In this update:

• Free Tax Assistance
• Crafting the State Budget
• PennDOT is Hiring

• Heating Bill Help
• New Funding for North Hills School District
• And so much more!

Appropriations Committee Hearings for the 2025-26 state budget are officially underway! I'll be in Harrisburg over the next several weeks participating in these hearings. This is an important step in crafting our state budget, giving me and other lawmakers serving on the PA House Appropriations Committee an opportunity to question state agencies about how they intend to use our tax dollars.

See who we’re talking to on the flyer above. You can tune in to the hearings live at pahouse.com/live. Visit www.houseappropriations.com to watch previous hearings, check out the upcoming hearing schedule, and learn more about the state budget.

I’m excited to announce a state grant of nearly $200,000 has been awarded to support the North Hills Welding and Technology Education Program. Growing workforce development programs through investments like this is one of the best ways we can create more family-sustaining careers in Allegheny County.

I look forward to continuing to work with the Shapiro-Davis Administration to bring home state funding for our students.

It’s tax season! I want to remind folks that free tax assistance is available locally through the United Way of Southwestern PA and AARP. My office does not offer tax assistance, but we do have state tax forms available at my office.

To schedule a tax appointment, call the United Way hotline at 211 or use the AARP Tax-Aide Locator on their website.

Gardeners are in the heart of planning season and Grow Pittsburgh is offering a wealth of resources and opportunities to help growers in Allegheny County have a successful harvest. Visit their website to learn about their upcoming opportunities, like the 13th annual seed swap on March 8!

The state Department of Transportation is actively looking for full-time operators to help deliver critical winter services for our transportation infrastructure. Current openings include Civil Engineer Trainees, Diesel Mechanics, Tunnel Maintainers, and more.

Apply today – click here to see PennDOT job openings in our region.

As you search for work, I encourage you to visit my website to access free employment resources designed to help job seekers.

If you or a loved one needs help paying heating bills during the winter months, you may be able to apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides cash and crisis grants to qualified households to help them stay warm and safe through the winter.

These grants range from $200 to $1,000 and are distributed directly to your utility or heating fuel supplier. Crisis grants are available for households facing a heating emergency, such as a shut-off notice or running out of heating fuel like oil, propane, or coal.

If you have any questions about LIHEAP or need assistance with any state-related matter, my staff and I are here to help! Reach out at RepKinkead@pahouse.net or call 412-321-5523.

Pennsylvania State Capitol

116-A East Wing

Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 787-5470

District Office

658 Lincoln Ave.

Bellevue, PA 15202
(412) 321-5523