Supporting our local public education; Working with nationwide AAPI leaders; Making some “Good Trouble”; New economic development grants

Supporting our local public education; Working with nationwide AAPI leaders; Making some “Good Trouble”; New economic development grants – and more!

Rep. Arvind Venkat July 24, 2026 | 2:09 PM

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Working with Nationwide AAPI Colleagues

I was honored to join fellow Asian-American and Pacific Islander elected officials at the AAPI LEAD Summit in Los Angeles last weekend and speak about how we can address affordability in healthcare, housing, energy, and food.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my experience as one of the few AAPI elected state officials in Pennsylvania and the importance of solving cost-of-living challenges.

Supporting Local Public Education – and Other District Updates

It was great to join colleagues from the Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation to tour The Education Partnership, a non-profit supported by students, volunteers, and donors in our community that provides free school supplies to teachers and classrooms in need.

The work they do to support public education in our region is crucial, and I was happy to learn more about their work.

John Lewis is a personal hero of mine. It is always a privilege for me to participate in the John Lewis “Good Trouble Lives On” Weekend of Action with my wife, Veena, several fellow local leaders, and the many voting rights groups in our region.

Our representative democracy is not a given. As a responsibility of citizenship, we all must follow in John Lewis’ legacy, raise our voices peacefully, but loudly, and make ‘Good Trouble’ to protect access to the ballot box in the face of multiple attempts to disenfranchise us.

The Sisters of Divine Providence have dedicated their lives to their faith and advancing education and our community, including founding La Roche University in McCandless. I was honored to present a citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to the sisters on the 150th anniversary of their order’s arrival in the US. Thank you for your service to so many in our region and throughout the world.

This week, I attended the ribbon cutting for the brand new Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry Community Wellness Hub in McCandless. This facility will provide crucial counseling and support services to individuals and families in our community.

I had the honor of hosting a member of the TeraBridges FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics Team 18603 to update me on their remarkable accomplishments this season, including winning the 2026 Western Edge International Premier Event with their alliance partner from Kazakhstan.

I always enjoy hearing about what these innovative students in our region are working on, and I will continue to support this important educational opportunity.

New Economic Development Grants Now Available

The Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County has opened applications for grants from the Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund (GEDTF), which uses revenue from gaming to allow municipalities, authorities, councils of government, and both non- and for-profit businesses to carry out significant economic development for current and future use.

You can learn more about the fund and apply for a grant here. Applications are due on Friday, August 14.

Back to School E-Cycle

North Hills Community Outreach will be hosting a Back to School E-Cycle on August 1 from 10 AM – noon at Berkshire Hathaway’s North Hills office (9401 McKnight Road).

This free event will provide an opportunity to dispose of hard-to-recycle electronic items. Each participant is requested to bring a back to school item to be donated, with a list of potential items available here.

Franklin Park Wants to Hear from You

The Franklin Park Recreation Board is seeking input on how to improve the quality of the borough’s recreational opportunities, park facilities, and trails. The survey is open to residents, business owners, workers in Franklin Park, and anyone who frequents the borough’s parks.

The survey can be completed here. Responses are due August 31.

Finally, please remember that my talented staff can help you with a variety of state-related matters – from filing an application for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program to obtaining a disability placard or senior bus pass, just to name a few. Contact us or stop by to see how we can help!

You can read my e-newsletter in a way that’s most convenient for you by visiting my legislative website here and clicking on the accessibility icon in the lower right corner.