Violence-prevention grants for the Mon Valley, my upcoming shred event, and more

Rep. Dan Goughnour April 15, 2026 | 4:45 PM

$1.4 million in violence prevention grants for the Mon Valley

I’m happy to join Senator Nick Pisciottano in announcing that the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency has approved $1.4 million in new violence-prevention grants for four programs in the Mon Valley. These schools and organizations provide important programs and services that support children and teens at a critical point in their lives.

The grants come from the Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) and the Building Opportunities Through Out-Of-School Time programs. More information on the grant programs is available here.

Mark your calendar for my April 25 shred event

I’m hosting a free shredding event April 25 to help you safely dispose of papers and disks with sensitive information. It will run from 10 a.m. to noon at McKeesport High School parking lot. It’s a great way to protect your identity by ensuring documents don’t fall into the wrong hands—documents such as financial statements, cancelled checks, legal and insurance papers.

So plan on stopping by if you have any documents you’d like to shred, and feel free to call my office with any questions at (412) 664-0035.

Helping more than 200 people with property tax/rent rebates

Over the past few weeks, my staff and I have been visiting senior centers and other locations in our district to help seniors apply for Pennsylvania’s property tax and rent rebates—and we’ve helped more than 200 people apply. If we missed you, don’t worry. Contact one of my district offices, and we’ll be happy to help.

The program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are 65 or older, widows and widowers 50 or older, and people with disabilities 18 or older. Rebates range from $380 to $1,000, and the deadline to apply is June 30.

Learn more about the program here.

Mail-in voting is safe and secure and an option for you

I want your vote counted on Election Day, the way that works for YOU. Mail-in ballots are a simple, safe, and secure way to make sure your voice is heard...And it couldn't be easier!

Just visit votespa.com to request your ballot. Once you receive it, fill it out and mail it or drop it in a drop box, or submit it at your county election office. That's it! If you don’t put your ballot in the mail by May 12th then you should drop it off – don’t risk your vote not being counted. Your mail-in ballot must be RECEIVED by 8 p.m. on May 19.

Allegheny County recently approved ballot return sites for voters to return a mail-in ballot without relying on the mail, and you can read more about them here.

Upcoming housing resource fair

Mon Valley residents can connect with housing opportunities and resources next month at the One Roof Housing Resource Fair. It will be held on Friday, May 1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Commonwealth Charter Academy at The Waterfront (the former Macy’s). It is hosted by RentHelpPGH, ACTION-Housing, ACHA, TREK, and Allegheny County.

This event will bring together affordable housing providers so residents can explore and apply for multiple housing opportunities in one location. Housing, legal, professional, and other resources will be available for residents who are already housed but seeking greater stability.

Business in Our Sites grants and loans available

Applications are now open for grants and loans through the state’s Business in Our Sites program for the acquisition and development of key sites for future use by businesses, private developers, and others. Eligible applicants include municipalities, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development authorities, and private developers (for construction loans only). The application deadline is June 30.

For more information about the program, visit here.

LIHEAP application deadline extended

Good news for eligible residents who need help paying their heating bills: The application period for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program has been extended until May 8. Through the program, you can apply for a cash grant to help pay your heating bill—from $200 to $1,000, based on your household size, income, and fuel type.

For more information, click here. You can also contact my office if you need help applying for LIHEAP or need help with any utility-related issues.

Eligible PA veterans can apply for Amputee
and Paralyzed Veterans Pension

The state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is encouraging eligible veterans to apply for a monthly pension offered through the state’s Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension Program. The DMVA is promoting the benefit to increase awareness during National Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month in April.

Pennsylvania veterans who qualify for the pension receive $150 per month.

To apply, veterans should contact their County Director of Veterans Affairs in the county they reside. More information about the DMVA Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension program can be found at Pension Program.

Plan your transportation needs during the NFL Draft

With hundreds of thousands of visitors expected this month for the NFL Draft, local leaders have unveiled a transportation plan that includes road closures and increased public transit options. The draft will be April 23-25, and I encourage you to plan ahead. Residents can learn all the details for navigating the city from Visit Pittsburgh here.

Connect with me or my district office: We’re here to help!

My team and I are here to assist with a variety of state government-related services, so please don’t hesitate to visit the district office at Tube City Center in McKeesport, call us at 412-664-0035, or visit my website, www.repgoughnour.com.