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Davis: More than $60,000 in combined funding awarded to two school districts, private school for school safety efforts

(Oct 18, 2019) Rep. Austin Davis

HARRISBURG, Oct. 18 – Two school districts and one private school associated with the 35 th Legislative District were awarded a combined total of $64,531 in state funding for school safety and violence reduction initiatives, announced state Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny. Davis said the competitive 2019-20 Safe Schools Targeted Grants were awarded through the state Department of Education’s Office for Safe Schools, which offers four types of safety grants: equipment grants; program grants; school police officer grants; and school resource officer grants. “Keeping kids safe within the confines of a school is a necessity, especially in wake of recent events where students have been the victims of gun violence,” Davis said. “That alone makes the funding awarded to these schools all the more significant. No child should have to fear for their safety, and this funding will help these schools continue to be safe havens for students and teachers alike.” The school districts and private school that received funding are: South Allegheny School District - $20,000. The funding will help implement programs geared toward school safety. West Mifflin School District - $24,993. Grant money will be used to purchase safety and security related equipment. Mary of Nazareth Catholic School - $19,538. The school will use the funding to purchase safety and security related Read more

 

Don't miss the Veterans Breakfast on Nov. 8; The state could be holding your unclaimed property; Another successful Senior Wellness and Safety Expo!

(Oct 09, 2019) Rep. Austin Davis

I’d like to formerly invite all veterans in the district to attend the 2019 Veterans Breakfast! Read more

 

Davis, Brewster to co-host Veterans’ Breakfast on Nov. 8

(Oct 07, 2019) Rep. Austin Davis

HARRISBURG, Oct. 7 – State Rep. Austin Davis and state Sen. Jim Brewster, both D-Allegheny, are calling upon veterans in their districts to attend their joint veterans’ breakfast in November. The breakfast will take place 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 8 at the White Oak American Legion, 2813 Capitol St., White Oak. “Our veterans served our country with honor, integrity and bravery,” Davis said. “Senator Brewster and I find that it’s only fitting to serve them breakfast as a small token of our appreciation for the service they’ve provided to our country.” Brewster added: “The breakfast is an excellent way to reach veterans, thank them for their service, and acknowledge our gratitude for the sacrifices they made while defending our country.” Davis said veterans interested in attending their co-hosted event must RSVP by Oct. 21. Veterans can do so by contacting Davis’ office at 412-664-0035. In addition to breakfast, staff members from both legislators’ offices will be in attendance to provide veterans with important information on state-related resources and programs. Read more

 

Davis applauds Gov. Tom Wolf’s executive action

(Oct 03, 2019) Rep. Austin Davis

HARRISBURG, Oct. 3 – On Thursday, state Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny, applauded Gov. Tom Wolf’s executive action instructing the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative: “The action taken today on behalf of the governor was a three-pronged, proactive approach at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, combatting climate change and enhancing economic growth here in the commonwealth. “These are ongoing issues across the country and especially the state. His decision today to direct the DEP to work in unison with nine other Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states to combat this crisis is a firm example of how his office has time and time again put their best foot forward in making Pennsylvania a leader among neighboring states. “Climate change is the single largest threat we as a society currently face. A change needs to happen now, and I applaud Governor Wolf for taking action when action was needed more than ever. Not to mention, RGGI states have reduced power sector CO2 pollution by 45% since 2005, while the region’s per-capita GDP has continued to grow. So, this is an initiative that works and, in the end, lightens the load on residents’ pockets regarding costly electric bills. “The governor has my full support, and I’m confident other legislators and state residents will be able to stand behind a plan of this nature, Read more

 

Don't miss the 2019 Veterans Breakfast!

(Oct 03, 2019) Rep. Austin Davis

Don't miss the 2019 Veterans Breakfast on Friday, Nov. 8 at the White Oak American Legion. Read more

 

Join me for my 2019 Veterans Breakfast!

(Sep 25, 2019) Rep. Austin Davis

I’d like to formally invite all veterans in the district to attend the 2019 Veterans Breakfast! Read more

 

Davis: More than $130,000 awarded to City of McKeesport

(Sep 16, 2019) Rep. Austin Davis

HARRISBURG, Sept. 13 – The City of McKeesport was awarded $133,000 in state funding that is earmarked to enhance the city’s Gun Violence Reduction Program, announced state Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny. The funding – administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency – will support the incorporation of McKeesport’s Alternative Policing Strategies into its Gun Violence Reduction Program. “Today McKeesport received crucial funding that will assist the city in showing its young adults a different path to life,” Davis said. “In order for young adults to be successful, they need to have the resources to accomplish that goal. This funding will help McKeesport better assist its youth and young adults, providing them with a brighter future, a positive outlook and a wealth of constructive learning experiences as they transition to the next phase of their lives.” Davis said MAPS’ goal is to provide young adults with productive alternatives to street life, engage youth with an array of life-learning experiences, and giving at-risk individuals an opportunity to be stakeholders in the community. To help accomplish the MAPS initiative, Davis said the funding will support grant administration; license plate recognition camera sites; acquiring police vehicles; assemblies and outreach programs; and consultations by a community outreach specialist and two Read more

 

We will never forget; Gov. Tom Wolf visits the district to talk charter school reform

(Sep 11, 2019) Rep. Austin Davis

Eighteen years ago today, life as we knew it changed forever. Read more

 

8/29/19 – Minimum Wage – Munhall

(Aug 29, 2019) Rep. Austin Davis

Materials from a House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing hosted by State Rep. Austin Davis. Read more

 

Davis hosts policy hearing on increasing state’s minimum wage

(Aug 29, 2019) Rep. Austin Davis

MUNHALL, Aug. 29 – State Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny, today hosted a House Democratic Policy Committee meeting at the Munhall Borough Building. Davis requested the hearing to discuss the state’s minimum wage, which remains lower than Pennsylvania's neighboring states of West Virginia, Maryland, New York, Delaware and New Jersey. “I wanted to make raising the state’s minimum wage a priority and keep it at the forefront of my colleague's minds,” Davis said. “Most importantly, though, I wanted to discuss how the Commonwealth would benefit from raising the minimum wage to match the current cost of living. “Today was constructive. We talked in-depth about how raising the minimum wage can empower working families, as well as create ladders of opportunity for them. We also heard from a number of panelists who concurred that it’s time to give working families a raise,” Davis said. The committee heard testimony from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry; Darrin Kelly, president, Allegheny/Fayette Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO; Diana Polson, policy analyst, Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center; Bobbi Linskens, member, Restaurant Opportunities Center; James Conway, member, Restaurant Opportunities Center; Jeff Shook, associate professor, University of Pittsburgh of Social Work; LaSain Latimore, member, One PA; Jennifer Rafanan Kenney, acting executive director, Pittsburgh United; Dawn Plummer, Read more

 

Pushing for cleaner air; Don't miss my Wellness and Safety Expo!

(Aug 28, 2019) Rep. Austin Davis

Today I joined upwards of 60 community leaders and elected officials in Pittsburgh to take a hard stance on our push for cleaner air in Allegheny County. Read more

 

Davis to hold policy hearing Thursday on state’s minimum wage

(Aug 26, 2019) Rep. Austin Davis

HARRISBURG, Aug. 26 – State Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny, will hold a House Democratic Policy Committee hearing on Pennsylvania’s minimum wage. The hearing will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 29 at the Munhall Borough Building, Council Chambers, 1900 West St., Munhall. The media and public are invited to attend. Davis requested the hearing to discuss the state’s current minimum wage status, how it compares to neighboring states and the benefit of increasing wages to reflect the current cost-of-living. He will be joined by legislators from across the state. The current agenda is: 10 a.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks 10:10 a.m. Panel from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry Bryan Smolock , Director of the Bureau of Labor Law Compliance. Kelley Martini , Policy Director. 10:40 a.m. Panel Two: Darrin Kelly , President, Allegheny/Fayette Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO. Diana Polson , Policy Analyst, Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center. Sarah Fishbein , Vice President, SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania. Bobbi Linskens , Member, Restaurant Opportunities Center. James Conway , Member, Restaurant Opportunities Center. 11:30 a.m. Panel Three: Jeff Shook , Associate Professor, University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work. LaSain Latimore , Member, One PA. Jennifer Rafanan Kenney , Acting Executive Director, Pittsburgh United. Dawn Plummer , Executive Director, Pittsburgh Food Read more

 

Working to ensure your air is clean; Join me for a REAL ID information session; Don’t miss the upcoming Wellness & Safety Expo

(Aug 14, 2019) Rep. Austin Davis

The December 2018 fire at the Clairton Coke Works site was an accident, but U.S. Steel and many other corporations across the state have been in gross negligence of Clean Air standards on more than one occasion. Read more

 

Davis introduces air pollution legislation calling for larger fines, alert system

(Aug 12, 2019) Rep. Austin Davis

HARRISBURG, Aug. 12 – In a sweeping response to the negligence displayed before and after the Clairton Coke Works fire in December 2018, state Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny, on Monday introduced legislation that would enact larger fines for industrial sites that exceed pollution thresholds and require facilities to create a municipal warning system. Davis, whose district houses the Clairton Coke Works site and suffered firsthand from the sulphur dioxide emissions following the December 2018 fire, said the mishap in his district and the recent incident at the Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery complex drove home the importance of introducing this bill before legislators return to session on Tuesday, Sept. 17. “These were two incidents that were not only unfortunate but detrimental to the environment and the residents residing in the general vicinity of both sites. Laws and regulations currently exist to make sure we have clean air and to also monitor industrial sites so that the public is protected from excessive emissions,” Davis said. “However, these incidents are still happening – exceedance thresholds are happening daily, and it’s the public that suffers. The time to act is now, which is why I’ve introduced legislation that will increase fines and put some teeth into preventing air pollution in the first place. It’s my hope that my colleagues will consider this legislation in the House chamber when we return to Read more

 

Davis: PennDOT tour a success; tour covered issues on 14 state roads in the Mon Valley

(Aug 08, 2019) Rep. Austin Davis

HARRISBURG, Aug. 8 – On Thursday, state Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny, welcomed PennDOT District 11 Director and Allegheny County Maintenance Manager Cheryl Moon-Sirianni to the 35 th Legislative District to meet with municipal managers and elected officials to discuss road issues plaguing their municipalities. Sirianni visited one or two state roads from each municipality that had sustained roadway damage, Davis said. During the tour, local officials addressed their community’s roadway issues with Sirianni, something Davis said has yielded positive results in the past and likely will result in the same following Thursday’s tour. “Last year’s tour was a success for local leaders and state roadways. Change – in any situation – isn’t instantaneous, but many of the issues brought to PennDOT’s attention last year were addressed,” Davis said. “Any time we can get local officials and a leading state agency together, at the same time and at the root of the problem, is a win. This experience has yielded great results and led to open dialogue between both parties.” In total, Davis said the PennDOT tour covered issues on 14 state roadways across the district. PennDOT District 11 covers 2,570 total road miles, 1,804 total bridges, and four tunnels that span Allegheny, Beaver, Butler and Lawrence counties. Read more

 

$1.5 million coming to our community!

(Aug 02, 2019) Rep. Austin Davis

I’m happy to announce that $1.5 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funding from the state was awarded to two entities in our district! Read more

 

Davis: $1.5 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funding awarded to two entities in 35th Legislative District

(Aug 01, 2019) Rep. Austin Davis

HARRISBURG, Aug. 1 – An allotted $1.5 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funding was awarded Thursday to two entities in the 35 th Legislative District, announced state Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny. The funding, awarded to the Carnegie Library of Homestead and the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank, will be used for on-site renovations at both locations. “It’s with great pride I announce this substantial funding to these community assets in our district,” Davis said. “Both the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank and the Carnegie Library of Homestead provide key services to our residents, so it’s encouraging to see the state giving back to two community assets that go above and beyond to provide services to our neighbors.” The Carnegie Library of Homestead, located in Munhall, was awarded $500,000 for upgrades to its swimming pool, locker rooms and other pool-related support spaces. Specifically, the existing men’s and women’s locker rooms and group shower rooms will be demolished, and the pool deck will be expanded to provide pool equipment storage and the relocation of the pool pump system. In addition, each locker room will have new lockers, individual showers, changing stalls, and updated restroom facilities. Two new family-style showers and restrooms will be constructed; a new entrance to the pool will be put in place; a meeting space and classroom will be built; and new floors, lighting, HVAC, a fire Read more

 

Working to find a solution to school property taxes; Around the district!

(Jul 31, 2019) Rep. Austin Davis

On Tuesday, House Democratic Leader Frank Dermody appointed me to serve on a bipartisan group tasked with finding a possible solution to end school property taxes. Read more

 

Davis to participate in bipartisan group tasked with finding alternative to school property taxes

(Jul 30, 2019) Rep. Austin Davis

HARRISBURG, July 30 – State Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny, will be among five House Democrats selected to participate in a bipartisan group tasked with finding a possible solution to end school property taxes. The bipartisan group, which will include state representatives and senators, will likely meet in August and will workshop ideas to replace or repeal the property tax and compensate for lost revenue with a variety of other taxes. Davis, who was selected by House Democratic Leader Frank Dermody, looks at his designation as an opportunity to help those most affected by continual property tax increases. “When an area experiences a growth in population of school-aged children, that leads to more school spending and higher taxes. Our senior citizens, who for years worked tirelessly and now live on a fixed income, struggle to pay the increased school property tax,” Davis said. “This should be the least of their worries, and a solution should be put in place so that our most vulnerable citizens aren’t living paycheck to paycheck.” Dermody added: “This select group of legislators wants to find a solution and they will be working hard to review many different ideas. I asked Austin Davis to serve so that the group has an important voice from western Pennsylvania contributing to the discussion.” Davis, who thanked Dermody for the appointment, will be accompanied by four additional House Democrats: state Reps. Perry Warren, Read more

 

Department of Health Launches eWIC Card to Make Access to Nutritious Food Easier in Southwest Pennsylvania

(Jul 22, 2019) Rep. Austin Davis

The Wolf Administration today launched the eWIC program for families in Southwestern Pennsylvania who receive benefits in Pennsylvania’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). Read more

 

Davis: More than $60,000 in combined funding awarded to two school districts, private school for school safety efforts
Oct 18, 2019

Don't miss the Veterans Breakfast on Nov. 8; The state could be holding your unclaimed property; Another successful Senior Wellness and Safety Expo!
Oct 09, 2019

Davis, Brewster to co-host Veterans’ Breakfast on Nov. 8
Oct 07, 2019

Davis applauds Gov. Tom Wolf’s executive action
Oct 03, 2019

Don't miss the 2019 Veterans Breakfast!
Oct 03, 2019

Join me for my 2019 Veterans Breakfast!
Sep 25, 2019

Davis: More than $130,000 awarded to City of McKeesport
Sep 16, 2019

We will never forget; Gov. Tom Wolf visits the district to talk charter school reform
Sep 11, 2019

8/29/19 – Minimum Wage – Munhall
Aug 29, 2019

Davis hosts policy hearing on increasing state’s minimum wage
Aug 29, 2019

Pushing for cleaner air; Don't miss my Wellness and Safety Expo!
Aug 28, 2019

Davis to hold policy hearing Thursday on state’s minimum wage
Aug 26, 2019

Working to ensure your air is clean; Join me for a REAL ID information session; Don’t miss the upcoming Wellness & Safety Expo
Aug 14, 2019

Davis introduces air pollution legislation calling for larger fines, alert system
Aug 12, 2019

Davis: PennDOT tour a success; tour covered issues on 14 state roads in the Mon Valley
Aug 08, 2019

$1.5 million coming to our community!
Aug 02, 2019

Davis: $1.5 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funding awarded to two entities in 35th Legislative District
Aug 01, 2019

Working to find a solution to school property taxes; Around the district!
Jul 31, 2019

Davis to participate in bipartisan group tasked with finding alternative to school property taxes
Jul 30, 2019

Department of Health Launches eWIC Card to Make Access to Nutritious Food Easier in Southwest Pennsylvania
Jul 22, 2019