Welcoming a new term and new staffers; health insurance deadline; job fair

Welcoming a new term and new staffers; health insurance deadline; job fair – and more!

Rep. Abigail Salisbury January 13, 2025 | 5:44 PM

LOOKING AHEAD TO A NEW TERM

Rep. Salisbury taking the oath (left) and the House chamber (right)

Last Tuesday, I took the oath of office to begin a new term, and I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and start a new session advocating for our community in Harrisburg.

Rep. Salisbury in the House chamber during swearing-in day.

Over the past two years, we saw more than $40 million come back to our district to bolster critical programs and services, expand affordable housing, and help our small businesses thrive. In the year ahead, I’ll be working to build on that progress. You can read more here.

I’m also looking forward to the new committee appointments I received from Speaker Joanna McClinton. I’ll be continuing my work on Appropriations, Local Government, and Liquor Control, and I’ll also be working for two new committees – Environmental and Natural Resources Protection and Intergovernmental Affairs and Operations.

ANOTHER FABULOUS FARM SHOW

A large butter sculpture of a dairy cow with cheese in front.

While in Harrisburg for our swearing in, my colleagues and I had a chance to visit the Farm Show and see some of the incredible exhibits that showcase the talents of our farmers and growers and the amazing diversity and strength of PA’s agriculture industry. While there, I had a chance to attend an urban agriculture program to discuss the need for “last mile” services so we can get food to those who have no way to reach it.

Dr, Temple Grandin addressing a group at the Farm Show.

I also got to hear an address by the legendary Dr. Temple Grandin. An outspoken proponent for the humane treatment of livestock, Dr. Grandin is also the author of more than 60 scientific papers on animal behavior and an advocate and inspiration for people with autism.

WELCOME TO OUR NEW STAFF!

New staff members, including District Operations Director Tracy Baton at center and Constituent Services Advisor Thomas Charyton at right. At far left, Tracy, Thomas, and Constituent Services Advisor Connie Cunningham.

In some exciting district news, we recently welcomed two new staff members to our 501 Braddock Ave. district office, including District Operations Director Tracy Baton (center) and Constituent Services Advisor Thomas Charyton (right). Both will join Constituent Services Advisor Connie Cunningham. Please stop in to say hello or contact us to see how this talented team can help!

SENIORS – MEDICARE ADVANTAGE OPEN ENROLLMENT
IS GOING ON NOW

Pictures of seniors.

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging is reminding seniors that the annual Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is going on now through March 31. During this time, beneficiaries with a Medicare Advantage plan can switch to a different plan or to original Medicare.

Free Medicare benefits counseling is available through the Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight. You can read more about PA-MEDI here.

ENROLL IN HEALTH INSURANCE THROUGH PENNIE BY JAN. 15 FOR COVERAGE STARTING THIS YEAR

Graphic reminding folks to apply for insurance through Pennie by Jan. 15

In other health insurance news, if you need private health insurance, please note that open enrollment for health insurance through Pennie ends this Wednesday, Jan. 15. The open enrollment period is the only time of year when Pennsylvanians can enroll in health plans through Pennie for coverage in 2025. Visit this page to learn more.

Graphic showing how much people pay per month.

MORE VETERANS NOW ELIGIBLE FOR FREE BIRTH AND DEATH CERTIFICATES

A man helping a veteran with paperwork

The Department of Health announced that more veterans and their families are now eligible for free birth and death certificates. A new law expands the fee waiver to include veterans discharged or released from service under all conditions other than dishonorable. You can read more here.

UPCOMING EVENTS & WEBINARS

A list of upcoming PHEAA webinars on how to apply for student financial aid

Students and families, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency is offering a series of webinars to help you navigate the financial aid application process. Visit this page to see the full list and register.

PA CAREERLINK PITTSBURGH JOB FAIR IS JAN. 22

A graphic promoting a Jan. 22 10 am - noon career fair at 914 Penn Ave., Floor #6, in Pittsburgh

PA CareerLink Pittsburgh latest job fair will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 914 Penn Ave, Floor #6, in Pittsburgh. Visit this page for more information.

SWISSVALE CONNECT SEEKING FEEDBACK
ON TRANSPORTATION PLAN

A graphic encouraging people to take the Swissvale Active Transportation Plan survey.

Do you walk, bike, use a wheelchair, or take public transit? Or would you get around using these "active transportation" modes more often if they were safer and more accessible? If so, please take the Connect Swissvale survey to help shape the borough’s plans for an active transportation plan! The survey runs through Jan. 15.

UPMC EMPLOYER INFORMATION SESSION

A graphic promoting a Jan. 16 online UPMC employer information session from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Join this online event Thursday, Jan. 16 from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. to hear from recruiters about UPMC employment opportunities.

More than $1.6 million in grant funding is now available to help more Pennsylvania parents meet their higher-education goals. The Pennsylvania Department of Education invites eligible post-secondary institutions to apply for Parent Pathways grants up to $150,000 to support parenting students with tuition assistance, emergency funding, and wrap-around services. You can read more here.

You can also find the latest state grant openings at this page.

As always, if you need help with any state-related matter, please don’t hesitate to contact my office!