County & State Information & Programs available to residents and communities. (Calendar posts on 1st Wednesday of each month.)

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12/3/24 North Braddock Network – Allegheny County Council – Council passed a 36% property tax increase — the first in more than a decade, but lower than the 2.2 mills (46.5%) proposal by the County Executive. Council members supported the property tax increase by a 10-5 vote. The vote will raise property taxes by 1.7 mills to fund a $3.1 billion county budget and address a potential $133 million budget shortfall. Allegheny County’s millage rate will increase to 6.43 mills, up from 4.73 mills. This will tack on another $156 per year to a home assessed at the county’s median value of $110,400.

11/27/24 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania – Calling all Pennsylvania high school students! Put your ingenuity to the test with Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) 2024-2025 Innovations Challenge! We want your best ideas to help keep your fellow students safe- and the winning team will receive $6,000. The submission deadline is January 31st, 2025. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1003912968428802&set=a.223642653122508

11/4/24 Rep Abigail Salisbury & 11/8/24 Senator Jay Costa Newsletter: As the days grow shorter and the weather grows colder, now is the time to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, known as LIHEAP. From November 1, 2024, through April 5, 2025, the Department of Human Services is accepting applications for cash grants to help pay for heating bills. If your application is accepted, DHS will send dollars directly to your utility provider on your behalf. To be eligible, your household size must correspond to the listed income limit on the DHS website.  Additionally, if your heating equipment is broken or another heating crisis hits your household, you may qualify for a cash grant to address the issue. In order to apply for LIHEAP, you must have a recent bill from your main heating source as well as proof of household income for each member. For more information on this grant program, visit the DHS website, or contact the LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095.

Open enrollment for PENNIE began on November 1! You and your family are worth protecting, so start thinking about coverage now. Pennie is the official online marketplace made possible by the State of Pennsylvania and the top private insurance companies to provide affordable, high quality health insurance plans to Pennsylvanians. During open enrollment, you and your family can purchase health insurance. You have until January 15 to enroll in an insurance plan. You must enroll by December 1 for coverage that begins on January 1, 2025. For answers to other common questions about PENNIE and open enrollment, visit their help page here.

11/8/24 Allegheny County Government Facebook post: In observance of Veterans Day, all Allegheny County offices will be closed on Monday, November 11, 2024.

10/24/24 Senator Jay Costa Facebook post: Today, I am delighted to join State Representative Abigail Salisbury to announce $2,542,950 in LSA Grant funding benefitting our constituents! Learn more about the incredible projects receiving LSA funding here: https://senatorcosta.com/democratic-leader-jay-costa…/   https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=925154776096414&set=a.271759571435941

• Allegheny County Redevelopment Authority was awarded $300,000 for Carrie Blast Furnace Electric Expansion
• Chalfant Borough was awarded $175,000 for Improvements to the Borough of Chalfant Public Safety Building.
• Chalfant Borough was awarded $225,000 for the reconstruction of five roads in Chalfant.
• Churchill Borough was awarded $124,950 for School Zone Radar Warning Signs.
• Edgewood Borough was awarded $425,000 for Edgewood Municipal Complex Improvements.
• Rankin Borough was awarded $250,000 for ALCOSAN Regional Takeover Repairs – POC-M-50 – Phase II.
• Rankin Borough was also awarded $158,000 for Phase II of Municipal Building Improvements, including making the building ADA compliant.
• Swissvale Borough was awarded $250,000 for M-48 Stormwater and Groundwater Remediation Project.
• Swissvale Borough was awarded $35,000 for a Traffic Calming Study.
• Wilkins Township was awarded $300,000 for Queenston Sewer Lining Project involving six thousand linear feet of pipe.
• Wilkinsburg Borough was awarded $300,000 for the purchase of a street sweeper for the borough.

10/14/24 Senator Jay Costa Facebook post: Today, in observance of Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day, my district offices are closed. We will open back up tomorrow for standard operating hours.

9/28/24 Senator Jay Costa Facebook post: Weekly Connections: PennDOT began accepting applications for the Multimodal Transportation Fund grants on Monday, September 23, 2024, with an application deadline of Tuesday, November 5, 2024.  The expectation is that these grants will be funded in July 2025.  PennDOT has taken the positive step of working with applicants to ensure that the applications are completed successfully, rather than their prior practice of simply disqualifying incomplete or inaccurate applications. You can find details here: Multimodal Transportation (pa.gov)

9/30/24 County Councilwoman Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis  Facebook post: Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s next phase of public engagement for the Bus Line Redesign project, which seeks to better align bus service with the current and projected needs of our region, has now started. PRT will be hosting a pop up to hear from the community on October 9th from 3-7 pm at the following location: Braddock Hills Shopping Center, 272 Yost Blvd  https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1038969991568259&set=a.332418372223428

8/29/24 County Councilwoman Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis  Facebook post:  APPEAL YOUR 2025 PROPERTY ASSESSMENT – The deadline for Allegheny County residents to file 2025 property tax assessments has been changed to Oct. 1, 2024. Allegheny County property owners who wish to appeal their real estate assessment for 2025 will now have from August 1 to October 1, 2024, to do so. To learn more about this change and what to do next, please visit the website here: https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Services/Property-Assessment-and-Real-Estate/Appeals/Board-of-Property-Assessments-and-Appeals-Review-BPAAR?fbclid=IwY2xjawE_QRRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHTEXagu27lEJkrM_XHRmlLvebYenDCG9FuFk07PJCTm1wwDbkpdJZi52fw_aem_Lxzjz3op7CWBA19EzF1DbQ

8/6/23 One Day – The Pittsburgh Foundation – On Tuesday, Aug. 6, from 8 AM to 11:59 PM, The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County will host a Critical Needs Alert online giving event to support basic needs and the safety net of essential human services in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties. Far too many people – especially those who are Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) – are unable to meet their basic needs due to limited access to resources and opportunities that would help them thrive. For example, one-in-five Pittsburghers is food insecure, and shortages of affordable housing and child care contribute to housing and family instability. When individuals and families can meet their basic needs, they experience less stress and anxiety, which supports overall well-being, provides stability and empowers them to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. Your donations will benefit organizations and nonprofits supplying basic needs services. You will help people facing challenges with child care, mental and physical health care, job insecurity, eviction and threats to housing. #ONEDAY Critical Needs Alert organizations complete nonprofit profile on the www.PittsburghGives.org website.

6/14/24 Allegheny County Government Facebook post: All Allegheny County administrative offices, including County Council and the Office of the County Executive will be closed to the public on Monday, June 17, 2024, in observance of the Juneteenth National Freedom Day holiday. Court related offices, including the Court of Common Pleas, the District Attorney, the Public Defenders, and the Department of Court Records will be open on Monday and observe Juneteenth on Wednesday. The county’s public works department and parks will be open, including its golf courses, spray parks, and pools, and all will be operating on a normal schedule all week, weather permitting. Holiday rates are in effect for the golf courses. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=858289506322854&set=a.225926199559191

6/13/24 Rep Summer Lee Facebook post:  Feeling the heat? Pennsylvania’s LIHEAP program can help! If you’ve received heating or weatherization assistance this winter, you might qualify for a FREE air conditioner or repair this summer! For more information, visit: https://whyy.org/…/air-conditioners-utility-assistance…/ If you haven’t been contacted by your local agency or if you received a LIHEAP cash grant, DCED advises reaching out to your local weatherization agency today! You can find a list of agencies & the counties they serve at the following link: https://dced.pa.gov/housing…/weatherization/agency-list/

6/4/24 Abigail Salisbury Instagram post: I want to alert everyone that free fentanyl test strips are available from my office, located at 501 Braddock Ave. in Braddock, or from public libraries throughout our district – no questions asked. https://www.pahouse.com/salisbury/InTheNews/NewsRelease/?id=134320

5/16/24 Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development The Neighborhood Assistance Program is now open for eligible organizations! If your business is interested in doing good in the community, learn how partnering with nonprofit-driven community development projects may earn your business tax credits.  https://dced.pa.gov/programs/neighborhood-assistance-program-nap/

5/18/24 Rep. Abigail Salisbury social post: Nonprofits – please be aware that the state’s Neighborhood Assistance Program is now open and accepting applications through the end of June. The program supports 501(c)(3) organizations by providing state tax credits to businesses that invest in nonprofit projects.
https://dced.pa.gov/programs/neighborhood-assistance-program-nap/

5/2/24 Senator Jay Costa Facebook post:- Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program The Department of Revenue is coming to the 43rd district on May 15 to help folks apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program! If you need support or have questions, make a plan to visit Center of Life and work with a staffer. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=819200280025198&set=a.271759571435941

4/29/24 Senator Jay Costa Facebook post: Counties can apply for Indigent Defense Grant Program dollars through May 23! Learn more about this brand-new program. Apply here: http://portal.pccd.pa.gov  4/28: Applications for Pennsylvania’s brand-new Indigent Defense Grant Program are OPEN until May 23! My colleague Senator Hughes fought long and hard to ensure the commonwealth provides funding for legal representation regardless of income. I’m extremely proud we got this done.

4/26/24 Senator Jay Costa Facebook post: The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources needs YOUR help to make their plans for the next 5 years! Share your experiences to help shape the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/pa-scorp-25

4/26/24 Senator Jay Costa Facebook post: The Sports Marketing and Tourism Program is accepting applications! The purpose of the account is to attract high-quality, amateur, and professional sporting and e-sports events to this Commonwealth with the goal of advancing and promoting year-round tourism, economic impact, and quality of life through sport.

4/25/24 Humane Action Pittsburgh Facebook post: We are delighted to announce that Humane Action Pittsburgh has received the 2024 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence! The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection recognized 22 projects, highlighting innovative efforts by schools, businesses, and community organizations statewide to protect our environment and foster sustainability. Our project, the Swissvale Community Pollinator Garden, in collaboration with the local municipality, transformed a 12,000-square-foot vacant lot in Pittsburgh into a vibrant space. Featuring native plants for pollinators, the garden also hosts community events and educational activities for residents of all ages. Thanks to the Office of the Governor of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for this honor, and Representative Abigail Salisbury and Senator Jay Costa for their support and collaboration!

4/25/24 Senator Jay Costa Facebook post: This week is National Volunteer Week! How can you give back to your community? Last year, I volunteered with Scent with Love to deliver flowers to a senior living community in the 43rd! You can watch that episode on my website: https://senatorcosta.com/in-the-43rd-scent-with-love/

4/22/24 Senator Jay Costa Facebook post: Applications for DCED’s Sports marketing and Tourism Program Grants are OPEN from now until June 30! This program is designed to attract sports events of all levels to PA and support the surrounding businesses and communities . Learn more and apply here: https://dced.pa.gov/programs/sports-marketing-and-tourism-program-smat/?

4/17/24 Senator Jay Costa Facebook post: As we observe Fair Housing Month, we must fight for programs that allow people to stay in their homes That’s why I’m fighting for a Longterm Owner Occupant Tax Exemption program, so the people who built our communities can afford to say in our communities. Learn more: https://senatorcosta.com/loop/

4/16/24 Rep. Abigail Salisbury social posts: Helping people is the best part of my job – and finding them $250,000 is a lot of help! Did you know that the Pennsylvania Treasury currently has over $4 billion in unclaimed property? You might not have a quarter of a million waiting for you, but you won’t know until you check. Stop by my office at 501 Braddock Ave. in Braddock!

1/12/23 Senator Jay Costa Facebook post: Great news for our students: Pennsylvania will operate a Summer EBT program so that all our children have meals all summer long. This is incredible news for our working families, who will now have reliable food support even when school is out for the summer. Facebook

1/9/23 Senator Jay Costa Facebook post: Pennie’s open enrollment period has been extended to January 19, meaning there are extra days to make sure you and your family have healthcare coverage for 2024. My office is here to help. Facebook

1/4/23 Senator Jay Costa Facebook post Snow Angels: It’s looking like Pittsburgh could see some nasty weather this weekend. If you’re looking to lend a helping hand, consider becoming a Snow Angel to help shovel snow for an elderly or disabled person in our community. Learn more here: https://buff.ly/47kr8A5

ALLEGHENY COUNTY HOLIDAYS 2024
HOLIDAYS*                                        FALLS ON                                     OBSERVED
New Year’s Day                                  Monday, January 1, 2024              Monday, January 1, 2024
Dr. Martin Luther King Day                 Monday, January 15, 2024            Monday, January 15, 2024
Presidents’ Day                                  Monday, February 19, 2024           Monday, February 19, 2024
Memorial Day                                     Monday, May 27, 2024                   Monday, May 27, 2024
Juneteenth National Freedom Day    Wednesday, June 19, 2024            Monday, June 17, 2024
Independence Day                             Thursday, July 4, 2024                   Thursday, July 4, 2024
Labor Day                                           Monday, September 2, 2024          Monday, September 2, 2024
Columbus Day                                    Monday, October 14, 2024             Monday, October 14, 2024
Veterans Day                                       Monday, November 11, 2024         Monday, November 11, 2024
Thanksgiving Day                               Thursday, November 28, 2024        Thursday, November   28, 2024
Christmas Day                                    Wednesday, December 25, 2024    Wednesday, December 25, 2024
*For some employees in bargaining units, there are deviations from the above holidays, in which case the employee should
check with his/her immediate supervisor and/or bargaining unit representative.
This listing does not include other holidays that may be observed by offices under the direction of the Chief Executive of
Allegheny County, the Row Offices and the Court of Common Pleas. They are as follows:

HOLIDAYS*                                        FALLS ON                                     OBSERVED
Good Friday                                       Friday, March 29, 2024                  Friday, March 29, 2024
Primary Election Day                         Tuesday, April 23, 2024                 Tentative Tuesday April 23 2024 Tentative
Flag Day                                             Friday, June 14, 2024                   Friday, June 14, 2024
General Election                                 Tuesday, November 5, 2024,       Tuesday, November 5, 2024

12/13/23 PA Department of Revenue Facebook post – Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program
In 2024, the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is expanding, making financial assistance available to even more older Pennsylvanians and people with disabilities. Learn more about the updates on the expansion and how it could benefit you or your loved ones- https://www.revenue.pa.gov/…/Propert…/Pages/default.aspx  #PropertyTaxRelief #ExpandingOpportunities