New Offices

I am pleased to announce that on February 11th, I will open a mobile office at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh�s Allegheny branch, located at 1230 Federal Street.  This office will be open every Wednesday, from 10 a.m. � 4 p.m., and by appointment. 

Last week I announced that on February 5th, I will be opening a mobile office in the Strip District at the Pittsburgh Public Market (PPM), located at 2401 Penn Avenue.  This office will be open every Thursday, from 10 a.m. � 4 p.m., and by appointment.  The PPM is located near several bus lines and street and garage parking is available in close proximity.  A handicapped entrance to PPM exists on 25th Street.

My office in Brookline, located at 932 Brookline Boulevard, will continue with the same hours, 9 a.m. � 5 p.m., Monday � Friday as will my Kennedy Township office, located at Kenmawr Plaza on Pine Hollow Road, 10 a.m. � 4 p.m., Monday � Friday.  Beginning February 3rd, my Beechview satellite office, located at 1660 Broadway Avenue will be open from 10 a.m. � 4 p.m. every Tuesday and by appointment.

With the redistricting taking effect, the 42nd Senatorial District has changed and I want to do everything I can to be accessible to each corner of the district.  Below is an updated listing of my office locations and hours.

MakePABetter.com

The Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General, led by Auditor General Eugene DePasquale, has launched a new website to assist in reporting suspected misuse, fraud, or wasted state tax dollars.  The site, www.MakePABetter.com allows users to submit concerns using an online form.  Issues that fall outside the scope of state tax dollars cannot be reviewed by the Department. 

In addition to the online form, concerns can also be submitted over the phone by calling 1-800-922-8477 or by mail to the following address:

            Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General
            Attn:  Auditor General Hotline
            Room 229 Finance Building
            Harrisburg, PA  17120-0018

Reminder � LIHEAP is Open

I want to remind everyone that the Department of Human Services (DHS) is accepting applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).  The program helps low income families pay their heating bills.  You can also pick up an application in my district offices, or download one yourself from the DHS LIHEAP website.  Completed paper applications should be returned to one of the Allegheny County Assistance Offices.

Funding for LIHEAP is provided by the federal government and eligibility is based on Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.  The income limits for this season are as follows:

After your application is received, you will receive a written notice explaining your eligibility and the amount of assistance you will receive.  Payments are generally sent directly to a utility company or fuel dealer and are credited to your account.  For more information, please contact the LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095.

Free Tax Preparation Assistance

The United Way of Allegheny County and the Money in Your Pocket Coalition are taking appointments from low- and moderate-income workers in need of assistance with preparing their tax returns.  Last week, 15 free tax preparation sites opened around Allegheny County where trained, IRS-certified volunteers will prepare tax returns for qualifying workers.  Households with a total income of $52,000 or less in 2014 may qualify for free tax preparation assistance. 

All of the 15 locations throughout Allegheny County are by appointment only.  For more information on the program, what you need to bring, and to view all 15 locations please visit www.swpafreetaxes.org.  For more information and to schedule an appointment you may dial 2-1-1 to contact the United Way�s free 24-hour health and human services hotline.  The Free Tax Preparation Program runs through April 15th.

Tutors Needed

OASIS Pittsburgh will be hosting free training sessions for adults aged 50 and over who are interested in serving as tutors for students enrolled in Pittsburgh Public Schools.  These training sessions will be held on March 10th and March 12th from 10:30 a.m. � 3:30 p.m. at Macy�s Department Store in downtown Pittsburgh, in the Forbes Room on the 11th floor.  All materials, books, and supplies will be provided by OASIS.

OASIS is a non-profit organization, founded in 1982, that is active in 40 cities across the country in promoting successful aging by providing opportunities for adults aged 50 and over to pursue vibrant, healthy, productive, and meaningful lives.  Their Intergenerational Tutoring Program trains older adults on tutoring children and provides older adults the chance to help students learn.  An hour a week can change a child�s life.  The program is operated in partnership with the Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council.

For more information on how to become an OASIS tutor, please call John D. Spehar, Pittsburgh OASIS Tutoring Director at 412-232-2021.

Fontana Fact

The 99th Annual Pennsylvania Farm show wrapped up on January 17th at the PA Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg.  This annual event is the largest indoor agricultural exposition in the country with nearly 6,000 animals and over 13,000 competitive exhibits housed inside 24 acres spread throughout 11 buildings.