Upcoming Events

Whole-Home Repairs Program Policy Hearing

Today, February 2nd, Senators Nikil Saval, Katie Muth, Wayne Fontana, Jim Brewster, and I will host a hearing to take a deep dive into how PA’s Whole-Home Repairs program is working one and half years after passage. Whole-Home Repairs is a comprehensive home repair and workforce development program. Specifically, we will explore a case study of how the program is working in Allegheny County, from which we can pull best practices and lessons learned. We will also get a broader view of the program and common themes across the state.

This hearing will be at the Allegheny County Courthouse 4th Floor – Gold Room 436 Grant Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219. You can also attend virtually by registering in advance at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEudeCpqj4iGdPUu55ouBm7l9opZicsOraK

Community Office Hours Today!

Community office hours at the Kingsley Association are today, February 2nd from 10am - 3pm. Stop by to take advantage of all of the services our District Office provides like: 

• 2023 Property Tax Rent Rebate 
• Senior Photo Connect Cards
• PennDOT Forms
• Connecting You with Resources
• Unclaimed Property Searches
• Voter Registration
• Free Notary Services
• And much more!

One of our Constituent Relations Specialists will be there - no appointment necessary!

Good News

Indianola Church Turns 100!

Last Monday, I had the chance to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Indianola United Presbyterian Church along with several members of the congregation, many of whom are third and fourth generation members. Thank you for inviting me to honor your history as you look forward to the next 100 years!

Harvest Moon Grand Opening in Natrona Heights!

Harvest Moon Coffee & Chocolates' official Grand Opening last Tuesday was a success! Be sure to come by for the welcome, cozy atmosphere and lots of options for delicious beverages, foods, and goodies! Congratulations to Desiree Singleton and her team. We're excited to have new neighbors in the Heights Plaza!

The fabulous balloon arrangements above were made by valley_balloons_and_blooms, another Tarentum woman-owned business!

 

Visit to Vintage Senior Center in East Liberty

Last week I had the pleasure of touring the East Liberty Vintage Senior Center for Active Adults, a service of Familylinks. I met the staff and many members who attend Vintage daily to enjoy their extensive programming. I am excited to continue working with Vintage to ensure it continues to be a safe, accessible, and engaging space for our seniors. 

Civic Engagement Assembly at Pine-Richland Middle School

This week, I got to join the 8th grade at Pine-Richland Middle School for an assembly on civic engagement. Thank you to all of the students for asking such thoughtful questions about what it means to be a good citizen and what it's like to be an elected representative!

Celebrating Hampton Manager Chris Lochner’s Retirement

Congratulations and happy retirement to Chris Lochner! Mr. Lochner served as the Manager of the Township of Hampton for 38 years, and it was my honor to celebrate his well-deserved retirement with friends, family, and colleagues last week.

Thank you for your service to Hampton and the entire region! Enjoy your next adventure!

Legislative Update

Shaler Hampton EMS is recognized for EMS of the Year

Senator Williams at Camp Guyasuta

Senator Williams at West Deer Volunteer Fire Department #3 Groundbreaking

Senator Williams at Harrison Township Water Authority

Senator Williams Visits Pittsburgh Zoo

Senator Williams with Shaler Area Students

Senator Williams Announces $2.8 Million in Grant Funding for Projects Across Senate District 38

This month, grant funding was announced for projects across Senate District 38 from the Act 13 Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program and from the Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund (GEDTF) Program.

Grantees receiving Act 13 funds in Senate District 38 are:

• Cheswick Borough will receive $23,813 for the Borough Park and Recreation Planning to create a riverfront development plan that focuses on public access to the shoreline and helps promote economic gains in Cheswick and Tarentum.
• O’Hara Township will receive $80,450 for the Meadow Park Tennis Court Rehabilitation project, which includes milling and resurfacing the courts, replacing nets and fencing, and repairing disturbed areas. O’Hara residents can look forward to tennis court upgrades and safer pedestrian access | TribLIVE.com
• Cheswick Borough will receive $204,406 for the Rachel Carson Pavilion and Restroom Construction.
• The Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy will receive $40,000 for the Riddle Run Recreation and Conservation Plan, which will identify opportunities to connect Agan Park and the Valley View Open Space by trails, recreational spaces, or conservation.

GEDTF

• The Pittsburgh Opera will receive $75,000 to support its operating expenses for the 2024-2025 Season.
• The Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium will receive $500,000 for renovations of the Water’s Edge Exhibit, including replacing the entire façade and boardwalk and repair of the leaks in the sea otter tank.
• The Urban Redevelopment Authority will receive $100,000 for the Lottery Store project. This funding will be used to renovate 25 Meadow Street into a fully equipped commercial building and relocating the Lottery Store so that 501 Larimer Street can be stabilized and renovated. 
• Richland Township will receive $200,000 for installation of an ADA-accessible playground and fire pit at the newly renovated Community Barn.
• West Deer Volunteer Fire Company #3 will receive $200,000 for expansion and installation of the garage bay parking pads and parking area. Growing West Deer fire department eyes enclosed garage, live-in bunks | TribLIVE.com
• The Richland Township Municipal Authority will receive $200,000 to replace approximately 3000 feet of existing 6” water lines along Chessrown Avenue and Community Center Drive.
• The Allegheny Land Trust will receive $90,000 to obtain 27 acres of green space in Ross Township known as the “Lowries Run Slopes Extension.” 
• The McCandless Swimming Club will receive $75,000 for critical repairs to the concrete in between the main pool and diving well and in the baby pool. Repairs will also be performed in the pool house, pool liners, and pool heaters. 
• The Harrison Township Water Authority will receive $210,000 to install two emergency generators.
• The Boy Scouts Laurel Highlands Council will receive $90,000 to expand the Seneca Program Building at Camp Guyasuta. This project will provide much needed modern upgrades to the nearly 90-year-old facility and will permit the Camp to use the building and expanded classroom space for year-round programming.
• Highlands School District will receive $57,000 to install turf and new scoreboards on the High School Baseball and Softball Fields. When complete, this project will create safe, reliable, and equitable facilities for physical education classes, practices, games, school, and community youth activities.
• O’Hara Township will receive $50,000 to construct ADA-compliant access ramps at three locations within the intersection of Freeport Road and Fox Chapel Road. This intersection is locally known as “B’man’s Corner Office,” where Bill Carney, B’man, and his family set up their “BEEP for B’man” outings.
• Hilltop Hose Company #3 will receive $50,000 to repave their parking lot and perform necessary upgrades to their building, including replacing siding, ceiling, and drywall.
• The Union Hotel Redevelopment Project will receive $45,000 for façade repairs to the Union Hotel, which are necessary to ensure the safety of building users and pedestrians. This project is a part of the larger Etna Business District revitalization project, which will create new housing and business opportunities in Etna while restoring the historic features of existing buildings.
• The Shaler Area School District will receive $50,000 for their “Young Learners Need Choice” program, which will provide collaborative tables, flexible seating options, and learning centers for K-3 classrooms at Burchfield, Marzolf, and Reserve Primary Schools.
• Shaler Area EMS will receive $118,000 for enhancements to their existing Firefighter Rehabilitation program. Shaler Area EMS currently supports 9 local volunteer fire departments by medically evaluating each firefighter after significant exertion for signs of distress or medical compromise. This funding will be used to allow the agency to improve equipment available to protect our volunteers and ensure their health and safety.

I’m incredibly proud to have supported each of these projects and advocated for state investments in our local communities. From ensuring that our fire departments have the equipment and facilities that they need to creating safe and welcoming recreation spaces for everyone, our communities are doing amazing work.

My Office is Now Scheduling AARP Tax-Aide Appointments! 

It is tax season and the AARP Tax-Aide Program is up and running at the Shaler Undercliff Fire Company and the Ross Township Community Center. This program provides free tax assistance and tax preparation services to low- and moderate-income taxpayers, with an emphasis on those 50 or older. To schedule your free appointment, please call the office at 412-364-0469. 

For more information, visit AARP Tax-Aide Allegheny County, PA (taxaide-pittsburgh.com).

Preparing your Own PA Taxes? Use myPATH to Get Your Refund Faster!

The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue is encouraging taxpayers to use a free online option to file their Pennsylvania personal income tax returns. Taxpayers can visit myPATH - Home to file their PA tax returns through the department’s state-only filing system. myPATH is user friendly and can also be used to make income tax payments. 

myPATH:

• can be accessed from a computer, tablet, or mobile phone.
• doesn’t require a username or password for functions like filing a Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax Return (PA-40), making a payment, responding to department requests for information, or checking the status of a refund.
• has instructional videos for all types of PA tax filing and electronic devices in English and Spanish. 

All taxpayers who received more than $33 in total gross taxable income in calendar year 2023 must file a Pennsylvania personal income tax return by midnight, Monday, April 15, 2024. 

Personal income tax assistance is available through the department's Online Customer Service Center and by calling 717-787-8201 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Taxpayers can also visit a Department of Revenue district office for state personal income tax filing assistance, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Customers are encouraged to call ahead for an appointment.

Free tax forms and instructions are available at revenue.pa.gov.

Allegheny County Conversations - Opportunity to Share Your Thoughts

The new Allegheny County Government administration wants to hear from YOU! 

County Conversations are an opportunity for the community to meet with County leadership and discuss issues that matter most to them. Free food, music, and childcare will be provided, and registration links are included below.

• Wilkinsburg - Wednesday, February 7th, 5pm – 8:30pm at Hosanna House
  
  Register here.

• Pittsburgh - Saturday, February 24th, 10am – 2pm at CCAC Allegheny Campus
  
  Register here. 

• Mon Valley - Thursday, February 29th, 5pm – 8:30pm at McKeesport Palisades Event Center
  
  Register here. 

Unable to make a session? The Office of the Allegheny County Executive wants residents to share their ideas on housing, healthcare, safety, pollution, small business support, and more by completing a survey at County Conversations — Allegheny for All.

The Allegheny River Wins 2024 Pennsylvania River of the Year!

This week, I met with the PA Fish and Boat Commission, including our Allegheny County Waterways Conservation Officers, whose job it is to help keep everyone safe as they live, work, and play on and around our rivers. 

We're also celebrating a BIG WIN for our region-- our very own Allegheny River being named Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) 2024 River of the Year! A record breaking 20,259 votes were cast among the 3 nominated rivers: 

• 8,307 - Allegheny River         
• 7,212 - Youghiogheny River  
• 4,740 - Lackawaxen River    

Three Rivers Waterkeeper, who nominated the Allegheny River, will receive a $10,000. 

Leadership Grant to fund a slate of River of the Year activities throughout 2024. Activities will be designed to showcase the river and engage communities in the great work being done to preserve it as a precious resource.  

Do you know…

• The 325-mile-long Allegheny River starts as a stream in Potter County, briefly runs through New York and then through six counties in Western Pennsylvania. 
• The Allegheny River ends in Pittsburgh where it meets the Monongahela River and flows into the Ohio River, providing drinking water to more than one million people and acts as an ecologically and economically precious water trail.
• Many communities called the Allegheny River valley home, including the O-non-dowa-gah (Seneca Nation) who call the Allegheny Ohi:yo’ (beautiful river), the Lenni Lenape (Delaware Nation) who named it welhik-heny (most beautiful stream), and French settlers who referred to it as La Belle Riviere.
• A series of locks and dams were constructed in the early 20th century to make the Allegheny River navigable for barges to transport goods, but the river also provides swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities for residents and visitors. 
• The Allegheny River includes the Allegheny Islands Wilderness, a seven-island, 372-acre preserve that boasts old-growth hardwoods and prolific bird populations.
• The Allegheny River and its environs are home to over 50 mammals, 200 birds, 25 amphibians, 20 reptiles, 80 fishes, and 25 freshwater mussels. 

DCNR’s River Sojourn Program runs guided paddling trips from May - September across the state for new and experienced paddlers and will have a special sojourn to celebrate the Allegheny’s River of the Year win. The 2024 sojourn schedule should be posted soon and we hope you’ll be able to paddle out to celebrate and learn about our precious Allegheny River resource.

Thank you to everyone who voted and congratulations to our region for this honor!

Upcoming PHEAA & FAFSA Webinars

Need to learn the ins and outs of financing your education? PHEAA is hosting several webinars this spring!

• FAFSA Overview- Line by Line
  • Wednesday, February 21, 6-7pm
  • Tuesday, April 9, 6-7pm
  • Tuesday, July 9, 6-7pm

• Understanding & Comparing Financial Aid Offers
  • Wednesday, March 20, 6-7pm

• Student Loans 101
  • Tuesday, April 23, 6-7pm

• Financial Aid Junior JumpStart for High School Juniors
  • Wednesday, May 8, 6-7pm

Visit Financial Aid Webinars (pheaa.org) to register for the webinars you'd like to attend!

2024 Lyme Art Contest

Children in grades 1-6 are encouraged to participate in this year’s Lyme Art Contest. Entries can be a short video or poster focusing on the theme: “Protect. Check. Remove.” The annual contest raises awareness of the disease and helps students, scout troops, and community youth programs learn how to prevent Lyme disease by educating them about ticks, including where they live, how to prevent bites, and how to remove ticks that do bite. 

The deadline for entries is 5:00 PM, March 15, 2024.

Contest information can be found on the Department of Health’s website.   

Project Prom Donations Needed

Each year, Allegheny County Department of Human Services hosts Project Prom, which gives eligible high schools students the opportunity to choose free formal attire from a selection of currently styled formal gowns, shoes, and accessories.

This year, the Township of O'Hara is an official drop off location for gently used gowns, shoes, and accessories for Project Prom! 

Drop off items from Monday, January 15 through Friday, March 15! Items can be dropped off at the Township building (325 Fox Chapel Road) on Mondays-Fridays from 8am-4pm.

For additional donation options and drop off locations, please visit the Project Prom website here.

Help make someone's prom affordable and fun!

New Teen Space at Sharpsburg Community Library

Sharpsburg Community Library's GRAND OPENING for their new Teen Space is Friday, February 2nd, from 6-9pm! They will have food, art, music, video games, and more! 

The Library is very excited to offer a welcoming space for teens to call their own! The space has comfy furniture, digital music equipment, Apple creative software, and video game consoles in addition to our existing young adult book collection.

Share the news with the teens in your life!

As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have by phone at 412-364-0469 (Ross Office), 724-224-2131 (Harrison Office) or by email at [email protected]. My staff will return your call/email within 24 hours (Monday-Friday).

Senator Lindsey Williams