Welcoming State Rep. Dan Goughnour
On Tuesday, the House welcomed our newest member, state Rep. Dan Goughnour—Allegheny County Delegation’s fourth Dan!
Rep. Goughnour was elected in late March to fill the seat left vacant by the sudden passing of our colleague and friend, Rep. Matt Gergely. Matt’s loss is still deeply felt throughout the Capitol, and we honor his memory as we continue the work he cared so deeply about.
We’re grateful to have Rep. Goughnour join us, and with his swearing-in, the House Democratic Caucus regains our humble 102-101 majority.
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Reintroducing Anti-Hate Crimes Legislative Package
This week, Sen. Jay Costa and I reintroduce our Anti-Hate Crimes legislative package in the state House and Senate.
These bills are a direct response to the October 27, 2018, shooting—the deadliest act of antisemitic violence in American history. Sadly, the threat has only grown. Hate crimes have doubled in Pennsylvania since 2020, targeting people for their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and disability status.
Our package would strengthen law enforcement’s response to hate crimes, improve reporting and data collection, expand support for victims, and invest in prevention efforts.
This builds on our past work to create and expand the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which helps protect vulnerable institutions from targeted violence.
Sen. Costa and I will continue to fight for this package until it becomes law. No one should fear violence because of who they are, how they worship, or who they love. With this legislation, we have an opportunity to make Pennsylvania safer, more inclusive, and more just.
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Community Events and Resources
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Deadline Extended: Apply Now for the 2025–2026 JSS Scholarship
Applications due by Tuesday, April 30
The Jewish Scholarship Service (JSS) of Greater Pittsburgh that provide scholarships to local Jewish students, has extended the deadline to apply for the 2025–2026 academic year. Students can apply at jfcspgh.org/scholarships.
Supporting documents—including 2024 state and federal tax returns (student and parent, if dependent), the 2025–2026 Student Aid Report (SAR) from FAFSA, current transcript with cumulative GPA, and financial aid award letters (if available)—must be submitted with the application or by the April 30 deadline.
All applications are reviewed after the deadline, not on a rolling basis. Students who are considering post-secondary education are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications may be withdrawn at any time before the deadline; no late applications will be accepted.
Scholarships are awarded based on demonstrated financial need, and award eligibility and amounts may vary annually.
Learn more and apply here.
Questions? Email: scholarships@jfcspgh.org
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IRS Direct File
If you haven’t filed you taxes yet, remember that eligible taxpayers can use IRS Direct File — a fast, easy, and 100% free way to file federal taxes online. Direct File is secure and takes as little as 30 minutes.
Learn more here.
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REAL ID Days
Mondays, April 14 & 28 & May 5, 8:30 AM. – 4:15 PM | Various Locations
Beginning May 7, 2025, residents will need a REAL ID or another federally accepted form of identification (such as a passport) to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities.
To prepare for the May 7 enforcement deadline for REAL ID, PennDOT is offering dedicated times at select driver license centers to help Pennsylvanians obtain their REAL ID-compliant identification. Applicants can apply for REAL IDs at any of these locations during normal business hours (Tuesday-Saturdays 8:30 a.m. - 4:14 p.m.). REAL ID Days are only extended business hours explicitly for applying for REAL IDs.
REAL ID services will be available at the following centers:
- Allison Park Driver License Center – Allison Park, PA
- Bridgeville Driver License Center – Bridgeville, PA *Can issue same day Real IDs*
- New Kensington Driver License Center – New Kensington, PA
- Penn Hills Driver License Center – Penn Hills, PA
Applicants should bring all required documents for verification. At most centers, REAL IDs will be mailed within 15 business days.
Learn more here.
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RAD Summer Staycation Returns
Ongoing | Various Locations Across Allegheny County
The Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD) is bringing back its popular Summer Staycation program, offering free admission to museums and attractions throughout Pittsburgh to county residents with a valid library card.
Passes can be reserved online at RADPass.org.
Some of the participating institutions include:
- Carnegie Museum of Art
- Carnegie Museum of Natural History
- Carnegie Science Center
- Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
- The Frick Pittsburgh
- Mattress Factory
- National Aviary
- Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
Learn more and reserve passes online at RADPass.org.
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Kids' Yoga Adventure at The Ellis School
Saturday, April 12, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. | The Ellis School
Families are invited to a free, family-friendly event that features a yoga class led by certified children’s yoga instructor.
Light refreshments will be available, and attendees are asked to bring a yoga mat, towel, or blanket, along with a water bottle for each participant.
The event is open to the public, and all children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Free and registration is required.
Learn more and register here.
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Youth Exhibition Opening Celebration
Saturday, April 12, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Carnegie Museum of Art
Carnegie Museum of Art will be showcasing the work of young artists across Pittsburgh at the Youth Exhibition. The exhibition features work by students from Carnegie Museum of Art’s educational programs, including The Art Connection, Youth Art Studio, and Museum Makers.
Guests are invited to explore artwork, enjoy hands-on activities, and experience the museum through the eyes of young creators.
Free with museum admission.
Learn more here.
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Day Off at the Museum
Monday, April 14, 2025, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Art Studio, Carnegie Museum of Art
Artists ages 6 to 10 are invited to spend their school day off immersed in a fun and educational art experience. Participants will explore museum galleries, engage in creative projects using a variety of materials, and grow their artistic skills through painting, printing, sculpting, and more.
Hands-on activities and playful challenges will inspire creativity and encourage artistic growth in a supportive and exciting environment.
There is a fee for this event.
Register here.
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Carnegie Mellon Jazz Orchestra & JIVE-Carnegie Mellon Jazz Choir
Tuesday, April 15, 2025, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Carnegie Music Hall, 4400 Forbes Ave., 15213
Enjoy an evening of classic and contemporary jazz with the Carnegie Mellon Jazz Orchestra and JIVE, the Carnegie Mellon Jazz Choir. Under the direction of Mark Snyder and Betsy Lawrence, these ensembles will perform a variety of genres including traditional swing, jazz fusion, and jazz chamber music.
The concert is free and open to the public, but tickets are required.
Learn more and reserve tickets here.
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REACHing Out: A Conversation with Families and Survivors
Tuesday, April 22, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | University Club, 123 University Place
Hosted by the Tree of Life in partnership with the Rauh Jewish Archives and REACH, this event invites the public to hear from families and survivors of the October 27, 2018, synagogue shooting. Panelists will reflect on the comfort and solidarity expressed through gifts sent from around the world, and what these gestures say about community, resilience, and combating hate.
This conversation is part of REACH, a project of the 10.27 Healing Partnership, and is dedicated to remembering, educating, and fostering healing.
Free and open to the public.
Learn more here and register for the event here.
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Tuesday, May 20, 2025, is Primary Election Day.
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Satellite Offices
Allegheny Couty will be opening Satellite Offices throughout the County. At these offices voters will be able to register to vote, request a mail-in ballot and immediately complete it -- all in one trip.
The offices will be open Saturday & Sunday, May 10 & 11, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Community College of Allegheny County-Homewood
Address: 701 N. Homewood Ave., Pittsburgh, 15208
North Park Ice Rink
Address: 1200 Pearce Mill Road, Wexford, 15090
South Park Ice Rink
Address: 30 Corrigan Drive, Bethel Park, 15102
County Office Building
542 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, 15219
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Ballot Return Sites
Allegheny County will be opening Ballot Return Sites were mail-in ballots can be return. Voters can return their ballots between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. May 16 through May 19.
911 Center
Address: 150 Hookstown Grade Road, Coraopolis, 15108
Boyce Park Four Seasons Lodge
Adress: 901 Centerview Drive, Plum 15239
Carnegie Public Library–Squirrel Hill
Address: 5801 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh 15217
North Park Ice Rink
Address: 1200 Pearce Mill Road, Wexford 15090
South Park Ice Rink
Address: 30 Corrigan Drive, Bethel Park 15102
Dormont Pool
Address:1801 Dormont Ave., Pittsburgh 15216
Community College of Allegheny County-Homewood
Address: 701 N. Homewood Ave., Pittsburgh 15208
Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank
Address:1 N. Linden St., Duquesne 15110
Avalon Public Library
Address: 317 S. Home Ave., Pittsburgh 15202
County Office Building
542 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh 15219
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Check Your Voter Registration Online
The Pennsylvania Department of State has an online portal that provides voters’ Election Day polling places, the status of mail-in or absentee ballots, and resources to connect with the County Board of Elections if there are any issues.
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Update Your Voter Registration or Register to Vote
The application must be turned in by May 5, to vote in the 2025 Primary Election.
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Voting with a Criminal Conviction in Pennsylvania
Individuals with criminal convictions are eligible to vote in Pennsylvania. You are allowed to vote if you are in jail or prison with a misdemeanor conviction, under house arrest, on probation or parole, in a halfway house or community corrections center, or being held in jail while waiting for trial. Some of these voters will require an absentee ballot.
If you are already registered to vote, you do not need to do anything to regain your voting rights after you have served your sentence for a felony conviction.
Learn more about voting in Pennsylvania with a criminal conviction here.
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Registering to Vote before an 18th Birthday
Pennsylvanians turning 18 by the next election (May 20) can register to vote before their 18th birthday and vote in the election.
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Accessible Voting for Citizens with a Disability
Every polling place in Pennsylvania must have at least one accessible voting system. You can view and learn how to operate Allegheny County’s accessibility voting system on Pennsylvania Department of State’s website.
Not every polling place in Allegheny County is accessible for those with mobility issues. You can check if your polling place is accessible before Election Day.
If you have a permanent disability, you can apply to be added to the permanent absentee voter list by submitting an absentee ballot application. If your application is accepted, you will receive absentee ballots for the elections that take place during the rest of the year. You will also receive an annual absentee ballot application every year that you are on the list.
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
152 Main Capitol Building
PO Box 202023
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 705-1875
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District Office
2345 Murray Avenue
Suite 205
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
(412) 422-1774
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