Upcoming Events

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.
• All tax documents for the year

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

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:

• People who generally make $67,000 or less;
• Persons with disabilities; and
• Limited English-speaking taxpayers.

To learn more about VITA or TCE tax preparation services, you can view their website at https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers. 

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

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 https://directfile.irs.gov/ 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 https://www.irs.gov/filing/irs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free for more details on IRS Guided Tax Software and to file your return. 

IRS Fillable Forms

• 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 https://www.irs.gov/filing/irs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free for more details on IRS Fillable Forms and to file your return. 

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!

Good News

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!

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!

Legislative Update

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. 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. If you have questions about the process or want to share your thoughts, please reach out to me at [email protected]. 

News You Can Use

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 https://www.patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property/ 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]. We are here to help!

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, 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 https://www.papreferred.com/ or look for PA Dairy at your local supermarket!

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:

• Over social media, dating or gaming apps, and/or websites that help people find love or friendship.
• 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)
• Scammers who ask for expensive favors.
• Scammers who ask for money.
• Be suspicious of anyone who unexpectedly contacts you on social media.
• Scammers who say they’re in love.
• Scammers who ask you to send personal pictures of yourself or your family.
• Scammers who pose as famous people.

If you Suspect a Friendship or Romance Scam:

• Talk to someone you trust. Listen to your friends or family if they express concerns about this relationship.
• 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.
• 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. ALSO, notify the social networking site or app where you met the scammer.
• Report it to the PA Attorney General, Bureau of Consumer Protection by calling 1-800-441-2555.
• 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]

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: https://actionhousing.org/our-services/home-allegheny-repair-programs/.

If you need help applying:

• Email [email protected].
• Call the ACTION Housing hotline at 412-248-0021.
• Go to the Housing Stabilization Center, 415 Seventh Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Hours: Monday – Thursday from 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM. Closed Friday.

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].

Can’t make this job fair? Get a complete list of CareerLink events by scanning the QR code above or go to https://bit.ly/careerlinkevents. 

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 https://bit.ly/4h2Kpvp.