Harrisburg Happenings, Community Events & More

Rep. Dan B. Frankel January 3, 2025 | 1:02 PM

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Friday, January 3, 2025

Harrisburg Happenings

Pennsylvania’s Minimum Wage Remains the Lowest in the Region

The commonwealth's minimum wage has been stuck at $7.25 an hour since 2009, while every one of our neighbors has surpassed us. New York workers earn a minimum of $15.50 an hour, New Jersey's minimum is $15.49, Maryland pays $15, Ohio’s minimum is $10.70, Delaware’s is $15, and West Virginia has a minimum of $8.75. Pennsylvania's stagnant wage floor is unacceptable.

Last year, Democrats in the state House passed legislation to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour gradually. The legislation started with an $11 minimum wage and added $2 per hour annually until it reached $15. Unfortunately, the bill didn't see the light of day once it moved to the Republican-controlled Senate.

Raising the minimum wage in Pennsylvania would raise the wages for over 1.3 million workers, thereby reducing poverty rates in the commonwealth and providing more money in the pockets of low-wage workers that would be spent directly in our local communities.

We can't afford to wait any longer; for the benefit of all of Pennsylvania, we must pass legislation to raise the minimum wage this session. It is time the legislature passes meaningful wage reform that respects the dignity of work and lifts up all Pennsylvanians.

Community Events and Resources

Pittsburgh Comprehensive Plan’s Community Working GroupApplications Due January 31

As part of the first-ever Comprehensive Plan for the city of Pittsburgh, the Department of City Planning is assembling a Community Working Group (CWG). The CWG will comprise 20 community members who will serve as connectors and leaders in the Comprehensive Plan engagement and planning process. This paid position will run from May 2025 - May 2026.

CWG members will collect ideas from neighbors, host events, and help create materials and final recommendations for the Comprehensive Plan.

Learn more and apply here.

The Community Leisure Learn Guest Pass Program

The Community Leisure Learn Guest Pass Program is offered to anyone 18 or older living in the 15213 and 15219 ZIP codes. Those with a pass will have free access to the facilities at the University of Pittsburgh’s Trees Hall. Amenities at Trees Hall include a gym, fitness center, pool, racquetball courts, and climbing wall.

On Jan. 6, the online registration link will become available for 10 days only.

Learn more and find the registration link here.

Try Hockey for Free

Try Hockey for Free is a one-hour clinic for children ages 4 to 9 who wish to try hockey without cost or commitment. No prior skating and/or hockey experience is required for participation. Equipment will be provided for each participant.

Please get in touch with the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation staff at huntarmoryicerink@pittsburghpenguins.com for any questions or concerns.

Learn more here.

Venture Outdoors Camps for Spring and Summer Registration now Open

Venture Outdoors hosts Spring Break mini-camps (April 14-16) and summer camps from June to July for kids grades K-12. Spots fill up fast, so don’t wait!

Learn more and register here.

Award Winners Book ClubSaturday, Jan. 4, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.| Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh- Main (Oakland) & Virtual

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh hosts a monthly book club to discuss award-winning books. The book club is free, and newcomers are welcome throughout the year.

January’s book is Oye by Melissa Mogollon.

Learn more and register for the discussion here.

Sounds for the Season: Geña y PeñaSaturday, Jan. 4, 2 p.m. | Carnegie Museum of Art, Hall of Architecture

Carnegie Museum of Art will host Geña y Peña, a duet comprised of Puerto Rico-born Geña on vocals and percussion and Colombian American Carlos Peña on guitar.

The event is free with museum admission.

Learn more here.

Pittsburgh Regional Transit University Line Phase II Community Meetings

The University Line is PRT’s new bus route connecting Oakland to Downtown Pittsburgh. It will enhance access to key destinations while offering upgraded bus stops, pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure, and integrated service across five bus routes. PRT has scheduled three public meetings in January to update the community on Phase II of the University Line project.

Virtual Community MeetingTuesday, Jan. 7, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Duquesne University Community Meeting
Thursday, Jan. 9, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Power Center Ballroom, 1015 Forbes Ave., 15282

University of Pittsburgh Community Meeting
Tuesday, Jan. 14, 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Alumni Hall, Connolly Ballroom, 4227 Fifth Ave., 15260

Learn more about the meetings here.

Stay updated on the PRT’s work here.

An Evening with Author Ed SimonTuesday, Jan. 7, 7 p.m. | Riverstone Books, 5841 Forbes Ave., 15217Riverstone Books will host local author Ed Simon to discuss his newest book, The Seven Deadly Sins and Seven Heavenly Virtues. The talk is free and open to all. Learn more here.

Winter 2025 Restaurant Week

Preview Weekend: Jan. 10-12

Restaurant Week: Jan. 12-19

Pittsburgh’s Restaurant Week features dining specials highlighting the wide-ranging dining options that Pittsburgh has to offer. This year, Restaurant Week will have a preview weekend with some of the restaurants providing specials early.