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Matzie: $250,000 secured for HVAC pre-apprenticeship program

(May 06, 2026) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

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

 

Governor signs Benham bill closing Pittsburgh firefighter pension loophole

(May 06, 2026) Rep. Jessica Benham

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

 

Salisbury bill would create statewide whistleblower office for reporting fraud, waste or abuse of state funds

(May 06, 2026) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

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

 

House unanimously passes Salisbury bill to improve guardianship appointment process

(May 05, 2026) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

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

 

House approves Steele bill to strengthen school counseling services

(Apr 29, 2026) Allegheny County Delegation

The House today approved a bill sponsored by state Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny, to standardize and improve school counseling services for students in all grades in Pennsylvania schools by ensuring that counselors aren’t pulled away from their needed counseling duties. Read more

 

Powell introduces bill to expand public-private transportation projects

(Apr 29, 2026) Allegheny County Delegation

HARRISBURG, April 29 – Pennsylvania has some of the oldest infrastructure in the country, and local governments are facing major difficulty and expenses in funding projects—especially for transportation purposes. This is why state Rep. Lindsay Powell has introduced legislation that would allow local governments to take part in public-private partnerships to improve transportation infrastructure. House Bill 2469 would allow all counties, as well as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, to use public-private partnerships, also known as P3s, which authorize governments to coordinate with private entities for the engineering, construction, operation, financing and maintenance of a transportation project or facility. “From aging bridges and congested corridors to major transit and roadway upgrades, we have all seen transportation projects in our communities that need urgent support,” said Powell, D-Allegheny. “These projects can be daunting to take on, especially because taxpayers are footing the bill. My legislation would allow counties to partner with private groups to deliver large-scale infrastructure projects more efficiently and cost-effectively.” Current law allows only PennDOT and certain transportation agencies to use P3s. With this legislation, the current P3 process would remain unchanged. The American Society of Civil Engineers gave Pennsylvania’s infrastructure a grade of C- in 2022, Read more

 

House Education Committee advances Steele bill to restrict cell phones in schools

(Apr 28, 2026) Rep. Mandy Steele

“I’m very passionate about this issue, because our children are being harmed by unfettered access to digital devices,” Steele said. “I’m grateful to my colleagues on the Education Committee who realize the high stakes for our children and are helping to move this bill through the Legislature. We need to do our part to create a healthy learning environment for every child in Pennsylvania." Read more

 

Friel, Kinkead bills to protect good Samaritans in drug, alcohol overdoses clear committee

(Apr 28, 2026) Rep. Emily Kinkead

HARRISBURG, April 28 – The Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee on Monday unanimously advanced two bills that would protect individuals cooperating with first responders in the event of a drug or alcohol overdose, announced state Reps. Paul Friel and Emily Kinkead, who sponsored the bills. House Bills 1944 and 1945 would protect people, such as college students, from endangerment charges if they are administering aid to a person suffering an emergency overdose. “Strengthening medical amnesty, particularly on college campuses, empowers students to prioritize safety over fear, fostering a community where looking out for one another is the norm, not a liability,” said Friel, D-Chester. “When students trust they won't face punishment for seeking help, they are far more likely to intervene in emergencies, saving lives.” “Every second matters in an emergency. In these critical moments, no one should have to weigh saving a life against the risk of being charged with a crime,” said Kinkead, D-Allegheny. “These bills make it clear that if you render aid to a person experiencing a medical emergency as a result of consuming drugs or alcohol, you should be protected. “Advancing this legislation is a step toward ensuring people, especially young people, are empowered to do the right thing without fear of life-altering consequences.” The representatives heard during a March Read more

 

Arts Landing; Reproductive Care Ruling; Free Paper Shredding; and more

(Apr 24, 2026) Rep. Emily Kinkead

Read my email update from April 24, 2026 Read more

 

Office Hours Update; FAFSA Deadline; Disability Summit; and more

(Apr 24, 2026) Rep. John Inglis

Read my email update from April 24, 2026 Read more

 

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

 

Matzie: $250,000 secured for HVAC pre-apprenticeship program
May 06, 2026

Governor signs Benham bill closing Pittsburgh firefighter pension loophole
May 06, 2026

Salisbury bill would create statewide whistleblower office for reporting fraud, waste or abuse of state funds
May 06, 2026

House unanimously passes Salisbury bill to improve guardianship appointment process
May 05, 2026

House approves Steele bill to strengthen school counseling services
Apr 29, 2026

Powell introduces bill to expand public-private transportation projects
Apr 29, 2026

House Education Committee advances Steele bill to restrict cell phones in schools
Apr 28, 2026

Friel, Kinkead bills to protect good Samaritans in drug, alcohol overdoses clear committee
Apr 28, 2026

Arts Landing; Reproductive Care Ruling; Free Paper Shredding; and more
Apr 24, 2026

Office Hours Update; FAFSA Deadline; Disability Summit; and more
Apr 24, 2026

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