PHEAA urges caution as millions are being targeted by scams & misleading solicitations Read more

HARRISBURG, May 9 – As a former attorney, state Rep. Anita Kulik, D-Allegheny, saw firsthand the stress divorce proceedings can inflict on a couple, especially when a family pet is involved. On Wednesday, Kulik introduced H.B. 1432 , which would establish the following factors for judges to consider when deciding the proper guardianship of a pet: Whether the animal was acquired prior to or during the marriage. The basic, daily needs of the animal. Who generally facilities veterinary care and social interaction for the animal. Who usually ensures compliance with local and state regulations, such as licensing. Who provides the greater ability to financially support the pet. “Current state law provides no special provisions for pets,” Kulik said. “Ultimately, the pet is instead reduced to an inanimate object during divorce proceedings. This bill will assist judges in determining what is best for the pet and the family.” Kulik said under the legislation, parties going through a divorce also would be able to enter into an enforceable agreement outside the divorce decree that provides for the possession or care of a pet. House Bill 1432 has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee. Read more

HARRISBURG, May 9 – Looking to provide relief to commonwealth residents whose homes are affected by and prone to landslides, state Rep. Anita Kulik, D-Allegheny, on Tuesday introduced legislation that would create a Landslide Insurance and Assistance Program. “Unpredictable weather is most often accompanied with unpredictable natural disasters. In western Pennsylvania, we deal with landslides, which sadly is a disaster that typically is not covered by most insurance policies, leaving families with insurmountable financial damage,” Kulik said. “It takes an emotional and financial toll on families, which is why I am introducing a bill of this manner that will provide the necessary financial assistance to those in need.” Kulik’s bill, H.B. 1433 , looks to establish the program within the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. It is intended to provide sound insurance coverage to homeowners, as well as assistance to local governments that want to mitigate the risk of landslides in their communities. Kulik introduced similar legislation last session as a companion bill to S.B. 1131 , which was introduced by state Sen. Jay Costa, D-Allegheny. House Bill 1433 has been referred to the House Insurance Committee. Read more

HARRISBURG, March 7 – Nearly a year and a half has passed since the murder of University of Pittsburgh student Alina Sheykhet, who was killed by her ex-boyfriend in October 2017, just shy of a month after Sheykhet filed a protection-from-abuse order against her former partner. Time, however, has not diminished the brutality – and preventability – of Sheykhet’s death, said state Rep. Anita Kulik. Kulik, D-Allegheny, recently introduced H.B. 588 , a measure that would give judges discretion as to whether or not a PFA defendant should wear an electronic monitoring device if the defendant poses a threat of violating the order. Coined “Alina’s Law,” Kulik hopes H.B. 588 will ensure Sheykhet’s murder isn’t just a statistic, but a starting point in combatting domestic violence in Pennsylvania. “In 2017, there were 117 deaths in the commonwealth as a result of domestic violence, Alina’s death included,” Kulik said. “Alina, who was a member of the community and whose parents still reside in my district, did her part by filing a PFA against her ex-boyfriend, but it wasn’t enough. “The threat on her life fell through the cracks of the state system, and as a result she lost her life. It’s time the commonwealth did its part by guaranteeing the safety of domestic abuse victims and making sure defendants don’t violate these orders.” On Oct. 8, 2017, Sheykhet, 20, was Read more

HARRISBURG, Feb. 25 – The Coraopolis Train Station, a historic landmark in the heart of Coraopolis, will undergo a slew of renovations following the disbursement of $175,000 to the Coraopolis Community Development Foundation Inc., announced state Rep. Anita Kulik. “It’s a pleasure to announce that funding has been awarded to the 45 th Legislative District,” Kulik said. “But it’s an even greater reward to announce that the Coraopolis Train Station – a staple of our community – will undergo needed renovations, which will later play a hand in helping those in the community who struggle with food security or require crisis assistance.” Kulik, D-Allegheny, said renovation plans include replacing the station’s slate and metal roof to protect the structure from damage while further renovations supporting a teaching kitchen, café and community center are planned. Once in place, all proceeds will benefit community crisis and support the food pantry and community garden. The funding, administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development, comes by way of the commonwealth’s Keystone Communities program. The program is designed to support local initiatives that grow and stabilize neighborhoods and communities, encourage the creation of partnerships between the public and private sectors in the community, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents. Since January 2015, the Wolf Read more

The bitter, cold weather that recently blanketed the commonwealth was unbearable, to say the least. Read more

In light of my new appointment to the House Game and Fisheries Committee, I wanted to inform you that the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has released its 2019 trout stocking schedule. Read more

HARRISBURG, Jan. 28 – State Rep. Anita Kulik, D-Allegheny, today announced that she has been appointed to serve on the House Game and Fisheries Committee, which considers legislation that affects hunting and fishing in Pennsylvania and has oversight of the Game Commission and Fish and Boat Commission. “Though this is a new appointment, I can’t wait to start working with my fellow Game and Fisheries Committee members from both sides of the aisle,” Kulik said. “I look forward to vetting legislation that will enhance the conservation and environmental initiatives that best serve outdoor enthusiasts and the commonwealth as a whole.” Kulik will continue to serve on the House Gaming Oversight, Liquor Control, and Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness committees. Kulik’s district office is located at 1350 Fifth Ave. in Coraopolis. She can be reached at 412-264-4260. More information on the various resources available through Kulik’s office can be found at www.pahouse.com/Kulik . Read more

HARRISBURG, Jan. 17 – Sixteen education entities in Allegheny County today were awarded a total $560,000 in targeted grants provided through Gov. Tom Wolf’s PAsmart initiative, announced state Rep. Dan Miller, chairman of the Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation. The grants will fund training and equipment needed to prepare teachers and students for the expansion of computer science programs. Miller said each recipient will receive $35,000 through PAsmart, which has made Pennsylvania No. 2 in the nation for investing in K-12 STEM and computer science education. “The delegation is happy to announce this funding,” Miller said. “In the coming years, most jobs will require workers to use computers and advanced technology in an ever-changing workforce and economy. By providing this funding, we’re helping to ensure students and teachers will be adequately prepared to succeed in their line of work, and do so with confidence.” School districts and charter/intermediate unit schools awarded funding through PAsmart include: Baldwin-Whitehall School District (Reps. Harry Readshaw, Bill Kortz and Dan Miller) Carlynton School District (Reps. Anita Kulik and Dan Deasy) Chartiers Valley School District (Kulik and Miller) City Charter High School (Reps. Dan Frankel, Jake Wheatley, Adam Ravenstahl, Readshaw, Miller, Sara Innamorato, Deasy, Summer Lee and Ed Gainey) Deer Lakes School District (Rep. Frank Dermody) Duquesne Read more

HARRISBURG, Jan. 10 – An $115,641 business education partnership grant will provide Allegheny County students with hands-on exposure to careers in the building and construction industry, announced state Rep. Dan Miller, chairman of the Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation. “This grant money will have a positive impact on students from all House districts encompassed within the delegation,” Miller said. “The delegation is happy to announce this funding, as we all understand the importance of providing students with a means-to-an-end when it comes to choosing their prospective career paths. “Students looking to get involved in the building and construction industry will find the programs created by this funding to be not only rewarding, but also extremely informational and influential as they look to solidify their futures in the workforce.” Miller said the Three Rivers Workforce Development Board will join forces with PARTNER4WORK, a Pittsburgh-based workforce development organization, to carry out the three-pronged project. The first phase will include bringing together 14 building and construction unions, local colleges, businesses, students and others at the March 29 Building On … Careers in the Building and Construction Industry conference in Pittsburgh. The second phase involves the creation of the Summer in Trades internship program, which will provide students with hands-on experience and insight into the Read more