Featured News

Rep. Kinkead's Weekly Update - UC fraud alert, out and about in District 20 and more!

(Jul 29, 2021)

My team and I were honored to take part in the recent Day of Hope to benefit the Light of Life Rescue Mission, which provides food, shelter, and hope to those experiencing homelessness, poverty, or addiction. Read more

 

Rep. Kinkead’s Weekly Update - Successful community sustainability event, highlighting urban agriculture and more!

(Jul 22, 2021)

As part of Urban Agriculture Week, I was happy to visit Freeman Family Farm & Greenhouse and Sankofa Village Community Garden/ Farms on Tuesday with Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. Urban agriculture is a constantly growing part of the industry and you might be surprised to know that there are many great urban farming locations in our local communities and across our state! It’s also where we find the highest number of farmers of color and I'm happy to support them and encourage more of our urban communities to take part! Read more

 

Now open for applications: Alternative fuels vehicle and infrastructure funding opportunities

(Jul 22, 2021)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection : Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : School districts, municipal authorities, municipalities, nonprofits, private businesses. Use : Purchase or retrofit vehicles to operate on alternative fuels, purchase and install refueling equipment, and research or develop new technologies. Funds: Infrastructure and innovative technology project g rants up to $600,000. Vehicle grants up to $100,000 per vehicle, depending upon class of vehicle. Application Deadline : August 27; a second application round will close December 17 More Information : Click on https://www.dep.pa.gov/Citizens/GrantsLoansRebates/Alternative-Fuels-Incentive-Grant/Pages/default.aspx . UPCOMING APPLICATION DEADLINES: DEP Driving PA Forward Level 2 EV Charging Rebate Program: Until Funds Expended ( Funding Source: State Mitigation Trust - Volkswagen Emissions Settlement) Business, charitable organizations, incorporated nonprofits, local government entities, school districts, and other entities. - Rebates for Level 2 EV charging equipment for public use at government owned property, public use at non-government owned property, non-public use at work places, non-public use at multi-unit dwellings. DHS Children’s Read more

 

Rep. Kinkead’s Weekly Update - Fighting for affordable health care, UC work requirement reminder, police misconduct database unveiled and more!

(Jul 16, 2021)

For far too many Pennsylvanians, costs for the medicine they need to stay healthy are out of reach. Too many of our friends, family, and neighbors find themselves being forced to ration life-saving medications, or go without entirely. Read more

 

Runaway drug costs, surprise billing subject of new legislation

(Jul 13, 2021)

State Reps. Dan Frankel and Emily Kinkead introduced legislation to lower costs for prescription drugs and prevent surprise billing for “facility fees” to keep health care affordable and accessible for Pennsylvanians Read more

 

Prescription drug pricing reforms essential for public health, and economy

(Jul 12, 2021)

HARRISBURG, July 12 -- State Representatives Emily Kinkead and Eddie Day Pashinski today hosted a public hearing to discuss the need for drastic reforms to drive down the costs of prescription drugs for the well-being of Pennsylvanians who rely on medications for an improved quality of life. The hearing, a meeting of the Policy Committee’s Subcommittee on Progressive Policies for Working People, included testimony on how prescription drug pricing is calculated, some of the cost drivers and legislative action needed to regulate pricing. Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, chair of the subcommittee, and legislators from across the state joined both in person and online for the discussion. Sean Zmenkowski, a constituent services advisor for Rep. Kinkead, shared his experience as a type one diabetic reliant on insulin to survive and the career choices he has had to make in order to maintain access to life-sustaining medication. “Far too many Pennsylvanians have to make painful choices regarding life-saving medications – going without or rationing their medicine – either option is inexcusable,” said state Rep. Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny. “I remain committed to working with my colleagues to come up with solutions, including a prescription drug importation program, to ensure the prescription drugs our residents need are accessible and affordable. It’s clear we need long-term solutions to help our residents, and we can make it happen.” Read more

 

Rep. Kinkead’s Weekly Update - UC system updates, emergency food assistance, Rx drug prices hearing, bird virus info and more!

(Jul 08, 2021)

On Monday, July 12 at 1 PM, please join Rep. Eddie Pashinski and me for a special virtual policy hearing about prescription drug prices and how we’re working to reduce the costs of the medications you need. Read more

 

Kinkead, Pashinski to discuss driving down drug costs

(Jul 08, 2021)

HARRISBURG, July 8 – The runaway costs of prescription medication will be the focus of a virtual hearing of the Subcommittee on Progressive Policies for Working People hosted by state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, Emily Kinkead and Eddie Day Pashinski. The hearing will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, July 12. The media and public are invited to watch online at www.pahouse.com/policy or on the committee’s Facebook page--@PADemPolicy. Media inquiries may be submitted via email to policy@pahouse.net . Kinkead, D-Allegheny, and Pashinski, D-Luzerne, will be joined by Subcommittee Chair Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., and members of the House Democratic Policy Committee to discuss innovative approaches to reducing drug costs, providing pathways to low-cost prescriptions, and how drug costs factor into Pennsylvania’s healthcare framework. Information about this and other House Democratic Policy Committee hearings can be found at www.pahouse.com/policycommittee . Read more

 

Kinkead: Pittsburgh to receive nearly $267K for traffic signal upgrades

(Jul 07, 2021)

PITTSBURGH, July 7 – $266,736 in state transportation funds have been awarded to the city of Pittsburgh to expand the city’s fiber optic network to connect traffic signals to its Traffic Management Center, state Rep. Emily Kinkead announced today. Kinkead, D-Pittsburgh, said the grant comes from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s Green Light-Go program. The grants reimburse municipalities for updates to improve traffic signal efficiency and operation. The funds can be used for upgrades and improvements such as light-emitting diode technology installation, traffic signal retiming, developing special event plans and monitoring traffic signals, as well as upgrading traffic signals to the latest technologies. “This investment is vital, not just for traffic flow, but to ensure the safety of drivers and pedestrians across our city,” Kinkead said. “Upgrades like these will allow Pittsburgh to have the most up-to-date technology to relieve congestion and improve traffic flow.” This grant is part of a package of more than $15.6 million awarded across Pennsylvania for signal upgrades in 50 municipalities under the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s Green Light-Go program. Read more

 

Rep. Kinkead’s Weekly Update - Missed opportunities, prescription drug prices, gun violence prevention resources and more!

(Jul 01, 2021)

From the beginning of the budget process, it was crystal clear we had serious problems to solve, and we still do. People are continuing to struggle and suffer. All told, we had $10 billion dollars we could have spent to help them get back on their feet and recover from the pandemic.Unfortunately, instead of enacting a moral and compassionate budget that spent the lion’s share of these funds to help the people of Pennsylvania, Republicans put together a callous budget with peanuts to help our struggling constituents. Read more

 

A list of grant opportunities available right now

(Jun 30, 2021)

From support for local businesses to job training, there are a number of grant funding opportunities in Pennsylvania. Here's a look at what's available right now: STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection: Driving PA Forward Level 2 EV Charging Rebate Program (Funding Source: State Mitigation Trust - Volkswagen Emissions Settlement) Who May Apply : Business, charitable organizations, incorporated nonprofits, local government entities, school districts, and other entities. Use : Rebates for Level 2 EV charging equipment for public use at government owned property, public use at non-government owned property, non-public use at work places, non-public use at multi-unit dwellings. Funds : Maximum rebates of $4,000 per plug for full public access and networked charging projects, $3,500 per plug for multi-unit dwelling projects and $3,000 per plug for all other eligible projects, including workplace charging. Application Deadline : First come, first-served. More Information : Click on https://gis.dep.pa.gov/drivingpaforward/ . Pennsylvania Department of Human Services: Children’s Trust Fund (Funding Source: Children’s Trust Fund) Who May Apply : Any organization operating in Pennsylvania that provides direct services and meets the criteria in this Request for Applications (“RFA”) is eligible to apply. Use : To support community-based child abuse and neglect Read more

 

Kinkead announces $109.5K in grants awarded to area volunteer fire, EMS companies

(Jun 30, 2021)

HARRISBURG, June 30 - State Rep. Emily Kinkead today announced a total of $109,503 in grants have been awarded to local fire and emergency medical services companies. Kinkead , D-Allegheny, said the funding originates from the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program, which is overseen by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner. This annual program provides funding for volunteer and career fire companies, emergency medical services , and rescue squads. “ My dad served the City of Pittsburgh as a paramedic and so our local fire and EMS companies will always have a special place in my heart. Our first responders run in when everyone else runs out and that has never been more obvious than during the COVID-19 pandemic. But this pandemic has taken a serious toll on the very people who serve as our first line of defense ,” said Kinkead. “ These funds are a small but important investment to ensure that they can continue to answer the call.” The grants awarded are as follows: City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire (EMS): $8,993. City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire: $14,999. Fairview Volunteer Fire Department: $12,054. Keating Fire Company : $12,054. Quaill District Firemen’s Association: $12,054. Ross West View EMS : $8,993. Ross West View Fire Company : $15,000. West View Volunteer Fire Department Company #1 : Read more

 

Kinkead issues statement on passage of 2021-22 state budget

(Jun 25, 2021)

HARRISBURG, June 25 – State Rep. Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny, has issued the following statement regarding the 2021-22 state budget : “It’s clear we have very serious problems in our state to solve. People are struggling and suffering, and they don’t need to be because we have $10 billion dollars we could have spent to help them get back on their feet and recover from the pandemic. “Instead of putting together a moral and compassionate budget that spends the lion’s share of these funds to help the people of Pennsylvania, the Republicans have done nothing but put together a callous budget with peanuts to help our struggling constituents. “Instead of making a $10 billion investment in our communities to make real, generational change in this commonwealth, the Republicans are pretending that we are poor and must save for a “rainy day” despite the fact it has been downpouring for more than a year. They want to use these funds for their own pet projects without the transparency and oversight provided through the formal budget process, instead of investing in our small businesses, our infrastructure, our workers -- instead of investing in the people of Pennsylvania. “This heartless budget is full of missed opportunities -- 10 billion of them. Simply, it’s repugnant that we had an unprecedented opportunity to help our residents in need and, Read more

 

Rep. Kinkead’s Weekly Update - Getting our priorities straight, addressing climate change, and more!

(Jun 24, 2021)

I’ve been in Harrisburg this week, and my frustration keeps building. The distractions need to stop – it’s time we pass a budget that includes an additional $10 billion in state and federal funds to allow us to make wise investments to help people get back on their feet, fully fund our schools, and so much more. Read more

 

Rep. Kinkead’s Weekly Update - Supporting LGBTQIA+, fair education funding, Pennie enrollment reminder and more!

(Jun 17, 2021)

I was proud to stand as an ally with my LGBTQIA+ colleagues on behalf of all LGBTQIA+ Pennsylvanians to introduce, yet again, the Pennsylvania Fairness Act.This act would simply ensure that the basic rights we take for granted are secured for every person in Pennsylvania, no matter how they identify or who they love. This legislation is long overdue, but I will fight for it every day until it is passed. Read more

 

Kinkead announces $1.53 million in funding to boost affordable housing, fight homelessness, empower vulnerable residents

(Jun 10, 2021)

HARRISBURG, June 10 – State Rep. Emily Kinkead announced $1.53 million in funding to create and provide affordable housing and other supports to Allegheny County in need. Kinkead, D-Allegheny, said eight organizations will receive the funds, which are administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund. Funding for the grants is provided through Marcellus Shale Impact Fees and Realty Transfer Taxes. “Everyone deserves a place they can call home and providing the vital support to our residents who are struggling is the right thing to do,” said Kinkead. “These funds can be extremely helpful to our most vulnerable residents, especially as they attempt to recover from the financial impacts of the pandemic.” Kinkead said the projects funded include: Allegheny County Department of Human Services – Mobility Counseling Program –$350,000. Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh – Home Accessibility Program for Independence – $300,000. Catapult Greater Pittsburgh Inc. – Decreasing Racial and Economic Disparity Through Homeownership and Asset Building Project – $200,000. North Hills Affordable Housing – HEARTH: 25 years of changing loves – $200,000. Community Human Services Corp. – Read more

 

Rep. Kinkead’s Weekly Update: Addressing racism, upcoming anti-gun violence event, fighting for women’s health and more!

(Jun 10, 2021)

Late last week, I was joined by 10 of my colleagues in sending a letter condemning Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala’s decision to instruct his staff to not offer plea deals to Milton Raiford, a Black attorney who spoke out against racism in the criminal justice system. We demanded that he rescind that policy, apologize, and commit to an independent investigation of his office. Read more

 

Kinkead announces $2.7 million in grants to support criminal justice efforts in Allegheny County

(Jun 09, 2021)

HARRISBURG, June 9 – The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency today approved more than $2.7 million in funds to support and enhance adult probation and parole services in Allegheny County, state Rep. Emily Kinkead announced. Kinkead, D-Allegheny, said the funds will be used for the county’s electronic monitoring program in a continuing effort to reduce its jail population, while also providing effective supervision of eligible offenders. In addition, funding will also be used to continue its drug and alcohol treatment program and support its adult parole services. “Rather than warehousing people in the Allegheny County Jail, this funding will allow individuals under probation services to rehabilitate in the community,” Kinkead said. “Coupled with effective drug and alcohol treatment programs, this can help reduce recidivism rates and help people build back their lives as they work to reintegrate into society.” PCCD is the state’s lead agency for criminal justice policy issues, providing support services to law enforcement agencies, victims of crime and communities. More information on PCCD can be found at the following site: www.pccd.pa.gov . Read more

 

Zappala letter June 2021 *FINAL*

(Jun 04, 2021)

Zappala letter Kinkead June 2021 Read more

 

Rep. Kinkead’s Weekly Update - Anti-gun violence virtual event, UC system updates, celebrating Pride Month and more!

(Jun 03, 2021)

In response to the concerns many of you have expressed about increasing violence in our neighborhoods, I want to personally invite you to a special virtual forum on Thursday, June 10 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. You’ll hear from community leaders (police, public safety advocates, and my fellow elected officials) about what we are doing now, what we can continue to do, and what we should begin to do to make our Northside neighborhoods safer places for everyone. Read more

 

Rep. Kinkead's Weekly Update - UC fraud alert, out and about in District 20 and more!
Jul 29, 2021

Rep. Kinkead’s Weekly Update - Successful community sustainability event, highlighting urban agriculture and more!
Jul 22, 2021

Now open for applications: Alternative fuels vehicle and infrastructure funding opportunities
Jul 22, 2021

Rep. Kinkead’s Weekly Update - Fighting for affordable health care, UC work requirement reminder, police misconduct database unveiled and more!
Jul 16, 2021

Runaway drug costs, surprise billing subject of new legislation
Jul 13, 2021

Prescription drug pricing reforms essential for public health, and economy
Jul 12, 2021

Rep. Kinkead’s Weekly Update - UC system updates, emergency food assistance, Rx drug prices hearing, bird virus info and more!
Jul 08, 2021

Kinkead, Pashinski to discuss driving down drug costs
Jul 08, 2021

Kinkead: Pittsburgh to receive nearly $267K for traffic signal upgrades
Jul 07, 2021

Rep. Kinkead’s Weekly Update - Missed opportunities, prescription drug prices, gun violence prevention resources and more!
Jul 01, 2021

A list of grant opportunities available right now
Jun 30, 2021

Kinkead announces $109.5K in grants awarded to area volunteer fire, EMS companies
Jun 30, 2021

Kinkead issues statement on passage of 2021-22 state budget
Jun 25, 2021

Rep. Kinkead’s Weekly Update - Getting our priorities straight, addressing climate change, and more!
Jun 24, 2021

Rep. Kinkead’s Weekly Update - Supporting LGBTQIA+, fair education funding, Pennie enrollment reminder and more!
Jun 17, 2021

Kinkead announces $1.53 million in funding to boost affordable housing, fight homelessness, empower vulnerable residents
Jun 10, 2021

Rep. Kinkead’s Weekly Update: Addressing racism, upcoming anti-gun violence event, fighting for women’s health and more!
Jun 10, 2021

Kinkead announces $2.7 million in grants to support criminal justice efforts in Allegheny County
Jun 09, 2021

Zappala letter June 2021 *FINAL*
Jun 04, 2021

Rep. Kinkead’s Weekly Update - Anti-gun violence virtual event, UC system updates, celebrating Pride Month and more!
Jun 03, 2021