Harrisburg Happenings, Community Events & More

Rep. Dan B. Frankel March 21, 2025 | 3:15 PM

PA Representative Dan Frankel banner image

Friday, March 21, 2025

Harrisburg Happenings

Protecting Medical Marijuana Patients

Earlier this week, the PA House passed my bill, H.B. 33, with broad bipartisan support. This legislation would strengthen oversight of medical marijuana testing to ensure patient safety across Pennsylvania.

In other states, weak oversight has led to contamination, inaccurate labeling, and deceptive practices that put patients at risk. House Bill 33 addresses these issues by improving the oversight of testing labs, requiring stability testing to monitor potency and purity over time, and ensuring that all products are accurately labeled. Patients deserve safe, reliable medical cannabis, and this bill will help guarantee that.

Bipartisan Bill to Attract Health Care Workers to Rural PA Passes House

On Wednesday, I joined my colleague, Republican state Rep. Kathy Rapp, to celebrate the bipartisan passage of H.B. 157, which helps tackle the health care worker shortage in rural Pennsylvania.

The bill would provide grants to health care facilities to help pay off student loan debt for nurses, physicians, midwives, dentists, and other providers who commit to serving rural communities. This investment will help ensure that every Pennsylvanian—no matter where they live—has access to the care they need.

House Bill 157 now moves to the state Senate for consideration.

Pittsburgh Regional Transit Funding

Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) announced this week that they may be forced to raise fares and cut transit services unless the state provides additional funding. These cuts would be devastating for Allegheny County, limiting access to jobs, schools, and essential services.

Allegheny County’s legislative delegation is united in this fight, and we are making it our top regional priority to secure the funding. To get this critical funding we will need the support of committee chairs and leadership in both the PA House and Senate. I’m encouraging everyone concerned about saving PRT to share your concerns with Chair Ed Neilson of the House Transportation Committee, House Majority Leader Matt Bradford, Chair Judy Ward of the Senate Transportation Committee, and Majority Senate Leader Joe Pittman because we need their support.

Pennsylvania’s Generative AI Pilot Program

Today, I joined Gov. Josh Shapiro and other leaders at a press conference to discuss the results of Pennsylvania’s first-in-the-nation Generative AI Pilot Program. The pilot showed that AI tools can save state employees valuable time while improving efficiency, all while keeping human oversight at the center. I’m proud to support efforts that leverage technology to enhance government services while ensuring that workers remain at the heart of decision-making.

Community Events and Resources

Vision Zero Travel Safety Survey

Allegheny County’s Vision Zero initiative is surveying residents about their opinions on transportation safety and commuting habits. The survey takes only a few minutes.

Take the survey here.

Nominations Open for Pennsylvania’s RISE Award
Deadline: June 30 | Online

The Pennsylvania Department of Education is now accepting nominations for the Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award, a national honor recognizing non-teaching school staff who make a difference in pre-K through high school. Eligible nominees include paraprofessionals, administrative staff, custodians, food service workers, security personnel, and other essential school employees. Schools, organizations, parents, and students are encouraged to nominate outstanding individuals.

Learn more here.

Sid Feiler Memorial Scholarship

Application Deadline: April 1

Seniors at Allderdice High School can apply for the Sid Feiler Memorial Scholarship. In addition to attending Allderdice, students must demonstrate financial need, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, and plan to attend an accredited vocational or technical trade school or a 2- or 4-year college or university.

Learn more and apply here.

Passover To Go by Gift Pittsburgh

Deliveries between April 8-10

Seniors, those will special needs, and those who are immune compromised can request a free Passover to Go kit. The kit includes a meal, a step-by-step Haggadah, and fun activities. Volunteers are needed to help assemble and deliver kits.

Request a Passover to Go Kit here.

Volunteer to with Passover to Go here.

NatureFest
Saturday, March 22, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Carnegie Museum of Natural History

Join scientists, educators, and community partners for a day of interactive exhibits, tours, and discussions on environmental stewardship and invasive species research. Activities include hands-on learning stations, pop-up tours, a symposium on land stewardship, and a special film screening.

Free with museum admission. Advance registration recommended.

Learn more and register here.

The Legal Information and Elder Justice Fair
Saturday, March 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | CLP – Main (Oakland)

Join the Allegheny County Law Library and the Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University for a day of legal education and resources. Connect with legal information experts, hear from speakers, and learn how the library can support you during legal matters. This event will take place on the second floor of CLP-Main in the South Wing Reading Room and the Job & Career Education Center.

The fair is free.

Learn more here.

Restorative Yoga
Sunday, March 23, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. | Frick Environmental Center

This one-hour restorative yoga class promotes relaxation through deep breathing, intentional stillness, and classic yoga postures. Suitable for all levels, the session will feature extended holds, breathwork, and the optional use of essential oils. Modifications will be offered to accommodate all participants.

There is a fee.

Learn more and register here.

Organic Gardening Basics for Community Gardens
Tuesday, March 25, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Online

Learn essential organic gardening techniques tailored for community gardens, including soil health, pest and disease management, garden planning, and tips for watering, weeding, and mulching. The workshop will also cover low maintenance growing strategies, communal crop management, and gardening in small spaces. Led by Grow Pittsburgh’s Community Projects team, this session is ideal for both new and experienced community gardeners.

There is a fee.

Learn more and get tickets here.

Tabletop Tuesdays Gaming Happy Hour
Tuesdays, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Schenley Park Café and Visitor Center

The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy hosts a weekly game night designed for players 16 and older. Participants are invited to bring their favorite board games, card games, or role-playing games, or choose from the available game library. There will be snacks and bottled soft drinks for purchase.

Free event.

Learn more here.

Greenfield Baseball Association Bingo

Friday, March 28, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Spartan Center Hazelwood

The Greenfeld Baseball Association (GBA) annual Bingo Fundraiser offers participants a chance to win nine Bingo games and a special intermission game show event. Proceeds from the event directly support the GBA and its players. Admission includes a taco buffet dinner with a fish option. This event is BYOB and for adults only.

Game sponsorships are available, with options to sponsor a full or partial game. Those interested can contribute through the online store or contact Greg Savikas at gsavikas@gmail.com.