Join me for a community gathering as we celebrate the holiday season at my first Cookies & Cocoa in partnership with Freedom Unlimited, Sunday, December 14, 1:00-3:00PM, 2201 Wylie Avenue at Freedom Unlimited, 2201 Wylie Avenue in the Hill District.

Come meet and greet with me and neighbors from across the 24th Legislative District!

Enjoy cookies, cocoa, coffee, tea, festive holiday music, and get assistance with state programs including LIHEAP, Property Tax/Rent Rebates, and Unclaimed Property. Freedom Unlimited will also host a Clothing Giveaway the same day, 12:00–4:00 PM, at the same location—so spread the word!

To RSVP and for questions for Cookies & Cocoa at 412.665.5502 or pahouse.com/Mayes. All are welcome and this is a family-friendly event.

Applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program opened on Wednesday, December 3. Please contact my office at 412.665.5502 if you need help applying for LIHEAP or need help with utility-related issues.

***Please note that my office will be closed December 23-26 with limited hours on December 29-30.***

On Tuesday, December 9, my colleague Rep. Joe McAndrew, who represents Penn Hills, Pittsburgh City Councilman Khari Mosley, and I hosted a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the completed paving of East Hill Drive—the main connector between Penn Hills and Pittsburgh’s East Hills communities.

Thank you to all the elected and community leaders who made this day possible! This project has been more than 15 years in the making, and we are so proud to see this symbol of hope and opportunity finally completed.

East Hills Drive had fallen into disrepair for decades due to ownership issues and lack of funding. The road is owned by Tamion Enterprises, the nonprofit arm of Petra Ministries. 

Earlier this year, Rep. McAndrew, Councilman Mosley, and I, along with Mayor Ed Gainey and Senator Jay Costa, presented a check for $250,000 to support the construction of East Hill Drive. The completed project will restore reliable access for residents, emergency responders, Pittsburgh Regional Transit buses, food pantry trucks, and buses serving Imani Christian Academy.

I am so thrilled to see this project come to fruition and benefit the people of East Hills, Penn Hills, and surrounding communities!

Last month, $950,000 in grant funding from the Commonwealth Financing Agency was awarded to support multiple renovation projects within the 24th Legislative District. The following projects within my district have been awarded funding:

• $500,000 to the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium for improvement to the Kids Kingdom for rubber mulch on the playground, as well as upgrades to animal yards, installation of a chiller for the penguin exhibit and rehabilitation, and expansion of the alligator pool and exhibit.
• $125,000 for The Promise Center Youth & Community Development Project for a sensory room, support for curriculum, and to purchase technology.
• $175,000 to Eva P. Mitchell Residence for upgrades and repairs to help preserve 80 1-bedroom affordable senior housing units.
• $150,000 to Hotel Terrace Hall for upgrades to concrete, doors and windows, outfitting facilities with state-of-the-art amenities for guest comfort.

The funding for these projects comes from the Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund, overseen by the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County, as well as the Commonwealth Financing Authority, which provides financial assistance to organizations in Allegheny County for projects that support economic development.

My first stop after the Pennsylvania CROWN Act was signed into law was to meet the incredible students at South Allegheny High School, who have been following the progress of the PA CROWN Act over the past year.

Last week, I joined the students for a celebration of the PA CROWN Act’s passage, shared the legislative journey—which was full of twists and turns—and discussed the significance of the Act in ending race-based hair discrimination. The students gave me, my staff, and my colleagues Rep. Dan Goughner and Rep. John Inglis a warm welcome, reminding me why the fight for the PA CROWN Act was so important for their future in our Commonwealth.

Thank you to Laura Thompson, the incredible guests, and everyone who made this experience possible. I am truly inspired by these young people and the change they will create in the world.

And they had cookies made for me - this was especially sweet!

Newly listed Grant opportunities are now OPEN! Click here to apply. My office is always happy to assist with grant applications.

District Office

2015-2017 Centre Avenue, Floor 1
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

(412) 665-5502

Pennsylvania State Capitol

111-A East Wing

Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 783-1017