Community Connections; Talented Student Athletes; Fighting Campus Hunger

Community Connections; Talented Student Athletes; Fighting Campus Hunger – and more!

Rep. Arvind Venkat November 22, 2024 | 12:36 PM

PA Representative Arvind Venkat banner image

As always, if you have any concerns, contact me at RepVenkat@pahouse.net or call my office at (412) 348-8028.

Around the District: Community Connections; New Student Champs

I recently met with the leaders of the McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority, Shaler-Hampton EMS, Ross-West View EMSA, and Plum EMS to discuss pressing issues facing emergency medical services in our region and state. As an emergency physician and state legislator, I know how important our first responders are, and I’m committed to ensuring that they get the resources they need!

I also recently met with McCandless’s new town manager, John Schwend. We discussed collaboration between our local and state governments and how my office and I can help. I’m grateful to our hardworking local officials and their staff for all the work they do on behalf of our community.

Congratulations to the North Allegheny Tigers Girls Volleyball Team for winning the PIAA 4A Girls Volleyball State Championship for the 8^th year in a row! Visit the North Allegheny Sports Network to read more.

New Funding to Fight Hunger on Campus

I’m pleased to announce that the Pennsylvania Department of Education has awarded a $20,000 grant to La Roche University in McCandless to address hunger on campus. You can read more about the funding here.

Battle of the Bulge Commemoration Survey

Dec. 16 marks the 80^th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, and West Chester University is seeking memories, stories, and photos for a display that will honor the heroic members of the 28th Infantry Division of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard during World War II’s largest battle involving US forces. If you or someone you know served during the battle, please visit this page to complete the survey.

Parents: Claim Your Free $100 Keystone Scholar Account

Pennsylvania families with young children are encouraged to claim their free $100 Keystone Scholars accounts to start saving for their child’s future education.

Every child born on or after Jan. 1, 2019, to a Pennsylvania family (and those subsequently adopted) automatically has a free $100 investment to jumpstart their education savings. Families can claim their child’s Keystone Scholars account by visiting pa529.com/keystone.

Keystone Scholars accounts are invested by the PA Treasury and grow alongside your child. After a child’s 18th birthday, the funds may be used to help pay for post-high school education costs including collegiate, technical training, and apprenticeship programs and related expenses.

In other education news, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is now open. Students can learn more and apply by visiting this page.

Historical Marker Program Has Reopened

The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission announced that its historical marker program has reopened with a more streamlined application process. Individuals or organizations may submit nominations to commemorate significant people, places or events that have shaped Pennsylvania’s history.

Final applications for the first round of new markers are due April 1, 2025, with the first of the new markers being cast and installed in 2026.

Details and application guidelines are available at this page, and additional information may be found on the PA State Historic Preservation Office blog. You can also find a series of videos explaining the nomination process on PHMC’s YouTube channel.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate Deadline is Dec. 31!

This is a reminder that Dec. 31 is the deadline to apply for a rebate on property taxes or rent paid in 2023. The program, which was recently expanded, benefits income-eligible seniors 65 or older, widows or widowers 50 or older, and residents with disabilities 18 or older. You can read more about the program and apply online by visiting this page. My office can also help you determine whether you are eligible and help you apply.

So far, the program has received more than half a million claims, and most have already been approved for payment.

Vaccine Reminder – Are You Up to Date?

This is a reminder that it’s important to stay up to date on annual vaccinations to protect against flu, COVID-19, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). Visit this page for more information about vaccines and nearby vaccination locations and this page to watch an informational video.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health provides weekly updates throughout the respiratory virus season on its respiratory virus dashboard.