Banning hair discrimination; fighting blight; tax filing help; online auction

Banning hair discrimination; fighting blight; tax filing help; online auction – and more!

Rep. Abigail Salisbury March 24, 2025 | 12:32 PM

INROADS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST BLIGHT

We made progress in the fight against blight last week when a committee approved my bill that would make it easier for land banks to acquire longstanding vacant, abandoned, or blighted properties with a history of tax delinquency or code violations. The bill now heads to the full House for consideration.

In other news from the House chamber, we were honored to welcome Consul General of Canada Tom Clark for a visit to the state Capitol, where my colleagues and I expressed our friendship and solidarity with our neighbor to the north.

HOW WE VOTED THIS WEEK IN THE HOUSE

This week in Harrisburg, I voted for – and the House passed – bills that would:

End discrimination based on a person’s hair type, hair texture, hairstyle, or religious head covering.
Prohibit increased insurance costs for families challenged by addiction.
Speed up unemployment benefits for domestic violence survivors.
Strengthen oversight of medical marijuana testing labs to ensure safety.
Ease the shortage of health care workers in underserved or rural areas.
Simplify prescription transfers for certain medications.

You can find more news about bills we voted at this page.

NEW ONLINE PETITION CENTER CAN HELP TAXPAYERS
FILE APPEALS

A new online platform is available for Pennsylvania taxpayers filing an appeal or submitting a refund request. The Online Petition Center can help taxpayers more easily navigate the appeal filing process with the Board of Appeals, which is the first level for a taxpayer to challenge a tax assessment or settlement issued by the PA Department of Revenue. You can read more here.

In other tax news, please be aware that free tax preparation is available for income-eligible households. Visit this page to learn more.

PA TREASURY HOSTING ONLINE AUCTION
OF UNCLAIMED PROPERTY

The state Treasury will host an online auction of unclaimed property on March 26-27, with more than 5,000 items. Those interested in bidding should visit the Treasury’s auctioneer partner here to register.

Anyone can search for unclaimed property online at patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property. My office is also able to help you search!

YOUTH ARCHERY CAMPS FOR AGES 11-17

The Game Commission is partnering with Raised at Full Draw to offer a 3-day archery day camp in Pittsburgh for youth ages 11-17. Campers will learn bowhunting tactics, shot placement, tree stand safety, how to start a fire, and more! Registration is open now through June 7, with limited spots available. Visit this page to learn more and register.

AROUND THE DISTRICT

I was so happy to meet Churchill resident Christian recently. He’s a young man with a message we can all get behind!

If you or a loved one needs overdose prevention information/resources, you’ll want to check out the Overdose Prevention Resource Fair on Wednesday, March 26 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Wilkinsburg Public Library, located at 605 Ross Ave.

Humane Action Pennsylvania is hosting its next Swissvale Pollinator Garden Volunteer Day on Saturday, March 29, beginning at 10 a.m. If you can join the crew to remove litter and help freshen up the parklet, please visit this page to register. The park is located at 7702 Edgewood Ave. between Lucci’s Collision and Arby’s.

If you’re looking for a new job, mark your calendar for the free JFCS Pittsburgh spring job fair, which will take place Friday, April 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall located at 300 Beechwood Ave. in Carnegie. Attendees will get to network with more than 30 employers and find other career resources. Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is encouraged. Visit this page to learn more and this page to register.

FINDING FUNDING AND HELP WITH STATE SERVICES

If you are searching for a state grant program, you can access the state’s new online search tool here. You can also find a listing of the latest state grant openings at this page.

Finally, please remember that my staff can help with a wide range of state-related matters, from obtaining a disability placard or bus pass to filing an application with the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program or other program. Stop by or give us a call to see how we can help!

You can read my e-newsletter in a way that’s preferable to you by visiting my legislative website here and clicking on the accessibility icon in the lower right corner.