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Abney extols $500,000 grant for urban farming and marketplace

(Feb 05, 2025) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

PITTSBURGH, Feb. 5 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced that a state grant of half a million dollars was awarded to a local career training institute for establishing resources available to prospective urban farmers. Bidwell Training Center , located on Pittsburgh’s North Side, would utilize the funds to create an urban agriculture farm and market. “Cities across the country continue to break the mold of the stereotypical farm with hundreds of acres to contribute to PA’s agricultural output and economic strength their own unique way,” Abney said. “These dollars will help enable a great educational institute like Bidwell to provide students with a blueprint to what a vibrant and sustaining future in urban farming looks like.” Bidwell’s grant is part of a total of $10 million in state funding, which is made possible by Pennsylvania’s Agricultural Innovation Grant program. A first-of-its-kind in the nation, the program helps farmers and other agriculture businesses implement new agricultural technologies, conservation and renewable energy innovations – expanding their potential to generate profits, enrich soil and water resources, and produce energy on the farm. All grant recipients can be found here . Read more

 

Venkat and Mihalek food allergy safety bill passes House

(Feb 05, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

HARRISBURG, Feb. 5 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat and Natalie Mihalek’s legislation that would promote food allergy safety in multiple ways passed the Pennsylvania House today. House Bill 77 would mandate that menus in restaurants and food establishments contain a disclaimer regarding food allergies and that there are posters to make servers aware of food allergies present in food preparation and staff areas. “This bill would put in place commonsense food safety practices focused on preventing food allergy exposures and, most importantly, saving as many lives as possible,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “Thank you to Rep. Mihalek for her partnership on this legislation and to my fellow House members for putting the lives of Pennsylvanians first with your affirmative votes.” “Food safety continues to be an important topic, and for good reason, as our citizens deserve to have confidence that the food they are eating doesn’t pose a threat. This bill is just one important step in providing that confidence,” added Mihalek, R-Allegheny. “Rep. Venkat has been a strong advocate on this issue, and it was an honor to work with him.” More than 33 million Americans have food allergies, and it is estimated that food allergies lead to 200 deaths per year. Over a 13-year period, nearly half of fatal food allergy reactions were caused by accidental food allergen exposure at a restaurant or other food service Read more

 

Powell introduces bill to prohibit remote stalking

(Feb 05, 2025) Rep. Lindsay Powell

HARRISBURG, Feb. 5 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, has reintroduced a bill that would ban the unauthorized tracking of victims using AirTags and similar devices. House Bill 407 would forbid the use of AirTags and similar technology for any nefarious motive, with an emphasis on remote stalking. Bad actors have utilized AirTags to put trackers on vehicles and pinpoint the location of their victims, but Pennsylvania still hasn’t outlined penalties for abusing this technology. “This bill cannot undo the damage—physical and mental—that victims have endured, but it is a step in the right direction to ensuring that would-be stalkers will never again be able to perpetrate such abuse in Pennsylvania without being held accountable by the law,” Powell said. “By embracing a proactive approach to regulating technology, we can harness its potential to foster a society where innovation thrives, and our neighbors remain safe.” Multiple plaintiffs filed a class-action lawsuit against Apple in December 2022 for remote stalking and despite the company’s attempt to dismiss the case, it is moving forward. AirTags, launched more than three years ago, is intended to help individuals find items that are often misplaced, such as keys, wallets or bookbags. House Bill 407, previously H.B. 416, passed with a near unanimous vote in last year’s session. The bill has been referred to the body’s Judiciary Read more

 

Salisbury supports governor’s proposals to boost schools and affordable housing, reform cannabis laws, raise the minimum wage

(Feb 05, 2025) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

HARRISBURG, Feb. 5 – State Rep. Abigail Salisbury issued the following statement in response to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget address Tuesday: “There’s a lot to like in the proposed plan, which makes our public schools a priority by delivering more than a half-billion dollars into our school districts and communities,” Salisbury said. “The education funding we passed in last year’s budget was a good start, but the impact of decades of underfunding doesn’t get fixed in one budget cycle. We need an ongoing, large-scale commitment to deliver on our promise to fairly fund our schools, and the new budget plan proposes that kind of investment. “The plan also addresses the negative impact of cyber charter schools – which have drained critical dollars from our public school budgets – by implementing a statewide cyber funding formula that would help save districts an estimated $378 million annually. There’s a continued focus on student mental health and school safety, with another $111 million proposed for those resources. “Beyond education, the plan includes commonsense proposals to help make life more affordable for residents. I strongly support the proposal to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour. Our minimum wage has stagnated at $7.25 an hour for the past 16 years and is the lowest of all our neighboring states. It’s time to stop shortchanging our workers and to put more Read more

 

Frankel cheers governor’s budget plans for cannabis reform, rural health care and more

(Feb 04, 2025) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – Health Committee Chair Dan Frankel praised Gov. Josh Shapiro’s call during Tuesday’s budget address to finally legalize cannabis in Pennsylvania – and to do so in a way that puts Pennsylvanians first. “Very soon, the House Health Committee will hold the first votes in the history of the General Assembly to legalize and regulate cannabis, joining our neighbor states at the same time that we ensure that the benefits are enjoyed by Pennsylvanian communities, workers and businesses,” said Frankel, a prime cosponsor with Rep. Rick Krajewski of a legalization bill they are preparing to introduce . Frankel echoed Shapiro’s statement before the General Assembly, agreeing that Pennsylvania cannot afford to wait, now that 24 other states – including nearly every state that shares a border in Pennsylvania – have already legalized recreational cannabis. “We share the governor's vision of setting up a marketplace that will help small businesses and farms thrive in the long term, even within what we know is a cutthroat industry that heavily favors multi-state operators elsewhere,” Frankel said. The Health Committee held six hearings in the 2023-2024 legislative session to examine the successes and failures of cannabis programs in other states. The resulting bill would work through a hybrid system of bolstered state retail operations, privately owned on-site Read more

 

Mayes announces over $1.4 million for improvement projects

(Feb 03, 2025) Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes

Gaming funds support ADA upgrades, affordable housing Read more

 

Powell introduces bills to help make home ownership possible for more Pennsylvanians and reduce displacement & gentrification

(Jan 30, 2025) Rep. Lindsay Powell

HARRISBURG, Jan. 30 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, has introduced legislation that would provide money to Pennsylvania individuals and families seeking to own their own home and utilize tax increment financing dollars to keep Pennsylvanians in their homes in TIF-designated districts. The first of Powell’s bills ( H.B. 275 ) would establish the Affordable Homeownership Program under the state Department of Community and Economic Development . The program would award grants to sponsoring organizations, who would then provide the funds to individuals or households with annual incomes between 60% and 120% of the area median income. “As the years go by, the median home price has nowhere to go but up. In March of last year, in fact, it reached nearly $225,000 and shows zero signs of decreasing. Owning a home has become that much more unattainable for Pennsylvanians,” Powell said. “Home ownership, however, helps to achieve a stable and sustainable livelihood for neighbors and their families. My bill would benefit everyone who calls this Commonwealth home.” Qualifying applicants would be able to use these funds for projects such as: Home purchasing assistance programs Home repairs Work force housing programs Acquiring residential properties Designing and constructing properties Asset management studies of properties Social and environmental studies of properties Homeownership education programs Land Read more

 

Powell: $810,000 for community infrastructure

(Jan 29, 2025) Rep. Lindsay Powell

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 29 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, today announced that $810,000 in state funds was awarded to multiple local entities to improve community infrastructure. Powell and state Sen. Wayne Fontana, D-Allegheny, helped secure a $460,000 grant for Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh to purchase a blighted lot and convert it into their VisAbility Place. She also worked with state Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, and state Sen. Fontana to deliver $150,000 to Pittsburgh Symphony Inc. for the modernization of a passenger elevator at Heinz Hall to ensure its facility is ADA-compliant. State Sen. Lindsey Williams, D-Allegheny, partnered with Powell as well to help acquire a total of $200,000. A $140,000 grant went to North Hills Council of Governments for a sewer separation project in Etna, and the Shaler Township received $60,000 for flood levee maintenance. “Our neighbors deserve to feel safe in their communities, and these dollars will go a long way in modernizing our shared spaces. Not only that, local infrastructure and our cultural institutions will benefit too,” Powell said. “Thank you to my legislative colleagues in the state House and Senate for getting these funds to neighborhoods in need.” Three of these grants are made possible by the Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund, under the Commonwealth Financing Authority . These grants, funded through gaming revenue, provide Read more

 

Abney: over $637,000 for community safety and the arts

(Jan 29, 2025) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 29 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced that more than $637,000 in state funds has been approved for several Pittsburgh institutions for safety measures and preserving the arts. More than $347,000 was secured by Abney and state Sen. Wayne Fontana, D-Allegheny, for the following entities: Pittsburgh Opera Inc. : $187,605 for operating expenses. Carnegie Institute: $100,000 to purchase specialized entertainment and industry-grade equipment for The Andy Warhol Museum . YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh : $60,000 to install two elevators, a sprinkler system, HVAC, mechanical plumbing and electrical systems at the Allegheny YMCA. Abney collaborated with state Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, and Fontana to help deliver $70,000 to POORLAW for a new HVAC system, phone system and PA system, along with upgrades to plumbing and the electrical system, at its Hazelwood One-Stop Shop Equity Resource Center. He also worked with state Sen. Jay Costa, D-Allegheny, and state Reps. La’Tasha D. Mayes, D-Allegheny, and Frankel to acquire $70,000 for Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy to construct ADA-accessible pathways at Schenley Park, improve stormwater infrastructure, and create new connections between the park and the Carnegie Mellon University campus. Abney, Fontana and state Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, helped procure a $150,000 grant to modernize a passenger elevator at Heinz Hall for Pittsburgh Symphony Inc. Read more

 

Salisbury: $365K secured to fund District 34 renovation projects

(Jan 29, 2025) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

“The new funding is supporting some exciting projects, including work to finalize key renovations and ADA modifications to the Braddock Library and work on the Wilford A. Payne Medical Center in Homewood,” Salisbury said. “Other funding will support office building upgrades in Wilkinsburg and bridge repairs in North Braddock. All these dollars are being invested to create safer, more accessible and more useful spaces for residents.”  Read more

 

Frankel bill to boost oversight of medical marijuana testing clears House Health Committee

(Jan 29, 2025) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 29 – State Rep. Dan Frankel’s bill to bolster safety and confidence in the commonwealth’s medical marijuana products won bipartisan approval from the House Health Committee Wednesday, paving the way for stronger patient protections overseen by the Department of Health. Frankel, who is majority chairman of the House Health Committee, said weaknesses in consumer protections were revealed in a series of hearings held by the Health Committee in the previous session, and by incidences of contamination , inaccurate labeling and deceptive practices in other states. “We need to make sure that patients have the same level of confidence in medical marijuana products as they do in the prescriptions that they fill at their local pharmacies,” Frankel said. “Patients deserve to know that these products are what they say they are in terms of THC levels and that they are uncontaminated by mold, pesticides or heavy metals.” House Bill 33 would provide for improved compliance testing, product audits, statistical analyses, transparency and inspections of labs, which serve as the last line of defense to prevent patients from unknowingly consuming substances that can have both immediate and long-term health consequences. The bill would direct the Department of Health to ensure that labs report accurate results and would also require stability testing in some circumstances to ensure the Read more

 

Deasy applauds nearly $300,000 for community projects in Green Tree

(Jan 29, 2025) Rep. Dan Deasy

“These projects directly impact the 27th District,” state Rep. Dan Deasy said. “I’m always looking to bring these state dollars back for our communities and these projects that enhance the quality of life for residents.” Read more

 

Pa. House committee advances bill requiring food allergy warnings

(Jan 29, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

A Pennsylvania House committee advanced a bill that would require restaurants and other establishments to post warnings about the dangers of food allergies. Read more

 

Venkat: $200,000 to support our local communities

(Jan 29, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Jan. 29 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny, announced that a total of $200,000 in state funds was awarded to organizations in Ben Avon and Ohio Township through the Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund. The Avonworth Historical Society will receive a $100,000 grant to restore its building, make improvements to the electrical system, flooring, drywall and insulation and for waterproofing. Another $100,000 grant will go to Ohio Township for the construction of a new EMS and fire training facility. “Keeping residents safe, supporting organizations that improve the quality of life of our community, and helping our first responders who make it their mission to protect us are all critically important,” Venkat said. “These dollars are, first and foremost, investments in the people of our region. I am proud to have worked on a bipartisan basis with colleagues in the state Senate to make these investments a reality.” GEDTF monies are facilitated by the Commonwealth Financing Authority . These grants, funded through gaming revenues, provide financial support to municipalities, authorities, councils of governments, non-profits and others to carry out important economic development projects in Allegheny County. Eligible projects promote local economic activities, create jobs, improve or create infrastructure, promote public safety, assist in workforce development, or improve recreational activities. Read more

 

Benham, Pisciottano secure $50,000 for Brentwood Park

(Jan 28, 2025) Rep. Jessica Benham

State grant to fund construction of accessible restrooms, parking lot Read more

 

Markosek: More than $665,000 in state grants for community and economic development projects

(Jan 28, 2025) Rep. Brandon Markosek

“These investments will make a difference in our communities by improving public spaces, enhancing infrastructure, and supporting economic growth,” state Rep. Brandon Markosek said. “From community center upgrades to park renovations and blight removal, this funding will help ensure our neighborhoods remain vibrant and welcoming. I’m proud to help secure these grants and will continue working to bring resources back to our communities.” Read more

 

Kulik applauds nearly $750,000 in state funding for local parks and economic development projects

(Jan 28, 2025) Rep. Anita Astorino Kulik

“This investment ensures that all children, regardless of ability, have the opportunity to play, explore and enjoy our community’s parks,” state Rep. Anita Kulik said. “Creating inclusive, accessible spaces is essential to fostering a welcoming environment for every family in Carnegie. I’m proud to support this funding, which will make a lasting impact on our children and their quality of life.” Read more

 

Salisbury: $80,000 secured for Wilkins Township Community Center renovations

(Jan 28, 2025) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

BRADDOCK, Jan. 28 – An $80,000 state grant will help fund outdoor renovations to the Wilkins Township Community Center, state Rep. Abigail Salisbury announced today. Salisbury said the grant to the township – awarded through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program – will fund work to repaint the exterior of the building and add new features to the center’s grounds. “The new funding is supporting some exciting outdoor improvements to the center, including the addition of a new patio and paths, an outdoor fireplace and new landscaping,” Salisbury said. “Having safe, inviting places where neighbors can meet up and enjoy the outdoors is a huge part of quality of life. I’m grateful to our local partners and the CFA for helping to make this happen.” More about the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program is available here: https://dced.pa.gov/programs/greenways-trails-and-recreation-program-gtrp/ . Read more

 

As Pennsylvania legislators reintroduce medical debt relief legislation, Pittsburgh's program stalls

(Jan 24, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

A bipartisan group of state legislators have re-introduced a proposal to create a medical debt relief program that could erase hundreds of millions of dollars in unpaid medical bills. Read more

 

Powell introduces bill to provide unemployment compensation to school employees in summer

(Jan 23, 2025) Rep. Lindsay Powell

HARRISBURG, Jan. 23 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, has introduced a bill that would deliver unemployment benefits to educational assistance workers throughout the course of the summer break. Powell’s legislation ( H.B. 265 ) would make it possible for bus drivers, janitors, lunch staff and related positions to apply for unemployment compensation during the summer months. Currently, these staff members are forced to rely on temporary positions over the summer to afford necessities. “Our educational support professionals are the unsung heroes of schools and school districts across Pennsylvania and the entire nation. My bill would help remove significant obstacles to them providing for themselves and their families year-round,” Powell said. “They’re the backbone of our schools and it’s time we treat them like it.” Retaining such employees has proven difficult for Pennsylvania schools and school districts. According to the Pennsylvania School Bus Association , there were approximately 3,500 unfilled school bus driver positions, and 70% of superintendents reported a shortage of instructional aides. This survey, conducted by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association , took place at the beginning of the 2023-24 school year. The bill has been referred to the House Labor and Industry Committee. Read more

 

Abney extols $500,000 grant for urban farming and marketplace
Feb 05, 2025

Venkat and Mihalek food allergy safety bill passes House
Feb 05, 2025

Powell introduces bill to prohibit remote stalking
Feb 05, 2025

Salisbury supports governor’s proposals to boost schools and affordable housing, reform cannabis laws, raise the minimum wage
Feb 05, 2025

Frankel cheers governor’s budget plans for cannabis reform, rural health care and more
Feb 04, 2025

Mayes announces over $1.4 million for improvement projects
Feb 03, 2025

Powell introduces bills to help make home ownership possible for more Pennsylvanians and reduce displacement & gentrification
Jan 30, 2025

Powell: $810,000 for community infrastructure
Jan 29, 2025

Abney: over $637,000 for community safety and the arts
Jan 29, 2025

Salisbury: $365K secured to fund District 34 renovation projects
Jan 29, 2025

Frankel bill to boost oversight of medical marijuana testing clears House Health Committee
Jan 29, 2025

Deasy applauds nearly $300,000 for community projects in Green Tree
Jan 29, 2025

Pa. House committee advances bill requiring food allergy warnings
Jan 29, 2025

Venkat: $200,000 to support our local communities
Jan 29, 2025

Benham, Pisciottano secure $50,000 for Brentwood Park
Jan 28, 2025

Markosek: More than $665,000 in state grants for community and economic development projects
Jan 28, 2025

Kulik applauds nearly $750,000 in state funding for local parks and economic development projects
Jan 28, 2025

Salisbury: $80,000 secured for Wilkins Township Community Center renovations
Jan 28, 2025

As Pennsylvania legislators reintroduce medical debt relief legislation, Pittsburgh's program stalls
Jan 24, 2025

Powell introduces bill to provide unemployment compensation to school employees in summer
Jan 23, 2025