I’m writing this week with important news from Harrisburg and our district, plus information on how to connect with me and my district office, which you can find by scrolling down.

Earlier this week, my House colleagues and I passed a bill that would deliver critically needed dollars to our public transit systems statewide – without increasing taxes. PRT is facing a deficit of more than $100 million, and without additional funding, the agency will have to make deep service cuts, layoffs, and fare increases as early as this February. As a PRT board member, I believe our bill would help prevent these impacts and keep the wheels turning for thousands of Allegheny County residents who rely on these services.

Instead of considering the bill, the Republican-led state Senate came up with a proposal that would strip dollars away from PRT – including critical ride-share services that are a lifeline for seniors and residents with disabilities – and increase fares every two years indefinitely.

I’m calling on our Senate colleagues to return to the table and consider our House plan or come up with a more realistic one that won’t leave residents – including the most vulnerable members of our community – stranded.

The PA Treasury is advising residents to check their mailboxes – nearly 80,000 people are receiving letters from the PA Money Match program, which returns unclaimed property worth $500 or less automatically. People who receive a letter and confirm their address could receive a check within 45 days.

Even if you don’t receive a letter, you can search the unclaimed property database by visiting this page.  Our office can also help you search!

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is offering webinars through the end of the year to help families pay for college. Course topics include how to complete grant forms, search for scholarships, and cover financing gaps. For more information, visit www.pheaa.org/virtual.

The PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency is accepting applications through Sept. 12 for grants to be used for training people who treat adult or child survivors of sexual abuse. Applicants can be nonprofits, for-profit entities, public agencies, hospitals, local governments, schools, and colleges. PCCD expects to fund five grants with budgets up to $50,000 for up to a two-year period. Complete guidelines are available here.  

You can find a list of all the latest state grant program openings here.

For more updates on issues facing our state and district, follow me on Facebook. Find me at facebook.com/RepAbney.

As state representative, one of the most important aspects of my job is helping residents deal with state government. Please reach out to me in my district office or to one of my staff with your questions and concerns.

You can also call my district office toll free at 833-787-5134.

I’ve added some new features under the “Help & Services” tab on my website as well. You can now submit a request to invite me to an event, schedule a meeting with me, or recognize an individual or organization with a PA House citation.

Pennsylvania State Capitol

27-B East Wing

Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 783-3783

District Office

730 James St.

Pittsburgh, PA 15212

(412) 471-7760