Help Victims of Hurricanes

Residents of this area are no stranger to flood damage– 20 years ago, we suffered devastating floods from Hurricane Ivan. That’s why we’re stepping up to help the victims of recent hurricanes. O’Hara Township is partnering with Brother’s Brother to collect personal hygiene and cleaning supplies for residents who have faced incredible devastation. You can drop off the supplies above at:

O’Hara Township Municipal Building
325 Fox Chapel Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Senator Williams’ Natrona Heights Office
1826 Union Avenue
Natrona Heights, PA 15065
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Senator Williams’ Ross Township Office
5000 McKnight Road, Suite 405
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Monday - Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Good News

Costume Drive a Big Success!

A big thank you to everyone who donated to our very successful Halloween Costume Drive for North Hills Community Outreach (NHCO). We collected over 40 costumes, many of which were homemade! Thanks to Team 38 staffer Ronnie and our merry band of raccoons for showing off some of the costumes we collected. Your donations will make many children in need happy this Halloween. Children can choose a costume at NHCO’s Coat Shop through October 18th. 

Lowe's Red Vest Day at Shaler Undercliff Fire Co. 

On Saturday, Undercliff Volunteer Fire Company hosted their “Red Vest Day,” an opportunity for Lowe’s Home Improvement store associates to volunteer with local residents on an ongoing community project. Close to 50 volunteers were in attendance, including Senator Lindsey M. Williams, Rep. Lindsay Powell, Shaler Township Assistant Manager Judy Kording, Lowe’s store associates, Undercliff VFC members and their families, and community members.

In addition to everything they do as first responders, Undercliff has graciously hosted our volunteer AARP Tax Aide program for the past five years. Their willingness to be a community space and host this program has allowed thousands of local residents to get their taxes filed for free. It was my pleasure to join Rep. Powell this weekend and to give back just a small bit of what these volunteers give to our community every single day.

EveryLife Foundation Meeting in Harrisburg

Thank you to my constituents from the EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases for meeting with me in Harrisburg to discuss improving patient engagement and representation in policy making. Your experiences and perspectives are so valuable and I'm grateful that you shared them with me!

Visit with Highlands Government Class

Last week I had the chance to speak with AP Government students at Highlands High School about the relationship between the state and federal government. Talking to kids is one of my absolute favorite things to do as an elected official. They ask the best-- and hardest-- questions!

Senate Transportation Committee Passes Parking Protected Bike Lanes Bill

On Monday, I joined in a rally with Families for Safe Streets, Bike Pittsburgh, and the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia in support of HB 1283, which would permit parking protected bike lanes on PennDOT roads. This legislation will save lives by providing a barrier between cyclists and pedestrians and vehicle traffic. Ensuring that we share the roads safely becomes increasingly important for everyone as more and more Pennsylvanians are getting outdoors to walk, hike, and bike for exercise and for fun.

I’m proud to announce that the Senate Transportation Committee voted to advance this legislation to the floor for consideration by the full Senate. I call on my Senate colleagues to bring this bill up for a vote before the end of this Session in November. Lives depend on it.

Legislative Update

Requiring School Districts to Accept Cash for Tickets to School-Sponsored Events

This week, the Senate passed a bill that would require school districts accept cash for tickets to school-sponsored activities, including PIAA sporting events.

I’ve heard about more and more schools requiring families to buy tickets online and I’m concerned about what this means for students whose families rely on cash. While I believe in local control, we shouldn’t be putting up barriers for parents and families who want to watch their kids play and support their education.

I also have significant concerns about the junk fees that are collected by many of these payment processors. They will needlessly inflate the costs of school events and deflect our dollars to corporate profits instead into our school districts.

You can read more here: Accepting cash for entry to school events may become a requirement in Pa. - pennlive.com

News You Can Use

 

Do You Have a Plan to Vote?

We are less than 30 days out from General Election Day on November 5th. Do you have a plan to vote? Use the resources below to ensure your voice is heard on Election Day:

• 1-866-OUR-VOTE: Call with any questions about voting or any problems you experience while voting.
   
• Register to vote before the Monday, October 21st deadline at:  
  Register to Vote | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (pa.gov).

• Request your mail-in ballot well before the Tuesday, October 29th deadline at:
  Apply for a Mail-in or Absentee Ballot | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (pa.gov).

• 2024 General Election Ballot Return Sites
  Ballot Return and Satellite Voting Sites - Allegheny County, PA.

• In-Person Voting Resources
  In-Person Voting on Election Day - Allegheny County, PA

• Volunteer with the ACLU at:
  Volunteer or Intern | ACLU Pennsylvania (aclupa.org).

If you have additional questions about voting we are here to help! Call us at 412-364-0469 (Ross) or 724-224-2131 (Harrison) or email us at [email protected]. 

PennDOT Survey on Road Services

If you’ve always wanted to express your thoughts on Pennsylvania road construction to PennDOT, the time is now! PennDOT recently posted a construction and maintenance services online survey for residents. 

The survey asks for comments on how well PennDOT meets expectations and how responsive the department is when concerns are reported. You can also give feedback on the state’s 511 PA traveler information services. 

Since January, 303 bridges were put out for bid to be repaired, replaced, or preserved by PennDOT or industry workforces. Additionally, more than 3100 roadway miles were improved by the department or partner crews. This includes 1114 miles of paving. Your feedback helps PennDOT serve us better!

Complete the survey at: 2024 PennDOT Construction/Maintenance Customer Satisfaction Survey (surveymonkey.com).

Plan Your Fall Get-Away 

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' Weekly Fall Foliage reports are back! Do you know Pennsylvania has a longer and more varied fall foliage season than any other state in the nation -- or anywhere in the world? Start planning your peak fall leaf-peeping trip by consulting Fall Foliage Reports (pa.gov).

After you know when and where colors are peaking, a great resource for finding the best fall spots in Pennsylvania is at VISIT PA | #PAGetaway. If one of Pennsylvania's 124 state parks is on your list, you should know nine of the parks have just installed color-correcting viewfinders for residents with color blindness so all sighted visitors can experience the full range of autumn color:

• Bald Eagle State Park, Centre County
• Black Moshannon State Park, Centre County
• Colton Point State Park, Tioga County
• Cook Forest State Park, Clarion County
• Hyner View State Park, Clinton County
• Kettle Creek State Park, Clinton County
• Little Pine State Park, Lycoming County
• Leonard Harrison State Park, Tioga County
• Sinnemahoning State Park, Cameron and Potter counties

A tenth viewfinder will be installed in the Tiadaghton State Forest in Lycoming County. 

To find a state park in our region click here. 

FREE Access to Breastfeeding Consults in Allegheny County

The Allegheny County Health Department WIC and the Office of Family Child Health now offer free Pacify memberships to county residents that include unlimited video visits with breastfeeding experts!

Membership provides unlimited access to on-demand lactation consultants through video chat, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This offer is only valid through 12/31/2024, so make sure to enroll while supplies last using code 0324 to secure your one-year FREE membership!

To enroll go to: Instant access to experts - from pregnancy to parenthood (pacify.com).

Feedback Needed on LGBTQIA Housing Rights in Pittsburgh

The City of Pittsburgh's Commission on Human Relations is trying to learn more about housing discrimination committed against LGBTQIA+ community in Pittsburgh to better enforce Fair Housing laws in the community. If you live in the city and have experienced housing discrimination because of who you love, consider completing the Pittsburgh LGBTQIA+ Housing Rights Survey (typeform.com). All data collected through the survey will be used to assess the extent and nature of housing discrimination in Pittsburgh.

Fall Festival in Cheswick

The Cheswick Recreation Board and Springdale Free Public Library are hosting their annual fall festival. Stop by Maclean Park Saturday, October 12th from 4-6pm to enjoy the pumpkin patch, fall crafts, food, drinks, music, and more!

Harvest in Harrison

Harrison Township’s 2024 Harvest Festival is October 12 Saturday, noon – 2:00, at the Guardian Angels Parish Grounds along Broadview Boulevard. Harrison’s festival features a petting zoo, Kona Ice, pumpkin decorating, and face painting!  

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