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Powell applauds $700,000 investment to redevelop blighted buildings

(Apr 17, 2026) Rep. Lindsay Powell

PITTSBURGH, April 17 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, applauded a $700,000 investment to redevelop two blighted structures in the Spring Garden neighborhood to create more housing and business opportunities in the community. The project will turn two currently vacant and blighted structures – a four-story building and an adjoining single-family home – into a mixed-use property at the intersection of Spring Garden Avenue and Chestnut Street . “A blighted building can be difficult to handle, but it also provides a prime opportunity for redevelopment with the right resources,” said Powell. “This funding will allow for redevelopment that will be incredibly impactful for our community by creating business opportunity and allowing for more neighbors to proudly call Spring Garden home.” Once completed, the development will bring four affordable residential units and a ground-floor commercial space for a neighborhood-serving business to the community. Funding for this project was made available through the Community Revitalization Fund Program via the Mixed-Use Development Tax Credit. The funding will cover more than one-quarter of the total cost of the development, which is being led by the Community Alliance of Spring Garden and East Deutschtown, in collaboration with Rising Tide Partners and Main + Elm Development Company. Powell is the prime sponsor of H.B. 1650 , Read more

 

Updates from the Capitol; SNAP Requirements; New Scholarship; and more

(Apr 16, 2026) Rep. Emily Kinkead

Read my email update from April 16, 2026 Read more

 

Steele, state police to host community forum on protestor rights and interacting with law enforcement

(Apr 16, 2026) Allegheny County Delegation

State police program on protestors' First Amendment rights and interaction with law enforcement Read more

 

Salisbury: More than $1 million secured for District 34 vocational training, reentry supports and after-school programs

(Apr 16, 2026) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

BRADDOCK, April 16 – New vocational training, reentry supports and after-school programs are coming to the 34 th Legislative District, thanks to more than $1 million in new funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, state Rep. Abigail Salisbury announced today. Salisbury said the funding includes $500,000 to the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh to expand vocational training and reentry support for 265 adults at high risk of violence involvement. “The program will provide people at risk with vocational training and related support services, including life coaching, counseling, math and financial literacy, transportation, childcare, trauma recovery and more,” Salisbury said. “For people reentering the community, experiencing homelessness, dealing with substance use disorder or living in communities with elevated crime rates, those services can be life changing.” Salisbury said that an additional $531,000 will support after-school and summer programs designed to steer youth away from violence. “I’m thrilled about the new funding for afterschool and summer programs,” Salisbury said. “We have seen the difference these programs make through one-on-one mentoring, homework help and academic support, and activities that create social bonds, build confidence and offer a sense of belonging. Thanks to the new funding, we’ll be able to provide Read more

 

Goughnour announces $1.4 million in violence-prevention grants for district

(Apr 15, 2026) Allegheny County Delegation

State Rep. Dan Goughnour, D-Allegheny, and state Sen. Nick Pisciottano, D-Allegheny, announced today that four violence-prevention programs in the 35th Legislative District will benefit from nearly $1.4 million in new grants. Read more

 

Abney announces $4 million in violence-prevention grants for district

(Apr 15, 2026) Allegheny County Delegation

State Rep. Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today that 10 violence-prevention programs in the 19th Legislative District will benefit from nearly $4 million in state grants. Read more

 

Deasy announces nearly $165,000 in state funding to expand soccer program for underserved youth

(Apr 15, 2026) Rep. Dan Deasy

"Every young person deserves a chance to succeed, no matter what they’ve faced,” state Rep. Dan Deasy said. "Open Field gives our youth a safe place to belong, mentorship and support. When we invest in our young people, we strengthen our communities.” Read more

 

Powell secures over $24 million for Water and Sewer Authority

(Apr 15, 2026) Allegheny County Delegation

PITTSBURGH, April 15 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, announced that the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority has been awarded $24,050,459 in funding to support upgrades, repairs and replacements to aging pipes, water mains, fire hydrants and sewer lines. “Everyone should have access to safe and clean water in their homes and businesses,” said Powell. “I’m pleased to see these investments in our community, as they will continue to ensure our region has the healthy water we need for generations to come.” The first project, totaling $2,279,460 , will see approximately 15,000 feet of aging water mains, 306 valves, 34 fire hydrants, 366 water service lines and 733 residential lead service lines replaced. The funding for this project comes from a $1,644,844 grant, and a $634,616 low-interest loan. The second project, coming from a $21,770,999 low-interest loan, will replace aging 4-inch to 16-inch diameter pipes with new zinc-coated ductile iron pipes ranging from 4 to 24 inches. Water mains, valves, fire hydrants and water service lines will also be replaced. These projects will cover a service area of 70,061 residential customers with a population of 303,255. Both are proposed to begin in October 2026 and be concluded by November 2027. The projects are funded through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority , which provides low-cost financial assistance to Read more

 

Shapiro in the Mon; May the Fourth Be With Your Vote; and more…

(Apr 10, 2026) Rep. John Inglis

Read my email update from April 10, 2026 Read more

 

Steele to celebrate Earth Week at district office

(Apr 09, 2026) Allegheny County Delegation

A devoted advocate for environmental conservation, state Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny, will celebrate Earth Week by offering local residents the opportunity to do their own part to protect the environment. Read more

 

Voter Registration; Disability Summit; Holiday Office Hours; and more

(Apr 02, 2026) Rep. Emily Kinkead

Read my email update from April 2, 2026 Read more

 

House Dems Pass 300+ Bills; Community Events; Public Transit Updates; and more

(Mar 27, 2026) Rep. Emily Kinkead

Read my email update from March 27, 2026 Read more

 

Pennsylvania House passes Matzie bill to improve rail safety

(Mar 25, 2026) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, March 25 – The Pennsylvania House today passed legislation introduced by state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, to improve rail safety for both workers and the communities trains pass through. “It’s been three years since the catastrophe in East Palestine. We can’t sit around and wait for that to happen again,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “I am glad the House took action to prevent the next rail disaster and make our communities and families safer by passing this bill. H.B. 1191 is a way we can start to reduce derailments and protect workers, first responders and community residents.” Matzie introduced H.B. 1191 to improve public safety at railroad crossings. The bill comes after a February 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, which released toxic chemicals, causing widespread environmental and health concerns. This bill would: Prohibit trains from blocking crossings, which could delay emergency responders. This can ensure faster response times. Limit the length of freight or work trains to 8,500 feet, or approximately 1.6 miles. Require safe staffing levels for trains or light engines, including a minimum of a two-person crew on a train or light engine. Authorize a union representative to monitor safety practices and operations of a railroad, which would allow a representative to take Read more

 

Pennsylvania House passes Matzie bill to protect utility consumers from data center-driven rate hikes

(Mar 24, 2026) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, March 24 – With the commonwealth seeing a sharp rise in data center development, the Pennsylvania House today passed legislation introduced by state Rep. Rob Matzie that would ensure the centers’ massive energy demands do not drive up Pennsylvanians’ electricity bills. Matzie, who is chair of the House Majority Caucus, said he introduced H.B. 1834 so the state can get the right regulatory framework in place now, as proposals for new data centers continue to mount. “Normally, if an electric company adds poles and wires or equipment, we all share in the costs. That’s because it’s making the delivery system better for all of us,” Matzie said. “That’s not the case with data centers. No one’s electric bill should ever go up because a data center has located in Pennsylvania, but we need to plan ahead to make sure that doesn’t happen. “It’s possible to protect ratepayers while still allowing the commonwealth to reap the tremendous economic benefits data centers can bring. Those goals are not mutually exclusive – as long as we get the right regulatory framework in place. My bill would do that.” Matzie said his bill would: Make sure that all costs incurred by data centers to get their electricity is paid for by them – not households and small businesses. Require data centers to contribute to universal service programs and supplement Read more

 

Matzie: Newly released study recommends changes to PIAA policies

(Mar 24, 2026) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, March 24 – The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association should update its policies to better protect student athletes participating in competitions, according to the newly released findings of a legislative study requested by state Rep. Rob Matzie. Matzie, who is chair of the House Majority Caucus and the longest-serving member of the Pennsylvania Athletic Oversight Committee, called on the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct the study based on concerns that PIAA’s system of classifying schools for competition puts student athletes at risk by forcing them to compete against wealthier schools with bigger budgets and larger rosters. “The study’s findings and recommendations demonstrate the need for updated PIAA policies relative to how transfers are monitored and adjudicated, where and how certain private, charter, and co-op schools get their student athletes, and how championship sites are determined,” Matzie said. “This vindicates the questions I’ve raised over the past several years, especially in regard to the treatment of the Aliquippa School District.” Matzie said the report recommends that PIAA: establish a statewide body to independently record, monitor and adjudicate student-athlete transfers among member schools. revise its policy for feeder schools, which pipeline Read more

 

Salisbury bill to preserve tree canopy advances from committee

(Mar 24, 2026) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

HARRISBURG, March 24 – Legislation introduced by state Rep. Abigail Salisbury to help preserve a healthy tree canopy for Pennsylvania’s communities has advanced from committee, sending the bill to the full House for consideration. Salisbury’s H.B. 2161 , which was approved by the House Environmental and Natural Resource Protection Committee, would require utility companies to plant a new tree for each one they cut down. “I introduced this bill after residents and environmental advocates in our district expressed concerns that trees were being removed entirely, instead of simply being pruned or trimmed,” Salisbury said. “Maintaining a healthy tree canopy is essential for communities because it reduces stormwater runoff and air pollution, provides shade that lowers energy costs, raises property values and increases pedestrian traffic for local businesses, among other benefits. “Monday’s committee action moved us a step closer to making sure those benefits continue.” Salisbury’s legislation would require electric utilities that cut down a tree to offer to plant a new one within two years in a location of the municipality’s choice. Salisbury said that the bill would align tree removal by utility companies with existing regulations that require utilities to repair damage caused by work that requires excavation or other projects that involve Read more

 

Kinkead, Green unveil bill tying legislator COLA to minimum wage increases

(Mar 24, 2026) Rep. Emily Kinkead, Rep. Roni Green

Automatic, annual minimum wage bump at same rate of lawmaker pay raises Read more

 

Venkat: $300,000 in grants going to local first responders

(Mar 23, 2026) Allegheny County Delegation

McCANDLESS, March 23 – Two McCandless-based first responder organizations will receive a total of $300,000 in grant funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for equipment purchases due to the advocacy of state Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny. The grants awarded include $235,000 to the McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority for the purchase of six Lucas CPR devices and a new heart monitor, and $65,000 to the Peebles Volunteer Fire Department for necessary equipment purchases. “As an ER doctor and legislator, I know how critical our first responders are to the well-being of our community,” said Venkat. “I am proud to prioritize our EMS professionals and firefighters who do so much for all of us and ensure they get the support they need.” Venkat said he advocated at the state level for these organizations to bring the grants to fruition. Read more

 

Legislation to reform short-term rentals introduced in state House

(Mar 19, 2026) Allegheny County Delegation

HARRISBURG, March 19 -- State Reps. Lindsay Powell, Jennifer M. O’Mara and Mary Jo Daley today introduced legislation to establish a statewide regulatory framework for short-term rentals across Pennsylvania. The legislation, H.B. 2303 , is based on recommendations from a nonpartisan, independent study conducted by the Joint State Government Commission, which was directed by a 2024 House Resolution sponsored by Powell and O’Mara. The bill aims to create consistent, baseline standards for short-term rental properties while preserving flexibility for local communities. “On New Year’s Eve, a member of our community was seriously injured in a violent incident at a short-term rental in my district. This was the second such event in the same neighborhood in recent years – the prior taking the lives of two teenagers,” said Powell , D-Allegheny. “That is why, two years ago, Rep. O’Mara and I led passage of a resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a comprehensive study of the short-term rental industry and develop recommendations for a statewide framework. “Today, we are proud to introduce legislation that turns those recommendations into action. This bill strikes a necessary balance of protecting public safety, supporting responsible operators, and ensuring transparency for local officials and law enforcement. As short-term rentals continue to grow across Pennsylvania, we have a Read more

 

Frankel highlights impact of “It’s On Us” grants to local universities

(Mar 17, 2026) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

“These investments reflect the vision we put into place several years ago — that preventing sexual violence and supporting survivors must be a sustained, statewide priority,” said state Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny. “I was proud to help establish this program, and it’s delivering real resources to students and campuses right here in our community.” Read more

 

Powell applauds $700,000 investment to redevelop blighted buildings
Apr 17, 2026

Updates from the Capitol; SNAP Requirements; New Scholarship; and more
Apr 16, 2026

Steele, state police to host community forum on protestor rights and interacting with law enforcement
Apr 16, 2026

Salisbury: More than $1 million secured for District 34 vocational training, reentry supports and after-school programs
Apr 16, 2026

Goughnour announces $1.4 million in violence-prevention grants for district
Apr 15, 2026

Abney announces $4 million in violence-prevention grants for district
Apr 15, 2026

Deasy announces nearly $165,000 in state funding to expand soccer program for underserved youth
Apr 15, 2026

Powell secures over $24 million for Water and Sewer Authority
Apr 15, 2026

Shapiro in the Mon; May the Fourth Be With Your Vote; and more…
Apr 10, 2026

Steele to celebrate Earth Week at district office
Apr 09, 2026

Voter Registration; Disability Summit; Holiday Office Hours; and more
Apr 02, 2026

House Dems Pass 300+ Bills; Community Events; Public Transit Updates; and more
Mar 27, 2026

Pennsylvania House passes Matzie bill to improve rail safety
Mar 25, 2026

Pennsylvania House passes Matzie bill to protect utility consumers from data center-driven rate hikes
Mar 24, 2026

Matzie: Newly released study recommends changes to PIAA policies
Mar 24, 2026

Salisbury bill to preserve tree canopy advances from committee
Mar 24, 2026

Kinkead, Green unveil bill tying legislator COLA to minimum wage increases
Mar 24, 2026

Venkat: $300,000 in grants going to local first responders
Mar 23, 2026

Legislation to reform short-term rentals introduced in state House
Mar 19, 2026

Frankel highlights impact of “It’s On Us” grants to local universities
Mar 17, 2026