2023-24 by the Numbers; Reduced Retiree Vehicle Registrations; Winter Hikes; Holiday Wishes

Rep. Arvind Venkat December 20, 2024 | 2:50 PM

2023-24 by the Numbers

As we head into the new legislative session, I wanted to provide a quick look back at some of the work we accomplished during the 2023-24 session. I’m proud of my talented staff for their terrific work helping residents, and I’m looking forward to another productive year ahead!

Around the District

Veena and I had a wonderful time at the Avonworth Community Park Holiday Party. Thank you to all the members of the Avonworth community who do so much to support this gem in our region.

I recently attended my intern Rishi's mock PA State House committee meeting for his class at the University of Pittsburgh’s Institute of Politics. My chief of staff, Jennifer, joined us. Rishi and his classmates did a wonderful job. It was great to see these future leaders in action!

Proud to Support Our First Responders

As an ER doc and legislator, I will always advocate for the first responders who safeguard our community every day. I was proud to join Sen. Lindsey Williams to present a $500,000 state grant to the Peebles District Volunteer Fire Co. in the Town of McCandless to renovate and expand their station.

I recently had a chance to thank some of our district firefighters for their lifesaving work when I attended a great holiday celebration hosted by the Emsworth and Ohio Township Volunteer Fire companies.

I also recently met with the leadership of the McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority to discuss their priorities for 2025.

More Retirees to Benefit from Reduced Vehicle Registration Fees

I am excited to report that more retirees will qualify for the $11 reduced vehicle registration fee with the enactment of legislation I supported. The new law raises from $19,200 to $29,906 the annual income-eligibility threshold for retired customers to qualify for a reduced fee. More information is available here.

In addition, the new law eliminates registration and title fees for one passenger vehicle or truck weighing 9,000 pounds or less owned by military veterans who meet the following requirements:

Vehicles registered to a veteran who lost a limb or eye or who became partially paralyzed while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States.
Vehicles registered to a person who, as a member or the Armed Forces of the United States, was captured by the enemy in any armed conflict for which the Department of Defense authorizes a campaign medal.
Vehicles registered to a person who has been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Vehicles registered to a person who has been awarded the Purple Heart.

License plate fees still apply. Visit this page to learn more.

New Funding to Support Crime Survivors, At-Risk Youth,
Probation & Parole Services

I am happy to announce that more than $3.4 million is coming back to the county to fund probation and parole services and programs supporting crime survivors and at-risk youth. You can read more here.

Help if You or a Loved One is Struggling

The holidays can be a difficult time of year for many. This is a reminder that you don’t have to go it alone. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health or substance use issues, please be aware of the resources above. Veterans and their family members can also connect with the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and then pressing #1. Visit this page to read more.

In other news, the PA Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs is conducting a Family Members Training Needs Survey to identify the needs of families with members struggling with, receiving treatment for, or recovering from substance use disorder. I urge anyone with these needs to please consider responding to the survey by the Jan. 6 deadline.

DCNR Encourages Pennsylvanians to Trek into 2025 During ‘First Day Hikes’

The PA Department of Conservation and National Resources is urging Pennsylvanians to participate in one of more than 70 guided hikes DCNR is hosting in 46 state parks and one forest district on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 2025. You can read more here.

Dec. 31 is the Deadline to Apply for a state Property Tax/Rent Rebate!

This is a reminder that Dec. 31 is the deadline to apply for a rebate on property taxes or rent paid in 2023. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is available for income-eligible seniors 65 or older, widows or widowers 50 or older, and residents with a disability 18 or older. I recently voted to expand the program, which now provides larger rebates and is available to both homeowners and renters earning less than $45,000 annually. (Half of Social Security income is excluded for income calculation purposes.)

You can learn more about the program here and apply online here. For help filing your application, please contact my office at 412-348-8028 or call the PA Department of Revenue at 1-888-222-9190.

Helping Historically Disadvantaged Businesses –
and Other Funding Opportunities

The Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program is accepting applications from established nonprofits, economic development organizations, and educational institutions to create Business Assistance Service Centers across PA to support and empower small, diverse businesses. You can read more here. Applications will be accepted through Jan. 22, 2025.

You can also find information about the latest state grant openings at this page.

Wishing You and Your Family All the Joy of the Season

Finally, because my next e-newsletter to you will arrive Jan. 3, just after the start of the new year, I want to wish a wonderful Christmas, a light-filled Hanukkah, a Happy Kwanzaa, and a joyous New Year to everyone celebrating.