and as this and other legislation advances.

In The Community

I hope everyone had a wonderful Fourth of July as we celebrated America’s 250th birthday! I enjoyed spending the day in Mt. Lebanon, catching up with constituents, thanking our first responders with the Mt. Lebanon Fire Department and Medical Rescue Team South Authority for their service, and visiting some adorable furry friends at the petting zoo!

On Monday, I joined a large group of volunteers to help restock the Dormont Free Pantry, which had been closed for nearly two months. I was grateful to be part of the effort to prepare the pantry to reopen, as it has been an important resource for neighbors experiencing food insecurity over the past six years. Visit the Dormont Free Pantry webpage to learn more about shopping at the pantry or volunteering to support its mission.

New Grant Opportunities

I'm pleased to share that PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Department of Education have launched a new competitive grant program now available to help schools expand skilled trades education and prepare students for rewarding, in-demand careers.

Through Sept. 1, eligible K-12 schools, career and technical centers, and colleges can apply for grants of up to $500,000 to support training, industry certifications, and hands-on learning in fields such as welding, electrical work, surveying, and other heavy highway trades. These grants can help schools create or expand career pathways while building the skilled workforce Pennsylvania needs for the future. If your school or educational institution may be eligible, I encourage you to learn more and apply by visiting the PennDOT website.

Aside from the PennDOT opportunity, there are other newly listed programs you can check out on my website, including a sports marketing program through the Department of Community and Economic Development, and a sustainable agriculture grant program through the Department of Agriculture.

Mark Your Calendar

?? Walk & Talks

Look for more details on this new series, offering weekly, 30-minute Walk and Talk meetings with constituents.

?? Senior Fair

Friday, September 25 at the Salvation Army on McNeilly Road.

? Property Tax/Rent Rebate Deadline

You now have until December 31 to file 2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Applications.

Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, our office is here to help. You can reach us by phone at 412-343-3870 or visit us at 650 Washington Road, Suite 102, in Mt. Lebanon.