District 21 News: State Rep. Powell

Happy June! It is an exciting, and busy time as budget season begins in Harrisburg. As well, I have some fun events coming up in the district that I invite all of you to join me at!

I first want to highlight an important piece of legislation that I introduced with Rep. Pisciottano, HB 2315, or the PROSPER Act. This bill aims to promote the growth of green jobs in Pennsylvania by facilitating a just transition for workers in the fossil fuel industry who may be affected by this shift towards sustainable energy. By investing in green energy, we not only combat climate change but also pave the way for the emergence of higher-paying jobs in the renewable energy sector. I am proud to be behind this bill and taking a proactive approach towards building a more sustainable and equitable future for Pennsylvania.

Join my team and me for a bike safety/ rodeo event on June 7 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Millvale Riverfront Park. Essential programming from the Pittsburgh Department of Mobility and Infrastructure, bike mechanic skills by Free Ride, safety inspections by the Pennsylvania State Police, safety resources and free bike helmets from PennDOT (while supplies last) and more will be available! We hope you’re hungry too, as a food truck will be stationed nearby that serves gourmet, delicious, and fresh-cut street fries!

My office, alongside Allegheny County Treasurer Erica Brusselars, will hold a dog licensing event at Arsenal Park in Lawrenceville! The event will be June 21 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Treasurer’s office will sell dog licenses at the event, the City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Finance will provide applications for dog licenses, and we plan on having a multitude of pet shops from the district who will have treats, toys, and other pet supplies on-hand as well. Furry friends are encouraged to attend! I cannot wait to meet more of the dogs in the district there!

Additionally, my office is hosting a Veteran Service Officer from the Department of Veterans Affairs on the second Monday of each month. In June, we’ll be hosting him at our office on June 10 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.

Last but not least, it is farmers market season again! The best time of the year! A reminder that Allegheny County residents aged 60 years and older are eligible for $50 in vouchers to use at their local farmer’s market. The distribution date this year is June 25 at participating senior centers. Call the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging for more information on distribution sites and times at (412) 350-4300 or give my office a call and we can assist you as well!

Speaking of farmers markets, 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.