BRADDOCK, Jan. 15 – Combined tax credits totaling $312,000 will support investments in a Wilkinsburg community revitalization initiative and a major renovation project by the Pennsylvania Organization for Women in Early Recovery, state Rep. Abigail Salisbury announced today. Salisbury said $195,000 in tax credits was awarded under the Neighborhood Assistance Program to support a project by POWER, while another $117,000 was awarded under the Special Priorities Program to support Wilkinsburg Community Development Program’s Strong Neighborhood Initiative. “These tax credits to our local business partners are spurring investments in the best kind of projects – ones that empower residents and communities,” Salisbury said. “Investments in POWER will support this critical women’s recovery organization’s efforts to consolidate all their services in one location to better serve residents. “Investments supporting the Strong Neighborhood Initiative will go to work funding housing, safety, economic development, community engagement and blight elimination efforts, all with the goal of improving quality of life for Wilkinsburg residents.” The Neighborhood Assistance Program, operated by the Department of Community and Economic Development, provides tax credits to businesses that contribute to nonprofit organizations’ efforts to revitalize communities, and the related Special Read more
ALLISON PARK, Jan. 14 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny, announced that an $85,000 state grant was awarded to A.W. Beattie Career Center to help local residents chart their own course through career and technical education programs. Specifically, the career center’s funds will go toward modernizing its Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and related programs with a new ambulance trainer package. “Pursuing a traditional college degree is not always the goal for young people, as many wish to serve their community by joining the ranks of emergency services or pursuing a trade,” Venkat said. “A.W. Beattie does tremendous work in helping to prepare high school students for these types of careers, and these monies will bolster their efforts to give students a more accurate example of the skills needed to succeed.” A.W. Beattie’s grant dollars are made possible by the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Competitive Equipment Grant program. A list of all the awardees is available here . Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 14 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat, Rob Matzie and Tom Mehaffie have introduced legislation that would ban entities from assessing an additional fee to customers who request a print version of a financial statement. Such fees are as high as $5 per month, and H.B. 81 would also specify that any person or entity would still be allowed to create incentives for a consumer to select an alternative to a paper statement. “In effect, penalizing consumers for a peace of mind measure such as a paper statement runs contrary to keeping a readily accessible means to one’s financial data for a variety of necessary purposes,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “Our bill would help keep more dollars in the pockets of Pennsylvanians and reward entities for pursuing options more beneficial to the health and livelihood of the environment.” “No consumer should ever have to pay for a print copy of their bank or credit card statement. Tacking on fees for paper statements takes a simple business expense easily borne by the financial institution and shifts it unfairly onto consumers, where it can take a toll on those who are elderly, low-income, or simple lacking the needed access to technology,” said Matzie, D-Beaver. “By prohibiting these fees, our bill would ensure that any expenses remain with the party best able to bear them – the business that maintains the records.” “Charging fees for consumers who want Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 13 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat and Natalie Mihalek have introduced legislation that would promote food allergy safety in multiple ways. House Bill 77 would mandate that menus in restaurants and food establishments contain a disclaimer regarding food allergies, posters to make servers aware of food allergies must be present in food preparation and staff areas, and establishment staff would be required to undergo food allergy safety training. “The last thing anyone should worry about while enjoying a meal with their family and friends is having a medical emergency brought on by a food allergy,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “Rep. Mihalek and I want to help ensure there are measures in place to keep Pennsylvanians protected from accidental food allergen exposures and their hazardous health effects.” “The scariest part is that someone with food allergies could do everything right, such as carrying EpiPens and asking questions, and still have a serious problem. A little information can go a long way in avoiding future catastrophes,” added Mihalek, R-Allegheny. “I’m happy to be working with Rep. Venkat on this bipartisan bill.” More than 33 million Americans have food allergies, and it is estimated that food allergies lead to 200 deaths per year. Over a 13-year period, nearly half of fatal food allergy reactions were caused by accidental food allergen exposure at a restaurant or other food Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 9 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat and Kristin Marcell have introduced bills that would enhance licensure flexibility for physician assistants related to their supervising physicians and allow Pennsylvania to join an interstate medical compact. The legislative package, H.B. 75 and H.B. 76 , would amend the physician licensure acts in Pennsylvania to allow physician assistants to work with either classification of physician -- a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine -- without having to align with the physician’s license type. Current law requires that physician assistants and supervising physicians must be licensed by the same state board. “Something as innocuous as red tape can mean the difference between life and death for patients, and it’s my duty as a physician-legislator to eliminate such unnecessary barriers,” Venkat, D-Allegheny, said. “Representative Marcell and I are steadfast in our resolve to get these bills signed into law and safeguard the health of all Pennsylvanians.” “This legislation is a practical step toward reducing administrative burdens, allowing physician assistants and their supervising doctors to collaborate more effectively for the benefit of patients," Marcell, R-Bucks, added. "By streamlining licensing requirements, we can help healthcare professionals dedicate more time to delivering high-quality care and less time navigating unnecessary red Read more
Newly listed state grant programs Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 7 – State Rep. Abigail Salisbury took the oath of office today at the state Capitol in Harrisburg to begin her second term representing the 34 th Legislative District. Salisbury said that as she joins her colleagues to begin the 2025-26 session, she will continue working to strengthen resources for residents and small businesses. “I’m excited to begin a new term building on the progress we made last session,” Salisbury said. “Over the past two years, we saw more than $40 million come back to our district to bolster critical programs and services, expand affordable housing and help our small businesses thrive. In the year ahead, I’ll be working to keep that momentum going. I’ll also be continuing my efforts to fight blight and transform more vacant lots for productive community use. “Our local nonprofits have a critical role to play in all of this, as their work delivers essential resources that improve quality of life for residents, from mental health supports to afterschool programs to essential living needs. In the months ahead, I’ll continue working to help these vital community organizations thrive so they can continue working to empower residents.” During the 2023-24 legislative session, Salisbury helped bring $42 million back to the district; introduced legislation to make it easier for municipalities to fight blight, among other bills; and together with Read more
“I am honored to have been chosen to lead a committee whose work impacts people across every ZIP code, regardless of where they live,” said state Rep. Brandon Markosek, D-Allegheny. “Affordable housing, strong infrastructure, and vibrant communities are fundamental to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive. I’m excited to collaborate with my colleagues to champion policies that address these priorities and make a real difference for Pennsylvanians.” Read more
Allegheny County teacher turned lawmaker sworn in at state Capitol Read more
PITTSBURGH, Dec. 19 – Members of the Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation announced today that more than $3.4 million is coming back to the county to fund probation and parole services and programs supporting crime survivors and at-risk youth. The funding – secured through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency – includes more than $855,000 to the Center for Victims, which is based in the 36 th Legislative District but serves people throughout the county. “Our county organizations that serve crime survivors and the compassionate people who staff them help survivors forge a path through their trauma so they can go on to lead empowered, independent lives,” said state Rep. Jess Benham, who represents the 36 th District. “This new funding will help ensure that these essential community partners have the resources needed to continue their life-changing work.” The funding by source includes the following: Continuing County Adult Probation and Parole Grant Funds $1.38 million to Allegheny County chief executive officer for 2024-25 probation and parole programs. Federal Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Funds $150,000 to Swissvale for formation of the Swissvale Regional Police Department. Federal Project Safe Neighborhood Funds $37,068 to Allegheny County chief executive officer for Allegheny County Police PSN 4. $32,361 to The Pittsburgh Contingency Read more
“By transitioning to electric school buses, Plum School District is taking an important step toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring students have a safe and sustainable way to get to school," state Rep. Brandon Markosek said. "I’m proud to support this funding for local renewable energy initiatives and its positive impact on protecting our environment.” Read more
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) State Parks Director John Hallas today announced that Point State Park in Pittsburgh will undergo significant upgrades to prepare for major events in 2026, including the NFL Draft and the nation's 250th anniversary. Read more
PITTSBURGH, Dec. 3 – Schools in the 23 rd Legislative District will benefit from more than $860,000 in new funding for school security and mental health resources, state Rep. Dan Frankel announced today. Frankel said the grants – awarded through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency from funding secured in the 2024-25 budget – include a $528,221 noncompetitive grant to the Pittsburgh School District and nearly $331,800 in competitive grants to nonpublic schools. “Even as we work toward a world where children can learn without fear of gun violence, we must also do everything we can to make sure educational settings are as secure as possible,” Frankel said. "Thanks to this new funding, our schools will have the resources needed to maintain the security equipment, personnel, training, mental health supports and other elements that go into building a safe and supportive learning environment.” Frankel said that in addition to the funding to the Pittsburgh School District, the following nonpublic schools have secured these competitive grants: Oakland Catholic High School – $75,000. Yeshiva Boys School – $75,000. Yeshiva Girls Schools – $75,000. Kentucky Avenue School – $61,900. Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh – $44,900. The grants are part of a total package of $120 million in school safety grants awarded through PCCD and include $100 Read more
PITTSBURGH, Dec. 3 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, announced today that $771,323 in state grants was awarded to multiple local educational agencies in the 21st Legislative District to improve safety for students, teachers and staff and to address children’s behavioral health needs. Noncompetitive funds were allocated to the following public school districts and a charter school in Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh School District: $528,221 Shaler Area School District: $173,102 Provident CS: $70,000 “Our students deserve to be and feel safe in schools. These dollars are tremendous investments in their safety and success,” Powell said. “It’s an honor to advocate for their needs as a state representative, and I will continue to support all of our students in our communities.” These investments are made possible by Pennsylvania’s School Safety and Security Committee under the banner of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. They help advance the SSSC’s goal of ensuring that all students can learn in safe, healthy school environments by helping school entities address basic safety needs and mental health services identified in the committee’s Revised Baseline Criteria Standards . Lists with all noncompetitive and competitive grant awardees statewide are available here . Powell currently serves on the board of the Pennsylvania Children's Trust Fund . Read more
BRADDOCK, Dec. 3 – Schools in the 34 th Legislative District will benefit from nearly $1.1 million in new funding for school security and mental health resources, state Rep. Abigail Salisbury announced today. Salisbury said the grants – awarded through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency from funding secured in the 2024-25 budget – includes $826,304 in noncompetitive grants to public schools and another $271,760 in competitive grants to nonpublic schools. “Keeping students and staff safe requires a combination of planning, programs, protocols and resources – all tailored to meet each school’s specific needs,” Salisbury said. “The new funding will ensure that our schools have the necessary funding to maintain the training, equipment, resource officers, mental health supports and any other resources administrators deem necessary to provide the safest possible learning environment.” Salisbury said noncompetitive grants to public schools include: Pittsburgh School District – $528,221. Woodland Hills School District – $178,029. Wilkinsburg Borough School District – $120,054. Competitive grant funding to nonpublic schools includes: Western PA School for the Deaf – $75,000. Sister Thea Bowman Catholic Academy - $75,000. Pittsburgh Urban Christian School – $71,760. Pace School – $50,000. Read more
PITTSBURGH, Dec. 3 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced that $1.09 million in state grants was awarded to a school district and charter schools throughout Pittsburgh to make them safer for students, teachers and staff and address behavioral health needs. Noncompetitive funds were allocated to the following public school district and charter schools in the 19th Legislative District: Pittsburgh School District: $528,221 City CHS: $70,000 Manchester Academic CS: $70,000 Passport Academy CS: $70,000 Pittsburgh – Mt. Oliver I.U. 2: $70,000 Propel CS – Hazelwood: $70,000 Propel CS – Northside: $70,000 Urban Pathways 6-12 CS: $70,000 Urban Pathways K-5 College CS: $70,000 “Being a member of the Pennsylvania House Education Committee has magnified my resolve to ensure that the students I’m privileged to represent can excel in an environment conducive to learning,” Abney said. "Helping to secure these dollars means investing in our young neighbors, so they can plant the seeds of a sustaining and prosperous posterity for themselves and the commonwealth.” The state’s School Safety and Security Committee, under the banner of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, made the funds possible. They help advance the SSSC’s goal of ensuring that all students can learn in safe, healthy school environments by helping school entities address basic safety needs and Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 2, 2024 – State Reps. Rick Krajewski and Dan Frankel announced Monday their co-sponsorship memo for landmark legislation to finally decriminalize cannabis in Pennsylvania , vowing to create a strong marketplace that centers public health, raises state revenue and supports individuals and communities harmed by the criminalization of cannabis. Krajewski, who led the House Health Subcommittee on Health Care, chaired five hearings to examine the successes and failures of cannabis programs in other states in the previous legislative session. “We’ve heard from public health experts. We’ve heard from criminal justice and social equity advocates. We’ve learned directly from states across the country how to get this done safely and efficiently, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in public revenue,” said Krajewski. “It’s time to move forward in Pennsylvania before we fall further behind.” Twenty-four other states – including nearly every state that shares a border in Pennsylvania – have already legalized recreational marijuana. Polls show that cannabis decriminalization is popular among Pennsylvanians across all political parties . Frankel, who is majority chair of the House Health Committee, said that the criminalization of cannabis has been disastrous for the commonwealth, particularly within communities of color. “We have a moral obligation to not Read more
ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Dec. 2 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat announced that $803,064 in state grants was awarded to several school districts and schools throughout the 30th Legislative District to make them safer for students, teachers and staff and address behavioral health needs. A total of $672,864 in noncompetitive funds were allocated to the following public school districts, career education center, and charter school: North Allegheny School District: $250,133 Hampton Township School District: $147,525 Avonworth School District: $135,206 A.W. Beattie Career Center: $70,000 Pennsylvania Distance Learning Charter School: $70,000 Nazareth Prep High School also received a $75,000 competitive targeted grant, and a $55,200 grant of the same kind was presented to Eden Christian Academy. “The COVID-19 pandemic left an everlasting imprint on public education with remote learning and the rise in school shootings and related violence has compounded the stress and angst felt by students nationwide,” Venkat, D-Allegheny, said. “I’m proud to be a physician-legislator and am privileged to help secure these dollars and to assist keeping our kids healthy and safe inside and outside of the classroom.” Pennsylvania’s School Safety and Security Committee, under the banner of the PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency, made the funds possible. They help advance the SSSC’s goal of ensuring that all Pennsylvania students can learn Read more
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