News Center

Deasy: $1 million awarded for improvements to Jasmine Nyree Campus

(Dec 06, 2021) Rep. Dan Deasy

HARRISBURG, Dec. 6 – A $1 million state grant will fund renovations to create a community center and renovations that lay the groundwork for affordable housing at Pittsburgh’s Jasmine Nyree Campus, state Rep. Dan Deasy announced today. Deasy, D-Allegheny, said the projects – funded by the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program – will enhance quality of life for the students and families who benefit from the campus’ comprehensive special education services. “Securing this funding is exciting because it will support JNC’s mission of helping students and other residents with special needs grow and flourish,” Deasy said. “Some of the funding will be used to create a community center where those on campus can attend events, form friendships, sharpen social skills, and share quality time with family and educators. Other funding will help lay the groundwork for affordable housing. “I commend Christy and Joey Porter for their vision, determination and commitment to the city of Pittsburgh. I am thrilled to join Senator Fontana in supporting this project. It is vital to support ventures like this that add to the fabric of our city.” Deasy said the three phases of the projects will include: Rehabilitation of a three-story school building into a community center, including refurbishment of walls, electrical, gas, plumbing and other Read more

 

Miller: Castle Shannon awarded $125,000 state grant

(Nov 19, 2021) Allegheny County Delegation

Funding will help with improvements to Lower Hamilton Park Read more

 

Kinkead: $11 million-plus in state financing awarded to Allegheny Co. projects

(Nov 10, 2021) Allegheny County Delegation

Projects support affordable and safe housing, medical care for vulnerable residents and address food insecurity Read more

 

Allegheny County Democratic Delegation: $11 million-plus in state investments for community projects

(Nov 09, 2021) Allegheny County Delegation

HARRISBURG, Nov. 9 – The Allegheny County Democratic Delegation announced today the state will invest more than $11 million in local communities to fight blight, build affordable housing and promote economic development through the Neighborhood Assistance Program. “NAP investments benefit our communities by addressing the issues that directly impact where we live,” said delegation chair state Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny. “I want to thank Governor Wolf for approving these investments for projects that tackle critical issues our communities face, like affordable housing, community health, blight and more that will help to reinvigorate our neighborhoods and improve our quality of life.” NAP encourages private sector investments into projects that will help improve distressed communities by providing tax credits to businesses that donate capital to support projects that address neighborhood and community problems. NAP can be used for projects in categories including affordable housing, community services, crime prevention, education, job training, charitable food, blight, special population issues, veteran’s initiatives and long-term community revitalization. For a full list of the 56 Allegheny County projects awarded funding, click this link . Read more

 

Matzie: $1.7 million in state investments announced for region

(Nov 09, 2021) Allegheny County Delegation

Dollars will help repair and improve sidewalks and fight hunger Read more

 

Kinkead named to board of ALCOSAN by Pittsburgh City Council

(Oct 19, 2021) Allegheny County Delegation

State rep is committed to clean water, environment for region Read more

 

Pisciottano presents flags to fire departments in remembrance of September 11 attacks

(Sep 10, 2021) Allegheny County Delegation

DRAVOSBURG, Sept. 10 – In remembrance of the fallen and the first responders who risked their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, state Rep. Nick Pisciottano on Thursday evening presented flags flown over the U.S. Capitol to fire departments across the 38 th Legislative District. “As I reflect on the events of 9/11 and remember the fallen, I also want to honor the heroism of the first responders who risked their lives to save others,” said Pisciottano, D-Allegheny. “My appreciation extends to our first responders here at home, who volunteer to dedicate their time and risk their lives to keeping our communities safe.” Pisciottano and a representative from Congressman Mike Doyle’s office presented flags and certificates of appreciation from the Architect of the Capitol to the following fire departments: Liberty Borough Volunteer Fire Department Port Vue Vigilant Hose #1 Volunteer Fire Department Glassport Citizens Volunteer Hose #1 VFD Pleasant Hills Volunteer Fire Co. Broughton Volunteer Fire Co. Library Volunteer Fire Co. Whitehall Borough Volunteer Fire Co. Dravosburg Volunteer Fire Department #1 South Baldwin Volunteer Fire Department Option Independent Fire Co. Baldwin Independent Volunteer Fire Co. #1 West Mifflin #1 “Homeville” Volunteer Fire Co. West Mifflin #2 “Duquesne Annex” Volunteer Fire Co. West Mifflin #3 Read more

 

Matzie: Nearly $400,000 awarded to educate, protect Beaver County kids from opioid risks

(Sep 08, 2021) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, Sept. 8 – More than $390,000 from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will keep Beaver County students learning about the risks of opioids and help families develop the skills to keep kids safe, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the funding includes $370,805 to Community Health Challenge of Southwestern Pennsylvania to continue the Beaver County Opioid Prevention Project – one of five pilot programs statewide that team counties with school districts, local nonprofits and the community. “The Beaver County programs are teaching students in the Aliquippa, New Brighton and Rochester Area school districts how to recognize and avoid the dangers of opioid abuse,” Matzie said. “The programs are also helping families develop skills to protect kids from the risks of substance abuse and other factors that can lead them into trouble. “The programs have already helped many students and families in our district over the past two years. Securing this funding will allow them to continue for another year.” Matzie said that a second grant of $22,313 to The Prevention Network will fund the Project Towards No Drug Abuse, which supports at-risk youth. Both grants were recommended by the PCCD’s Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Committee and come from federal State Opioid Response funds. Read more

 

Matzie, Marshall and Quinn lead public hearing on solar energy in Pennsylvania

(Aug 26, 2021) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, Aug. 26 – As lawmakers continue searching for solutions on best energy practices, House Consumer Affairs Committee Democratic Chairman state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Allegheny/Beaver, majority chairman state Rep. Jim Marshall, R-Beaver/Butler, and state Rep. Chris Quinn, R-Delaware, led a public hearing today on solar energy and its impacts in Pennsylvania from an economic, business and community perspective. “I’m on record in favor of an all-in energy portfolio for Pennsylvania,” Matzie said. “That includes renewables like solar. This is a great opportunity for members to get information on where we are and what is needed to get to that diverse and, in my judgment, necessary energy mix.” Held at the Penn State Brandywine Campus, here are the testifiers who participated today and provided valuable input: Scott Elias, Solar Energy Industries Association. Mark Haas, PECO Energy Co. Kathleen Robertson, Sol Systems. Katie Rever, IGS Energy. Joel Harrington, Enel North America. Brent Alderfer, Community Energy. Leslie Elder, Coalition for Community Solar Access. Tim Mills, program manager, Renewable Energy Division, ARM Group (Renewable Works for PA). “With solar energy rising in popularity for customers, it is critical to hear how it could benefit Read more

 

Matzie: More than $77,000 awarded to boost fresh fruits and vegetables for grade-schoolers

(Aug 04, 2021) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, Aug. 4 – More Beaver County elementary school students will have access to fresh fruits and vegetables, thanks to $77,155 in grant funding awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the funding awarded under the USDA’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program includes $36,140 to the Aliquippa School District, $20,800 to the Ambridge Area School District, and $20,215 to the Rochester Area School District. “Fresh, nutritious food helps kids learn,” Matzie said. “Securing this funding is going to allow school cafeterias to offer fresh produce to more grade-schoolers in our schools.” Matzie said the grants are part of a package of more than $7 million awarded to 288 elementary schools statewide under the FFVP. Funding priority was given to the schools with the highest rates of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals. More information about the grants is available here , and a full list of the schools receiving funding is available here . Read more

 

Matzie: Aliquippa secures more than $140,000 for blight removal project

(Aug 02, 2021) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, Aug. 2 – A grant of $140,233 from the state Department of Community and Economic Development will allow the city of Aliquippa to clear The Bricks site in Plan 12 and prepare the site for future development. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the grant, awarded under the Keystone Communities Program, will fund the first steps of blight removal, demolition and preliminary site work. “The funding awarded today will allow Aliquippa to clear the overgrown, debris-ridden Bricks site located along Temple and Oliver streets in Plan 12 and prepare the site for development,” Matzie said. “In addition to blight removal, the grant will fund demolition of several structures and excavation and grading work. “Those projects will lay the groundwork for eventual construction of single-family homes, duplexes and townhomes, meeting the growing demand for workforce housing and drawing new and welcome residential and commercial activity to the area.” The Keystone Communities Program assists Pennsylvania’s core communities in achieving revitalization. More information about the grants is available here. Read more

 

Prescription drug pricing reforms essential for public health, and economy

(Jul 12, 2021) Policy Committee

HARRISBURG, July 12 -- State Representatives Emily Kinkead and Eddie Day Pashinski today hosted a public hearing to discuss the need for drastic reforms to drive down the costs of prescription drugs for the well-being of Pennsylvanians who rely on medications for an improved quality of life. The hearing, a meeting of the Policy Committee’s Subcommittee on Progressive Policies for Working People, included testimony on how prescription drug pricing is calculated, some of the cost drivers and legislative action needed to regulate pricing. Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, chair of the subcommittee, and legislators from across the state joined both in person and online for the discussion. Sean Zmenkowski, a constituent services advisor for Rep. Kinkead, shared his experience as a type one diabetic reliant on insulin to survive and the career choices he has had to make in order to maintain access to life-sustaining medication. “Far too many Pennsylvanians have to make painful choices regarding life-saving medications – going without or rationing their medicine – either option is inexcusable,” said state Rep. Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny. “I remain committed to working with my colleagues to come up with solutions, including a prescription drug importation program, to ensure the prescription drugs our residents need are accessible and affordable. It’s clear we need long-term solutions to help our residents, and we can make it happen.” Read more

 

Kinkead, Pashinski to discuss driving down drug costs

(Jul 08, 2021) Policy Committee

HARRISBURG, July 8 – The runaway costs of prescription medication will be the focus of a virtual hearing of the Subcommittee on Progressive Policies for Working People hosted by state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, Emily Kinkead and Eddie Day Pashinski. The hearing will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, July 12. The media and public are invited to watch online at www.pahouse.com/policy or on the committee’s Facebook page--@PADemPolicy. Media inquiries may be submitted via email to policy@pahouse.net . Kinkead, D-Allegheny, and Pashinski, D-Luzerne, will be joined by Subcommittee Chair Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., and members of the House Democratic Policy Committee to discuss innovative approaches to reducing drug costs, providing pathways to low-cost prescriptions, and how drug costs factor into Pennsylvania’s healthcare framework. Information about this and other House Democratic Policy Committee hearings can be found at www.pahouse.com/policycommittee . Read more

 

Kinkead: Pittsburgh to receive nearly $267K for traffic signal upgrades

(Jul 07, 2021) Allegheny County Delegation

PITTSBURGH, July 7 – $266,736 in state transportation funds have been awarded to the city of Pittsburgh to expand the city’s fiber optic network to connect traffic signals to its Traffic Management Center, state Rep. Emily Kinkead announced today. Kinkead, D-Pittsburgh, said the grant comes from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s Green Light-Go program. The grants reimburse municipalities for updates to improve traffic signal efficiency and operation. The funds can be used for upgrades and improvements such as light-emitting diode technology installation, traffic signal retiming, developing special event plans and monitoring traffic signals, as well as upgrading traffic signals to the latest technologies. “This investment is vital, not just for traffic flow, but to ensure the safety of drivers and pedestrians across our city,” Kinkead said. “Upgrades like these will allow Pittsburgh to have the most up-to-date technology to relieve congestion and improve traffic flow.” This grant is part of a package of more than $15.6 million awarded across Pennsylvania for signal upgrades in 50 municipalities under the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s Green Light-Go program. Read more

 

Marshall, Matzie, Browne commend Gov. Wolf signing bill to expand 5G technology

(Jul 01, 2021) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, July 1 – Gov. Tom Wolf signed House Bill 1621 into law, announced prime sponsor Rep. Jim Marshall, R-Beaver/Butler, co-sponsor Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, and Sen. Patrick Browne, R-16 th District. This increases access to 5G technology by deploying small wireless facilities, which could be as small as a backpack and attached to an existing utility pole. “While I know we still have work to do, I am truly hopeful this legislation will improve connectivity across the Commonwealth,” said Marshall, Republican chairman of the House Consumer Affairs Committee. “I greatly appreciate the hard work of Sens. Browne, Phillips-Hill, and Kane - along with their staff - to help Chairman Matzie and I create a law that we all can be proud of.” The Federal Communications Commission announced a $20.4 billion investment by establishing the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. In December 2020, the FCC reported $368 million would be awarded to bidders to provide technology to nearly 185,000 Pennsylvanians. The bidding for the next auction is expected to begin in 2022. “If the past year has shown us anything, it’s that access to fast, reliable broadband is a necessity in practically every aspect of life,” said Matzie, Democratic chairman of the House Consumer Affairs Committee. “The technology is out there, but we needed a seamless plan to harness it. Our Read more

 

Kinkead announces $109.5K in grants awarded to area volunteer fire, EMS companies

(Jun 30, 2021) Rep. Emily Kinkead

HARRISBURG, June 30 - State Rep. Emily Kinkead today announced a total of $109,503 in grants have been awarded to local fire and emergency medical services companies. Kinkead , D-Allegheny, said the funding originates from the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program, which is overseen by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner. This annual program provides funding for volunteer and career fire companies, emergency medical services , and rescue squads. “ My dad served the City of Pittsburgh as a paramedic and so our local fire and EMS companies will always have a special place in my heart. Our first responders run in when everyone else runs out and that has never been more obvious than during the COVID-19 pandemic. But this pandemic has taken a serious toll on the very people who serve as our first line of defense ,” said Kinkead. “ These funds are a small but important investment to ensure that they can continue to answer the call.” The grants awarded are as follows: City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire (EMS): $8,993. City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire: $14,999. Fairview Volunteer Fire Department: $12,054. Keating Fire Company : $12,054. Quaill District Firemen’s Association: $12,054. Ross West View EMS : $8,993. Ross West View Fire Company : $15,000. West View Volunteer Fire Department Company #1 : Read more

 

Matzie announces nearly $200,000 in fire, EMS grants

(Jun 29, 2021) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, June 29 – Fire and EMS companies in the 16 th Legislative District were awarded $197,903 in grant funding to address a wide range of needs, from equipment, building repairs and training to replenishing pandemic-related expenses, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said 15 fire and EMS companies are receiving grants from the Office of the State Fire Commissioner at a critical time. “The pandemic made working on the frontlines even more difficult than usual, as departments faced shortages while battling new risks and logistical problems,” Matzie said. “Securing this funding should ease a bit of the burden on our tireless first responders by ensuring they have the resources they need to stay safe.” Matzie said the following grants were awarded: Ambridge Borough Fire Department – Fire Company, $12,233. Ambridge Volunteer Fire Department – Fire Company, $12,411. Baden Volunteer Fire Department – Fire Company, $15,000. City of Aliquippa – Fire Company, $13,302. Conway Volunteer Fire Department – Fire Company, $12,946. Economy Volunteer Ambulance Service – EMS, $8,855 Economy Volunteer Firemens Association – Fire Company, $14,193. Freedom Volunteer Fire Department -- Fire Company, $11,520. Harmony Township Read more

 

Matzie: New budget holds the line on taxes, makes important investments

(Jun 25, 2021) Allegheny County Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 25 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, issued the following statement after passage of the Pennsylvania state budget. “Budgets are never easy. Finding common ground is often difficult. This particular budget was no different. There are some areas that came up short, but enough positives that I voted in its favor. “First and foremost, this budget is on time with no tax increase of any kind. “Equally as important is a large investment in education. Basic education, special education and early education all will see significant increases in funding. In addition, there is a new program called Level Up that brings additional dollars to our lowest income schools, benefiting several schools in my district. Colleges and job training programs will also be fully funded. “Other key highlights include nearly $40 million for a new Water Assistance Program that will help folks struggling with keeping the water turned on and nearly $300 million for nursing, assisted living and personal care homes. “This budget is not perfect, but it holds the line on state taxes, makes important investments and moves us closer to recovering from the pandemic.” Read more

 

Kinkead issues statement on passage of 2021-22 state budget

(Jun 25, 2021) Rep. Emily Kinkead

HARRISBURG, June 25 – State Rep. Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny, has issued the following statement regarding the 2021-22 state budget : “It’s clear we have very serious problems in our state to solve. People are struggling and suffering, and they don’t need to be because we have $10 billion dollars we could have spent to help them get back on their feet and recover from the pandemic. “Instead of putting together a moral and compassionate budget that spends the lion’s share of these funds to help the people of Pennsylvania, the Republicans have done nothing but put together a callous budget with peanuts to help our struggling constituents. “Instead of making a $10 billion investment in our communities to make real, generational change in this commonwealth, the Republicans are pretending that we are poor and must save for a “rainy day” despite the fact it has been downpouring for more than a year. They want to use these funds for their own pet projects without the transparency and oversight provided through the formal budget process, instead of investing in our small businesses, our infrastructure, our workers -- instead of investing in the people of Pennsylvania. “This heartless budget is full of missed opportunities -- 10 billion of them. Simply, it’s repugnant that we had an unprecedented opportunity to help our residents in need and, Read more

 

Pisciottano announces passage of bill in honor of Scott Hirsh

(Jun 23, 2021) Allegheny County Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 23 – A measure to rename the Camp Horne Road Interchange in honor of Scott Hirsh, who was killed by a distracted driver in 2017, passed unanimously in the PA House today, state Rep. Nick Pisciottano announced. Pisciottano, D-Allegheny, said the initial efforts in crafting H.B. 636 began under the work of his predecessor, state Rep. Bill Kortz. Earlier this year, Act 105 went into effect, which requires drivers to take proactive steps when approaching or passing a disabled vehicle. In addition, it also established a new point system for a “Move Over” violation and doubled the fines for a summary offense. “It was an honor to introduce this legislation to rename the interchange on behalf of Scott and his family,” Pisciottano said. “It will serve as a reminder to drivers to please move over and slow down when approaching a disabled vehicle, and lead to more saved lives.” The bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration. Read more

 

Deasy: $1 million awarded for improvements to Jasmine Nyree Campus
Dec 06, 2021

Miller: Castle Shannon awarded $125,000 state grant
Nov 19, 2021

Kinkead: $11 million-plus in state financing awarded to Allegheny Co. projects
Nov 10, 2021

Allegheny County Democratic Delegation: $11 million-plus in state investments for community projects
Nov 09, 2021

Matzie: $1.7 million in state investments announced for region
Nov 09, 2021

Kinkead named to board of ALCOSAN by Pittsburgh City Council
Oct 19, 2021

Pisciottano presents flags to fire departments in remembrance of September 11 attacks
Sep 10, 2021

Matzie: Nearly $400,000 awarded to educate, protect Beaver County kids from opioid risks
Sep 08, 2021

Matzie, Marshall and Quinn lead public hearing on solar energy in Pennsylvania
Aug 26, 2021

Matzie: More than $77,000 awarded to boost fresh fruits and vegetables for grade-schoolers
Aug 04, 2021

Matzie: Aliquippa secures more than $140,000 for blight removal project
Aug 02, 2021

Prescription drug pricing reforms essential for public health, and economy
Jul 12, 2021

Kinkead, Pashinski to discuss driving down drug costs
Jul 08, 2021

Kinkead: Pittsburgh to receive nearly $267K for traffic signal upgrades
Jul 07, 2021

Marshall, Matzie, Browne commend Gov. Wolf signing bill to expand 5G technology
Jul 01, 2021

Kinkead announces $109.5K in grants awarded to area volunteer fire, EMS companies
Jun 30, 2021

Matzie announces nearly $200,000 in fire, EMS grants
Jun 29, 2021

Matzie: New budget holds the line on taxes, makes important investments
Jun 25, 2021

Kinkead issues statement on passage of 2021-22 state budget
Jun 25, 2021

Pisciottano announces passage of bill in honor of Scott Hirsh
Jun 23, 2021