News Center

Frankel: More than $450,000 awarded for District 23 traffic improvements

(Jan 30, 2024) Allegheny County Delegation

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 30 – New funding of $453,657 from the state Department of Transportation will support a project to replace the traffic signal at the intersection of Boulevard of the Allies and Ward Street in Oakland, state Rep. Dan Frankel announced today. Frankel, D-Allegheny, said the grant – awarded under the Automated Red Light Enforcement Transportation Enhancements Grant Program – will bring a safer, smoother commute for residents. “Replacing outdated signal technology with modern, state-of-the-art equipment reduces congestion and improves intersection safety,” Frankel said. “I’m grateful to PennDOT and our area partners who worked with us to secure this funding, which will help keep pedestrians, motorists, and cyclists safer and traffic flowing more smoothly.” Funding for the ARLE program is generated from the net revenue of fines collected through Automated Red Light Enforcement Systems and Automated Speed Enforcement Systems. Grant applications are accepted annually during the month of June. The funding is part of a package of $13 million in ARLE grants statewide. More information is available here: https://www.penndot.pa.gov/pages/all-news-details.aspx?newsid=1110#:~:text=Harrisburg%2C%20PA%20%E2%80%93%20The%20Pennsylvania%20Department,to%20fund%2039%20safety%20projects . Read more

 

SCOPA decision marks win for reproductive rights, health and justice

(Jan 30, 2024) Allegheny County Delegation

“Today’s decision marks a win for reproductive rights, health, and justice as now, advocates have the opportunity to defend Pennsylvanians’ ability to access reproductive health care, regardless of their income or use of public insurance,” Mayes said. “Currently, Medicaid does not cover abortions in Pennsylvania, preventing at least 28% of Pennsylvanians from accessing reproductive health care. With this decision from the state’s highest court, advocates can now challenge the Abortion Control Act of 1982 to ensure low-income patients have access to abortion and prevent Republicans from controlling the bodily autonomy of Pennsylvanians.” Read more

 

Frankel hails Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision on reproductive rights

(Jan 30, 2024) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

HARRISBURG, Jan. 30 – State Rep. Dan Frankel hailed Monday’s decision by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court that will allow a challenge to the state’s ban on Medicaid coverage for abortion care to move forward. Frankel said the decision – which reversed 40-year-old caselaw prohibiting a challenge to the ban – provides a key foundation to solidify the right to reproductive autonomy, including the right to decide whether to have an abortion or to carry a pregnancy to term. "In the opinion released yesterday, justices on our highest state court told the world what the vast majority of Pennsylvanians know in their hearts: that the right to make decisions for your own pregnancy should be yours alone,” Frankel said. “If there’s anything we have learned in recent years, it’s that our work to protect abortion rights is never done, but Pennsylvanians can breathe a little easier today, because there’s another brick in the wall to hold back relentless efforts to block access to abortion health care.” Frankel said that although the court did not rule on the merits of the case, remanding that question to the Commonwealth Court, two of the three justices explicitly stated that Pennsylvania’s Constitution protects the fundamental right of pregnant people to make choices for their families, their futures and their bodies. “That’s Read more

 

McAndrew and Markosek on Shapiro plan to increase public transit funding

(Jan 29, 2024) Allegheny County Delegation

PENN HILLS, Jan. 29 – State Reps. Joe McAndrew and Brandon Markosek, both D-Allegheny and serving on the House Transportation Committee, released a statement today following the announcement of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s plan to increase the state share of public transit funding by 1.75% – a $282.8 million investment , and nearly $1.5 billion in new state funding over five years -- in transit systems that Pennsylvanians rely on. “Public transit is a necessity for many hardworking Pennsylvanians, who rely on it to get to work or school, or to move around their cities and towns. Accessible, reliable and pollution-free public transit options are essential for our communities, and the proposed plan is a step in the right direction. “As members of the House Transportation Committee, we welcome a plan that increases funding for public transportation, which will benefit not only residents but also businesses and the state's economy. “We look forward to reviewing the details of Governor Shapiro's public transportation funding plan when he announces his 2024-25 budget proposal soon and will continue to work together to support safe and accessible public transportation, especially for working families, in large and small communities across the state.” ### House Democrats are committed to promoting better jobs, better schools and better communities. Putting people ahead of politics, House Democrats are leading the charge to lower Read more

 

Abney: $32 million+ secured to remove lead in Pittsburgh’s drinking water, enhance water conservation

(Jan 25, 2024) Allegheny County Delegation

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 25 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced that a total of $32,058,100 was secured by the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority for lead remediation and water conservation measures across multiple Pittsburgh neighborhoods. The state funds, facilitated by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority , will be used to replace approximately 1,375 public and 1,260 private lead service lines in the areas of Millvale Borough, Mount Washington, South Side Slopes, Garfield, Upper Lawrenceville, Central Northside, Manchester, Perry North, Perry South and Spring Hill. Many of these communities are at a disproportionately higher risk for lead contamination. Consumers will also be able to save water, as they are currently required to flush their systems each morning prior to use. Abney, whose legislative district includes four of the localities in the service area, said, “Ensuring the health of the neighbors I represent and preserving the local environment are paramount. These efforts will also help keep more dollars in the pockets of individuals and families who need them the most.” “Safe drinking water is a basic necessity that must be available to everyone,” state Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, said. “Investing monies in these critical infrastructural improvements is an investment in the health and safety of citizens and the environment.” Powell represents the citizens of Millvale, Upper Read more

 

Matzie introduces bill to tackle problems with how schools are classified for athletic competition

(Jan 24, 2024) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, Jan. 24 – As the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association meets to consider the Aliquippa School District’s appeal of the PIAA’s decision to bump Aliquippa High School’s football team to a 5A classification, state Rep. Rob Matzie today introduced legislation to resolve problems with the way Pennsylvania’s 1,400 public, private and charter schools are classified to compete in athletic competitions. Matzie – who is vice chairman and the longest-serving member of the Pennsylvania Athletic Oversight Committee – said he introduced H.B. 1972 to address longstanding concerns that PIAA’s procedure for classifying schools places student athletes in harm’s way and skews competitions in favor of wealthier schools and those with larger enrollment numbers. “When the PIAA determines the athletic level at which our high schools compete, they use a competition classification formula based on enrollment, success and transfers,” Matzie said. “Based on the formula, PIAA can force schools to move up a classification. But there is a dangerous flaw in PIAA’s formula that they have been stubbornly unwilling to address. “When considering enrollment as part of the formula, schools that voluntarily play up in a higher classification are pigeonholed by the PIAA into that higher classification used for the formula – regardless of the school’s Read more

 

Steele to host open house at Tarentum office

(Jan 24, 2024) Allegheny County Delegation

“By hosting this open house, we have the opportunity to connect with residents in the upper portion of the community, which includes Tarentum, Brackenridge, Fawn, Frazer, and Harrison, and talk to them about the issues facing our community,” Steele said. “With this new office, more residents will be able to access the services my staff and I provide.” Read more

 

Frankel: Carnegie Mellon University awarded $40,000 ‘It’s On Us’ grant

(Jan 23, 2024) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 23 – New funding of $40,000 will help Carnegie Mellon University’s efforts to protect students from the threat of sexual assault, harassment and violence, state Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, announced today. Frankel said the funding – awarded by the state Department of Education under the It’s On Us program – will help equip CMU to prevent incidents and better address any that might occur. “Your college years should be a time of growth, learning and self-discovery, but too many young people throughout history have instead found themselves feeling unsafe and found their school environments to be unequipped to deal with threats and attacks on campus,” Frankel said. “This grant is part of a focused effort – at the state level and at CMU – to provide the safest possible campus environment, ensure that a system of reporting is in place when incidents do occur and promote a culture of reporting where students feel safe to speak out.” Frankel’s legislation to create the “It’s On Us” online reporting program for campus sexual assault became law as part of the 2019 state budget. Statewide efforts to prevent and respond to sexual assaults on college campus es were further expanded by Act 55 of 2022, which requires institutions of higher education and postsecondary private licensed schools to adopt a definition of Read more

 

Venkat: Abortion remains legal in Pennsylvania

(Jan 22, 2024) Allegheny County Delegation

“On the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we recognize that while abortion remains legal in Pennsylvania, access to abortion and reproductive health care is under attack,” Venkat said. “As an emergency physician, I once treated a patient who nearly lost their life to a back-alley abortion. If we continue to criminalize access to abortions, we risk the lives of more and more Americans. We must continue to protect patients’ rights to reproductive healthcare by ensuring access to abortions and keeping the decision to seek reproductive health care between the patient and their physician.” Read more

 

Mayes affirms commitment to reproductive health, rights, and justice

(Jan 22, 2024) Allegheny County Delegation

“The U.S. Supreme Court advanced a right-wing agenda when it overturned Roe v. Wade and today, Republicans continue to attack Pennsylvanians’ rights to access an abortion,” Mayes said. “Now, 21 states restrict access to abortions, but in the Pennsylvania House, we introduced legislation to enshrine access to reproductive health care into the state’s Constitution, passed legislation to prohibit states from using the resources of Pennsylvania’s legal system to prosecute people in civil and criminal lawsuits from other states if they access reproductive health care services in Pennsylvania, and proposed legislation by state Rep. Tarik Khan to finally remove onerous restrictions on abortion clinics that were required to become ambulatory surgical centers in 2011. Read more

 

Salisbury: Churchill Borough awarded $15,000 to help fund electric vehicles

(Jan 19, 2024) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

BRADDOCK, Jan. 19 – New state funding of $15,000 from the Department of Environmental Protection will help Churchill Borough purchase two new electric vehicles for the borough’s police force, state Rep. Abigail Salisbury, D-Allegheny, announced today. Salisbury, who is a member of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, said the funding – awarded under the Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program – will help the borough move toward greener, more sustainable operations. “I’m excited about this new funding that will help Churchill police expand their fleet with electric vehicles,” Salisbury said. “From zero tailpipe emissions to greater energy efficiency to lower maintenance costs, EVs offer a ton of benefits – not just for public health and the environment, but also for taxpayers and local government. “The funding will build on other EV improvements around the district, including the electric vehicle charging station that opened in Swissvale last fall. As a member of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, I voted to expand our EV infrastructure, and I’ll be working to secure more of these investments that improve our air quality and help local governments operate more efficiently.” The Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program was established under Act 166 of 1992 to help create markets for alternative Read more

 

Steele’s legislation to provide more counseling services reported out of House Education Committee

(Jan 18, 2024) Allegheny County Delegation

“School counselors provide more than academic and career counseling – they also provide mental health services, helping our students to address their emotions in a healthy environment with someone who supports them,” Steele said. “Recently, the Basic Education Funding Commission issued its report, calling for additional investments in mental health services. With mental health deteriorating since the COVID-19 pandemic and nearly 65% of students asking for mental health services, we must ensure our youth have access to counseling services to help them succeed.” Read more

 

Venkat, Nelson introduce resolution to raise awareness of data privacy

(Jan 18, 2024) Allegheny County Delegation

“As new technology continues to emerge, we must raise awareness of data privacy to ensure Pennsylvanians have knowledge about the data being collected and relevant policies and laws,” Venkat said. “With this resolution, we will do just that.” Read more

 

Allegheny House Dems announce $10.4 million in community investments

(Jan 18, 2024) Allegheny County Delegation

State grants awarded for local parks, building rehabilitation Read more

 

Gergely applauds grants totaling $675,000 for community projects

(Jan 17, 2024) Allegheny County Delegation

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 17 – State Rep. Matthew R. Gergely, D-Allegheny, announced that a total of $675,000 in grants has been awarded to multiple community projects throughout the 35th Legislative District. Accounting for $525,000 are grants made possible by the Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund under the Commonwealth Financing Authority . Grant recipients are: Filipino American Association of Pittsburgh: $75,000 for repairs to a multicultural center and function hall in West Mifflin. First Step Recovery Homes Inc.: $50,000 for homeless housing expansion at 416 Olive St. in McKeesport. Homestead Borough: $50,000 for upkeeping the Betty and Wanda Amphitheater. Lincoln Borough: $100,000 for maintenance on the stormwater system near 335 Dora Drive. McKeesport Area School District: $50,000 for D.A.R.E. program. Munhall Borough: $75,000 for Main Street Business Corridor Improvement project. Steel Rivers Council of Governments: $75,000 for demolition of buildings in Duquesne and $50,000 for Heritage Hill Park walking trail renovations. The remaining $150,000 in grants come courtesy of the CFA’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program . Grant recipients are: Homestead Borough: $50,000 for the Monongahela River fishing pier. Lincoln Borough: $50,000 for improvements to Breznay Field. West Homestead Borough: $50,000 for the West Homestead Recreation Park project. “Helping to secure these dollars Read more

 

Abney hails grants totaling $873,000+ for community projects

(Jan 17, 2024) Allegheny County Delegation

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 17 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced that a total of $873,125 in grants has been awarded to multiple community projects throughout the 19th Legislative District. Accounting for $498,125 are grants made possible by the Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund under the Commonwealth Financing Authority . Grant recipients are: Center of Life: $35,000 for Community Hub project on Hazelwood Green. Charles Street Area Corporation: $105,000 for parklet construction and acquisition of land for affordable housing development. Greenwood Plan: $35,000 for purchasing and redeveloping the Pitt Building into business space. Humane Animal Rescue League: $100,000 for expanding the community veterinary clinic. Jubilee Association: $50,000 for renovating the 2nd floor of the organization’s facility. The Citizen Science Lab: $63,000 for constructing the MLK Center for Scientific Excellence. The Education Partnership: $50,125 for constructing a warehouse to store school supplies. TMCAqua, LLC.: $60,000 for the Cordia Energy project. The remaining $375,000 in grants come courtesy of the CFA’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program . Grant recipients are: National Aviary: $125,000 for rose garden and pathway improvements project. Riverlife: $250,000 for reconstruction of Allegheny Landing. “I’m thrilled to help secure these funds and support Read more

 

Powell and Williams celebrate grants totaling $318,000 for community projects

(Jan 17, 2024) Allegheny County Delegation

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 17 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, and state Sen. Lindsey Williams, D-Allegheny, announced $318,000 in Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund grants under the Commonwealth Financing Authority , which will benefit Shaler, Etna and the surrounding communities. Grantees receiving GEDTF funds in Senate District 38 and House District 21 are: The Union Hotel Redevelopment Project will receive $45,000 for façade repairs to the Union Hotel, which are necessary to ensure the safety of building users and pedestrians. This project is a part of the larger Etna Business District revitalization project, which will create new housing and business opportunities in Etna while restoring the historic features of existing buildings. The Shaler Area School District will receive $50,000 for its “Young Learners Need Choice” program, which will provide collaborative tables, flexible seating options, and learning centers for K-3 classrooms at Burchfield, Marzolf and Reserve Primary schools. Shaler Area EMS will receive $118,000 for enhancements to their existing Firefighter Rehabilitation program. Shaler Area EMS currently supports nine local volunteer fire departments by medically evaluating each firefighter after significant exertion for signs of distress or medical compromise. This funding will be used to allow the agency to improve equipment available to protect volunteers and ensure their health and safety. Read more

 

More than $1.22 million awarded to invest in Pittsburgh’s economy

(Jan 17, 2024) Allegheny County Delegation

“These grants from the GEDTF will allow us to invest in Pittsburgh’s economy by supporting recreation, community services and affordable housing throughout Allegheny County,” Mayes said. “While Pittsburgh continues to attract more tourists, we have the opportunity to enhance recreational activities, diversify Pittsburgh’s services to better represent marginalized communities, and address the high cost of living with more affordable housing for our residents, as well.” Read more

 

Dormont’s Hollywood Theater awarded major state grant

(Jan 17, 2024) Allegheny County Delegation

Grant will help with ADA accessibility projects at historic theater Read more

 

NEWLY LISTED GRANT PROGRAMS: Cultural, Educational, Environmental, Public Safety, and Redevelopment

(Jan 17, 2024) Allegheny County Delegation

Commission on Crime and Delinquency: School Safety and Security Grant Program Who May Apply: School districts, intermediate units, area career and technical schools, charter schools, cyber charter schools, regional charter schools, approved private schools, chartered school for the education of the deaf or the blind, private residential rehabilitative institutions, municipalities, law enforcement agencies, and approved vendors. Use: Municipalities, law enforcement and approved vendors are limited to apply to provide school security personnel services within schools. Schools can apply for programs that address safety and security, including but not limited to, safety and security assessments, conflict resolution or dispute management strategies, school-wide positive behavior support, school-based diversion programs, peer help programs, classroom management, training, and more. Funds: A total of $32,179,000, which includes $26,345,000 from the $50 million allocated for the School Safety and Security Grant Fund and $5,834,000 allocated from the FY23-24 Targeted School Safety Grant Program, is being announced to support this initiative. Application Deadline: February 29, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: School Mental Health Grants Who May Apply: School Districts, Intermediate Units, Area Career and Technical Schools, Charter Schools, Regional Charter Schools, and Cyber Read more

 

Frankel: More than $450,000 awarded for District 23 traffic improvements
Jan 30, 2024

SCOPA decision marks win for reproductive rights, health and justice
Jan 30, 2024

Frankel hails Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision on reproductive rights
Jan 30, 2024

McAndrew and Markosek on Shapiro plan to increase public transit funding
Jan 29, 2024

Abney: $32 million+ secured to remove lead in Pittsburgh’s drinking water, enhance water conservation
Jan 25, 2024

Matzie introduces bill to tackle problems with how schools are classified for athletic competition
Jan 24, 2024

Steele to host open house at Tarentum office
Jan 24, 2024

Frankel: Carnegie Mellon University awarded $40,000 ‘It’s On Us’ grant
Jan 23, 2024

Venkat: Abortion remains legal in Pennsylvania
Jan 22, 2024

Mayes affirms commitment to reproductive health, rights, and justice
Jan 22, 2024

Salisbury: Churchill Borough awarded $15,000 to help fund electric vehicles
Jan 19, 2024

Steele’s legislation to provide more counseling services reported out of House Education Committee
Jan 18, 2024

Venkat, Nelson introduce resolution to raise awareness of data privacy
Jan 18, 2024

Allegheny House Dems announce $10.4 million in community investments
Jan 18, 2024

Gergely applauds grants totaling $675,000 for community projects
Jan 17, 2024

Abney hails grants totaling $873,000+ for community projects
Jan 17, 2024

Powell and Williams celebrate grants totaling $318,000 for community projects
Jan 17, 2024

More than $1.22 million awarded to invest in Pittsburgh’s economy
Jan 17, 2024

Dormont’s Hollywood Theater awarded major state grant
Jan 17, 2024

NEWLY LISTED GRANT PROGRAMS: Cultural, Educational, Environmental, Public Safety, and Redevelopment
Jan 17, 2024