State Senator Lindsey M. Williams, Your District 38 Update

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Connected!*

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time?*

*Make sure you stay up-to-date on all things for the 38th
District and throughout the Commonwealth by clicking below! **


Click Here [link 1]

*By subscribing to my e-mail updates, you are
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*

*Constituent Stories**

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*Constituent
Win: REAL ID Assistance*

If you're finding it complicated or
confusing to get your REAL ID, you're not alone.

With the coming May
7, 2025 deadline, my Constituent Relations Specialists have been hard
at work answering questions and helping people gather the necessary
documents for REAL ID. Since the beginning of the year, we've assisted
more than 40 constituents with confirming documents are acceptable,
ordering official county marriage records, obtaining birth
certificates, correcting birth certificate errors, and deciding
whether getting REAL ID is necessary.

I hope you find the following
REAL ID overview helpful. But if you need additional assistance or
have questions please reach out to my office or consider attending my
REAL ID Webinar on April 24th (see our event section below for details
and to register).

Contact my office by calling 412-364-0469 (Ross),
724-224-2131 (Harrison), or email us at
[email protected] [link 2].

*REAL ID
Overview*

The REAL ID Act is a federal law passed after the 9/11
terrorist attacks to help secure domestic air travel and certain
federal facilities. The Act requires states to offer a "REAL ID" that
proves that your identity has been verified through documentation.
Your REAL ID driver's license or state-issued ID will have a gold star
in the upper right corner. REAL ID is optional and has been available
in Pennsylvania since 2019.

*On May 7, 2025, *federal law will
require a REAL ID or another federally accepted ID, such as a military
ID or valid passport, to:

-
fly domestically on commercial
airlines;

-
enter military bases;

-
access certain federal
facilities, including some federal agencies and buildings.

*Do you
Need a REAL ID?*

If you have a valid passport, passport card, or
military ID, you do not need a REAL ID! If you don't, you must have a
REAL ID to fly domestically and enter some federal facilities after
May 7th, 2025.

*What is Required?*

PennDOT needs documents from four
categories to issue your REAL ID:

-
*Proof of Identity*

-
An
original or certified copy of a birth certificate filed with the State
Office of Vital Records/Statistics or State Registrar (with a
raised/embossed seal and signature), or

-
A valid, unexpired U.S.
passport.

-
*Proof of Social Security Number*

-
A document
displaying your legal name and full nine-digit Social Security Number
(e.g., Social Security card, W-2 form, SSA-1099 form, non-SSA-1099
form, or pay stub).

-
*Two Proofs of Current, Physical Pennsylvania
Address*

-
A current, unexpired Pennsylvania driver's license or ID
card, vehicle registration, or utility bill with your name and
address.

-
*Proof of All Legal Name Changes*

-
If your legal name
differs from what's shown on your proof of identity, you'll need to
provide documents such as certified marriage certificates (for each
marriage), court orders for legal name changes, or adoption
decrees.

REAL ID requires a one-time fee of $30. Any remaining time
before your PA driver's license or ID card expires will be added to
the four-year expiration for your new REAL ID.

*Where to Get Your
REAL ID: *

-
At a Pennsylvania Driver's License Center [link 3]:
Your documents will be scanned, and your new REAL ID will be mailed to
you within 15 days.

-
At the only REAL ID Center [link 4] in
Allegheny County - 1025 Washington Pike, Bridgeville, PA: Your REAL ID
will be processed over the counter, and you'll receive it
immediately!

*PennDOT May Have Your Documents *

If you received your
first Pennsylvania driver's license, learner's permit, or photo ID
card *after September 1, 2003*, some of your REAL ID documentation may
be on file with PennDOT. Apply for REAL ID pre-verification and order
your REAL ID online at:
[link removed]
[link 5].

*Helpful Resources:*

-
Is REAL ID For Me Quiz? [link
6]

-
Full list of PA Driver's License Centers [link 7]

-
REAL ID
Center Locations & More [link 8]

-
REAL ID Document Checklist [link
9]

-
Complete REAL ID Information [link 10]

*Need
Assistance?*

Again, our office is happy to help! We can answer your
questions and assist with obtaining the necessary documents before you
head to PennDOT.

Call us at 412-364-0469 (Ross) or 724-224-2131
(Harrison), or email us at [email protected] [link
11] to schedule an appointment.

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*

*Upcoming
Events**

*
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[link 12]*

*REAL ID Webinar!*

*Zoom, Thursday, April 24, 2025, 11am
- 12:30pm*

I am proud to be partnering with PennDOT to host a REAL ID
webinar on April 24 at 11 AM! During this webinar, we'll be explaining
what a REAL ID is, why you may want one, and how to get one before the
May 7 REAL ID Enforcement date. This virtual presentation is
completely free to attend, so mark your calendars and tell your
friends.

Register and submit your questions in advance at:
[link removed] [link 13].

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*Get
the Support You've Earned: VFW Service Officer Appointments
Available*

Whether you have questions about your benefits or just
want a fresh review, take advantage of the Veterans of Foreign Wars
(VFW) Veterans Service Officer (VSO) appointments available at my Ross
and Harrison Township district offices. We will now have VSO
appointments in both offices every month!

*Harrison Township
Office*

1826 Union Ave.

Natrona Heights, PA 15065

1st Thursday of
each month from 1:00 PM - 4:45 PM

*Upcoming Dates:*

-
Thursday,
April 3rd

-
Thursday, May 1st

*Ross Township Office*

5000 McKnight
Road, Suite 405

Pittsburgh, PA 15237

1st Monday of each month from
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

*Upcoming Dates:*

-
Monday, April 7th

-
Monday, May 5th

Contact us at 412-364-0469 (Ross), 724-224-2131
(Harrison), or email us at [email protected] [link
14] to book your one-on-one session - appointments fill up quickly, so
don't delay!

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*Monthly
Community Office Hours at the Kingsley Association*

*Friday, April 4,
2025, from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm*

My office hosts monthly office hours
on the first Friday of every month at the Kingsley Association. Stop
by and say hello to our staff between 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM and get
access to all the services that our District Offices provides.

-
Property Tax or Rent Rebates

-
Senior Photo Connect Cards

-
PennDOT Forms

-
Connection to Resources

-
Unclaimed Property
Searches

-
Voter Registration

-
And much more!

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*

*Good
News**

*
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[link 15]*

*Kelly Strayhorn Theater Tour*

I recently had the chance
to meet with the Kelly Strayhorn Leadership Team to hear about their
exciting development plans. My staff and I have enjoyed attending
events at the current East Liberty theater for years and we're looking
forward to seeing what comes next!

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*Meeting
with Homecare Providers*

I had the chance to meet with home
caregivers and discuss the importance of investing in their work and
in keeping Pennsylvanians safe, healthy, and living independently in
their own homes. More than 112,500 home care shifts go unfilled EVERY
MONTH in Pennsylvania, mostly because of staff shortages. That means
care recipients are going without essential services.

Every job
should provide a family-sustaining wage. But homecare workers,
education support professionals, early childcare providers, and others
who serve our vulnerable populations, often earn less than they could
by working at Sheetz or the local grocery store. It is long past time
that we recognize the importance of their work and pay them a wage
that reflects the dignity of their work and the people they are caring
for.

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*Legislative
Black Bear Research Trip*

I had the opportunity to participate in my
second legislative research tour with the Senate Game and Fisheries
Committee earlier this month. The Pennsylvania Game Commission's Black
Bear Program Specialist shared valuable insights on the state's bear
population and their efforts to protect and preserve these animals and
their habitats. We also had the chance to meet baby bear cubs and see
their mother in her den, where Game Commission officials were
carefully examining her to ensure she remains healthy and ready to
care for her cubs this spring.

**These photos were taken during a
research trip under the supervision of trained wildlife experts.
Members of the public should not encroach on bear territory or attempt
to interact with bears or bear cubs on their own.**

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*Highland
Volunteer Fire Department Awards*

I was glad to join the hardworking
firefighters of the Highland Volunteer Fire Department at their annual
awards celebration last Tuesday. I'm incredibly grateful to these
volunteers for everything they do to serve our community every single
day.

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*

*Legislative
Update**

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*Standing
Up for Education Here in PA and Across the Country*

Last week,
President Trump signed an executive order which begins the process of
dismantling the US Department of Education. As the Minority Chair of
the Senate Education Committee, I am increasingly concerned about the
damage that these attacks are causing to our students, families,
educators, schools, and communities.

Democratic Leader Senator Jay
Costa and I issued this statement, and renewed our commitment to
ensuring that every Pennsylvania student has access to a
comprehensive, effective, and contemporary system of public education
that they are constitutionally entitled to and deserve:

"We are
appalled that President Trump, Elon Musk, and their billionaire
cronies have taken the unconstitutional and unprecedented step of
dismantling the US Department of Education, and moreover, that they
have barely attempted to disguise their flagrant raiding of our
children's futures to line their own pockets.

The US Department of
Education plays a critical role in ensuring that every single student,
especially our students with disabilities, receives an excellent
public-school education surrounded by adults who care about them. In
Pennsylvania, we rely on the US Department of Education for $1.45
billion in education support funding, $3.3 million in mental health
services funding, and $238.1 million in workforce development funding.
On the higher education front, the destruction of the Department of
Education stands to cost our Commonwealth $68.9 billion in federal
student loans, which support over 1.8 million
Pennsylvanians.

Dismantling the US Department of Education will do
nothing to improve students' math and literacy skills, nor will it
lower property taxes; on the contrary, this order will serve only to
clear the way for rolling back the civil rights of our students and
unleashing untold discrimination without consequences.

Further,
Executive Orders are not law. They cannot change existing law or our
constitution. This Executive Order cannot eliminate the U.S.
Department of Education. Today's action is unconstitutional, but the
damage to our students, parents, and educators has already
begun.

Pennsylvania's Department of Education will continue to
diligently carry out its mission to provide a comprehensive,
effective, and contemporary system of public education on the state
level to the best of their abilities, but the future of necessary
funding, technical education, and special education is in incredible
peril. The Senate Democratic Caucus will be fighting harder than ever
for our students, our educators, our parents, and our support
staffers."

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*

*News
You Can Use**

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*Spring
Flooding*

We have all been looking forward to the Spring Thaw, but
spring also brings rain and melting snow, which can cause flooding.
Ready PA [link 16], Pennsylvania's emergency alert platform, has these
six simple tips to protect your home:

-
*Check Your Flood
Risk*

Find out if your home is in a flood-prone area at PA Flood Risk
[link 17]. Even if you don't live near water, heavy rain can still
cause flooding.

-
*Get Flood Insurance*

Regular homeowners'
insurance doesn't cover flood damage. Flood insurance can save you
money in repairs, and it takes 30 days to kick in, so get it
now!

Flood insurance, available through the National Flood Insurance
Program (NFIP) [link 18] and private insurers, can be purchased to
cover almost any building and its contents, including rental property
and condominiums. Renters also can buy flood insurance protection for
their possessions.

For more information on flood insurance or to buy
a policy go to: Flood Insurance | Insurance Department | Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania [link 19].

-
*Keep Gutters and Downspouts
Clear*

Clogged gutters can cause water to pool and seep into your
basement. Clean them regularly, and make sure downspouts direct water
at least six feet away from your home.



-
*Install a Sump Pump
(and Backup Battery)*

A sump pump keeps your basement dry. Make sure
it works and install a battery backup in case of power outages.



-
*Seal Cracks in Your Foundation*

Check for cracks in your foundation,
walls, or basement floor. Use sealant or waterproof coatings to
prevent water from getting in.



-
*Raise Your Appliances &
Utilities*

If possible, raise appliances like your water heater or
furnace above potential flood levels to avoid costly damage.

*Be
Prepared!*

Acting now can save you stress and money later. Monitor
the weather, stay alert, and protect your home from spring
floods!

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*Flood
Alerts*

Being prepared for flooding includes paying attention to
emergency alerts and knowing what to do so you can take the actions
necessary to stay safe.

A great first step is signing up for Code
Red weather, health, and other disaster alerts from the Pennsylvania
Emergency Management Agency's Alert PA system. Code Red alerts are
customized for the location you choose and are sent directly to your
phone and/or email. Sign up at
[link removed] [link
20].

Because flooding can happen very quickly, it is also a good idea
to familiarize yourself with the two kinds of emergency flood alerts
and the action steps needed for each:

-
*Flood Watch: Be
Ready!*

Flooding isn't happening yet, but it could. Flood Watches are
usually issued 12-24 hours before flooding is expected and cover large
areas. Prepare by securing important documents in a waterproof
container, checking your emergency kit, planning evacuation routes,
and staying updated on emergency alerts.



-
*Flood Warning: Act
Now!*

Flooding is happening or about to happen and you must act
immediately. Move to higher ground and follow local emergency
instructions from officials. And remember- turn around, don't drown!
Avoid driving or walking through floodwaters - just six inches of
moving flood water can knock you over.

*Flood Types:*

-
*River
Flooding:* Happens when rivers overflow, lasting days or weeks. If a
river is near your home, stay informed about rising water levels.

-
*Flash Flooding:* Happens quickly after heavy rain and is very
dangerous. Never drive through floodwaters. Turn around and find
another route!

Want to learn more? Visit Ready PA [link 21] or check
out National Weather Service resources [link 22] for complete
information on flooding and flooding resources.

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[link 23]

*Mentored Youth Trout Day!*

This year's annual Mentored
Youth Trout Day is this Saturday, March 29th from 8 am - 7:30 pm. This
special day is set aside just for young people to fish the list of PA
Stocked Trout Waters [link 24] ahead of Trout Season Opening Day on
April 5th.

Youth anglers need a Mentored Youth Permit or a Voluntary
Youth Fishing License from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
(PFBC) and must be accompanied by a licensed adult angler to
participate. Licensed Youth anglers can take a total of two trout
(combined species) with a minimum length of 7 inches. Adult anglers
are prohibited from possessing trout.

To learn more about the PFBC's
Mentored Youth Program and to purchase licenses go to:

Mentored Youth
Program | Fish and Boat Commission | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
[link 25].

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[link 26]

*Tykes & Trout Event at North Park Lake!*

You can also
join Venture Outdoors at North Park Lake on Friday, April 11th from
12-4pm to help the PA Fish and Boat Commission stock the lake with
trout and enjoy some fishing afterward. The event is FREE for all ages
and is made possible by the Pittsburgh First Catch Program, which
connects Pittsburgh residents to outdoor fishing and kayaking
experiences.

All gear and instruction will be provided. You don't
need a license for this event thanks to the Fishing Skills Instructor
(FSI) certification program! To register and for more information go
to: [link removed] [link 27].

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[link 28]

*Submission Call for the Older Artists of PA
Showcase*

Calling all artists 60 and up! The Pennsylvania Department
of Aging and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts want to feature your
talent in the first-ever Older Artists of PA Showcase. Whether you
paint, sculpt, or create in any medium, this is a chance to have your
work displayed in the beautiful East Wing Rotunda of the State Capitol
throughout the month of May.

Ready to share your masterpiece? Get
all the details, including submission guidelines and entry forms
at:

Older Adults Encouraged to Submit Artwork for Older Artists of PA
Showcase | Department of Aging | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania [link
29].

Artwork must be submitted by Friday, April 4!

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[link 30]

*Renaissance City Choir: Follow Our Yellow Brick Road
Concert*

*East Liberty Presbyterian Church, April 4th & 5th at 8
pm*

Looking for a way to celebrate spring? Why not take a musical
trip to the Emerald City with the Renaissance City LGBTQ+ Choir at
their Follow Our Yellow Brick Road Concert! You'll hear all your
favorites from Oz surrounded by the beauty of the East Liberty
Presbyterian Church.

Remote tickets are available and come with the
option to watch the concert at your leisure via an email link.

The
church is ADA accessible, and any accessibility questions may be
directed to: [email protected] [link 31]. ASL
interpretation is available on both dates.

To purchase tickets go
to: Follow Our Yellow Brick Road in Pittsburgh - Checkout [link 32].
For ticketing questions email: [email protected] [link 33].
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[link 34]

*New West View Hub Programming: Stay-at-Home Parents
Connection Group*

*West View Hub, 435 Perry Highway, Wednesdays from
12:30 to 2 pm*

Are you a stay-at-home parent? Whether you feel like a
fish out of water or just want to expand your social circle, the West
View Hub [link 35] has you covered. This group is dedicated to
bringing together stay-at-home parents who are looking to form genuine
connections and build a supportive community.

All stay-at-home
parents are welcome! Free! For questions call (412) 301-8381.

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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 36] (Ross Office), 724-224-2131 [link
37] (Harrison Office) or by email at
[email protected] [link 38]. My staff will return
your call/email within 24 hours (Monday-Friday).

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Senator
Lindsey Williams

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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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