State Senator Lindsey M. Williams, Your District 38 Update

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*Remembering
Pete Ramage**

On Friday, January 17th, our region lost a true titan
of public service, a compassionate soul, and a friend to all. Pete
Ramage was more than just a dedicated public servant--he was a
teacher, a listener, and a guiding presence for everyone fortunate
enough to know him.

Pete served on the Borough of Etna Council for
52 years, with 46 of those years as president. Through both challenges
and triumphs, he led the Borough with a steady hand and a deep
commitment to its citizens.

Under his leadership, Etna flourished.
His efforts helped bring to life significant projects like the Etna
Riverfront Trail and Park, the adoption of a Green Master Plan, and
the installation of green streetscapes, which earned Etna the
prestigious Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence.

When
Pete retired in December 2021, he shared these words that encapsulate
his legacy: "You always want to look at what is best for the
community, not for yourself. I always looked for things to improve
life for the community."

Pete's absence will be felt deeply for
years to come. Please keep his friends and family in your thoughts as
they mourn his loss and celebrate his life.

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*Upcoming
Events**

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*AARP
Tax-Aide Appointments are Still Available!*

We continue to schedule
AARP Tax-Aide taxpayer appointments for the Shaler Undercliff Fire
Company and the Ross Township Community Center locations, but the
remaining openings are going fast! 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.
Documents required:

-
Valid photo ID

-
Last year's tax
return.

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All tax documents for the year

For more information,
visit AARP Tax-Aide Allegheny County, PA (taxaide-pittsburgh.com)
[link 1].

*Can't come to an AARP Tax-Aide site? Consider a VITA or
TCE program site!*

You may qualify for the IRS's Volunteer Income
Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)
programs.These programs offer free basic tax return preparation to
qualified individuals all over Allegheny County, including:

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People who generally make $67,000 or less;

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Persons with
disabilities; and

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Limited English-speaking taxpayers.

To
learn more about VITA or TCE tax preparation services, you can view
their website at
[link removed]
[link 2].

You can find a VITA or TCE location near you at Get Free
Tax Prep Help [link 3] and schedule an appointment with United Way by
calling 2-1-1 or online at VITA - Free Tax Preparation - PA 211 [link
4].

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*File
Your Taxes Yourself Online - It's Free!*

Did you know that most
people can file their taxes for free with the IRS? Here is a breakdown
of the three free options:

*New! Free IRS Direct File*

This is a
new online option that uses IRS software to file your federal and
state returns. Available in 24 states including PA.

Direct File may
be a good option if you:

-
Generally had household income less
than $200,000*

-
Lived in Pennsylvania for all of 2024

-
Earned all of your income in Pennsylvania in 2024

-
Will not file
Pennsylvania Schedule OC--Other Credits

Direct File is not a good
option if you:

-
Have local wages, local tips, or local income
tax for multiple localities on the same Form W-2 (Boxes 18-20)

-
Have unreported cash income like tips or alimony

-
Have income
reported on other tax forms, such as gig work

*See additional
income limitations for households over $125,000.

Go to
[link removed] [link 5] for more details on IRS Direct
File and to file your return.

*Free IRS Guided Tax
Software*

This is an online option to file using software from
IRS-approved vendors.

-
Available for taxpayer households making
less than $84,000

-
You choose from IRS partner tax software
companies

-
Simple questions to guide you

-
Accurate math
calculations guaranteed

-
Some free state tax preparation and
filing

-
Spanish tax preparation and filing available

Go to
[link removed] [link
6] for more details on IRS Guided Tax Software and to file your
return.

*IRS Fillable Forms*

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For any income level

-
You do the work

-
Enter your information into online forms you
select

-
Use form instructions to guide you

-
Limited
calculations used

-
No state tax returns

Go to
[link removed] [link
7] for more details on IRS Fillable Forms and to file your return.
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*VSO
Appointments Available!*

My office offers American Legion Veterans
Service Officer (VSO) appointments every 3rd Tuesday of the month from
9 am - 1 pm. Whether you have a question or just need a fresh review
of the benefits you've earned you can schedule an appointment at
either my Ross or Natrona Heights district office. Appointments rotate
between the offices every month.

Upcoming Dates:

-
Tuesday,
February 18, Natrona Heights office, 1826 Union Ave.

-
Tuesday,
March 18, Ross Township office, 5000 McKnight Road, Suite 405.


Call or email to schedule your one-on-one appointment: 412-364-0469
(Ross) 724-224-2131 (Harrison). Appointments fill up
quickly!

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*Good
News**

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[link 8]*

*ICYMI: 4 The Record on Universal School Meals*

Watch
my interview with Michelle Wright on "4 The Record" on the universal
benefits of Universal School Meals.

This program would give
students in all schools (public and private) that participate in the
Federal School Meals Program free breakfast and lunch every day. In
states that have implemented this program, studies have shown
improvements in learning, class participation, and behaviors. Everyone
sees lower prices at the grocery store, as lower demand drives down
prices.

Miss the interview on Sunday? Catch it here [link
9]!

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*Growing
New Friendships with the O'Hara Elementary Daisy Troop*

Earlier
this week, I got to visit with Daisy Troop 51282 at O'Hara Elementary
School for their Valentine's Day party. We read a story, played Daisy
Says (like Simon Says), and talked about how to make new friends and
help our community.

The Daisies even made me my very own Valentine
Box!

We finished the evening with a friendship circle to celebrate
making new friends while keeping the old. Thank you so much to Troop
Leader Miss Maura for inviting me!

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*Legislative
Update**

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*2025-26 Budget Hearings Kick Off Next Week*

The
Senate Hearings for the 2025-26 Fiscal Year Budget kick off next
Tuesday. These hearings are a chance for Senate standing committees to
speak directly to the administrative departments who carry out large
parts of Pennsylvania's annual budget to better understand what their
needs are, what programs are working, and what isn't working.

The
Senate Appropriations Committee Members get to question the
Departments at every hearing. Additionally, for each hearing, the
Chairs of the Senate Committee that works most closely with that
Department gets to ask questions as well. For example, as the
Education Chair, I'll have the opportunity to ask questions at the
PASSHE and PHEAA hearings on Tuesday, February 18 and the Department
of Education hearings on Wednesday, February 26.

Budget hearings
are especially important this year as we navigate the chaos out of
Washington, D.C. A significant portion of Pennsylvania's budget comes
from federal dollars, whether that is money for education, roads,
clean water, farmers, or individuals with disabilities. When funding
is indiscriminately cut or frozen from the federal level, that makes
it incredibly difficult to plan for our state budget and how we fund
the programs that Pennsylvanians rely on to get to work, get an
education, and build their lives here in the Commonwealth.

I have
heard from many of you over the past few weeks about the personal
impacts of these federal funding cuts, and the fear and anxiety that
have resulted. It is unfair and unjust that so many of you are feeling
this way, but I am grateful that you have shared your stories with me.
Governor Shapiro is challenging the Trump administration's
unconstitutional federal funding freeze [link 11]. These dollars were
appropriated with bipartisan support from Congress for projects like
improving road safety, cutting energy costs, improving the quality of
our drinking water, and investing in beloved community institutions.
I'm very troubled that local projects I've supported with state
dollars are only partially completed as a result of these
indiscriminate and unconstitutional actions. Constituents are calling
my office with stories of how this executive overreach has harmed
them. I hope the judicial branch will quickly take action.

You can
follow along with all of the Budget Hearings on my website at
SenatorLindseyWilliams.com/budget [link 12]. If you have questions
about the process or want to share your thoughts, please reach out to
me at [email protected] [link 13].

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*News
You Can Use**

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*New PA Money Match Program Sends Unclaimed Property
Payments Automatically!*

Check your mailboxes this week! The
Pennsylvania Treasury sent the first batch of PA Money Match letters
earlier this month - you could be one of the 8,000 Pennsylvanians who
will receive your unclaimed property automatically!

PA Money Match
is a program enacted last year with unanimous bi-partisan support in
the General Assembly. It allows the PA Treasury to return single-owner
property under $500 to living owners directly - no multi-page forms to
fill out! If you are eligible, you will receive a letter in the mail
confirming your address followed in about 45 days by a check for your
property.

Everyone should search PA Treasury's website regularly
for property that may belong to them. Average claims are valued at
$1,600, and PA Money Match will not automatically return properties
valued above $500 or those that may have more than one owner, such as
a dormant joint checking or savings account.

Visit
[link removed] [link 15] to search
anytime or contact our office to search for you. We can answer your
questions, print, help complete, and notarize your unclaimed property
paperwork for free. Contact our office: 412-364-0469 (Ross) or
724-224-2131 (Harrison) or email us at
[email protected] [link 16]. We are here to
help!

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*New
Law Helps Workers and the Fight Against Bird Flu!*

As concerns over
Hi-Path Avian Influenza (bird flu) continue to grow, you may be
wondering what's being done to protect Pennsylvania's poultry industry
and what you can do to help. The Pennsylvania Department of
Agriculture is working closely with our farmers, providing direct
guidance and encouraging the adoption of vital biosecurity measures to
help prevent the spread of the virus.

As a member of the Senate
Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, I'm proud to have supported
and voted for HB 324 [link 17], which was recently signed into law by
Governor Shapiro. This new law updates Pennsylvania's licensure
requirements, expanding opportunities for more farm workers to become
credentialed Certified Poultry Technicians after completing a
specialized training course. This is a win-win situation: the poultry
industry gains the skilled workforce it needs, and individuals who
previously faced barriers to certification now have a pathway to
advance professionally while contributing to the fight against this
dangerous virus.

We can all support our farmers by choosing to buy
locally-produced dairy and agricultural products. Visit the PA
Preferred website to find fresh, locally grown and processed food at
[link removed] [link 18] or look for PA Dairy at your
local supermarket!

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*Friendship
and Romance Scam Alert*

February is a great time to remind everyone
about romance and friendship scams. Every year the Federal Trade
Commission (FTC) reports a significant increase in these scams that
prey upon your emotions. The Allegheny County District Attorney's
office has put together the following information to help everyone
avoid this increasingly common fraudulent scheme:

How it
starts:

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Over social media, dating or gaming apps, and/or
websites that help people find love or friendship.

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Scammers use
fake identities and photos to contact you on Instagram, Facebook, or
other social media sites, sometimes pretending to be a friend of a
friend.

-
Scammers learn a lot about you from your social media
and work effectively to gain your trust.

Red Flags:

-
Scammers
who pretend to be heroes in faraway places (phony Marines or diplomats
who can't speak or show their faces because of their jobs)

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Scammers who ask for expensive favors.

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Scammers who ask for
money.

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Be suspicious of anyone who unexpectedly contacts you on
social media.

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Scammers who say they're in love.

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Scammers
who ask you to send personal pictures of yourself or your family.

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Scammers who pose as famous people.

If you Suspect a Friendship or
Romance Scam:

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Talk to someone you trust. Listen to your friends
or family if they express concerns about this relationship.

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Search online for the type of job the person has plus the word
"scammer." For example, search for "oil rig scammer" or "US Army
scammer" to see if others have posted similar stories.

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Do a
reverse image search of the person's profile picture. If it is
associated with another name or with details that don't match up,
these are signs of a scam.

-
Stop communicating with the person
immediately.

If You've Been Scammed:

-
*Do not feel ashamed!*
These scammers work very hard to take advantage of your good nature
and your kindness. The most important thing to do is to protect
yourself as soon as possible.

-
If you paid a romance scammer
with a gift card, wire transfer, credit or debit card, or
cryptocurrency, contact the company or your bank right away. Tell them
you paid a scammer and ask them to refund your money.

-
Contact
your local police department to file a report.

-
Report it to the
FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov [link 19]. ALSO, notify the social
networking site or app where you met the scammer.

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Report it to
the PA Attorney General, Bureau of Consumer Protection by calling
1-800-441-2555.

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Change passwords on all your devices and online
accounts like banking, email, government, and shopping.

For more
information or if you have questions, contact one of your Allegheny
County District Attorney's Senior Justice Advocates:

-
Cyndie
Carioli, (412) 983-0729, [email protected]

-
Joe Giuffre,
(412) 427-3770, [email protected]

-
Dick Skrinjar, (412)
350-4400, [email protected]

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*2025 Homeowner Assistance Program Opens Friday, February
14th*

The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh is partnering
with Action Housing and the city of Pittsburgh for the 2025 Homeowner
Assistance Program. Grants of up to $35,000 will be presented to
homeowners for critical repairs and improvements!

The application
period opens *Friday, February 14* and closes *Friday, March 14* at *4
p.m.* Only a limited number of grants will be awarded through a
lottery system. Applications are online only this year.

To apply
and review the eligibility criteria and documents needed before
applying go to:
[link removed]
[link 21].

If you need help applying:

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Email
[email protected] [link 22].

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Call the ACTION
Housing hotline at 412-248-0021.

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Go to the Housing
Stabilization Center, 415 Seventh Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Hours:
Monday - Thursday from 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM. Closed Friday.

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*PA CareerLink Job Fair in Monroeville *

*February
19th, 10-12pm, 300 Penn Center Blvd, Bldg. 3, Floor #8, Pittsburgh,
15235*

Looking for a new career opportunity? Consider attending the
upcoming PA CareerLink job fair on February 19th in Monroeville.
Connect with top employers and start your next career path.
Register through your PA CareerLink account or contact Maura Spade at
412-248-5627 x 7038 or [email protected] [link
25].

Can't make this job fair? Get a complete list of CareerLink
events by scanning the QR code above or go to
[link removed] [link 26].

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[link 27]

*Kidney Stories Toastmasters Club Featuring Suzanne
Ruff*

*Sunday, February 16, 7 pm, Zoom link opens at 6:30
pm*

Join the Kidney Stories Toastmasters Club this Sunday for a
moving story from Suzanne Ruff about her experience donating a kidney
to her sister. Ms. Ruff is the
author of The Reluctant Donor, which
recounts her donor journey and the answers she uncovered in the
process.

To attend go to [link removed] [link 28].
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As
always, please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have
by phone at 412-364-0469 [link 29] (Ross Office), 724-224-2131 [link
30] (Harrison Office) or by email at
[email protected] [link 31]. My staff will return
your call/email within 24 hours (Monday-Friday).

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Senator
Lindsey Williams

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mailto:[email protected]

Contact
Information:

Website:
[link removed]

Office Location:
District
Office
5000 McKnight Road
Suite 405
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Phone:
412-364-0469
Fax: 412-364-0928
Monday ? Friday 9-5

Harrison
Office
1826 Union Avenue
Natrona Heights, PA 15065
Phone:
724-224-2131
Fax: 724-224-2145
Monday ? Thursday 9-5

Harrisburg
Office
366 Capitol Building
Senate Box 203038
Harrisburg, PA
17120-3038
Phone: 717-787-6538
Fax: 717-787-8625
By appointment
only


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