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‘BIG’ WAS A BIG HIT AT THE TRYING TOGETHER
FAMILY CENTER
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Our district office administrator, Tracy Baton, recently attended a Black History Month event at the Trying Together family center in Homewood, where she read the book “Big,” by Vashti Harrison. The book – which describes a Black girl’s journey to self-love – received multiple awards, including the Caldicott Medal, making Harrison the first Black woman to win the award.
Tracy said the kids loved the book and the event was a wonderful time for students, parents, and teachers alike.
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NEARLY $1.7 MILLION IN NEW FUNDING FOR DISTRICT TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS
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New funding of $1.67 million will support projects to restore roadways and sidewalks for multiple streets around our district. Among other grants, the Borough of Rankin is receiving $445,000 to reconstruct Rankin Boulevard and Harriet Street. You can read more here.
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WORK TO BEGIN SOON ON WASHINGTON AVENUE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
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Swissvale and surrounding residents: PennDOT reports that work is scheduled to begin March 3 on a project to replace the Washington Avenue bridge.
The work will require some additional road closures on Palmer and Waverly streets. Palmer will be closed from Coulter Way to Ferguson Way, and Waverly Street will be closed from Center Street to Noble Street. Property owners on Waverly with access behind their property will still be able to access their property but will not be able to pass under the bridge.
Click on the image above to see a larger map of the planned detours.
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SPEAKING OUT IN HARRISBURG
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Budget hearings are underway in Harrisburg. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I’m working hard to ensure that funding for the new state budget prioritizes the needs of our community. I am also questioning state officials about various policies and practices to keep our residents safe and thriving.
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Among other things, I asked:
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HOMEWOOD, WILKINSBURG WALK-IN FOOD DISTRIBUTION EVENTS
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I want to remind residents struggling with the high cost of groceries that the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank continues to offer walk-in food distribution events that provide fresh produce, dairy and protein in family-sized portions. Visit this page to learn more and find distribution dates.
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MY NEXT MOBILE OFFICE IS FEB. 25!
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Need help with state services? Stop by my next mobile office from 10 a.m. to noon at the Swissvale Library, located at 1800 Monongahela Ave. My talented staff can help you file for a Property Tax/Rent Rebate, obtain a handicap placard or senior bus pass, or get help with other state services! Questions? Call the office at (412) 273-3400.
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VETERANS SERVICES SESSIONS COMING UP MARCH 3-5
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Veterans and family members – this is a reminder that our next Veterans Service Sessions will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, March 3, Tuesday, March 4, and Wednesday, March 5. Please call us at (412) 273-3400 ahead of time to schedule an appointment and avoid possible wait time.
On a related note, with tax season here, the state is reminding Pennsylvanians filing their 2024 personal state income taxes that they can help our military personnel, veterans and their families by donating any amount of their refund to the state’s Military Family Relief Assistance Program and/or Veterans’ Trust Fund. You can read more here.
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Immigrant families are critically important to our community. As federal immigration policies continue to sow fear and uncertainty, we must support our immigrant neighbors who are building a new life. The workforce program above and this resource guide may help. The deadline to register for the program is Feb. 24.
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FREE TAX FILING RESOURCES
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With tax season underway, please be aware that free tax filing help is available for eligible households. Visit this page to learn more.
You may also be interested to learn about Direct File, an online tax filing tool that offers eligible taxpayers the option to file their federal and state tax returns at no cost directly with the IRS and Department of Revenue. You can read more here.
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PENNDOT OFFERING ‘REAL ID DAYS’
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In preparation for the May 7, 2025, enforcement deadline, PennDOT is offering special dedicated times at driver license centers to help Pennsylvanians get their REAL ID. Visit this page to read more and find dates in our area.
As a reminder, getting a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card is not mandatory, but once enforcement of the federal REAL ID Act begins on May 7, you will no longer be able to use your regular state driver’s license or ID card to board a domestic flight. Instead, you’ll need to present either a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card (or some other form of federally accepted identification, such as a passport or military ID). Learn more about REAL ID here.
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Finally, please remember that the state offers grant programs to help residents, community groups, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses. Visit the state’s new grant-finding tool here to search for grant opportunities. You can also find a list of the latest grant program openings at this page.
As always, if you have questions or need help with any state-related matter, please don’t hesitate to contact my office.
You can read my e-newsletter in a way that’s preferable to you by visiting my legislative website here and clicking on the accessibility icon in the lower right corner.
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
123-B East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-1914
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District Office
501 Braddock Ave.
Braddock, PA 15104
(412) 273-3400
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