Spring Shred; New Scholarship; Nominate Outstanding School Workers

Spring Shred; New Scholarship; Nominate Outstanding School Workers – and More!

Rep. Arvind Venkat March 14, 2025 | 2:35 PM

Our Spring Shred is Coming Up!

Our Spring Shred – coming up on Saturday, March 22 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. – is a great opportunity to safely dispose of financial statements, tax documents, and other unneeded papers that pose a risk of identity theft in the wrong hands. We can accept up to two boxes of paper per household. My staff and I will also be on site to assist with state services. Questions? Please call my office at (412) 348-8028.

Around the District

I recently toured Hello Neighbor – an amazing nonprofit organization that works to support refugees and immigrants accepted by the United States Government to Pittsburgh.

Immigration is critical to our economy and well-being as a community, state, and nation. As an immigrant who has lived the American Dream and is hopefully giving back to our community, Commonwealth, and country as a physician and state legislator, I am proud to support this vitally important mission.

I recently joined fellow legislators and other elected officials to tour our region’s wonderful art institutions, which bring us together as a community while benefiting our economy. I am proud to support the arts in our region and state.

I also joined bipartisan colleagues this week at the Pittsburgh Technology Council to learn more about how the development of data centers can benefit our economy and region. I am committed to making sure our community is a leader in this industry that supports the artificial intelligence revolution.

I enjoyed meeting the Band of Steel Lego Robotics team to discuss their robot and their efforts to educate the community on the dangers of ocean pollution. Kudos to the team for winning the Western Pennsylvania First Lego League championship, and I wish them luck in the upcoming international championship!

It was gratifying to continue my legislative door-knocking last week in the Borough of Franklin Park and to hear what was on residents’ minds. I look forward to continuing this direct engagement throughout 2025.

It’s Time to Do Something About Medical Debt

I was pleased to see Spotlight PA highlight my recently introduced bipartisan legislation (H.B. 79) to address the urgent issue of medical debt, which is causing devastating consequences for Pennsylvanians – particularly in rural areas. You can read more here.

Congrats to These Talented Local Athletes!

Congratulations to the North Allegheny Tigers, who won the Class B Pennsylvania Interscholastic Roller Hockey League Championship! Visit the North Allegheny Sports Network here to read more!

Congratulations, as well, to Hampton’s Gabriella Elk, the 2025 PIAA 2A Girls’ 1M Diving Champion. She captured the state title two and a half weeks after winning the WPIAL title. You can read more here.

I was proud to present Gatik Hirwani, of Franklin Park, with a Pennsylvania House of Representatives citation recognizing his exceptional performance at the Middle School Cross Country 4k National Championship last fall.

A Scholarship for In-Demand Fields

The PHEAA Grow PA Scholarship Program, which opened Thursday, March 13, can provide up to $5,000 per academic year for qualifying students who are studying certain in-demand occupations in Pennsylvania. After graduation, students must commit to work in Pennsylvania in the in-demand occupation for the number of years equal to the number of years they received the grant. You can learn more here.

Student Teacher Stipends Awarded on First-Come, First-Served Basis

This is a reminder that the 2025-26 PA Student Teacher Support Program is accepting applications. The program provides $10,000 to eligible student teachers who are currently unpaid. Visit this page to read more about the program and apply.

A Summit for Kidney Patients

If you or someone you love is waiting to receive a kidney transplant, you may want to register for the Transplant Virtual Summit, which will be held Saturday, March 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The summit will feature resources, information from medical experts, panel discussions, patient stories, and more. Scan the QR code above or visit http://bit.ly/4bumVge to register.

Nominate Your Outstanding School Employee of the Year!

The state Department of Education is now accepting nominations for the Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) award, which honors outstanding, non-teacher school employees who go above and beyond for students. You can learn more here and submit your nomination here. The deadline for nominations is June 30.

License Plates Honor Women Veterans

During Women’s History Month, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is reminding drivers that purchasing a women veterans license plate honors the contributions of PA women who served while also supporting the Veterans’ Trust Fund. You can read more here, and you can find other specialty plates here.

Seniors – Submit Your Art to the First-Ever Older Artists of PA Showcase

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts are calling for art submissions from Pennsylvanians 60 and older for the first-ever Older Artists of PA Showcase. Winning pieces will be displayed in the State Capitol East Wing Rotunda during the month of May, which is observed nationally as Older Americans Month. You can read more here and find detailed submission guidelines and entry forms here. The deadline for submission is Friday, April 4.

Applying for a REAL ID? Find Special Help on These Days!

This is a reminder that the deadline for enforcement of the REAL ID Act is May 7 – after that date, you will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or photo ID card (or some other form of federally approved ID, such as a passport or military ID) to board a domestic commercial flight or enter a federal building or military installation that requires ID.

PennDOT is offering special REAL ID Days dedicated to helping people get their REAL ID. Check out this page to see what documents are needed to apply.

District Events: Job Fair, Roadside Cleanup

JFCS Pittsburgh and the Andrew Carnegie Free Library are hosting a spring job fair on Friday, April 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall. Attendees will have a chance to network with over 30 employers and find other good job resources. Scan the QR code above to learn more and register.

The Town of McCandless is seeking volunteers for its spring roadside cleanup event, which will take place on Saturday, April 12 (with a rain date of April 26). Volunteers should meet at the McCandless DPW Garage at 8:30 a.m. to receive supplies and assignments. Visit this page to sign up.

Finding Funding – and State Services

This is a reminder that the state has a handy tool to help you or your organization search for grants. Visit this page to search or this page to see a list of all the latest programs.

Finally, please remember that my talented staff is here to help you with a wide range of state services, from filing for a Property Tax/Rent Rebate to obtaining a disability placard or senior bus pass – to name just a few. Please contact us or stop by 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.