State Senator Lindsey M. Williams, Your District 38 Update

Stay
Connected!*

*Are you receiving this Enewsletter for the first
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
authorizing me to send regular e-mail updates from my office to your
e-mail account.



*

*Upcoming Events**

*
[image =
[link removed]]
[link 2]*

*Demystifying Harrisburg: Office of Consumer Advocate-Your
Voice in Utility Matters*

*Hampton Community Center, 3101 McCully Rd,
Allison Park, Thursday, April 18, 6:00 pm*

My Demystifying Harrisburg
series has been one of my favorite events to do as a Senator, and I am
excited to bring you the first installment of 2024 with the Office of
Consumer Advocate - Your Voice in Utility Matters. Join me and
Pennsylvania's Consumer Advocate, Patrick Cicero, to learn about
utility rate hikes, choosing new utility providers, filing utility
complaints, and available financial assistance.

Register at
[link removed] [link 3].
Demystifying Harrisburg is designed to take a closer look at how
Harrisburg works--or doesn't work--for people every day. The series
also seeks to provide easy steps and access points for people to get
involved and engaged in what can feel like overwhelming processes.
Look for the next installment of my Demystifying Harrisburg series
this summer!

You can watch all of the previous videos in the series
on my website at SenatorLindseyWilliams.com/DemystifyingHbg [link
4].

[image =
[link removed]]

*

*Good
News**

[image =
[link removed]]

[image
=
[link removed]]

*Hampton's
WPIAL and PIAA Champs Recognized in Harrisburg*

I was proud to
welcome Hampton School District's 2023 WPIAL Class 3A Girls Volleyball
Champions and 2023 PIAA Class 2A Boys Cross Country Champions to the
Senate last Wednesday! The entire senate chamber gave them standing
ovations and both teams were treated to a day of activities at our
beautiful capitol.

The talented Girls Volleyball team is the first in
the program's history to win a WPIAL title, following a truly
impressive undefeated season. While Hampton lost in the PIAA finals,
they had an absolutely outstanding season, going 25-0 into their last
match and only losing 3 sets the entire season.

This year Hampton's
Boys Cross Country won their third consecutive WPIAL title. After a
tough fourth place finish in PIAAs last year, the team triumphantly
brought home their first PIAA cross-country win in the program's
history.

Congratulations to both teams and I am sure you will be just
as successful in all of your future endeavors!

[image =
[link removed]]

*March
is Social Workers' Month!*

Last week I joined NASW Pennsylvania for
their rally in Harrisburg to celebrate March as Social Workers'
Month.

Our social workers do amazing work all year long, and while
we're taking some steps to provide more support for their work in
Harrisburg, there is much more we can do. That includes addressing
licensing issues at the state level, making it easier to see clients,
and increasing wages.

I'm proud to support legislation that achieves
these goals and empowers social workers to do what they're great at
every single day.

[image =
[link removed]]

*"Local
1196: A Steelworkers Strike" Screening at GQT Pittsburgh Mills Cinema
in Tarentum*

Thank you to the Bertelsmann Foundation and The Battle
of Homestead Foundation for co-sponsoring last Thursday's screening of
"Local 1196: A Steelworkers Strike."

This was an incredible event
showcasing the strength and bravery of the workers at ATI who stood up
for themselves and all of us and what we deserve: a living wage, fair
benefits, and dignity and respect in the workplace.

[image =
[link removed]]
[link 5]

If you missed seeing "Local 1196: A Steelworkers Strike" on
the big screen last week, you can still watch the for FREE at:
Bertelsmann Foundation Documentaries | Films for Transatlanticists
(bfnadocs.org) [link 6].

[image =
[link removed]]

[image
=
[link removed]]
[link 7]

*Shredding Event in Ross*

THANK YOU to the Ross Township
Department of Public Works, Ross Township Police Department, the Ross
Township Fire Police, Ross West View EMSA, and Allegheny County 911
for keeping our shredding event with Rep. Emily Kinkead running as
smoothly as possible on Saturday.

Despite all of our best efforts,
after two trucks broke down, we know we didn't get to everyone. Our
next FREE shredding event with Rep. Lindsay Powell [link 8] is coming
up in April!

-
Saturday, April 27, 2024

-
9:00 am - 11:00 am

-
Kiwanis Park, 399 Wetzel Road, Glenshaw, PA 15116.

[image =
[link removed]]

*

*Legislative
Update**

[image =
[link removed]]

*School
Counseling Services Act*

When I talk to students and educators, one
of the biggest concerns that they share with me is the need for more
mental health support and for more caring adults in their school
buildings who can provide that support. I heard this feedback over and
over again during the Basic Education Funding Commission hearings last
fall as a top priority for districts across the state.

School
districts are working hard to bring in school psychologists, social
workers, and other mental health supports. But I often hear concerns
from these professionals that they don't get to spend enough of their
time providing direct services to students because they're pulled from
their regular duties to pitch in and cover classrooms and other areas
as needed.

Currently, Pennsylvania is the only state in the country
that doesn't require standardized counseling services in all schools.
That's why Rep. Dan Miller, Rep. Mandy Steele, and I have proposed the
School Counseling Services Act [link 9]. This legislation would
require that schools develop a robust and comprehensive school
counseling plan that includes having school counselors spend at least
80% of their working time engaged in direct and indirect services to
students.

This week, the School Counseling Services Act passed the
Pennsylvania House, making it one step closer to becoming law! The
legislation, HB1665 [link 10] now comes to the Senate Education
Committee for consideration. I hope that we are able to join our House
colleagues in taking this important step forward for student mental
health.

[image =
[link removed]]

*

*Women's
History Month**

This week we are featuring three of Pittsburgh's
notable women in the visual arts!

[image =
[link removed]]

*Summertime
by Mary Cassatt, c. 1894*

*Mary Cassatt - Painter and
Printmaker*

Did you know that world famous Impressionist painter Mary
Cassatt is from Pittsburgh - Allegheny City at the time? Cassatt was a
renowned artist, a rare feat since the art world was inaccessible for
most women. She produced the majority of her work in France at the
height of the Impressionist movement at the turn of the 20th century
and mainly painted women and children.

Aside from her legacy as a
painter, Cassatt also subsidized and promoted the work of many other
artists.

Learn more about Mary Cassatt at Mary Cassatt - Wikipedia
[link 11].

[image =
[link removed]]

*Lois
Weber - Groundbreaking Filmmaker*

Lois Weber (1879-1939) was a
filmmaking pioneer and actress born in the North Side, in what was
then Allegheny City. The first American woman to direct a
feature-length film in 1914, she directed over 138 films during her
illustrious career. In 1915 she said, "I like to direct because I
believe a woman, more or less intuitively, brings out many of the
emotions that are rarely expressed on the screen. I may miss what some
of the men get, but I will get other effects that they never thought
of."

[image =
[link removed]]

*(Image
source: Portraits for the Home Front | Portraits for the Home Front
(wqed.org) [link 12] *

*Elizabeth Black, Portrait Artist and WWII
Hero!*

In the 1930s, Elizabeth Black had a promising art career in
Pittsburgh, frequently commissioned for portraits of prominent figures
and families. She left all of that behind during the height of WWII to
join the Red Cross. During her time overseas, she created thousands of
treasured sketches of soldiers to send back to worried families and
loved ones.

Seventy years later, Black's son discovered photographs
of her sketches, scrapbooks, and memorabilia in a forgotten
footlocker. These treasured items form the basis of a PBS documentary
on Black's
her lost career and service during WWII.

You can watch the
documentary at Engage Veterans | Portraits for the Home Front: The
Story of Elizabeth Black | PBS [link 13].

[image =
[link removed]]

[image
=
[link removed]]

*Total
Solar Eclipse Planning*

On Monday, April 8 between roughly 3:10 -
3:25 pm., most of Pennsylvania will be able to see a total solar
eclipse. This is when the moon passes between Earth and the sun,
completely blocking the sun's light and for nearly four minutes, the
afternoon sky will go dark. We won't have another total eclipse for 20
years, so don't let this opportunity pass you by!

The path of the
eclipse will cross North America from the Southwest to the Northeast,
which in Pennsylvania includes Erie, Crawford, Warren, and Mercer
counties. This path is called the "path of totality." Most of
Pennsylvania lies within the 90 percent eclipse coverage range, so
even if you aren't in the path of totality, there will be excellent
viewing across the state.

REMINDER: You need to protect your eyes to
view the eclipse safely. Looking directly at the sun with the naked
eye, through an unfiltered camera lens, or with any kind of standard
sunglasses may result in permanent eye injury!

For complete
information on the eclipse in Pennsylvania go to the PA Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources'
2024 Total Solar Eclipse in
Pennsylvania (pa.gov) [link 14] page. You'll find the list of state
parks in the path of totality, tips on planning and what to bring to
the viewing, what you will see, ways to protect your eyes, precise
viewing times for any location, and NASA information on the total
eclipse.

If you are traveling, you should also go to Total Solar
Eclipse 2024 (511pa.com) [link 15] for routes, weather, and road
conditions for your trip.

Interested in joining a group close to home
to watch the partial eclipse? Attend the Springdale Free Library [link
16]'s solar eclipse viewing at 2 p.m.on April 8th. It will be at
Desmond Field, on Marion Avenue across from the Springdale High School
parking lot. The library has a limited number of glasses to hand out
on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call
724-274-9729.

[image =
[link removed]]

My
District Offices will be closed to walk-ins on April 8th. Staff will
still be available to help you by phone or email.

[image =
[link removed]]
[link 17]

[image =
[link removed]]

*Fake
SNAP Site*

[image =
[link removed]]

*Scam
Assistance Facebook Post *



*SNAP Social Media and Phone/Text Scam
Alerts!*

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) is
warning people who receive or are applying for the Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to beware of social media and
phone scams.

The newest social media scam is primarily on Facebook,
but if you see any social media post with a link to a
*"sites.google.com"* address asking for your personal payment
information to
apply for* "$750 in emergency SNAP benefits"* and there
is an *application deadline *(SNAP has no deadlines) - IT IS A SCAM!
See examples in the graphics above.

Always remember, DHS never asks
for personal information on Facebook, on a Google site, in an
unsolicited email, text message, or phone call. If someone claims to
be from or affiliated with the Department and asks for your personal
information - IT IS A SCAM.

There are legitimate informational text
messages and phone calls DHS sends to people who receive SNAP,
Medicaid, and other benefits from the number 1-833-648-1964. A
schedule and copies of legitimate DHS communications is available at
Individual Communications (pa.gov) [link 18].
However, DHS' text
messages and phone calls will NEVER include:

-
Details about a
person's benefits, such as the amount of SNAP they are authorized to
receive,

-
A request for specific personal information, and/or

-
Links to unofficial sites. Most DHS texts will direct people to
dhs.pa.gov, COMPASS, or a site that ends in .gov or .org.

Please
immediately report any texts or calls about DHS benefits that seem
suspicious by calling the DHS fraud tip line at 1-844-DHS-TIPS
(1-844-347-8477) so the proper authorities can investigate. If you
have questions about whether a call, text, letter, or other
communication is legitimate,you can contact DHS Office of Income
Maintenance [link 19].

Applications for public assistance programs
can be securely submitted online at www.dhs.pa.gov/compass [link 20].
On-site County Assistance Office (CAO) [link 21] services are
available for those who cannot access online services or need
assistance that cannot be accessed through the COMPASS website, the
MyCOMPASS PA mobile app, or by calling the Customer Service Centers at
1-877-395-8930.

[image =
[link removed]]
[link 22]

*Jump Start Grant Program*

Horizon Farm Credit [link 23]
is now accepting applications for their 2024 JumpStart
program!

JumpStart is a competitive grant program for farmers in the
business start-up phase and is open to people who meet eligibility
criteria. Up to fifteen, $10,000 grants are available. The application
period runs from March 1 through April 19.

To be eligible for this
grant program, applicants must:

-
Be 18 years of age or older as of
April 19, 2024

-
Have two years or less of farming experience OR be
planning to start farming within the next two years

-
Reside in
Horizon Farm Credit's territory

Learn more and check your eligibility
at JumpStart | Horizon Farm Credit (horizonfc.com) [link 24].

[image
=
[link removed]]
[link 25]

*Be a Poll Worker!*

The Allegheny County Elections
Division is looking for poll workers for the April 23rd Primary
Election. Poll workers learn about elections in our commonwealth, gain
valuable experience, and get paid for training and working Election
Day.

Interested in working?

-
Call the Elections office at
412.350.4500, and select option 5

-
Email the Elections office at
[email protected] [link 26]

-
Stop by
suite 312 in the County Office Building, 542 Forbes Avenue, downtown
Pittsburgh

-
Complete the online application [link 27].

Did you
know students can serve as poll workers?

Allegheny County's Student
Poll Worker Program works with students and school districts to give
young people the opportunity to participate in democracy. Students 17
years or older get paid or receive community service hours in return
for serving on Election Day. Currently, Fox Chapel, North Hills, PGH
CAPA 6-12, Saint Joseph, South Fayette, and Springdale School
Districts are partnering with Allegheny County Elections to give
students this valuable experience serving their communities.

If you
or someone you know are interested in this program, more information
is available at Student Poll Worker Program - Allegheny County, PA
[link 28].

Our elections are made possible by thousands of regular
citizens. Become a democracy champion today by signing up at Be a Poll
Worker (pa.gov) [link 29]!

[image =
[link removed]]
[link 30]

*STEAM Outside Camp at Tree Pittsburgh!*

Summer is just
around the corner and families are starting to plan for their
children's summer camp options.

If your child likes the outdoors and
is interested in the environment, consider applying for STEAM Outside
Camp at Tree Pittsburgh [link 31], located on a 5-acre riverfront
campus in Upper Lawrenceville. This camp is for 4th - 6th graders who
will participate in interactive activities guided by STEAM
principles:Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics.
Activities focus on the benefits of trees, nature in an urban
environment, exploration of riparian forests and river habitats, and
the life of a tree from seed to sapling.

Two sessions are available:
June 24-28 and July 8-12.

For more information and to register go to
STEAM Outside Camp @ Tree Pittsburgh [link 32].

[image =
[link removed]]
[link 33]

*Three Rivers Youth is Training Certified Recovery
Specialists!*

Looking for a job that makes a difference in people's
lives? Apply to become a Certified Recovery Specialists (CRS) with
Three Rivers Youth [link 34]! This century-old non-profit provides
services to at-risk children, adults, and families and is providing
training and placement for CRS professionals. Candidates receive 4
weeks of paid certification training that lasts a lifetime and is
transferable anywhere in the country.

Three Rivers Youth also offers
Anger Management, Outpatient D/A Treatment, Employment, Intervention,
Diversion and Mental Health Treatment service. If you know anyone that
needs these services, Three Rivers Youth can help! Call them at
412-441-5020 or email [email protected] [link 35] for more
information.

[image =
[link removed]]

*Children's
Fishing Day in Shaler!*

*Fawcett Fields, 411 McElheny Rd, Saturday,
April 6, 2024, 8:00 am - Dusk*

Want to introduce a child you know to
the lifelong sport of fishing? Come to Children's Fishing Day at
Shaler Township's Fawcett Fields. The Allison Park Sportsmen's Club
will be on hand with equipment and bait to teach the fundamentals and
the kids get to enjoy a freshly stocked Little Pine Creek for opening
day.

[image =
[link removed]]

[image
=
[link removed]]

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).

[image =
[link removed]]

Senator
Lindsey Williams

[image =
[link removed]]


----------------------
footnotes
----------------------
[link 1]
[link removed]
[link
2] [link removed]
[link 3]
[link removed]
[link 4]
[link removed]
[link 5]
[link removed]
[link 6]
[link removed]
[link 7]
[link removed]
[link 8]
[link removed]
[link 9]
[link removed]
[link
10]
[link removed]
[link
11] [link removed]
[link 12]
[link removed]
[link 13]
[link removed]
[link
14] [link removed]
[link
15]
[link removed]
[link
16] [link removed]
[link 17]
[link removed]
[link 18]
[link removed]
[link
19]
[link removed]
[link
20] [link removed]
[link 21]
[link removed]
[link
22] [link removed]
[link 23]
[link removed]
[link 24]
[link removed]
[link
25] [link removed]
[link 26]
mailto:[email protected]
[link 27]
[link removed]
[link 28]
[link removed]
[link
29]
[link removed]
[link
30]
[link removed]
[link
31] [link removed]
[link 32]
[link removed]
[link
33] [link removed]
[link 34]
[link removed]
[link 35]
mailto:[email protected]
[link 36] tel:412-364-0469
[link 37]
tel:724-224-2131
[link 38]
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


Unsubscribe:
[link removed]
Privacy
Policy: [link removed]