RiverTrail Rec Day, my Seniors for Safe Driving Class, and more

Rep. Mandy Steele May 22, 2026 | 9:45 AM

Mark your calendars for RiverTrail Rec Day

I’m excited to partner with Allegheny RiverTrail Park for the third annual RiverTrail Rec Day on May 31 at the Allegheny RiverTrail Park at 285 River Ave., Pittsburgh. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It’s a family-friendly day of outdoor receation along the Allegheny River. I hope you’re able to come out and join us!

For more information, visit here.

Sign up for my Seniors for Safe Driving Class

I’m hosting a Seniors for Safe Driving class next month to help those 55 or older refresh their driving skills and save on car insurance. The course, which is approved by the state Transportation Department, will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 12 at Sharpsburg Senior Center, 209 13^th St.

Participating seniors will receive a 5% discount on their automobile insurance for three years, and all insurance companies in Pennsylvania must accept it. That discount is mandated by state law and makes the $17 class more attractive to many seniors.

You can sign up for the class at this link: Rep. Steele's Seniors for Safe Driving Class. You can also call my office at 724-826-5151 and we will provide you with the forms needed to enroll.

My bill to encourage responsible, environmentally friendly concrete manufacturing and use

In Harrisburg, I’m working on bipartisan legislation to encourage responsible concrete and manufacturing use as a way to protect our environment. Many people don’t realize that concrete is a major contributor to climate change, responsible for roughly 8% of global carbon-dioxide emissions.

Most people also don’t realize that the concrete industry is already exploring and implementing innovative ways to lessen the impact of traditional concrete on our environment. My House Bill 1711 would create the Concrete Innovation Act to encourage the use of high-performance concrete in state projects. High-performance concrete has a higher energy efficiency, with significant cost savings and faster construction times.

Boat safety tips from the PA Fish and Boat Commission

With summer approaching and many waterways in our area, I want to remind everyone of boating safety tips from the PA Fish and Boat Commission:

Wear a properly fitting life jacket
Never operate your boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Stay away from manmade and natural hazards
Turn off your engine before picking up a skier or swimmer
Never boat alone
Carry a whistle
File a float plan

If you don’t own a life jacket, they’re easy to borrow. Find a site here.

2026 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program now open

Eligible Allegheny County residents age 60 or older can receive $25 in vouchers for fresh, local produce. Unlike in previous years, you can now apply online and have vouchers mailed directly to your home. If you’d prefer a paper application, just stop by my office so my staff can help you apply.

Learn more about eligibility and apply online here.

Distracted driving can soon draw fines in PA

Drivers take note: Beginning June 6, you can be cited for driving while using a hand-held device in Pennsylvania, even while stopped at a red light or traffic jam. “Paul Miller’s Law” went into effect last year, but in the first year police could only issue warnings. June 6 marks the date when drivers convicted of distracted driving will be subject to a $50 fine. There are exceptions for contacting emergency officials and hands-free technology.

Signed by Gov. Shapiro in 2024, “Paul Miller’s Law” was named for a 21-year-old Scranton man who was killed in a 2010 crash involving a truck driver who was using a cell phone.

Partnering with the county to help you with
tax and licensing matters

I’m offering a new service this year at my Cheswick office. Once a month through September, I will host a representative from Allegheny County Treasurer Erica Rocchi Brusselars’ office from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Residents can take advantage of these special days and hours at my office, located at 1296 Pittsburgh St., to pay county property taxes, apply for the Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion or Senior Citizen Tax Relief programs, or obtain hunting, fishing, or dog licenses.

Mark your calendars with the dates and times on the graphic above!

Veterans services at my office

Twice a month, a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) will be at my Cheswick office, 1296 Pittsburgh St., to assist veterans with a variety of services. The VSO will be available on the third Wednesday and Thursday of each month.

Call to schedule an appointment at (724) 826-5151.