Students shine in robotics; scholarship program open; ‘Bunny Hill Weekends’

Students shine in robotics; scholarship program open; ‘Bunny Hill Weekends’ – and more!

Rep. Arvind Venkat January 17, 2025 | 3:03 PM

Honoring a Civil Rights Legend

Please be aware that our district office will be closed on Monday, Jan. 20th as we honor Martin Luther King Jr., his incredible legacy of service, and the lessons he taught us about peace, equality, and fellowship. We will reopen on Tuesday for regular business hours.

Talented Local Students Show Their Robotics Savvy

I recently welcomed the talented 412 Power Crew Robotics Team to my office. The members, who are students from the North Hills, demonstrated their robot designed to control the proliferation of sea urchins affecting ocean ecosystems. I’m proud of our young residents who are working to boost their skills in this important industry while also trying to solve real-world challenges.

I also want to congratulate the six North Allegheny School District students who are members of the Band of Steel robotics team (below) that captured 1st place at the FIRST LEGO League’s Western PA Championships. Best of luck in the state and hopefully world championships! You can read more at this page.

Joining Forces for a Strong Transit System

Reliable, efficient public transit helps support our economy and provides critical connections and quality of life for so many residents. Earlier this week, I joined bipartisan House and Senate colleagues and Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato to discuss how we can work together to make Pittsburgh Regional Transit even better.

A Closer Look at Some of Our Recent Bills

No one should fear seeking medical care because of the cost. Yet far too many Pennsylvanians end up delaying essential care for that very reason. My bipartisan legislation with Reps. Davidson, Khan, Kosierowski, Kuzma, Rigby, and Twardzik to alleviate medical debt aims to change that by making our health care system more affordable and accessible. Visit this page to learn more about the legislation.

Restaurants and other food establishments have an important role to play when it comes to protecting customers from food allergy-related medical emergencies. I recently introduced bipartisan legislation with state Rep. Natalie Mihalek that would require these businesses to incorporate new safety measures. You can learn more here.

I also introduced bipartisan legislation with state Reps. Rob Matzie and Tom Mehaffie to eliminate additional fees that burden bank and credit card customers who request a paper statement. You can find details about the bill here.

New Funding for Ambulance Training Program

I’m excited to report that the A.W. Beattie Career Center in McCandless has secured an $85,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Visit this page to read more about the funding.

2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Now Open

Eligible seniors and residents with a disability: you can now apply for a rebate on property taxes or rent you paid in 2024!

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program benefits 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 to provide larger rebates and a higher qualifying income threshold. (The limit is now $46,520 for both homeowners and renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded for income calculation purposes.) Please remember that my office can help you apply!

PA House Scholarship Program Now Open

Applications are now being accepted for the PA House of Representatives Scholarship Program. The award includes the value of one semester of tuition at the State System of Higher Education for each of four years. Please see the eligibility requirements above. You can learn more here.

State Launches ‘Bunny Hill Weekends’ to Bring More Skiers
to PA Slopes

Deputy Secretary of Tourism Anne Ryan recently announced the launch of “Bunny Hill Weekends” to encourage beginner skiers and their families to experience Pennsylvania’s slopes. You can learn more here.

Career Fair Reminder

This is a reminder that PA CareerLink Pittsburgh’s job fair is coming up on Wednesday, Jan. 22 from 10 a.m. to noon at 914 Penn Ave., Floor #6, in Pittsburgh. You can learn more here.

Help Share the Warmth for Seniors

Hampton Township is holding a Valentine’s Day Blanket Drive to help residents of local nursing home facilities. To contribute, please bring new blankets through Feb. 12 to the drop boxes located at the township police department and community center, 3101 McCully Rd., Allison Park. For questions, please contact angela.kenbok@hampton-pa.org.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education recently announced that the application window is open for $14 million in grant funding for dual credit programs. You can read more about the funding here, and you can find a complete list of recent state grant openings at this page.

As always if you need assistance with any state-related matter, please don’t hesitate to contact my office.