Harrisburg Happenings, Community Events & More

Rep. Dan B. Frankel December 19, 2025 | 1:30 PM

PA Representative Dan Frankel banner image

Friday, December 19, 2025

Wishing you a holiday season filled with rest, connection, and joy. For those facing challenges, may it bring comfort and support from friends, family, and neighbors. May your holidays be happy, and the New Year healthy and bright!

My office will be closed for the upcoming holidays. If you need any assistance at my office, please be aware of these closures:

Wednesday, December 24
Thursday, December 25
Friday, December 26
Wednesday, December 31 (closing at noon)
Thursday, January 1 for New Year’s Day

This will be my last newsletter of the year. My next e-newsletter will go out on Friday, January 9.

Harrisburg Happenings

Mass Shootings at Brown University and Sydney, Australia

Last weekend, we went to sleep amid the horror of a school shooting at Brown University and woke to a violent antisemitic attack in Sydney, Australia on the first day of Hanukkah--a grim reminder of how much work remains. As we hold the victims close, we will also re-commit ourselves to building a better world.

Reproductive Rights, Vaccines, and Congress

The House had a productive week in Harrisburg to finish off 2025. Below are a few of the things that happened:

Reproductive liberty: I was proud to shepherd to the House floor a proposed constitutional amendment to protect personal reproductive freedom and give voters a direct say. The amendment would add protections to Pennsylvania’s Declaration of Rights, affirming that individuals have the right to make their own reproductive health care decisions without unnecessary government interference. It allows regulation after fetal viability while ensuring doctors can act to protect a patient’s life or health. Because this is a constitutional amendment, it must pass both the House and Senate in two consecutive legislative sessions before appearing on the ballot.
Access to vaccines: The House also passed legislation clarifying that the Department of Health can provide vaccine guidance to pharmacists, informed by professional medical societies in addition to federal recommendations. This helps ensure Pennsylvanians can continue getting routine vaccines at their local pharmacies.
Lowering Health Insurance Costs: Finally, the House approved a resolution urging Congress to extend Affordable Care Act premium subsidies. Washington Republicans’ refusal to take action up to now has created a looming catastrophe for tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians, who could lose access to healthcare or face impossible financials decisions in order to keep it.

Reclassifying Cannabis

I welcomed the federal government’s move to reclassify cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug, a long-overdue step that was finally initiated by President Biden in 2022. This change will help Pennsylvania’s medical cannabis providers and spur important research, but it does not replace the need for state action. Federal reform alone does not create a legal marketplace or address public health or equity. The House has already passed legislation to legalize and regulate adult-use cannabis in Pennsylvania, and I am calling on the Senate to move this issue forward so we can establish a responsible, well-regulated system that works for our Commonwealth.

Trump Administration Threatens Gender-Affirming Care for Minors

The Trump administration unveiled new federal rules that would sharply restrict gender-affirming care for minors. Hospitals and providers offering such care to patients under 18 would lose Medicare and Medicaid funding, even in states like Pennsylvania that do not have laws that interfere with gender affirming care. Medicaid and CHIP would also be barred from covering gender-affirming care for minors. Because most hospitals rely on federal funding, the rules could effectively end access to this care nationwide.

This is a deeply cruel attempt to override medical expertise, and I am working with my colleagues to understand how we can protect Pennsylvania families from it.

Community Events and Resources

The 2024 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Deadline is December 31, 2025

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program supports homeowners and renters across Pennsylvania by providing rebates ranging from $380 to $1,000. Eligible Pennsylvanians are:

Widows and widowers 50 and older?
People with disabilities 18 and older?
??In addition to age requirements, to qualify for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate, your household income must be $45,000 or less ?annually.???

Eligible Pennsylvanians can apply online or in my office – please note the holiday closures mentioned above.

Learn more about the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program here.

Eastbound I-376 Parkway East Lane Restrictions
Saturday, December 20

PennDOT Alert: A right-hand lane and shoulder closure is in effect on eastbound I-376 (Parkway East) between the Squirrel Hill Tunnel and the Edgewood/Swissvale (Exit 77) interchange. Crews are performing asphalt paving on the shoulder as part of the ongoing I-376 Commercial Street Bridge Replacement project. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to plan alternate routes. Additional weekend and weeknight lane restrictions are expected during future phases of the project.

Learn more here.

Grinch and Cindy Lou Who Visit Mellon Square
Saturday, December 20| 6:00 – 8:00 PM | Mellon Square

The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy invites you to Mellon Square to meet The Grinch and Cindy Lou Who for photos and holiday fun! Free hot cocoa will be served. Don’t miss this festive treat!

Free and no registration is required.

Learn more here.

Skate with Santa
Sunday, December 21, 1:30 – 3:00 PM | Schenley Park Ice Rink

Schenley Park Ice Rink will have their annual Skate with Santa event where skaters can get a picture with Santa and skate to holiday music.

Tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for children 17 and under.

Learn more and get tickets here.

College Scholarships and FAFSA
Monday, December 22, 6:00–7:30 PM | CLP–Main Library (Oakland) and online

This hybrid workshop provides guidance for individuals planning to pursue higher education, including high school students and adults returning to school. Topics include college applications, personal statements, use of test scores and extracurriculars, and navigating the FAFSA. The session also covers strategies for finding and applying for scholarships. The in-person portion will be held in the Job & Career Education Center on the second floor of CLP–Main Library, with a virtual option available.

Free.

Learn more here.

Christmas Day at Pitt

Thursday, December 25, 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM | The Eatery at Towers, 3990 Fifth Avenue, 15213

The University of Pittsburgh hosts a Christmas Day meal for anyone in need. Guests will receive a holiday meal, gifts for children, and winter accessories for adults. 10: 30 AM – 1:30 PM for sit-down meals, 1:30 – 2:30 PM for to-go meals.

Learn more here.

Christmas Tree Recycling

December 26-January 26

The City of Pittsburgh will have Christmas tree recycling drop-off sites throughout the city. All lights, decorations, tinsel, and stands must be removed from trees before drop-off.

In addition, local Girl Scouts will pick up Christmas trees in Morningside, Highland Park, Larimer, East Liberty, Friendship, Shadyside, Point Breeze, Squirrel Hill, Greenfield, and Lawrenceville. Trees will be collected and taken to designated drop-off centers to be mulched.

Call 311 or learn more about the city’s program here. ?

Noon Year’s Eve

Wednesday, December 31, 10 AM -12:30 PM | Bakery Square

Bakery Square will host a family-friendly New Year’s celebration featuring a live DJ, crafts, a photo booth, festive accessories, and a countdown to noon. Guests can also enjoy a brunch buffet and a complimentary mimosa bar for adults. Activities run in the Conservatory before the countdown, with brunch served afterward at City Kitchen.

$30.

Learn more here.

First Night

Wednesday, December 31, starting at 6:00 PM | Cultural District

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is hosting a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration! Festivities include a children’s fireworks show at 6:00 PM, an ice maze, a parade, and much more. Bring the whole family to ring in the New Year with fun for all ages!

Some activities require an RSVP and ticket purchases.

Learn more here.

Pittsburgh Polar Bear Club

Thursday, January 1, 9:30 AM | Mon Wharf, 200-298 Fort Pitt Blvd., 15222

Jump into the new year by jumping into the Monongahela River.

Directions to Mon Wharf:?Go to Wood Street and turn towards the river at the entrance of Fort Pitt Blvd and Wood Street. You will see the entrance to Mon Wharf and can park in the parking area.

The event is free, but commemorative t-shirts are available for $20, with proceeds benefiting the project Bundle-Up.

Learn more here.

AARP Pennsylvania Presents: Family Caregiving – Prepare to Care
Monday, January 5, 6:00–7:00 PM | CLP–Squirrel Hill

This presentation provides guidance for adults at any stage of family caregiving, from planning for future needs to providing full-time care. The session will introduce a caregiving planning framework to help support friends, family members, or loved ones. Participants will also have the opportunity to connect with other caregivers, share experiences, and learn about available resources.

Free.

Learn more here.

Community Leisure Learn Guest Pass Program – Spring Registration

Opens Monday, January 5

Spring registration for the Community Leisure Learn Guest Pass Program at the University of Pittsburgh is available for adults age 18 and older who live in the 15213 or 15219 zip codes. The program provides free access to the University of Pittsburgh’s Recreation and Wellness Center, including fitness floors, pool, indoor track, locker rooms, and basketball and volleyball courts.

Registration is available online from January 5 through January 15 on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants must complete online registration, attend an in-person waiver signing with proof of address, and complete an orientation at the Recreation and Wellness Center. Approved memberships are valid for one calendar year.

Free.

Learn more here.