Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Rep. Jen Mazzocco | News Center

Recognizing Juneteenth, committee highlights and more!

(1 day ago)

96 @media only screen and (min-width: 660px) { .u-row { width: 640px !important; } .u-row .u-col { vertical-align: top; } .u-row .u-col-50 { width: 320px !important; } .u-row .u-col-100 { width: 640px !important; } } @media (max-width: 660px) { .u-row-container { max-width: 100% !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; } .u-row .u-col { min-width: 320px !important; max-width: 100% !important; display: block !important; } .u-row { width: 100% !important; } .u-col { width: 100% !important; } .u-col > div { margin: 0 auto; } } body { margin: 0; padding: 0; } table, tr, td { vertical-align: top; border-collapse: collapse; } p { margin: 0; } .ie-container table, .mso-container table { table-layout: fixed; } * { line-height: inherit; } a[x-apple-data-detectors='true'] { color: inherit !important; text-decoration: none !important; } table, td { color: #000000; } #u_row_12 a { color: #0000ee; text-decoration: underline; } .tool:has(.survey-container) { display: none} I’d like to start this week by recognizing Juneteenth. Celebrated annually to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States, Juneteenth officially became a federal holiday in 2021. It is a time to gather with community to celebrate freedom Read more

 

My healthcare tax credit bill passes the House!

(Jun 10, 2026)

I'd like to start this week with some exciting news from Harrisburg. Today, the House voted to advance my House Bill 2550, which would establish a Small Business Health Care Premiums Contribution Tax Credit. Read more

 

Mazzocco legislation establishing small business healthcare tax credit passes House

(Jun 10, 2026)

HARRISBURG, June 10 – Today, legislation sponsored by state Rep. Jen Mazzocco (H.B. 2550) advanced through the state House of Representatives with bipartisan support, securing a 200-2 vote. The legislation would establish the Small Business Health Care Premiums Contribution Tax Credit, allowing small business owners to claim a tax credit for contributing to their employees’ health insurance premiums. Mazzocco introduced the bill along with co-prime sponsors Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny, and Rep. Steve Samuelson, D-Northampton, addressing healthcare affordability issues in the wake of cuts to the Affordable Care Act at the end of 2025. According to Pennie, the Commonwealth’s official health insurance marketplace, an unprecedented 85,000 enrollees terminated coverage for 2026, many of those from the small business community. “I’m proud of my colleagues in the House who voted to give small business employers the ability to better handle our current affordability crisis,” Mazzocco said. “When employers don’t have tools like this tax credit, the employees suffer, often foregoing insurance entirely to save costs. No hard-working Pennsylvanian should have to give up their health because of their wallet, and this bill is another step toward getting the Commonwealth insured with affordable, quality care.” Rep. Venkat, a member of Pennie’s board of directors, said he’s Read more

 

Redevelopment, Transportation, Environmental and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jun 10, 2026)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Juvenile Justice System Enhancement Strategy (JJSES) Who May Apply: Private non-profit agency or unit of local government Use: To build on the work that has been completed to date and advance statewide training and technical assistance around the JJSES framework with a strong focus on continuous quality improvement and fundamental fairness Funds: A total of $450,000 in federal Title II Formula Grant funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund one grant with a budget not to exceed $450,000 over the 12- month project period. Matching funds are not a requirement of this funding opportunity, but a sustainability plan must be included as part of the application submitted. Application Deadline: July 13, 2026 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvements Who May Apply: State, county, or municipal forensic crime laboratories to support activities that improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services. Use: To improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services throughout Pennsylvania, with an emphasis on combating opioids and synthetic drugs through laboratory accreditation, the certification of forensic scientists, and the purchase of laboratory equipment. Funds: A total of approximately $740,000 in federal Paul Coverdell Forensic Read more

 

Mazzocco legislation for Pittsburgh Public Schools administrators advances through Labor & Industry Committee

(Jun 09, 2026)

HARRISBURG, June 9 – Today, legislation sponsored by state Rep. Jen Mazzocco to give school administrators at Pittsburgh Public Schools the right to collectively bargain advanced from the Pennsylvania House Labor and Industry Committee. House Bill 2455 would add Pittsburgh Public Schools to the list of school districts whose administrators are authorized to organize under the Administrative Code of 1929. The bill would allow administrators such as principals and vice principals to collectively fight for improved workplace conditions. The Pittsburgh Public School system is the second-largest school system in Pennsylvania, with 56 schools and more than 20,000 students. The largest system in the state, the School District of Philadelphia, has allowed principals and vice principals to organize since 1996. “As a former teacher, I know how much falls on the plate of school administrators, especially in a large student environment like Pittsburgh Public Schools,” Mazzocco said. “With how hard they work, they deserve the right to stand up for themselves. They deserve to be able to fight for a better environment for their students. I’m proud that my colleagues in the House have taken up this conversation for the educators of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.” The bill now heads to the full House, where it can be considered for passage. For more information on the bill, those interested can visit Read more

 

Summer Pop-Up Offices start this week!

(Jun 03, 2026)

I am happy to announce that Summer Pop-Up Offices are back! My staff and I are excited to bring state services and constituent assistance directly into the communities throughout the district. Read more

 

Transportation, Development, Artistic, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jun 03, 2026)

PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: DCED Website Department of Environmental Protection: Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebate Program Who May Apply: Pennsylvania residents whose total household income is below 400 percent of the Federal Income Poverty Level. Use: This program provides a rebate to Pennsylvanians who purchase or lease alternative fuel vehicles. Funds: Rebates vary depending on type of vehicle purchased. Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted and evaluated on a first come, first served basis as long as funds remain available. Please note applications must be received within six months of the date of the vehicle purchase. More information: DEP Website Department of Environmental Protection: WIIN 2107: Voluntary School and Childcare Lead testing and Reduction Grant Who May Apply: Childcare facilities and schools located in Pennsylvania with Read more

 

Mazzocco bill to support small business health coverage advances through committee

(Jun 03, 2026)

HARRISBURG, June 3 – Today, legislation sponsored by state Rep. Jen Mazzocco (H.B. 2550) advanced through the House Finance Committee. The bill would establish the Small Business Health Care Premiums Contribution Tax Credit, allowing small business owners to claim a tax credit for contributing to their employees’ health insurance premiums. This legislation would help address gaps left by Affordable Care Act cuts, many of which affected the small business community, and include safeguards related to the quality of health insurance purchased. Mazzocco introduced the bill alongside co-prime sponsors Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny, and Finance Committee Chair, Rep. Steve Samuelson, D-Northampton. The committee heard testimony from several experts during a May 20 hearing before reporting out the measure on June 3. “With no federal solution in sight, it is on us to lend a hand to our small business community in need,” Mazzocco said. “Right now, employees across the Commonwealth are having to choose between their health and their wallet, and this is one step toward ending those concerns. I appreciate my colleagues in the House Finance Committee for their support on this critical issue.” House Bill 2550 now advances to the full House for consideration. Read more

 

Welcome our new staff members!

(May 27, 2026)

I want to kick things off this week with some exciting changes and new faces here at our District 42 office! Every member of this team is ready to assist you with services and support. Read more

 

PA House Finance Committee addresses healthcare access and affordability for working Pennsylvanians

(May 20, 2026)

HARRISBURG, May 20 – Today, the PA House Finance Committee held a public hearing on legislation that would establish a new tax credit for small businesses that contribute to their employees' health insurance premiums. House Bill 2550 would address affordability and accessibility of healthcare insurance plans for working Pennsylvanians, many of whom lost coverage after enhanced premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act expired at the end of 2025. Read more

 

My bill heard in Finance Committee and more!

(May 20, 2026)

On Wednesday, the Finance Committee held a hearing on my House Bill 2550, which would establish the Small Business Health Care Premiums Contribution Tax Credit. Read more

 

Grant Memo: Transportation, Environmental, Artistic, and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District

(May 13, 2026)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2026/27 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Single Solicitation for Local Initiatives Who May Apply: Units of government (including counties) and non-profit organizations Use: To implement projects and programs that directly address the PCCD Objectives and Goals outlined in PCCD’s 2026-2030 Strategic Framework Funds: A total of $8,221,880 in federal Byrne Justice Assistance Grant funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund approximately 30-35 grants with budgets not to exceed $250,000 over the two-year project period. Application Deadline: July 14, 2026 More information: PCCD Website Department of Aging: Resilient environments for Aging and Dementia in Your Communities (READY Communities) Who May Apply: Non-profits, county and municipal governments, and coalitions of organizations Use: For community-based projects focused on improving the lives of older adults, people living with dementia, caregivers, and their communities Funds: A total of $325,000 is available with a minimum award of $10,000 and a maximum award of $50,000 Application Deadline: June 12, 2026 More information: Aging Website Department of Environmental Protection: Alternative Fuel Incentive Grants Who May Apply: School districts; Municipal authorities; Political subdivisions; Incorporated Read more

 

Disability & Mental Health Summit was a success!!

(May 13, 2026)

The 13th Annual Disability & Mental Health Summit was a huge success! Read more

 

Mazzocco, Venkat, Samuelson to introduce legislation establishing small business healthcare tax credit

(May 11, 2026)

HARRISBURG, May 11 – Today, state Reps. Jen Mazzocco, Arvind Venkat, and Steve Samuelson circulated a co-sponsorship memo for legislation to establish the Small Business Health Care Premiums Contribution Tax Credit. The credit would apply to small businesses that contribute toward their employees’ health insurance premiums through a health reimbursement arrangement purchased through PENNIE, the Commonwealth’s official health insurance marketplace. The bill also includes safeguards related to the quality of health insurance purchased, mirroring laws already enacted in several states. This legislation comes after the end of 2025, when enhanced premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act expired, leaving hundreds of thousands of Americans uninsured. In Pennsylvania, more than 130,000 PENNIE enrollees dropped their health plans for 2026. Many of the uninsured are employees of small businesses that cannot afford to provide group health insurance policies. “We are in a full-blown affordability crisis, and this extends to the complex issue of healthcare,” Mazzocco said. “Without a solution from the federal government, we need to do what we can to protect Pennsylvania families, and this bill is an important step toward closing coverage gaps while keeping affordability top of mind.” Venkat, who also serves as a board member for PENNIE, worked on the bill following his own experiences in the Read more

 

2026 Summit Program

(May 05, 2026)

Now in its 13th year, the Summit has touched thousands of lives, educating legislators from both sides of the aisle. Read more

 

Transportation, Environmental, Community and Economic Development and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Apr 30, 2026)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Environmental Protection: Growing Greener Plus Act 167 Plans Who May Apply: Counties Use: To prepare and adopt a watershed stormwater management plan. Funds: Grant awards will be at least $30,000 and not more than $50,000. Application Deadline: June 22, 2026 More information: DEP Website Department of Environmental Protection: Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act Grants Who May Apply: Municipalities, municipal authorities, and appropriate incorporated nonprofit organizations Use: The design, construction and/or rehabilitation of treatment facilities on ABS Legacy AMD discharge sites, but grants may also be awarded for ABS bond forfeited land reclamation projects. Application Deadline: June 22, 2026 More information: DEP Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: DCED Website Read more

 

Time running out for primary election voter registration!

(Apr 29, 2026)

Time is quickly running out to sign up to vote in the May 19 primary election! Residents will be able to have their say for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, State Senate, the State House of Representatives and more. Read more

 

Two weeks away from the Disability & Mental Health Summit!

(Apr 22, 2026)

We are now just over two weeks away from the 13th Annual Disability & Mental Health Summit, taking place May 7 at CCAC Allegheny Campus on the North Side. Read more

 

Transportation, Agriculture, Community and Economic Development and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Apr 16, 2026)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) Who May Apply: Municipalities, councils of government, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agency, ports (rail/freight) Use: The MTF provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure a safe and reliable system of transportation exists in Pennsylvania. The program is intended to provide financial assistance in order to improve public transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit revitalization. Funds: Requests must have a total eligible cost of $100,000 or more and no request shall exceed $3,000,000 for any project. Application Deadline: July 31, 2026 More information: DCED Website Department of Agriculture: PA Preferred, PA Preferred Homegrown by Heroes, and PA Preferred Organic Marketing Grant Program Who May Apply: Grants may be awarded to PA Preferred, PA Preferred Homegrown by Heroes, or PA Preferred Organic licensees Use: Offsetting the cost of designing or redesigning product labels to include the PA Preferred logo, PA Preferred Homegrown by Heroes logo or PA Preferred Organic logo or Enhancing farmers’ market displays with the PA Preferred, PA Preferred Homegrown by Heroes or PA Preferred Organic logos Funds: Up to $500,000 is available in funding, with no grant to exceed $10,000 Application Deadline: Read more

 

The South Hills Futures Fair is tomorrow!

(Apr 15, 2026)

Tomorrow marks the return of the South Hills Futures Fair, which I am hosting for the first time as a Representative alongside Rep. Jessica Benham. The event at Castle Shannon Memorial Fire Hall, 3600 Library Road in Castle Shannon, runs from 5-8 p.m. and is focused on special education planning and post-secondary resources for students with disabilities and their families. This event is a chance to interact with education, employment, housing, social and recreational opportunities. Read more

 

Recognizing Juneteenth, committee highlights and more!
1 day ago

My healthcare tax credit bill passes the House!
Jun 10, 2026

Mazzocco legislation establishing small business healthcare tax credit passes House
Jun 10, 2026

Redevelopment, Transportation, Environmental and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jun 10, 2026

Mazzocco legislation for Pittsburgh Public Schools administrators advances through Labor & Industry Committee
Jun 09, 2026

Summer Pop-Up Offices start this week!
Jun 03, 2026

Transportation, Development, Artistic, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jun 03, 2026

Mazzocco bill to support small business health coverage advances through committee
Jun 03, 2026

Welcome our new staff members!
May 27, 2026

PA House Finance Committee addresses healthcare access and affordability for working Pennsylvanians
May 20, 2026

My bill heard in Finance Committee and more!
May 20, 2026

Grant Memo: Transportation, Environmental, Artistic, and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District
May 13, 2026

Disability & Mental Health Summit was a success!!
May 13, 2026

Mazzocco, Venkat, Samuelson to introduce legislation establishing small business healthcare tax credit
May 11, 2026

2026 Summit Program
May 05, 2026

Transportation, Environmental, Community and Economic Development and Additional Grant Opportunities
Apr 30, 2026

Time running out for primary election voter registration!
Apr 29, 2026

Two weeks away from the Disability & Mental Health Summit!
Apr 22, 2026

Transportation, Agriculture, Community and Economic Development and Additional Grant Opportunities
Apr 16, 2026

The South Hills Futures Fair is tomorrow!
Apr 15, 2026