Earlier this year, my office held its inaugural “There Ought to Be a Law” contest, where 7th through 12th grade students in the Shaler Area School District assumed the role of state legislators and wrote a two-page paper on their proposal for a new state law. 60 students stepped up with creative ideas, and I awarded five winners with honor citations. I had the opportunity to present two of the winners with their citations in person at Shaler Area High School this week.
Gabriela, pictured second from the left above, proposed mandating metal detectors at the entrances of all state-funded PA schools. She provided key facts and relevant data that demonstrated the need for students to have a safe environment to learn, especially in the wake of repetitive/increased gun violence.
Paityn, pictured third from the right above, proposed creating a comprehensive legal framework to promote women’s health, education, and economic independence. Her well-written arguments would create a durable foundation for improving social and economic opportunities for women.
Noah proposed slowing down the proliferation of artificial intelligence across multiple sectors and until the technology could be better understood to reduce job displacement and societal/security risks. He pointed out that the rules and guidelines for A.I. are not sustainable for evolving problems such as privacy and fairness, and security concerns would only become more common.
Mason proposed offering financial and technological literacy programs in schools to better prepare students for life after graduation. Her ideas included instruction in topics like budgeting, understanding credit, managing debt, cyber security, and digital communication to lay the foundation for a stronger and more independent generation.
Ayden proposed banning energy drinks for individuals under the age of 18 and argued that such a measure would prevent health risks associated with these drinks. Minors would be less susceptible to heart palpitations and anxiety, and parents and teachers may witness better performance in schools.
I also sat down with a few of these incredible students to talk all things state government, and our conversation made one thing abundantly clear – the future is in good hands with our next generation who are ready to lead!
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A veteran service officer will next be at my Lawrenceville district office this Monday, March 17 through Wednesday, March 19. Help will be available with:
- Compensation and pension claims.
- Education benefits.
- Obtaining military personnel and medical records.
- And additional requests.
Please consult the graphic above for the rest of these service dates throughout 2025.
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The next mobile office hours event will take place at De Fer Coffee & Tea on Tuesday, April 15 from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Please join my team and me and get assistance with programs and services that include:
- Applications for voter registration and mail ballots.
- Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
- PennDOT.
We hope to see you there!
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Housing Assistance Program
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The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh is partnering with Action Housing and the city of Pittsburgh for the 2025 Homeowner Assistance Program. Grants of up to $35,000 will be presented to homeowners for critical repairs and improvements.
The application period closes TOMORROW at 4 p.m. Only a limited number of grants will be awarded, so please click here to review the eligibility criteria and required materials to provide before applying.
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Connecting to Good Careers
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Sign up to receive the monthly Career Connect update email from NorthSideWorks!, an initiative of the Northside/North Shore Chamber of Commerce to help get good people into good jobs. The monthly update includes date-dependent information that can assist in skill building and job search decisions in the month ahead.
View the most recent Career Connect here and sign up to get next month’s delivered directly to your inbox here!
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NorthSideWorks! will also hold the Northside Job Fair on Wednesday, May 14 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Stage AE (400 North Shore Drive in Pittsburgh). More than 50 employers, service organizations, and training providers will be on hand.
Please click here to register. You can also contact Quinn Kirby at quinn@northsidechamberofcommerce.com or at 412-231-6500 if you have questions.
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United Way of Southwestern PA & 211 PA are offering FREE tax preparation services with I.R.S.-certified volunteers. They will be available at multiple sites in Allegheny and neighboring counties to help households get their maximum refund and Earned Income Tax Credit.
Please dial 211 or 855-567-5341 to locate the site nearest to you and click here to schedule an appointment online.
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Getting Young Ones Excited about Reading
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Millvale Community Library is introducing its Baby Bag Program, which is focused on helping young children get a jump on enjoying reading.
The library will provide FREE bags of books, games, and toys to parents of kids up to age 1. Parents must apply for a library card or be a library member to be eligible.
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Renew your Furry Friends’ License Today!
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Please remember that any Allegheny County resident who has a dog must register them by the age of 3 months.
Start out the year on a pawsitive foot by clicking here or calling 412-320-4111.
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Coffee & Conversation with Cheryl
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Anchorpoint Wellness Coach Cheryl Yates, MA, will be at North Hills Community Outreach Millvale this Monday, March 17 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. for a group discussion on finding focus in a world of distraction.
Refreshments will also be served, and questions can be emailed to cyates@anchorpoint.org.
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The Etna Neighborhood Association will hold an Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 12 from noon to 2 p.m. at Fugh Hall (27 Crescent Street).
There will also be games, crafts, candy, and a chance to meet the Easter Bunny!
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Millvale’s first of two market days this year is Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 40 local businesses and many more purveyors will be available, so please consider attending and supporting the community!
To learn more or to become a vendor, please click here.
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Local Roadwork in Progress
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If you live in upper Lawrenceville, please consult the graphic above for basic information on Pittsburgh Water’s upcoming inspection work on Butler Street.
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Additionally, the southbound right-hand lane of McKnight Road between Perrymont Road and the Babcock Boulevard/Evergreen Road interchange is closed to traffic. This closure will remain in place around-the-clock through early July to allow crews to conduct concrete repairs and drainage work.
To learn more, please click here.
Construction will soon begin on the North Avenue Signals and Safety Project as well. Please click here to learn more.
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Heating bill assistance is available through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The program provides one-time cash payments ranging from $200 to $1,000, depending on household size, income, and fuel type, to qualifying consumers. Crisis grants are also available to households on the brink of losing heat.
Please click here to learn more about the program, how you can apply with your COMPASS account, or to download a paper application that is available in multiple languages. Apply by Friday, April 4.
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The 2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program application period is open!
PTRR has made it easier for older friends & neighbors to stay in their homes and afford groceries, medicine, and so much more. Also, don’t forget that thanks to changes made in 2023, eligibility and rebate amounts have increased many times over!
Please click here to apply by Monday, June 30. My staff and I are here to assist with applications as well, so please don’t hesitate to stop by the district office.
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Apply for a REAL ID Soon!
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Beginning May 7, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license/photo ID card, or another form of federal identification, such as a valid passport or military ID, to board a domestic commercial flight or enter a federal building or military installation that requires ID.
PennDOT will be holding several REAL ID Days in the area to help residents apply. Please see the graphic above for details and click here to learn more about REAL IDs.
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Commonwealth Grant Programs
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To review and apply to grant programs available across PA, please click here or on “Grant Programs” under “Help & Services” on the homepage of my legislative website.
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James R. Roebuck Scholarship
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Applications are now being accepted for the 2025-2026 James R. Roebuck Scholarship. The application deadline is Saturday, April 5 by 5 p.m.
Please click here to learn more and to apply.
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Opportunity for Future Leaders
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The PA House of Representatives Scholarship Program is open for applications. The program provides four-year scholarships to two high school seniors per year and is to be used towards the cost of tuition and fees for a four-year program at a college, university, or career school in the Commonwealth.
Please click here for eligibility criteria and to apply. Applications are due Tuesday, April 15.
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My office provides notary services that include:
- Taking an acknowledgement.
- Administering an oath or affirmation.
- Taking a verification on oath or affirmation (which includes affidavit).
- Witnessing or attesting a signature.
- Certifying or attesting a copy or deposition.
- Taking a note protest of a negotiable instrument.
Please click here or on “Schedule an Appointment” under the “Help & Services” tab on my website.
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The district office is open:
- Monday 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Tuesday 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Wednesday 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Thursday 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Friday 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Evening appointments are also available by request on Wednesdays.
The Shaler office is open Thursdays from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. or any weekday by appointment.
My staff and I are here to help with all of your state government-related questions and concerns, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to the district office, call us at 412-781-2750, or visit www.RepPowell.com! You can also sign up for my weekly e-newsletters by going to the bottom of my website homepage and submitting the requested information.
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
106-B East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-9114
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District Office
5154 Butler St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15201
(412) 781-2750
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