Last week I joined with state Rep. John Inglis and Sen. Nick Pisciottano to announce two state grants of $25,000 for school safety measures at South Allegheny School District. One grant is for the purchase of two CEIA OPENGATE weapons detection systems, along with two handheld metal detector wands, and a subscription to NetID Anywhere to support the equipment. The other grant allows the district to purchase portable ballistic shields for use by school police.

As a former McKeesport police officer and school director, I’m pleased to see state and local officials working together to address school safety. I’m proud to do my part to help bring home these funds—believe me, they don’t come home by accident.

Watch news coverage here.

On Tuesday, I was happy to announce another round of state funding for the Mon Valley: $1.6 million for ten municipal projects and equipment purchases. Our municipalities depend on this funding to make projects happen and hold down local taxes. I’m proud to be one of the advocates in Harrisburg for moving the Mon Valley forward.

Read more here.

I will be hosting a free shredding event Oct. 24 to help you safely dispose of papers and disks with sensitive information. It will be 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the 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.

Are you a retiree earning less than $30,778 a year? You may qualify for a reduced vehicle registration fee of $12 through PennDOT. My office can help you check your eligibility and complete the application, so feel free to contact us for assistance. You can also learn more here.

Pennsylvania veterans struggling to locate lost DD-214 forms or other military documents can get free assistance from the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). These records are essential for accessing benefits, employment, and retirement credits.

Veterans can call 1-800-547-2838 or email RA-REQ@pa.gov. DMVA also assists with DD-215 corrections.

Pro tip: File your military papers safely as soon as you separate to avoid future headaches. For updates, sign up for the DMVA Veterans Registry at https://www.pa.gov/form/dmva/pennsylvania-veterans-registry.html.

As always, if you need help with DMVA or any other state department, agency or issue, you can contact my district office and we’ll be happy to help.

Applications are open for grants and loans from the Pennsylvania First Program to spur investment and job creation. Uses for the funding can include machinery and equipment, job training, infrastructure, land and building improvements, environmental assessment and remediation, acquisition of land, buildings, right-of-ways, working capital, and site preparation.

Entities that may apply include businesses, municipalities, municipal authorities, redevelopment authorities, industrial development authorities or corporations, and local development districts. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

For more information about the program, visit the DCED Website.

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, 2026.

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/.

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.  

District Office

409 Walnut St. First Floor

McKeesport, PA 15132-2524

(412) 664-0035