|
|
|
| The Latest News from Your State Representative |
| [[Share On Facebook]] |
| Please do not reply to this e-mail, as I am unable to respond to messages sent to this address. You can contact me directly at vgaydos@pahousegop.com or here. |
| #Listrak\DateStampLong# |
Fighting to Protect Your Tax Dollars From Fraud and Waste
Pennsylvanians work hard for their money, and they deserve to know that their tax dollars are being protected. That is why I introduced House Bill 979, the State Improper Payment Act, to strengthen accountability in state government and help prevent taxpayer dollars from being wasted or improperly paid.
House Bill 979 would require state agencies to regularly review their programs for improper payments, identify areas of risk, determine why improper payments are occurring and develop plans to correct those problems. It would also increase transparency by making information about improper payments and recovery efforts available to the public.
This is about making sure taxpayer dollars are spent the right way. When money goes to the wrong person or is spent improperly, taxpayers pay the price. We need to identify these problems and make sure they are fixed.
We are also taking steps to combat fraud in programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This year’s budget includes $7 million to add chip technology to Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards, a security measure financial institutions have used for more than a decade. Making EBT cards harder to copy and use fraudulently can help protect benefits and reduce the amount of taxpayer money lost to fraud.
I have made protecting taxpayers and improving accountability a priority because government should be held to a high standard when spending your money.
We should not wait until taxpayers’ dollars are lost before we act.
House Bill 979 gives Pennsylvania another tool to identify improper payments, increase transparency and hold government accountable. I will continue fighting to make sure every taxpayer dollar is protected, and every state agency is doing its part to prevent fraud, waste and abuse.
|
State Grants to Support Local Projects
I’m proud to announce that more than $2.5 million in Local Share Account (LSA) grants have been approved to support important projects across the 44th Legislative District.
These grants will help address a wide range of local priorities, including infrastructure improvements, public safety, water and wastewater systems, road projects and community improvements. Taxpayer dollars should be used responsibly to address real needs in our communities, and these investments will help local governments and organizations complete projects that directly benefit the people who live and work here.
I worked with Sen. Devlin Robinson to help secure this funding, and I’m pleased to see these dollars coming back to our communities.
Since taking office in 2019, I have helped to secure nearly $120 million for the district, and I remain focused on bringing resources home to address the needs of our local communities.
The approved projects include:
• Aleppo Township Community Township Authority: $40,700 for sewage pump station improvements.
• Pittsburgh Botanic Garden: $639,271 for perimeter fencing, gates and site improvements.
• Bell Acres Borough: $33,673 for engineering work related to a landslide on Sevin Road.
• Township of Crescent: $100,000 for roadway paving.
• Findlay Township: $500,000 to upgrade and expand the Potato Garden Wastewater Treatment Plant.
• Leet Township: $150,000 for stormwater and drainage improvements.
• Leetsdale Borough: $91,300 for new leaf collection equipment.
• Moon Township: $250,000 to renovate the park amphitheater and office building.
• Glen Osborne Borough: $200,000 to replace or rehabilitate a deteriorating retaining wall along Beaver Road.
• Sewickley Heights Borough: $200,000 for landslide stabilization and roadway restoration on Barberry Road.
• Sewickley Water Authority: $150,000 to replace an aging water main along Beaver Street.
• West View Water Authority: $150,000 for a new main water connection to improve capacity, reliability and fire protection.
I know how important, reliable infrastructure and strong community facilities are to the people I represent. These projects may look different from one community to another, but each one addresses a specific local need and helps make our communities safer, stronger and better prepared for the future.
LSA grants are funded through gaming revenues and provide an important source of support for projects that improve communities and quality of life across Pennsylvania. I’m glad to see these investments reaching the 44th District, and I will continue working to make sure our local priorities receive the attention and resources they deserve.
|
Looking Back: The History of Beaver Street
As we continue highlighting the very special history we have here in our community, I wanted to take a look at some of the people, places and things that helped shape where we are today. This week, I shared the history of Beaver Street, an important route running through the Quaker Valley and connecting Pittsburgh with the Sewickley and Beaver valleys.
Let’s go back and learn a little more about the history of Beaver Street and the role it played in our region.
|
We Are Working for You! Check Out My Events!
|
Remembering 9/11 and Honoring Those Who Served
I had the privilege of attending two special 9/11 remembrance ceremonies as we paused to remember the lives lost and honor the heroes who answered the call to the nation’s most horrific terrorist attack 25 years ago.
I was honored to serve as the guest speaker at the Moon Township Volunteer Fire Company ceremony. Together, we remembered the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, and paid tribute to the first responders who ran toward danger to protect and save others.
I also attended the 9/11 ceremony hosted by Coraopolis VFW 402, joining veterans, first responders and members of the community in honoring those we lost and those who demonstrated incredible courage in the face of unimaginable circumstances.
We also remember the 40 passengers and crew members aboard Flight 93 who fought back against the hijackers. Their courage and sacrifice prevented further loss of life and remain an important part of the story of Sept. 11. Their memory lives on at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Stonycreek Township.
Twenty-five years later, we continue to remember, honor and never forget.
|
Crescent Township Comes Together for Community Cleanup
It was great to see so many people come together for Crescent Township’s second annual Community Cleanup Day. I spent the day alongside volunteers from the Robert Morris University lacrosse team helping clean up along McGovern Boulevard.
When neighbors, community leaders and local organizations work together, it makes a real difference in keeping our community looking its best.
|
Sewickley Harvest Festival
It’s always a great day when I get to attend the annual Sewickley Harvest Festival and Day on the Lawn at Sewickley Presbyterian Church. This is a great tradition that brings our community together.
My office was happy to host a table with community literature, and it was nice to see many neighbors supporting our local businesses and artists.
I also had the chance to stop by Zoe’s Oddz and Endz Gallery, where I found a beautiful American flag-themed piece that will have a special place in my office.
I always enjoy seeing the incredible work of Claire Hardy Fine Art, whose beautiful artwork is currently hanging in my office in Moon Township.
Thank you to everyone who helped make the Harvest Festival such a wonderful day.
|
Strong Civics, Stronger Communities!
Thank you to Scouting America Troop 830 for inviting me to speak at its weekly meeting about civics and citizenship. It was a pleasure spending time with these young leaders and talking about what it means to be a good citizen.
We discussed the importance of treating others with respect, understanding our rights and recognizing the responsibilities we all share as members of our community.
Strong communities begin with good citizens. I’m grateful for the opportunity to encourage the next generation to get involved, learn and make a positive difference in the world around them.
Thank you again to Troop 830 for having me.
|
Key Dates for Upcoming Election
The 2026 General Election is coming up on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The ballot includes candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, U.S. House of Representatives, and state House and Senate (in even-numbered senatorial districts).
If you are not already registered to vote, the deadline to do so is Monday, Oct. 19. You may register in person at your county elections office, by mail or by visiting the state’s online voter registration website.
The last day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot is Tuesday, Oct. 27. Completed ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
For more information about voting in the Commonwealth, including how to check your registration and voting location, visit www.vote.pa.gov.
|
Attention Students: House Fellowship Program Taking Applications
The Pennsylvania House Legislative Fellowship Program is accepting applications for its spring 2027 semester.
The program is based at Pennsylvania’s Capitol in Harrisburg where fellows are assigned to work with House standing committees or leadership offices; are compensated for their work (which may also include college credit); and are provided the opportunities to draft and present their own legislation, attend meet-and-greets with various public officials and staff, and tour some of the Commonwealth’s historic public spaces, to name a few.
Qualified applicants must be college undergraduate juniors or seniors, graduate students or law school students; enrolled in a Pennsylvania college/university or a Pennsylvania resident enrolled in an out-of-state institution; and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
For more information or to apply, visit www.pahousefellowship.us. Applications can be submitted via email to pahousefellowship@pabmc.net. The deadline for applying is Oct. 1.
|
|
|
