“Today, the House came together to do something simple and compassionate: give people at the end of their life more choices about how they spend their final days,” state Rep. Dan Frankel said. “This bill is about easing suffering and preserving dignity for patients facing unimaginable circumstances.” Read more

Responding to calls from Gov. Josh Shapiro and educators across the state, the state House today passed a bill on a bipartisan vote to restrict cell phone use in Pennsylvania schools. Read more

PITTSBURGH, June 1 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, will be hosting a family-friendly, block party style festival completely free to the community on Saturday, June 20. Powell’s Family Fair, which is now in its second year, will be held from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 20 at the intersection of 51st and Butler streets in Lawrenceville . “This event will bring our community together for some summer fun, while also providing access to critical services for kids and families,” said Powell. “Whether you need assistance with state and local resources, or want to enjoy the fun that summer brings, this will be the event for you and your family." The event will include access to dozens of state and local resources, appearances from beloved Pittsburgh mascots, a dunk tank and stands from several local organizations such as the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, You be You Music and the Undercliff Volunteer Fire Company. Read more

State grant supports Mid-Atlantic Mothers’ Milk Bank rehabilitation Read more

BRADDOCK, May 27 – With nonprofit organizations playing an increasingly critical role in keeping their communities thriving, state Rep. Abigail Salisbury announced today that the fourth annual Nonprofit Symposium will move to the Monroeville Convention Center this fall to accommodate the growing demand by groups seeking to strengthen their impact. Salisbury said the convention center’s 500-person capacity will double the space available for the day-long event. “Last year’s symposium drew 250 participants, which was an overflow crowd for the venue,” Salisbury said. “Having that many people come together to train and network about ways to improve their organization is a pretty amazing thing, and it helps increase the capacity of these organizations to deliver services to their community.” Salisbury said this year’s event, which is set for Oct. 15, will include dynamic training sessions on individual fundraising, social media marketing and legal compliance – with even more topics on the way. She is calling on the nonprofit community to help shape the agenda. “We want this event to reflect what organizations truly need right now,” Salisbury said. “If you have ideas for training areas you would like included, we want to hear from you. We’ll be expanding our schedule of events in the weeks ahead and will provide additional updates. In the meantime, I’m urging everyone Read more

Author of PBM overhaul legislation weighs in on new state insurance report Read more

AMBRIDGE, May 6 – Beaver County students will benefit from pre-apprenticeship opportunities in the HVAC field thanks to a $250,000 grant from the state Department of Labor and Industry, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie said the Schools-to-Work grant to Steamfitters Local Union No. 449 Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee will fund the launch of an HVAC pre-apprenticeship program connecting students to in-demand jobs through hands-on training and industry partnerships. “It’s an excellent opportunity for students on the career path because new construction, the state’s cold winters and hot summers, and incentives to embrace new, energy-efficient technology are all driving demand for skilled HVAC technicians,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “Pre-apprenticeships are the perfect conduit because they supply the hands-on experience and connections with industry partners that can help students hit the ground running.” Matzie said the program will benefit students in Beaver and other western Pennsylvania counties. Schools-to-Work grant funding is awarded to employers, schools and community organizations to help create, launch and maintain registered pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship career pathways that bridge the gap between high school or college graduation and the job search process. More information about the program is Read more

New law will allow spouses of deceased firefighters to continue receiving benefits Read more

HARRISBURG, May 6 – State Rep. Abigail Salisbury said she will soon introduce legislation that would cut the red tape associated with reporting suspected fraud, waste or abuse of state dollars by creating a statewide whistleblower office and a 24/7 reporting hotline. Salisbury said a statewide office is needed because it can be daunting for citizens to navigate the multiple agencies that handle different types of fraud claims and funding categories. “Suspected misuse of state funds is an urgent matter requiring an urgent response, but the average citizen attempting to report these claims can face a bureaucratic maze, with no clear guidance on who to call,” Salisbury said. “We need to streamline the process by giving people a simple, easily accessible contact point. My bill would do that by creating a statewide whistleblower office with a dedicated hotline and electronic reporting system. “Having a more transparent and accessible method of reporting would make it easier for people to pick up the phone when they see or suspect something is wrong. It would also help the state crack down on these issues.” Salisbury said the statewide whistleblower office would be required to maintain a 24/7 hotline and an online reporting system, allowing residents to submit reports anonymously if they choose and to include documentation and evidence to support their claims. Salisbury is currently Read more

HARRISBURG, May 5 – The Pennsylvania House on Monday unanimously passed legislation introduced by state Rep. Abigail Salisbury that would improve the guardianship appointment process by expanding the list of individuals entitled to receive notice of the proceedings. Salisbury said she introduced H.B. 2106 in response to concerns that the current system is failing some of the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians. “When someone is unable to make key decisions about their own welfare and the court determines that a guardian is needed, the inquiry turns to finding the best person for the job,” Salisbury said. “Unfortunately, guardianship case documents are not public records in Pennsylvania, and hearings are not widely publicized. As a result, caring, competent individuals who might be the best choice never step forward because they were never made aware of the proceedings. “My bill would fix that by expanding the list of people who are entitled to receive notice of a guardianship petition and hearing. Doing so would bring greater transparency to the process and help ensure that all interested parties have a chance to advocate for and protect the best interests of a loved one who can no longer advocate for themselves.” Salisbury said the legislation was inspired by constituent Susan Colker, who raised concerns that a lack of adequate notice is leaving some of the most vulnerable people without the care and protection Read more