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Constituent Stories 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]. 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:
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:
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:
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: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv/driver-services/real-id/real-id-online-pre-verification.html. Helpful Resources:
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] to schedule an appointment. Upcoming Events REAL ID Webinar! 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: https://senatorlindseywilliams.com/event/realid/. 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 1st Thursday of each month from 1:00 PM - 4:45 PM Upcoming Dates:
Ross Township Office 1st Monday of each month from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Upcoming Dates:
Contact us at 412-364-0469 (Ross), 724-224-2131 (Harrison), or email us at [email protected] to book your one-on-one session - appointments fill up quickly, so don’t delay! Monthly
Community Office Hours at the Kingsley Association 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.
Good News 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! 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. 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.** 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. Legislative Update 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.”
News You Can Use 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, Pennsylvania’s emergency alert platform, has these six simple tips to protect your home:
Be Prepared! 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 https://www.pa.gov/agencies/ready/stay-informed/alerts.html. 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 Types:
Want to learn more? Visit Ready PA or check out National Weather Service resources for complete information on flooding and flooding resources. 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 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. 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: https://ventureoutdoors.org/events/. 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: Artwork must be submitted by Friday, April 4! Renaissance City Choir: Follow Our
Yellow Brick Road Concert 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]. ASL interpretation is available on both dates. To purchase tickets go to: Follow Our Yellow Brick Road in Pittsburgh - Checkout. For ticketing questions email: [email protected]. New
West View Hub Programming: Stay-at-Home Parents Connection
Group 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 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. 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). |
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