By Rep. Powell

Happy August! I hope everyone has had a beautiful and fun summer so far filled with ice cream, pool time, and late-night activities.

As many of you know, we recently passed the 2024-2025 budget in Harrisburg. While we didn’t get everything in the budget that we were hoping for, Pittsburgh Public Schools are receiving an $8.5 million increase for the upcoming year, and Shaler Area School District is receiving an $815,000 increase as a result of our negotiations! This budget will positively alter the future of our Commonwealth for decades, with more funding to develop our main streets, expand our public transit systems, and support our frontline healthcare workers.

Throughout the previous months, I’ve had the privilege of passing a few pieces of legislation with the support of my colleagues. These bills are:

HB 416, Prohibiting Remote Stalking

This bill will forbid the use of AirTags for any nefarious motive, with an emphasis on remote stalking.

The consistent advent of new technologies has made life even more perilous for people subjected to this crime, and this bill will help neighbors stay safer across the Commonwealth and keep them on level ground with people seeking to do them harm.

HR 425, Studying the Short-Term Rental Industry

The Joint State Government Commission will produce a study on how the short-term rental market, such as Airbnbs, impacts Pennsylvania’s homeowners and renters.

This study will create a roadmap for legislators throughout the state on how we can reverse and prevent the worst consequences from STRs, while acknowledging the important role they play in a modern economy.

HR 453, Designating June 15, 2024, as Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Our older neighbors have made an immeasurable impact on all our lives and now, we must prioritize keeping them healthy and safe from exploitation.

HB 2162, Increasing Housing Protections for Victims of Violence

Expands the definition of “violent crime” survivors, increasing the number of victims who would be entitled to relocation assistance.

The timeframe for requesting such assistance would be increased from 90 to 180 days after the crime occurred.

Survivors have more time to access necessary support and would ensure they can utilize federal documentation to validate their need for relocation.

Additionally, my office is hosting a Veteran Service Officer from the Department of Veterans Affairs on the second Monday of each month. In August, we’ll be hosting him at our office on Aug. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you are a veteran or know a veteran who would like help in accessing their benefits, please call my office at (412) 781-2750 to schedule an appointment.

My office will be at the Lawrenceville Farmers Market this year! The Lawrenceville Farmers Market runs every Tuesday until Nov. 26 from 3 to 7 p.m., but my office will be there on the first and third week of each month. Stop by to get the latest information on what is happening in the district and state programs that you could potentially be eligible for. My team cannot wait to see you there!

My district office is located at 5154 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201. We are open and ready to serve you, Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4:30 pm and by appointment in the evenings on Wednesdays. We also have office hours at our Shaler office at the Shaler Municipal Building located at 300 Wetzel Rd., second floor, Glenshaw, PA 15116. We will be there every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or any weekday by appointment.

Any state related issue, or assistance that you may need, please give my office a call; even if we cannot directly help, we will do our best to put you in contact with someone who can. Here are some examples of ways we can help, but are not all encompassing of the support we offer:

• PennDOT services: car registrations and disability placard applications
• Complaints about road conditions or infrastructure
• Unemployment compensation problems
• Property tax/rent rebate applications
• Issues related to utility companies
• Birth certificate applications and finding copies of your vital records
• Senior ConnectCard applications through Port Authority of Allegheny County

Call: (412) 781-2750 or Email: Rep-Powell@pahouse.net or stop by our office during the hours listed above.