Helping residents with property tax and rent rebates, State Police career opportunities, and more

Rep. Dan Goughnour August 5, 2026 | 12:17 PM

Property Tax/Rent Rebates: $416K and counting this year

So far this year, my team has helped local residents get more than $416,000 in refunds from the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. It’s one way we’re working to make people’s lives more affordable these days.

The program helps older friends and neighbors stay in their homes while affording life’s necessities. It 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 for applying has been extended to Dec. 31.

Learn more about the program here. My staff are available to assist with applications, so don’t hesitate to contact my district office.

PA State Police expands pathways to a career as a trooper

The Pennsylvania State Police is expanding opportunities for students and aspiring law enforcement professionals through partnerships with colleges and universities. Through the Academy Internship Program, eligible college seniors can complete their final semester at the PSP Academy, earn academic credits, and begin their careers as a trooper after successfully completing cadet training. Interested students must apply by Sept. 30.

The 2026-27 state budget provides funding for approximately 380 new cadet appointments, reinforcing efforts to strengthen public safety and recruit the next generation of troopers.

Learn more at https://patrooper.com/.

Investing in your safety with nonprofit security grants

I want to inform nonprofit organizations that they can apply now for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program to enhance security and protect against hate crimes at their facilities. I voted to include this $10 million program administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency in the 2026-27 state budget.

Grants can range from $5,000 to $150,000 for a variety of eligible items, including:

Safety and security planning and training;
Purchase safety and security equipment and technology;
Upgrade existing structures that enhance safety and security; and
Vulnerability and threat assessments.

The deadline for organizations to apply online is Wednesday, Sept. 10.

Outstanding recent events in the 35^th District

My staff and I have attended a number of outstanding events recently across the 35th District. It’s quite a list: Munhall’s Main Street Market Night, Port Vue’s 30th Fun to Be a Kid Day, Lincoln Borough's National Night Out, White Oak Community Day, Duquesne's 35th Annual Community Day, and McKeesport's Riverfront Festival.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who worked so hard to organize these wonderful events. Your dedication helps bring our communities together, and we’re grateful to have shared in the fun with so many families, neighbors, and local organizations. We’re already looking forward to next year!

Get help removing lead from old homes

Lead is toxic to humans, especially children, yet the paint in many old homes still has it. If you have young children or a pregnant person in a home built before 1978, check out Allegheny County’s Lead Safe Homes program. It offers free lead-paint testing and treatment to qualifying homeowners, renters, and landlords.

For more information, call the Lead Safe Homes Hotline at 412-227-5700 or visit www.alleghenycounty.us/leadsafeprogram.

Stay safe and cool in Allegheny County this summer

To help everyone stay safe when temperatures rise, I want to share some important tips and resources from state and county officials:

To find a cooling center, residents can call 211 or visit southwest.pa211.org/summer-resources/.
Older adults seeking a cool place can call Allegheny County’s SeniorLine (412-350-5460) and can also visit Allegheny Connect for a countywide list of senior centers.

Be sure to check on neighbors, friends, and relatives—especially older adults, those with health conditions, and those without air conditioning—and remember these additional heat-related tips from the Allegheny County Emergency Services:

Drink plenty of water

Limit time outdoors, especially mid-day

Never leave kids or pets in a car
If you need to be outdoors, be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion: dizziness, nausea, headache, or excessive sweating.
When in doubt, take a break, cool down and seek help.

2026 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program now open

Eligible Allegheny County residents over 60 can receive $25 in vouchers for fresh, local produce. Unlike in previous years, you can now apply online and have vouchers mailed directly to your home. If you’d prefer a paper application, just stop by my office so my staff can help you apply.

Learn more about eligibility and apply online 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.