State Senator Lindsey M. Williams, Your District 38
Update

*

*BACK- TO SCHOOL**

As summer ends and students head
back to school, I wanted to bring attention to some of my recent work
as the Minority Chair of the Senate Education Committee.

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A
few weeks ago, I announced [link 1] I will introduce legislation [link
2] that will provide free school meals to all students. At the
beginning of the pandemic, the Federal government took action to
ensure that all students had access to free breakfast and lunch.
However, this access to universal school meals is set to expire at the
beginning of the 2022-23 school year, which has already begun for many
families. While the Federal government has taken some steps to help
schools facing rising food, gas, and labor costs, unfortunately
nothing has been done yet to help Pennsylvania's students and families
enduring the same financial strain.

The return to paying for school
breakfast and lunches is especially going to hurt families just above
the income-eligibility guidelines for the free and reduced meals
program. As we see prices rising at the grocery stores, now is not the
time to take away reliable, nutritious meals from students.

Earlier
last month, me and my Democratic colleagues on the Senate Education
Committee sent a letter [link 3] to Governor Tom Wolf and Acting
Secretary of Education Eric Hagarty asking the Administration to take
any steps available to extend access to free school meals for all
students for the upcoming school year. This action is supported by the
School Nutrition Association of Pennsylvania (SNAPa). Their President,
Megan Schaper, wrote a letter to the editor [link 4] last week
applauding this action, saying "The past two years have shown us how
students and educators benefit when school meals are free for all
kids. School meals reduce childhood hunger, decrease childhood
obesity, support learning and contribute to positive mental and
physical health." You can read the full letter at:
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[link 5].

Whether we're helping a student who forgot their lunch at
home, a parent struggling with the loss of a job, or a family just
trying to make ends meet, ensuring that every student has access to
breakfast and lunch with no shame or stigma is one of the most
common-sense ways we can help our kids be ready to learn every single
day.

Check out some recent coverage of my legislation:

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CBS
News [link 6]

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City and State PA [link 7]

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WTAE [link
8]

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*Photo
credit: my Mom & Dad; Commonwealth Media Services*

The start of a
new school year is a reminder of how impactful teachers can be in our
lives. City and State PA asked leaders in education [link 9] about
which teachers were instrumental in becoming who we are today. For me,
that was Mr. Heal.

I was so fortunate to have many influential
teachers who invested in me throughout my education, but one in
particular recognized my potential before I saw it in myself. When I
was in high school, a teacher I'd previously had in junior high, Mr.
Heal, recommended to my parents that I apply for a youth conference in
Washington, D.C. I was accepted to the conference and got to
experience government and lawmaking firsthand. That was the first time
I realized that a legal career could be in my future and set me on the
path to eventually run for office.

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*

*Upcoming
Events**

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[link 10]

*Dogs and Democracy with Senator Williams*

*Highland
Park Dog Park, Saturday, September 17th,
9-11 am*

Bring your pup
and meet with Senator Williams. We'll be chatting about Victoria's Law
(SB 234) and other animal welfare legislation.

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[link 11]

*Benny invites you to attend!*

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[link 12]

*Senior Resource Fair*

*Ross Township Municipal
Center, Tuesday, September 27, 10 am -12 pm*

Come meet Senator
Lindsey Williams and Representative Emily Kinkead and their staff at
our Senior Resource Fair at the Ross Municipal Center on September
27th from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm! They will be available to provide
constituents with information on state government-related programs and
services available. This FREE event includes health screenings,
information for seniors and caregivers, light refreshments, and much
more!

Register for this event at Senior Resource Fair - Senator
Lindsey Williams [link 13].

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[link 14]

*Save the Date for our 2022 Community Baby
Shower!*

*Liberty Green Park, 100 Larimer Ave, Tuesday, October 11,
4 pm - 6 pm*

Senator Lindsey Williams is hosting an outdoor
Community Baby Shower on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at Liberty Green
Park, 100 Larimer Ave, (rain location Kingsley Association [link 15]).
This event is a resource fair for parents, grandparents,
foster/kinship families, guardians or anyone looking to start a
family. Registration information will be available soon. We hope you
will join us!

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*

*Legislative
Update**

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*School
Bus Safety Review*

It is the back-to-school season in Pennsylvania
and a great time to review school bus safety! Students, parents,
teachers, administrators, transportation personnel, and the motoring
public all play important roles in keeping our children safe while on
or around the school bus.

*Pennsylvania's School Bus Stopping
Law:*

School bus safety is a high priority in Pennsylvania.
Students, parents, teachers, administrators, transportation personnel,
and the motoring public all play important roles in keeping our
children safe while on or around the school bus.

-
Motorists must
stop at least 10 feet away from school buses that have their red
lights flashing and stop arm extended.

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Motorists must stop when
they are behind a bus, meeting the bus, or approaching an intersection
where a bus is stopped.

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Motorists following or traveling
alongside a school bus must also stop until the red lights have
stopped flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and all children have
reached safety.

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If physical barriers such as grassy medians,
guide rails or concrete median barriers separate oncoming traffic from
the bus, motorists in the opposing lanes may proceed without
stopping.

-
Do not proceed until all the children have reached a
place of safety.

*The penalties if convicted of violating
Pennsylvania's School Bus Stopping Law include:*

-
$250 fine

-
Five points on your driving record

-
60-day license
suspension

For more information, review Pennsylvania's School Bus
Stopping Law Fact Sheet [link 16].

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*New
Recreation and Community Revitalization Grants!*

I was proud to
announce $805,600 in state grant funding for projects to improve
recreation and community revitalization across Senate District 38 this
week! The grants are part of the DCNR Community Conservation
Partnerships Program [link 17] (C2P2), which is funded by the Keystone
Fund [link 18].

We can conserve the environment and improve our
quality of life by investing in our shared parks and green spaces.
This vital funding goes directly into community assets that people
care deeply about, and invests in infrastructure to help with flooding
and other stormwater related issues that are negatively impacting
residents. The projects receiving funding are:

-
Aspinwall
Riverfront Park: $300,000 for further development of Allegheny
Rivertrail Park in Aspinwall Borough. Work includes construction of
pedestrian walkways and wildlife viewing platform; streambank
stabilization; installation of stormwater management measures; ADA
access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
-
Harrison Township: $70,100 for rehabilitation and further
development of Three Rivers Water Trail access along the Allegheny
River in Harrison Township. Work includes rehabilitation of the
parking area; construction of pedestrian walkways; installation of
stormwater management measures; ADA access, landscaping, project sign,
and other related site improvements.

-
O'Hara Township: $62,500
for development of the O'Hara Township Community Park Hiking Trail in
O'Hara Township. Work includes rehabilitation of approximately .04
miles of trail, bridge and streambank stabilization; ADA access,
landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.

-
The City of Pittsburgh: $73,000 to prepare a Trail Maintenance and
Management Plan for the Three Rivers Heritage Trail in the City of
Pittsburgh, Allegheny County. Work includes a written, bound report.
-
Allegheny Land Trust: $300,000 payment toward the acquisition of
approximately 46.2 acres on Geyer Road Extension in Shaler and Reserve
Township for open space and passive recreation.

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*DEP
Needs Your Comments on the Draft 2022 PA State Water Plan!*

The PA
Department of Environmental Protection [link 19] is asking for public
comment on its Draft 2022 Pennsylvania State Water Plan [link 20] to
help them identify water management and protection priorities. The
finalized plan is used by legislative, governmental, industry, and
community leaders to make informed decisions regarding water
availability, infrastructure investment, water resource protection,
health and safety, and climate change adaptation. The plan also guides
the professional and volunteer workers that manage and protect our
water every day. Public participation is critical, and the comment
period ends September 19th!

To read about the plan and submit your
comments go to State Water Plan (pa.gov) [link 21].

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[link 22]

*Marijuana Pardon Project Deadline is September
30th*

The PA Marijuana Pardon Project [link 23] opened and you have
until September 30th to apply for a pardon if you've been convicted
of:

-
Possession of Marijuana (Title 35 Section 780-113
Subsection A31)

-
Marijuana, Small Amount Personal Use (Title 35
Section 780 Section 780-113 Subsection A31I)



It's free to
apply, but time is limited. Go to PA Marijuana Pardon Project | PA.GOV
[link 24] now for more information and to apply if you
qualify!

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*

*Good
News**

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*Constituent
Success Story!*

A few weeks ago, while helping a Ross Township
resident of the Corbett Court Senior High Rise with her 2021 Property
Tax/Rent Rebate we found over $2000 in unclaimed property being held
for her by the Pennsylvania Treasury! It was yet another example of
why constituent services are a top priority for Senator
Williams.

You could be among the 1 in 10 Pennsylvania residents
that has unclaimed property waiting for them too. To search for PA
Treasury's Unclaimed Property database on your own go to Unclaimed
Property (patreasury.gov) [link 25]. If you would like assistance, we
are happy to help you in our office. We can print, help you complete,
and submit the required claim forms and we provide free notary
services.

Contact us to make an appointment for help with
unclaimed property or any other matter at 412-364-0469 (Ross),
724-224-2131 (Harrison), or [email protected] [link
26]. We are here to help!

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*Sheldon
Park Community Day*

Sheldon Park held its 35th Annual Community Day
on Friday, August 12th at the Hayden Community Center in Harrison
Township [link 27].
The event started with a program presented by
Sydney Hayden, President of Sheldon Park's Resident Council, that
recognized student achievement and the supportive partnerships between
the community, Highlands School District [link 28], government, and
local public safety. We were also treated to inspiring musical
performances by three Highlands High School students! Afterwards
everyone enjoyed the bouncy houses, face painting, music, food, and
tours of the Citizens Hose Fire Rescue-EMS [link 29] fire engine and
ambulance. Terrific event that celebrated this wonderful
community!

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*Caravan
for Change in North Park*

Thank you to NA For Change [link 30]
(North Allegheny for Change) who hosted their third annual Caravan For
Change on August 13th in North Park [link 31]!! Coach Margo Hinton
[link 32] and I spoke to the group and couldn't have been more
impressed with these dedicated students. Their commitment to positive
change, equity, and respect is an inspiration to us all!* *

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*Our
Shredding Event in O'Hara Township*

Thank you to everyone who came
out on Saturday, August 13th to our shredding event with veteran owned
and operated Shred America [link 33] at O'Hara Township's [link 34]
Lauri Ann West Community Center [link 35]! We met some new neighbors,
got to watch documents get shredded, and helped keep everyone's
identity protected. Stay tuned for info about our next shredding
event!

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*Richland
Community Day*

My staff, our intern Aislinn, and I had a great time
on August 13th at Richland Township's [link 36] Community Day! It was
great to see everybody out enjoying the marching band, performances,
local organizations, food, rides, games, and fireworks. Thanks to
everyone who stopped by to talk to us and to all who made it
possible.

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*East
Deer Summer Celebration*

Fun was had by all at East Deer's [link
37] Summer Celebration on August 20th. Thanks for coming out to
celebrate your community and for stopping by our table!

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[link 38]

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[link 39]

*McCandless and Tarentum Community Events this
Weekend!*

Stop by our table to meet Senator Williams and our staff
as we celebrate McCandless [link 40]' Community Day and Tarentum's
[link 41] Fall Festival on Saturday night, September 10th. Hope to see
you there!

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*Garfield
Night Market*

Our intern Alex got some on-the-job legislative and
constituent services training at Garfield's Night Market [link 42] on
September 2nd. The Night Market runs on Fridays and provides
Bloomfield and Garfield residents with a pleasant outdoor shopping
experience with small local vendors. Thank you to the
Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation [link 43] for this neighborhood
treasure!

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*Shop
with a Cop*

I was honored to participate again in the Allegheny
County Police Department's Annual Shop with a Cop event with local
students [link 44] at the Ross Park Mall.

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*Natrona
Park Trail Connector*

I had the best time celebrating the river
trail and helping put the finishing touches on the mosaics for the new
trail connector fence across from Natrona Community Park. So many
community members and business leaders made the day even more
beautiful. Thanks to mosaic artist Stevo Sadvary, Friends of the
Riverfront [link 45], Harvest Moon Coffee & Chocolates [link 46],
Natrona Comes Together Association [link 47], Red Ribbon Soda,
Harrison [link 48] Councilman Chuck Dizard, Tarentum [link 49] Mayor
Lindsay Frazer, and many others who joined to celebrate.

Read more
at: [link removed] [link
50]

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[link 51]

The Allegheny Fire Police Association-Public [link 52]'s
Craft Show is this weekend! The event is on Saturday, Sept. 10th from
10am-4pm at the Etna [link 53] Ballfield.

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[link 54]

*Veterans: PACT Act Virtual Veterans Town Hall*

Join
VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System [link 55] at 10 a.m. on Tuesday,
September 13, for its PACT Act Virtual Veterans Town Hall [link 56] to
learn about the new law's benefits for Veterans, their families and
survivors. VA Pittsburgh leadership and representatives of the
Veterans Benefits Administration will discuss and answer attendees'
questions about the act's expanded enrollment opportunities for VA
health care and new presumptive conditions for Veterans with toxic
exposures and Veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War and post-9/11 eras.
Open to the public.

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Join online at
[link removed] [link
57]

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Event number: 2763 835 0349

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Event password:
WmdkfdU5$44

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By phone at 1-404-397-1596 (access code: 2763 835
0349)

You can learn more about the PACT Act at The PACT Act And
Your VA Benefits | Veterans Affairs [link 58].

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*WIN-Spirations
Community Flea Market in East Deer*

WIN-Spirations [link 59] is
hosting a Community Flea Market at East Deer's [link 60] Athletic
Field on Sunday, September 18th from 8-3pm. While you shop for
treasures, you'll be supporting women facing economic hardships.

If
you are interested in volunteering for the event go to WIN - Volunteer
Opportunities (wildapricot.org) [link 61]. Vendors can still register
at Community Craft Show & Flea Market Tickets, Sun, Sep 18, 2022 at
8:00 AM | Eventbrite [link 62].

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*7th
Annual Pittsburgh Chinese Culture Festival*

Mark your calendars!
The Pittsburgh Chinese Cultural Center [link 63] is hosting its 7th
Chinese Culture Festival [link 64] at Mellon Park
on Saturday,
September 24th at 11:00. Celebrate the rich culture of China with
performances, arts and crafts, food from Pittsburgh's best Chinese
restaurants, exhibits, and much more!

(8) The Seventh Pittsburgh
Chinese Cultural Festival | Facebook [link 65].

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*The
Gary Lincoln Memorial Mushroom Foray*

The Western Pennsylvania
Mushroom Club's [link 66] 22nd annual Gary Lincoln Foray is on
Saturday, September 24th at The Lodge in North Park. The event
features guest speakers, guided walks, an auction, sales tables &
vendors, live music & more! With over 11,000 species, there is
MUCH-room for you to expand your fun fungi knowledge! Sign up for the
event here [link 67].

Read more at Fun with fungi: Western
Pennsylvania Mushroom Club plans North Park foray | TribLIVE.com [link
68].

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[link 69]

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[link 70]

*Five Thunder Thursday Summer Music Series Concerts
Left!*

Don't worry, you still have an opportunity to see outdoor
music this summer! Miller Lite Thunder Thursdays Summer Music Series
[link 71] has five more concerts at the Pittsburgh Shrine Center
Pavilion at 1877 Shriners Way, Cheswick. Concerts are every Thursday
through October 13, rain or shine, no cover, free parking, amazing
local music performers, full bar, great food from Starlite Lounge,
opens at 6pm and ends at 9pm. Hope to see you there!

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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 72] (Ross Office), 724-224-2131 [link
73] (Harrison Office) or by email at
[email protected] [link 74]. My staff will return
your call/email within 24 hours (Monday-Friday).

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Senator
Lindsey Williams

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[link 72] tel:412-364-0469
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tel:724-224-2131
[link 74]
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

Harrison Office
1826 Union
Avenue
Natrona Heights, PA 15065
Phone: 724-224-2131
Fax:
724-224-2145

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

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