School districts across Allegheny County awarded a total of $10.6 million in funding Read more
PITTSBURGH, Sept. 9 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, held his first senior fair inside a packed hall at the National Aviary this past Thursday. The event’s goal was to provide older Pennsylvanians with information on state services geared toward them. This included assistance with the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program and initiatives under the banner of the state departments of Banking & Securities and Military & Veterans Affairs. “Thank you to all who came out for the senior fair,” Abney said. “Creating a meaningful space for our elder neighbors in the district to feel loved and appreciated and have a great time was a true pleasure. I also want to thank the National Aviary, my staff, and everyone else who made the event such a success.” Photos from the senior fair can be viewed here . Read more
BELLEFONTE, Aug. 28 – State lawmakers and Centre County officials today toured the Centre County Correctional Facility together and discussed the importance of voting access, as it pertains to people who are incarcerated. Discussion centered on facility policies allowing individuals to vote from jail and how the duty to vote, justice and democracy are related. “I speak on behalf of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus when I say that we are impressed with the level of voting access that the CCCF provides,” said state Rep. Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny , who is a member of the PLBC and hosted the meeting. “When we look at the issue of voting from jail, we’re also talking about the dignity and power it can provide for the voter." “It’s imperative that incarcerated people know that their voice is not only wanted at the polls but is needed. Denying the right to vote to individuals in jail strips them of their humanity and silences voices that need to be heard in a democracy." “In 2018, Centre County Correctional Facility staff, the Commissioners, and a community volunteer began the process of exploring what voting would look like in our facility,” said Warden Glenn Irwin, Centre County Correctional Facility . “We know how important voting is, so we work to stay compliant with current PA election laws and regulations while ensuring all of our eligible returning citizens can Read more
It’s been some time since I’ve had the chance to talk to you in a newsletter, and I’m excited to give you a preview of what you can look forward to reading about in the next few pages. Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County: Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund Who May Apply: Municipalities, authorities, councils of government, non-profits and for-profit businesses in Allegheny County. Use: Economic development projects, infrastructure development projects, job training, community improvement projects, public safety projects, and public interest projects. Funds: Project budgets must be between $150,000 and $500,000. Application Deadline: August 30, 2024 More information: RAAC Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2024-25 Advanced Law Enforcement Training Initiative Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to non-profit organizations with experience in facilitating and hosting in-person law enforcement trainings in Pennsylvania. Use: To support advanced comprehensive evidence-based training courses for law enforcement. Funds: A total of $80,000 in Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund one grant with a budget not to exceed $80,000 over the one-year project period. Application Deadline: August 29, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Project Safe and Smart 2025 Who May Apply: Community-based organizations that can successfully demonstrate their reach and partnership with K-12 school entities. Preference will be given to applicants that demonstrate that they Read more
“The convention center attracts visitors from across the country to downtown Pittsburgh and is surrounded by many of our city’s top attractions. That's why it's essential to ensure the area is safe and accessible for pedestrians and bicyclists,” said state Rep. Abney. Read more
State Rep. Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny, addresses access to voting during a hearing in Pittsburgh on July 30. HARRISBURG, July 31 – Led by state Reps. Aerion Abney, Napoleon Nelson, Rick Krajewski, Anthony Bellmon and Greg Scott, the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus on Tuesday heard from Allegheny County officials over incarcerated peoples’ right to vote from jail. The caucus held a news conference in Pittsburgh during their Lunch and Learn Event with guests, including Allegheny County Jail Assistant Deputy Warden Connie Clark, County Elections Manager David Voye, Lorraine Cross of the Black Political Empowerment Project, Amy Kleissas from the League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh, Destiny of Faith Church Rev. Brenda Gregg, and Teresa Minor Spencer of West End Power. "Even behind bars, the right to vote is a beacon of hope, reminding us that every voice matters, and that redemption and civic duty are intertwined," said Abney, D-Allegheny. “Voting from jail underscores the principle that rehabilitation includes reintegration into society, fostering a sense of responsibility and participation in democratic processes.” Discussion centered on allowing incarcerated individuals to vote and how that emphasizes the idea that justice and democracy are inclusive. "The vote is the great equalizer; it bridges the gap between those inside and outside prison walls, ensuring that all citizens Read more
“A public school education is supposed to be the great equalizer, but for decades, that hasn’t been the case here in PA because of an unconstitutional funding system that ties the quality of a student’s education to the wealth of their ZIP code,” Abney said. “I voted for the new state plan because I believe its $1.3 billion investment in students will be a game-changer. It’s time to level the playing field and ensure all Pennsylvania students get the quality education they deserve – and it’s also time to start easing the burden of rising property taxes residents have shouldered for too long." Read more
“Our CTE programs are incredibly important because they provide young adults with the skills they need for good-paying, family-sustaining jobs,” Abney said. “Unfortunately, thousands of students are being turned away or wait-listed for these programs. It’s an issue that is depriving young adults of critical training tools and diminishing the pool of talented applicants that employers need to remain competitive. “If we’re really serious about maintaining a strong workforce and ensuring we can provide the kinds of opportunities that make young adults want to stay, raise families here and contribute back to the economy, then we need to address this issue. If the problem is one of capacity, then we need to secure the necessary funding to expand our CTE programs statewide. This study will be an important first step.” Read more
HARRISBURG, July 1 – State Rep. Aerion Abney’s bill that would exclude one portion of a person’s potential revenue when determining their financial eligibility for senior prescription programs in Pennsylvania passed the state House with a bipartisan majority today. Abney’s legislation ( H.B. 2378 ) would not count the total dollar amount, including face value and interest earned, of redeemed savings bonds as part of an older Pennsylvanian’s income when they apply for either the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly or PACE Needs Enhancement Tier, otherwise known as PACE and PACENET. “Rising prescription drugs costs have created a no-win situation for many PA seniors, forcing them to choose between cashing in their bonds to afford necessary medications or be disqualified from state prescription coverage for doing so. My bill would take this predicament off the table and keep more money in the pockets of our older neighbors,” Abney, D-Allegheny, said. “I’m grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for passing this personal and financial investment in our state elders and look forward to seeing it become law.” PACE is funded entirely by the Pennsylvania Lottery and has helped more than 1.6 million PA seniors pay for more than 360 million prescriptions. PACE and PACENET currently serve more than 250,000 older Pennsylvanians. The bill is Abney’s first as a state Read more
HARRISBURG, June 5 – State Rep. Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny, has introduced a bill that would exclude one portion of a person’s potential revenue when determining their financial eligibility for senior prescription programs in Pennsylvania. Abney’s legislation ( H.B. 2378 ) would not count the total dollar amount, including face value and interest earned, of savings bonds as part of an older Pennsylvanian’s income when they apply for either the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly or PACE Needs Enhancement Tier, otherwise known as PACE and PACENET. “Ever rising prescription drug costs have resulted in many seniors cashing in their savings bonds in order to afford the medications they need on a daily basis,” Abney said. “Our older neighbors should not risk disqualification from PACE or PACENET coverage simply because such transactions take place, and my bill would help ensure they remain enrolled.” PACE is funded entirely by the Pennsylvania Lottery and has helped more than 1.6 million PA seniors pay for more than 360 million prescriptions. PACE and PACENET currently serve more than 250,000 older Pennsylvanians. The bill has been referred to the PA House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee. Read more
“If we actually care about democracy, we must lead the charge in safeguarding all residents have equal access to the ballot,” state Rep. Aerion Abney said. “Promoting measures to eliminate voter intimidation and opening up access – like other states have already done, including same-day registration and early voting – are proven methods to guarantee diversity in the democratic process and all people have an opportunity to have their voice heard.” Read more
HARRISBURG, May 8 – State Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester, and state Rep. Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny, today introduced legislation advancing the Shapiro administration’s Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Sustainability Standard (PRESS) and Pennsylvania Climate Emission Reduction (PACER) Program plans for Pennsylvania, respectively. The plans were first announced by Gov. Josh Shapiro in March . A companion PRESS bill was filed in the Senate by state Sen. Steven Santarsiero, D-Bucks, while state Sen. Carolyn Comitta, D-Chester, introduced the Senate version of the PACER legislation. “Right now in our commonwealth, we must take action to catch up in the race to create clean and reliable energy – to be more competitive, ensure consumers pay less for their electricity bills, and create more jobs and opportunities for our businesses to grow and our workers to get ahead,” Shapiro said. “I have made clear that any energy policy supported by my administration must meet the three-part test of protecting and creating energy jobs, taking real action to address climate change pollution, and ensuring reliable, affordable power for consumers in the long term – and my energy plan is built to do all three. Together with the support of leaders like Representative Abney and Representative Otten in the General Assembly, we’re going to ensure Pennsylvania will continue to be a national energy leader for decades to come.” Read more
Covid-19 not only resulted in immeasurable loss of life, it also permanently altered life as we knew it. The base of operations that is home shed its more proverbial association and became the place where business in all its forms got done. Computers and internet access represented a lifeline for people forging ahead through this once-in-a-generation health crisis. Read more
HARRISBURG, April 9 – State Reps. Lindsay Powell and Aerion Abney, both D-Allegheny, and state Rep. Roni Green, D-Phila., introduced legislation that would mirror the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program and create a similar program in Pennsylvania. This legislation ( H.B. 2195 ) would provide eligible households with $30 per month to apply towards their broadband internet access, an essential service that increases employment, educational and health outcomes. “Over 739,000 households in Pennsylvania benefited from this federal program and while it’s shameful that Congress has yet to reauthorize funding, the General Assembly and the governor have the opportunity to help hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians access stable broadband,” Powell said. Abney highlighted a specific demographic the bill would concentrate on by saying, “Kindergartners through high school seniors must be able to learn and access coursework online. Our bill would help provide these necessities and ensure learning gaps are bridged.” “Governor Shapiro’s economic development strategy is bold and will ensure Pennsylvania prospers in the coming decades,” Powell said. “Increasing access to affordable broadband internet is a critical component to setting our economy on a path toward innovation and resilient growth.” Pennsylvania’s digital divide is real, with 25% of Latino and 35% of Black Read more
HARRISBURG, April 4 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today he has been appointed as a Commonwealth Trustee on the University of Pittsburgh’s Board of Trustees. Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, D-Delaware/Phila., appointed Abney to fill the vacancy after state Rep. Natalie Mihalek, R-Allegheny/Washington, resigned. Abney will serve on the board until Nov. 30. “I’m grateful to Speaker McClinton for granting me the opportunity to serve on the University of Pittsburgh’s Board of Trustees,” Abney said. “Pitt plays a significant role in preparing our future workforce, contributing to our economy, and as a core social partner at the local community level. I’m excited to take on a leadership role and work with the university administration to continue its legacy of being a world-class institution.” Abney is a two-time Pitt alum, having earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications in 2010 and a Master of Social Work degree from the university’s School of Social Work in 2012. Read more
PITTSBURGH, March 28 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced that a state Violence Intervention and Prevention grant has been awarded to an organization in his legislative district for educational efforts focused on preventing and decreasing violence. The Homeless Children’s Education Fund will receive $638,201 to support its Mobile Learning program, which provides tutoring for students not currently at a shelter or housing agency, as well as its Teen CEO program, which provides workforce development for older youth transitioning into adulthood. Additional dollars will also be used to support the design and build of Winnie’s STEAM Machine, HCEF’s second mobile learning classroom, to be used in the Mobile Learning program, which will provide science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics learning to vulnerable populations to address learning gaps. “Keeping area students in a classroom, in-person or mobile, is essential to preparing them for the next phase of their lives and focused on making the best possible life,” Abney said. “This grant is all about helping set them up for success and providing invaluable knowledge they can utilize now and years down the road.” The VIP grant program is facilitated by the PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency . Since the program began in 2021, 256 projects across the Commonwealth have been approved for a combined total of approximately $185 million in grant Read more
PITTSBURGH, March 26 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced that a total of $1,024,147 in state grants has been awarded to help make navigating Pittsburgh a safer and easier prospect for those on foot and bicycles alike. The Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County received a $950,000 Multimodal Transportation Fund grant to aid pedestrian access to PNC Park. The City of Pittsburgh was also allotted a $74,147 MTF grant for a cycle lane/trail paving project to connect Second Avenue to its existing transportation network. “Connecting residents and visitors to all corners of the city helps ensure their personal and financial livelihood and translates into substantial funds for making Pittsburgh even better,” Abney said. “Not only that, these dollars are key to the local economic health and key to enjoying the sports legacy established right here in the City of Champions.” MTF grants are facilitated by the Commonwealth Financing Authority and help to provide a reliable system of transportation to residents statewide. Monies may be used for the development, rehabilitation and enhancement of transportation assets to existing communities, streetscape, lighting, sidewalk enhancement, pedestrian safety, connectivity of transportation assets and transit-oriented development. Read more
PITTSBURGH, March 20 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, said he is thrilled that the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament is making its seventh appearance in the Steel City and will be a strong stimulus to the local economy. The 19th Legislative District’s PPG Paints Arena will host first and second round March Madness action for the fifth time from March 21 to March 23 . The influx of foot traffic and subsequent patronage at the wide array of area businesses is a prospect he said he looks forward to seeing come to fruition. “I’m so proud to represent such diverse communities in Pittsburgh and look forward to seeing visitors from all corners of the country return or experience all the city has to offer for the first time,” Abney said. “Not only will they have lots of fun and make new memories, their collective stay will provide a vital boost to the economic cycle that keeps the city of Three Rivers moving onward and upward.” Not only that, Duquesne University, also in the district Abney represents, has punched their tournament ticket for the first time in nearly 50 years. They play Brigham Young University in the first round. Read more
HARRISBURG, March 20 – State Reps. Danielle Friel Otten and Aerion Abney have begun circulating House legislative sponsorship memos advancing the Shapiro administration’s bold new energy plan for Pennsylvania, which was announced last week . The legislators each introduced a core component of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s initiative: the Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Sustainability Standard (PRESS) and Pennsylvania Climate Emission Reduction (PACER) Program . PRESS would continue the successful elements of Pennsylvania’s forward thinking but outdated Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards while making them more inclusive -- adding nuclear power and next-generation technologies such as fusion, as well as incentivizing lower emissions for gas-fired power plants. It would require Pennsylvania to get 50% of its electricity from a diverse range of energy resources by 2035, including 35% from solar, wind, small modular reactors, and fusion; 10% from sources like large hydropower and battery storage; and 5% from natural gas and other alternative fuels. “Sustainable standards are a conversation that’s been underway since my first year in the legislature, and I’m extremely glad that a serious discussion has come to the forefront,” said Otten, D-Chester . “The collective attention on this issue is promising. As a lead sponsor on the governor’s proposed plan in the House, I feel well positioned to assure that Read more
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