News Center

Davis: U.S. Supreme Court decision an attack on reproductive rights

(Jun 24, 2022) Rep. Austin Davis

HARRISBURG, June 24 – State Rep. Austin Davis issued the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade case: “Reversing Roe v. Wade is not only an attack on the right to an abortion but puts a person’s essential freedoms, including their ability to make decisions about their own body, at risk. "The consequences of this decision are severe and far-reaching. Restricting abortion access can threaten the health of pregnant people and babies, increase maternal mortality rates and force low-income women and families to face further financial hardships. "Abortion is an intensely personal decision that should not be regulated by the government or the interests of politicians. While attempts to restrict abortion care through legislation have gained momentum, even here in Harrisburg, I have always been a pro-choice vote in the General Assembly. "It’s important to know that abortion is still legal and safe in Pennsylvania. I will continue to fight to protect women’s health and ensure a person’s right to make decisions about their own body without government restriction.” Read more

 

Davis: Application deadline for Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program extended to Dec. 31

(Jun 13, 2022) Rep. Austin Davis

HARRISBURG, June 13 – State Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny, is alerting older adults and residents with disabilities in the Mon Valley that the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue is extending the deadline from June 30 to Dec. 31 to apply for a rebate on property taxes or rent paid. “I’m pleased to share this good news that will allow more eligible older adults and low-income families in the Mon Valley to take advantage of this important program,” Davis said. “Even though the deadline has been extended, I encourage anyone who’s eligible for the rebate to get their application in as soon as possible.” The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians 65 or older, widows and widowers 50 or older, and people with disabilities 18 or older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded. The maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates for certain qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975. Davis said it’s free to apply for the program and that his offices in McKeesport and Munhall are available to assist residents with their applications. Those interested must have their identification, proof of 2021 income and either a statement of 2021 rent paid, or a receipt of 2021 taxes paid if a homeowner. Walk-ins are welcome, but it is recommended to call ahead to the McKeesport Read more

 

More than $5 million in state tax credits awarded to Allegheny County projects

(Jun 10, 2022) Rep. Austin Davis

PITTSBURGH, June 10 – The Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation announced today that more than $5 million in state tax credits will support 22 projects that address significant and persistent housing needs throughout Allegheny County. “This is a critical time for many vulnerable Allegheny County individuals and families, who all deserve to have a safe and affordable place to call home,” said delegation chair state Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny. “The projects that secured funding address some of the most pressing housing needs in our communities, including assisting folks with various resources, opportunities and support to find secure housing and prevent homelessness.” The following are some of the 22 Allegheny County applicants awarded Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement funding during this week's Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency board meeting: Allegheny County Economic Development, Allegheny County Accessibility Program, $200,000 (Realty Transfer Tax): Allows Allegheny County and ACTION-Housing Inc. to provide accessible modifications to households in Allegheny County, excluding Pittsburgh, for individuals with low to moderate incomes and at least one permanent physical disability. North Hills Affordable Housing Inc., North Hills Affordable Housing Inc: A Home For Every Family, $200,000 (Realty Transfer Tax): Funds will be used to maintain Read more

 

Allegheny County Delegation welcomes two new state representatives

(Apr 26, 2022) Rep. Austin Davis

The Allegheny County Democratic Delegation today welcomed two new state representatives with the swearing in of State Reps. Aerion Andrew Abney and Martell Covington in Harrisburg. Read more

 

Davis announces $2.4 million state investment for Pittsburgh International Airport

(Apr 25, 2022) Rep. Austin Davis

HARRISBURG, April 25 – The Pittsburgh International Airport received a $2.4 million investment through the Aviation Transportation Assistance Program for continued Commercial Air Cargo facility development, announced state Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny. Davis said the development includes aircraft and vehicular access and parking, environmental remediation, and continued site preparation. “Pittsburgh International Airport has experienced a lot of growth in recent years, not only for travelers but also in terms of cargo,” Davis said. “This investment will help the airport keep up with that demand and continue to grow and connect our region to the outside world – giving Allegheny County businesses the opportunity to participate and succeed in the global economy.” The Aviation Transportation Assistance Program awarded a total of $10 million in state investments to support 12 projects at 10 airports across Pennsylvania. More information on aviation in Pennsylvania, is available at the PennDOT website: https://www.penndot.pa.gov/Doing-Business/Aviation/Pages/default.aspx . Read more

 

Helping The Helpers: Policy Hearing About Supporting EMS In PA

(Apr 21, 2022) Rep. Austin Davis

State Senator Katie Muth (D- Berks/Chester/Montgomery), chair of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee joined Senator Lindsey Williams (D-Allegheny), state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie) and state Rep. Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) to host a roundtable discussion yesterday on various issues facing Pennsylvania’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies. Read more

 

Davis to host free paper shredding event April 23

(Apr 19, 2022) Rep. Austin Davis

McKEESPORT, April 19 – State Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny, will be holding a free paper shredding event to help residents combat identity theft by safely destroying unwanted and personal documents. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, April 23, at McKeesport High School, 1960 Eden Park Drive . “Spring is the perfect time for folks to get rid of documents that are no longer useful, and shredding them is a great way to keep any personal information on those documents out of the hands of identity thieves,” Davis said. “My staff and I are happy to provide this public service to help residents protect themselves.” Common types of unwanted items for shredding include credit card statements, credit card applications, bank and investment statements, canceled checks, income tax information, insurance and health records, and retirement or pension fund information. Unwanted paper documents will be shredded on-site and then recycled. There is a limit of two bags or boxes of documents per resident. The event will also be an opportunity for residents to donate supplies to the local food bank. Bins will be located on-site. For additional information about this event, please call Davis’ office at 412-664-0035. Read more

 

With popular school lunch program in danger, Davis urges Congressional action

(Mar 17, 2022) Rep. Austin Davis

Says kids’ lunches should not be political bargaining chips Read more

 

Davis applauds Pennie move to implement his Easy Health Insurance Enrollment Plan

(Mar 16, 2022) Rep. Austin Davis

Uninsured Pennsylvanians can now enroll by filling out tax form Read more

 

Davis announces $250,000 in state funding for Mon Valley nonprofits

(Mar 14, 2022) Rep. Austin Davis

McKEESPORT, March 14 – A combined $250,000 in state grants will help fund upgrades for the Allegheny County Library Association and Best of the Batch Foundation, announced state Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny. The Allegheny County Library Association secured $150,000 in funding for ADA compliance upgrades. “The ACLA has been an incredible asset to residents throughout the county and the Mon Valley,” Davis said. “This investment for improvements will make the library more accessible for more people to enjoy the high-quality public library service that the ACLA provides.” A $100,000 grant will be used for construction costs associated with Best of the Batch Foundation’s STEAM Lab Renovation Project. The Best of the Batch Foundation was founded in Homestead by former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch and offers a variety of educational programs to school-aged children. “The Best of the Batch Foundation provides thousands of children in financially challenged communities with educational programming that inspires them to realize their greatest potential,” Davis said. “I’m proud to have helped secure an investment in the foundation’s STEAM Lab, which is an important resource that engages children in math and science, helps them discover future possibilities in tech, and allows them to express themselves creatively.” The grants are from the Read more

 

Allegheny County anti-violence programs awarded $104,000 in grants

(Mar 09, 2022) Rep. Austin Davis

PITTSBURGH, March 9 – The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency awarded more than $104,000 in state funding to four Allegheny County community-based violence reduction programs, announced the Pennsylvania House Allegheny County Democratic Delegation. “When it comes to fighting against violence, we need unified solutions that strengthen the partnership between local efforts and the communities they serve,” said delegation chair, state Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny. “I applaud today’s investments because they back programs that involve community members who are committed to being a force for change and making their neighborhoods safer places to live.” These programs received the following amounts: $11,947 to the City of Clairton to support police officer overtime, supplies and equipment to reduce gun violence in targeted communities by arresting and prosecuting violent criminals. $11,947 to Greater Pittsburgh Area MAD DADS to fund supplies and equipment for its program that trains and mobilizes dedicated, roving safety teams of neighborhood fathers to conduct street patrols that go into some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Allegheny County. $36,205 to Greater Valley Community Services to combat gun violence through mentoring and other intervention techniques to youth and their families who have experienced trauma or are at risk. Funds will support wages Read more

 

Hearing explores public transit, promise and opportunity

(Mar 07, 2022) Rep. Austin Davis

The House Democratic Policy Committee alongside Representatives Austin Davis and Sara Innamorato held a tour and roundtable discussion about the state of mass transit in the Pittsburgh region. Read more

 

Davis announces more than $158,000 in grants for fire, EMS companies

(Feb 14, 2022) Rep. Austin Davis

McKEESPORT, Feb. 14 – State Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny, announced 11 fire and EMS companies in the 35 th Legislative District were awarded $158,674 in grants. “Our first responders have selflessly served our communities in the face of this pandemic,” Davis said. “COVID-19 has made it even more challenging for our local fire and EMS organizations to raise funds for their facilities, training and equipment so they can continue to do their work and keep us safe. I will continue to fight for funding that will continue to support our first responders and give them access to much-needed resources.” The grants come from the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program, which is administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner. The following amounts were awarded: City of McKeesport Fire Dept. - $14,750. McKeesport Ambulance Rescue Service - $8,325. Versailles Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 Inc. - $12,000. Vigilant Hose Company No. 1 - $14,999. Volunteer Firemans Association of Liberty Borough - $15,000. Duquesne Volunteer Fire Dept. - $15,000. Duquesne Annex Volunteer Fire Co. - $15,000. Munhall Area Prehospital Services - $8,325. Munhall Volunteer Fire Co. #2 - $25,275. Munhall Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 - $15,000. Park Volunteer Fire Co. No. 4 - $15,000. The funding can be used for facility upgrades, equipment, debt reduction, training, Read more

 

Davis encouraged by Gov. Wolf’s budget address

(Feb 08, 2022) Rep. Austin Davis

HARRISBURG, Feb. 8 – Following Governor Tom Wolf’s budget address, state Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny, issued the following statement: “Today’s proposal outlines a plan that touches on many of the priorities that matter most to working-class families in Pennsylvania. “I’m encouraged to see the proposed increase in education funding, which builds on our previous investments in education and is a solid step toward bringing fair funding to underserved school districts. These investments in our schools, teachers and, most importantly, our children, advances access to education at every level and will help ensure that every child – regardless of Zip code – will have the chance to succeed and grow to their full potential. “Along with historic investments in infrastructure by the federal government, this budget represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in our communities and in the people of Pennsylvania. From our roads and bridges, which we know need work, to job training and investing in our small businesses, this budget will advance our commonwealth’s economic recovery and position Pennsylvania to be a competitive player not just nationally, but across the globe.” Read more

 

Rep. Austin Davis’s winter 2022 newsletter

(Jan 27, 2022) Rep. Austin Davis

Rep. Austin Davis's winter 2022 newsletter Read more

 

Davis: $150,000 grant to stop gun violence awarded to Mon Valley organization

(Jan 27, 2022) Rep. Austin Davis

McKEESPORT, Jan. 27 – State Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny, announced the Healthy Village Living Institute is the recipient of a $150,000 grant for gun violence prevention. Davis said the Healthy Village Living Institute will use the funding to support the implementation of intensive community outreach that will train and prepare violence intervention workers to directly engage with residents and educate them on how to respond to community violence. “It is no secret that gun violence has been robbing our young people of their futures and creating a painful void in our communities,” Davis said. “This funding will help the Healthy Village Learning Institute in its mission to create positive change and save lives at the neighborhood level by having a presence in areas considered to be hot spots for gun violence and by connecting directly with those who are more at risk of violence.” A total of $23 million in funding was awarded to 25 projects that will create local strategies to stop gun and group violence across Pennsylvania. The grants are part of the Violence Intervention and Prevention Grant Program administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. More information about the specific VIP projects being awarded today, as well as PCCD's efforts to address gun violence generally, can be found here . Read more

 

Davis: More than $295,000 in Allegheny County Gaming grants awarded to two Mon Valley projects

(Jan 26, 2022) Rep. Austin Davis

McKEESPORT, Jan. 26 – State Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny, announced today the Allegheny County Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund awarded a total of $295,263 in grants for the construction of the Clairton Public Library and a new public works facility in Whitaker. “This funding provides a boost to projects that support our community,” Davis said. “The new library in Clairton will help it continue to serve as a center for informational and educational resources and programs, while the new public works facility provides an updated space that can better serve the needs of Whitaker.” Davis said the city of Clairton was awarded $195,263 for the construction of a new space for the Clairton Public Library, which is currently underway. Davis said the Steel Council of Governments was awarded $100,000 for a new public works facility in Whitaker. The funding will support demolition and site preparation, including construction of a steel-pole building with concrete floor, garage doors, windows, indoor and outdoor lighting, an office area with equipment, installation of utilities, and landscaping. The Allegheny County Economic Development Tourism Fund is financed by gaming activity in the county and administered by the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County and the state Commonwealth Financing Authority. More information on the fund is available here . Read more

 

Davis announces $20,000 grant for school safety

(Jan 21, 2022) Rep. Austin Davis

McKEESPORT, Jan. 21 – South Allegheny School District was awarded $20,000 in Safe Schools Targeted grant money, announced state Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny. The Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Office for Safe Schools offers four types of grants to schools to prevent and reduce violent incidents, purchase safety and security-related equipment and provide training and compensation of school resource and police officers. Davis said South Allegheny School District was awarded a $20,000 grant to enact new programs to increase school safety. “I have been a strong advocate for making our schools safe places for students and educators,” Davis said. “Today’s grant is a step in supporting that mission by enhancing programs that protect our children and ensure violence stays out of the classroom.” In total, more than $8 million in competitive Safe Schools Targeted Grants were awarded to 303 local educational agencies statewide. For a complete list of grant recipients and their grant amounts, visit the Office for Safe Schools website . Read more

 

Davis announces $228K in state funding for projects in Mon Valley

(Dec 30, 2021) Rep. Austin Davis

McKEESPORT, Dec. 30 – State Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny, announced today a total of $228,100 in state funding to support improvements for a park in White Oak Borough and a plan for green stormwater infrastructure in McKeesport. The grants, issued through the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, are going to the following projects: $184,100 grant for White Oak Borough will rehabilitate Heritage Hill Park. The project includes construction of a pedestrian walkway and parking area, installation of play equipment with required safety surfacing, ADA access, landscaping and other related site improvements. $44,000 for Western Pennsylvania Conservancy to prepare a Community Greening Plan for McKeesport Borough. “This funding will bring upgrades to Heritage Hill Park that will make it more accessible and a better place for our children to play,” Davis said. “Creating a Community Greening Plan will help to find opportunities for green infrastructure that will manage stormwater and reduce water pollution in a sustainable way, while also enhancing and beautifying McKeesport.” The DCNR grants were made available through the Community Conservation Partnership Program. More information about the program is available here . Read more

 

Davis: $1.25 million awarded to Clairton redevelopment project

(Dec 06, 2021) Rep. Austin Davis

State grant to fund site prep work at unused brownfield location Read more

 

Davis: U.S. Supreme Court decision an attack on reproductive rights
Jun 24, 2022

Davis: Application deadline for Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program extended to Dec. 31
Jun 13, 2022

More than $5 million in state tax credits awarded to Allegheny County projects
Jun 10, 2022

Allegheny County Delegation welcomes two new state representatives
Apr 26, 2022

Davis announces $2.4 million state investment for Pittsburgh International Airport
Apr 25, 2022

Helping The Helpers: Policy Hearing About Supporting EMS In PA
Apr 21, 2022

Davis to host free paper shredding event April 23
Apr 19, 2022

With popular school lunch program in danger, Davis urges Congressional action
Mar 17, 2022

Davis applauds Pennie move to implement his Easy Health Insurance Enrollment Plan
Mar 16, 2022

Davis announces $250,000 in state funding for Mon Valley nonprofits
Mar 14, 2022

Allegheny County anti-violence programs awarded $104,000 in grants
Mar 09, 2022

Hearing explores public transit, promise and opportunity
Mar 07, 2022

Davis announces more than $158,000 in grants for fire, EMS companies
Feb 14, 2022

Davis encouraged by Gov. Wolf’s budget address
Feb 08, 2022

Rep. Austin Davis’s winter 2022 newsletter
Jan 27, 2022

Davis: $150,000 grant to stop gun violence awarded to Mon Valley organization
Jan 27, 2022

Davis: More than $295,000 in Allegheny County Gaming grants awarded to two Mon Valley projects
Jan 26, 2022

Davis announces $20,000 grant for school safety
Jan 21, 2022

Davis announces $228K in state funding for projects in Mon Valley
Dec 30, 2021

Davis: $1.25 million awarded to Clairton redevelopment project
Dec 06, 2021