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| The Latest News from Your State Representative |
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Community Conversations
The Sweet Success of Peace, Love and Little Donuts
I love a great small business success story, and this one is especially inspiring.
Back in 2008, when the economy was struggling and many people were holding back, Ron Razete decided to do something different. He took a chance and followed a dream. He opened Peace, Love and Little Donuts in Pittsburgh’s Strip District with a simple idea, a lot of heart and hard work.
That leap of faith has paid off in a big way.
Today, Peace, Love and Little Donuts has grown to 27 locations across 13 states. And the best part is, it is still thriving right here in our area with shops in Robinson, Wexford and Peters Township. What started as a single storefront has become a brand people love, while still keeping that small business charm.
Recently, I visited one of Ron’s stores to see why he believes little donuts are the perfect choice and to learn about his plans to hire more retirees. He believes retirees would be a great addition to his team, offering guidance and mentorship to younger employees. Please watch the video below.
This is a major reason why I love supporting small businesses. Ron had a dream, faced challenges, and turned an idea into something real and lasting. His story is proof that when someone is willing to take a chance and believe in their vision, amazing things can happen.
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A Great Visit to the Pennsylvania Farm Show
The Pennsylvania Farm Show is always a fun and educational experience, with so much to see and learn at every turn. One of the best parts is getting to see how strong and visible our community is throughout the event, and how local businesses and organizations are represented.
While I was there, I stopped by Mark Rozum’s booth, the owner of Black Dog Wine Company in Oakdale and Kittanning. Mark is also a proud West Allegheny graduate, and it was great to catch up with him and hear about his work. His award-winning winery uses fruit sourced from Pennsylvania farms, which is something we can all be proud of. It is especially inspiring to see someone who began his career as a software engineer successfully follow a new path as a vintner.
We talked about his business and about how important small businesses are to our local communities. Conversations like these are what make the Farm Show so special. I encourage you to take a moment to watch the video and learn more about Mark and the great work he is doing.
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New State Funding for Water, Transportation Projects
I’m proud to announce that more than $840,000 in state funding has been approved for critical water and transportation improvements in Allegheny County. These grants, awarded through the Pennsylvania Small Water and Sewer Program and the Multimodal Transportation Fund, will help ensure our communities have safe, reliable water systems and accessible streets for residents and students.
Investing in these projects now helps prevent bigger problems in the future and keeps our neighborhoods safe and thriving. The following local projects received funding:
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Municipal Authority of the Borough of Edgeworth:
$72,760 to install a water storage tank mixer at the HealthSouth facility, improving water quality and overall system efficiency.
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Moon Township:
$770,000 for pedestrian improvements along University Boulevard and Beaver Grade Road, including new sidewalks, ADA-compliant curb ramps, retaining walls, and decorative fencing to create safe, accessible routes for students and residents.
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Since election to serve in the House of Representatives in 2019, more than $104 million in state grants has been secured for the 44th Legislative District. These funds help build stronger communities for residents and create opportunities for local businesses.
These grants were approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, which administers both programs and supports infrastructure and community development projects across Pennsylvania. I’m pleased to see this funding coming back to our area and making a meaningful difference in our local communities.
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Does Your Home Contain Radon?
January is National Radon Action Month, a time to raise awareness about a serious but often overlooked health risk. An estimated 40% of homes in Pennsylvania have radon levels higher than national safety standards due to the state’s geology.
Radon is a significant concern in Allegheny County, where average indoor levels range from approximately 5.8 to 6.5 pCi/L – well above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s action level of 4.0 pCi/L. Because of these elevated readings, the region is considered a “radon red zone.” This odorless, radioactive gas forms naturally in the soil and can enter homes through cracks in foundations, posing a serious health risk. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer overall and the leading cause among non-smokers.
The good news is that detecting radon is simple. A short test is the only way to know whether your home is affected, and Allegheny County provides free radon test kits to residents. Testing and, if necessary, mitigation can significantly reduce exposure and protect your health. Click here for more information.
Click here for additional information.
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Applications for 2026 Pennsylvania House Scholarship Available
High school seniors interested in receiving financial assistance to help pay for college can now apply for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives’ Scholarship.
Each year the program awards a four-year scholarship to two students preparing for post-secondary education. It is open to graduating high school seniors who are Pennsylvania residents with plans to attend a Pennsylvania college, university or career school as a full-time student.
To qualify, students must have attained a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average in high school. Other factors taken into consideration for the awards are a student’s commitment to community, leadership qualities, extracurricular activities and financial need.
The scholarship program is administered through the Foundation for Enhancing Communities. Click here for more information and an application. The deadline to apply is April 15.
The scholarship is privately funded by individual and corporate donors; no tax or other public funds are used. Scholarships are awarded through an independent panel of judges chosen by the foundation.
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Property Tax Relief Available Through Homestead Exclusion
You may be missing out on property tax relief through the Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion Program. Under the Taxpayer Relief Act, the Commonwealth provides property tax reduction funding to school districts, which is applied through a homestead or farmstead exclusion. Most owner-occupied homes and farms are eligible, but only a primary residence qualifies for the tax reduction.
To receive school property tax relief for tax years beginning July 1 or Jan. 1, applications must be filed by March 1 of the preceding year. Once approved, homeowners do not need to reapply annually. For more information about the program, click here.
Homeowners should verify they are not already enrolled before submitting an application. The program is supported through state gaming funds.
Contact my office for additional information or assistance.
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Applications Open for Youth Camp
The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), in collaboration with the Pennsylvania National Guard and American Legion, is seeking applicants for its annual youth camp. The Elmer Hafer-American Legion-State Police-National Guard Youth Camp will be held June 7-13, at Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County.
The six-day program is for teenagers ages 15-17 who are interested in exploring careers in Pennsylvania law enforcement or the military. Cadets will take part in a wide range of hands-on learning experiences and physical fitness training designed to build their understanding of law enforcement, as well as their confidence, teamwork and leadership abilities.
Applicants must be 15-17 years old at the start of the camp. Candidates should be physically fit, in good health and maintain a strong academic record. Cadets are sponsored by local American Legion posts, so there is no cost to participate.
More information is available at pa-legion.com, where applicants also can access the online application.
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Blood Donation Saves Lives
Did you know that every two seconds in America, someone urgently needs blood? January is National Blood Donor Month, an opportunity to both honor voluntary blood donors and encourage new donors to help save lives. National Blood Donor Month was first designated by proclamation of President Richard Nixon on Dec. 31, 1969.
The start of the new year is one of the most challenging times to collect blood products as the threat of winter weather builds and can often lead to widespread blood drive cancellations. In addition to winter weather, an active cold and flu season may prevent people from keeping donation appointments as they rest and recover from illness.
Only 3% of Americans currently donate blood. Learn more about blood donation and where to donate here.
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Be Prepared for Winter Weather
With some winter weather in the forecast this weekend for many areas of the state, it’s a good time to make sure your vehicle is ready for winter travel.
Make sure your vehicle is in good working order, such as checking fluid levels; that the heater and defroster are working properly, as well as your radio in order to receive weather and traffic reports; tires are properly inflated and have sufficient tread depth; and wipers and lights are working.
Try to avoid traveling in severe winter weather, but if you have to go, bring a winter emergency travel kit, including a blanket and warm clothes, jumper cables, small shovel, first aid kit, medications for you and your passengers, and water and nonperishable food. A full list of suggested items is available here.
Also, keep these safe winter driving tips in mind: Slow down and increase your following distance; avoid sudden stops and starts; beware of black ice – roads that look wet but are actually frozen; use extra caution on bridges and ramps, as they tend to freeze first; do not use cruise control while driving on snow-covered roads; remove snow and ice from windows and mirrors; and do not pass or get between trucks plowing in a plow line.
Be sure to remove snow and ice from the hood and roof of your vehicle. Under state law, if snow or ice from your vehicle strikes a vehicle or person and causes death or injury, you can be ticketed. Click here for more information about winter driving safety.
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