Helping our firefighters protect us, recognizing an important contributor to a healthy ecosystem, and more

Rep. Mandy Steele June 12, 2026 | 2:24 PM

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Supporting firefighters with a proposed new grant program

I was proud this week to support the Fire Company Transformational Grant Program, which passed the House on a bipartisan vote. House Bill 2446 would set aside $30 million annually to help qualifying fire companies pay for much-needed expenses such as new equipment, firefighter recruitment, station upgrades, and safety and operations improvements.

Our local fire companies perform a vital job in protecting us, yet they must scrape together the funds to do so. House Bill 2446 would provide much-needed financial assistance. The bill now moves to the state Senate for consideration.

Recognizing an important contributor to a healthy ecosystem

As a staunch advocate of conservation and environmental protection, I’m pleased to report that my bill to recognize an important contributor to our spectacular woodlands advanced out of the House Tourism, Recreation, and Economic Development Committee this week. House Bill 1090 would designate the Hemlock Varnish Shelf Mushroom as the state mushroom. Though valued largely for its medicinal properties, this mushroom, like other fungi, contributes to a healthy ecosystem and serves as a natural protection against carbon emissions.

Click on the above link for my remarks in committee and more information about it.

2026 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program now open

Eligible Allegheny County residents 60 or older can receive $25 in vouchers for fresh, local produce. Unlike in previous years, you can now apply online and have the vouchers mailed directly to your home. If you prefer a paper application, you can stop by my office, where my staff will be happy to help you apply.

Learn more about eligibility and apply online here.

House Fellowship Program accepting applications
for fall 2026

The PA House Fellowship Program is now accepting applications from eligible Pennsylvania college students for the Fall 2026 semester. Fellows work in committee or leadership offices at the state Capitol. The program provides compensation and may also offer college credit. Eligible applicants include college juniors, seniors, graduate students, or law students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applications are due by July 1.

Visit this page to learn more.

Partnering with the county to help you with
tax and licensing matters

I’m offering a new service this year at my Cheswick office. Once a month through September, I will host a representative from Allegheny County Treasurer Erica Rocchi Brusselars’ office from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Residents can take advantage of these special days and hours at my office, located at 1296 Pittsburgh St., to pay county property taxes, apply for the Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion or Senior Citizen Tax Relief programs, or obtain hunting, fishing, or dog licenses.

Mark your calendars with the dates and times on the graphic above!

Veterans services at my office

Twice a month, a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) will be at my Cheswick office, 1296 Pittsburgh St., to assist veterans with a variety of services. The VSO will be available on the third Wednesday and Thursday of each month.

Call to schedule an appointment at (724) 826-5151.