PUC storm report fails to highlight communication issues

Last week, the state Public Utility Commission issued its final report and recommendations on our regional utilities’ response to the April 29 storm that left nearly 680,000 residents without power.
 

While the report found that preparations from power companies were “generally appropriate” based on forecasts, our experience here in the district told a much different story. Many calls to Duquesne Light went unanswered, and some residents waited nearly two weeks to get power restored.
 

In the minutes and hours after the storm, as we scrambled to deliver oxygen tanks to residents who called us in tears, fearing they were going to die, it became obvious that we need better logistics and communications from our utility provider and more effective communications with local emergency coordinators.
 

We also need to remember that emergency preparedness isn’t a one-size-fits-all proposition and that some residents – including those who are elderly, infirm, or living with serious medical conditions – don’t have the means to properly prepare for long-term emergencies.
 

Visit this page and this page to hear more about why I believe PUC’s report falls short and what we need to do to be better prepared for the next major storm.

Farm Show fun

Since he first founded The Promise Center of Homewood, Nate Goodson has been working to further this amazing nonprofit’s mission of empowering and enriching Homewood youth. On Sunday, Nate and more than 50 people from the center visited the 2026 PA Farm Show, where they met up with PA Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, learned about farming and PA produce, and generally had a great time.

I also had a chance to talk to the Young Adult Ambassadors of the Pennsylvania Grange (below) and ask them what they enjoyed most about that their role. They told me they loved the sense of community and service – and also how the role helps to build their confidence in public speaking!

Around the district

Our district office in Braddock is seeking applicants for a 10-week internship, working up to 20 hours per week at $15 per hour. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
 

The intern will be assigned a project to complete for the semester, working in close cooperation with me and district office staff. Other duties include making phone calls to constituents to make them aware of services provided by the office, answering phone calls and directing callers to office staff, and interacting with constituents in the district office.

Please contact our office at (412) 273-3400 to learn more!

On Thursday at Wood Towers Senior Highrise, I joined Sen. Jay Costa, Wilkinsburg officials, and building residents to discuss the Towers’ change in ownership, resident concerns, and community resources.

On Friday, our office attended the Allegheny Intermediate Unit’s Legislative Breakfast at Pathfinder School, where the AIU’s leadership team discussed their work and legislative priorities and provided a tour. Pathfinder serves about 80 special education students from 26 school districts and charter schools throughout Allegheny County and the surrounding area. They also provide early intervention classrooms supporting 3- to 5-year-olds with disabilities. 

Step back in time to hear Ben Franklin discuss the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence and recount tales from his life. “An Afternoon with Benjamin Franklin” will be held from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24 at Braddock’s Battlefield History Center at 609 Sixth St. in North Braddock. Visit this page to learn more.

To celebrate America’s 250th birthday, America250PA will be awarding 25 $10,000 scholarships to students attending PA colleges and universities in the 2026-27 academic school year. Applications are due Jan. 31. Visit this page to learn more.

Finding funding & help with state services

Please remember that my office can help with a wide range of state-related matters – from filing a Property Tax/Rent Rebate or obtaining a Senior ConnectCard, to navigating state benefits and more. Contact us to find out how we can help!
 

If you’re searching for a state grant, you can find a list of the latest program openings here and a state grant-finding search tool here.
 

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.

District Office

501 Braddock Ave.
Braddock, PA 15104

(412) 273-3400

Pennsylvania State Capitol

123-B East Wing Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 783-1914

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