Helping community groups stay safe; nearly $1 million for housing resources; 'Golden Girls' Law would add flexible living options – and much more!

Rep. Abigail Salisbury June 16, 2026 | 10:47 AM

You can read my e-newsletter in a way that’s preferable to you by visiting my legislative website here and clicking on the accessibility icon in the lower right corner.

Helping our nonprofits enhance security

After the attempted shooting at Jesus’ Dwelling Place, the church faced a major obstacle: raising the 33% grant match required to obtain funding through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. Although they recently succeeded, the process was difficult and took many months.

A resident’s safety should never depend on the wealth of the organization where they worship, celebrate, or gather to work on community projects. Earlier today, I introduced legislation that would eliminate the 33% match requirement for organizations with annual revenue less than $250,000. Visit this page to read more.

Nearly $1 million coming back to the district for housing resources

I’m excited to report that new funding of $950,000 is coming back to the district to help ensure that residents have access to critical housing services and supports. Visit this page to read more.

In other funding news, the historic Carrie Blast Furnaces site will get some needed repairs thanks to a $100,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. The funding will allow Rivers of Steel to make foundation and masonry repairs at the Blowing Engine House, which contained the furnaces’ engines and were known as the “lungs” of the iron-making process.

Visit this page to learn more about the Carrie Blast Furnaces and find upcoming events.

District news & upcoming events

Our District Director, Aaron, recently attended the NAACP Pittsburgh Human Rights Dinner, which featured Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton (top center) as the keynote speaker. The event marked the 111th anniversary of the NAACP Pittsburgh Branch and honored individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to civil rights, community service, and equality in the Pittsburgh region in 2026.

Other speakers included State Representative Aerion Abney (top right) and NAACP Pittsburgh Branch President Jacqueline Hill (above left). Aaron is pictured above with event producer Sean Gray.

Our office will be closed on Friday, June 19 in honor of Juneteenth, which marks the historic day in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation and ensure freedom for the last remaining enslaved African Americans. There are many exciting Juneteenth events coming up to celebrate the day. Visit this page to find Juneteenth festivals and other activities in our area.

This is a reminder that EmployHER Pittsburgh will hold a Summer Opportunity Fair on Tuesday, June 23 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Commonwealth Charter Academy, located at 162 East Bridge St. in Homestead. You can meet local employers, find wardrobe, hair, and makeup support, get help with your resume, and more! Free childcare and lunch are provided. Visit this page or scan the QR code above to register.

Expanding living options – and other House votes

With a shortage of affordable housing, we need to expand living options for people, not restrict them. Last week, I helped pass legislation that would bar municipalities from imposing arbitrary limits on the number of unrelated individuals who may live together. (Communities would still be able to enforce health and safety standards and set limits in cases involving college students.)

In other House news, I voted for – and the House passed – legislation that would:

Mandate early blood testing of children to detect lead poisoning.
Limit the use of PFAS “forever” chemicals in cosmetics, dental floss, children’s furniture and bedding, menstrual products and child car seats.
Help fire companies pay for new trucks, safety gear, and station upgrades.
Help counties produce quicker election results and keep foreign money out of elections.
Protect access to fertility treatments.
Make Big Tech pay their fair by taxing digital ads and using the income to prevent tax hikes on senior homeowners.
Make health insurance more affordable for workers by allowing small business owners to claim a tax credit for contributing to their employees’ premiums.
Expand protections against nonconsensual sharing of real or AI-generated intimate images.

These bills now head to the state Senate for consideration. Visit this page to read more about these and other bills we’ve passed recently.

SUN Bucks distribution is underway

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has begun distributing $103 million in SUN Bucks to help families put fresh food on the table while school is out. About 860,000 children who are automatically eligible should start receiving benefits.

If your family did not receive SUN Bucks last year, please check the PA DHS Eligibility Navigator to see whether you are automatically eligible or need to apply. Visit this page to read more about the program.

Finding funding & help with state services

If you’re searching for state grant funding, you can find an online copy of the 2026 Pennsylvania Grant and Resource Directory here or pick up a hard copy by stopping by our 501 Braddock Ave. district office. You can also find a list of the latest program openings here and a handy grant-finding tool at this page.

Finally, please remember that our office can help with a wide range of state-related matters – from filing a Property Tax/Rent Rebate or obtaining a Senior ConnectCard, to navigating state benefits and more. Contact us to find out how we can help!