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Joe McAndrew sworn in as PA representative of the 32nd District

(Feb 21, 2023) Allegheny County Delegation

HARRISBURG, Feb. 21 – Joe McAndrew, D-Allegheny, took the oath of office as PA’s 32 nd Legislative District representative today at the state Capitol in Harrisburg. “I am excited to be sworn in today to represent my neighbors in the 32 nd Legislative District,” McAndrew said. “Our communities and commonwealth face a lot of challenges, but I am confident that I can work with my fellow legislators to enact policies that not only support our communities but also create the environment we need to build a better Pennsylvania for everyone.” McAndrew previously served as the Allegheny County Democratic Committee’s executive director and worked with Congressman Chris Deluzio. He also brings with him the experience of working in Harrisburg, as he served on former Democratic House Minority Leader Frank Dermody’s team from 2012-14. Key issues McAndrew plans to focus on include public safety, public transportation, raising the minimum wage, supporting strong unions, providing resources for seniors, investing in renewable energy, ending gun violence, protecting women’s reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ rights, and fighting for equitable school funding. Photos of today’s swearing-in can be found here . Read more

 

Abigail Salisbury sworn in as PA representative of the 34th District

(Feb 21, 2023) Allegheny County Delegation

HARRISBURG, Feb. 21 – Abigail Salisbury , D-Allegheny, took the oath of office as PA’s 34 th Legislative District representative today at the state Capitol in Harrisburg. “I want to thank my neighbors for the enormous trust they have placed in me to be their voice in Harrisburg,” Salisbury said. “I feel deeply honored, and I pledge to do my very best to represent our communities in Harrisburg, and to fight for the smart, progressive policies we need to build a better Commonwealth – one that works for all Pennsylvania.” Salisbury has spent her career in legal service. Her background includes: working on human rights and microfinance issues in Kosovo, Senegal and Ethiopia. teaching First Amendment law to undergraduates at the University of Pittsburgh. establishing a law practice to provide nonprofits and small business with more affordable legal services. serving as executive director of JURIST.org . Salisbury served for five years on Swissvale’s Borough Council and was its president for two years. Key issues Salisbury said she plans to focus on include improving infrastructure, standing up for LGBTQ+ rights, fostering small businesses, supporting public schools and preserving the environment. Photos from today’s swearing-in can be found here . Read more

 

Venkat meets with federal secretary of the Interior, local officials

(Feb 09, 2023) Allegheny County Delegation

Group meets at Avonworth High School to discuss federal Inflation Reduction Act Read more

 

Abney and others award $2.5 million check to Allegheny YMCA

(Feb 09, 2023) Allegheny County Delegation

PITTSBURGH, Feb. 7 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, presented a $2.5 million check to the Allegheny YMCA today alongside Mayor Ed Gainey, State Sens. Jay Costa and Wayne Fontana, and Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “This investment from the state will go a long way to improving the social fabric and quality of life for so many residents,” Abney said. “Thank you to all my colleagues for your leadership.” The funds will be utilized for a number of renovations to the 96-year-old facility, including to its pool, kitchen, locker rooms, meetings rooms and utility systems and are made possible by the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program . Read more

 

South Side businesses renew calls to end neighborhood violence

(Feb 09, 2023) Allegheny County Delegation

"This is an awesome and vibrant neighborhood, and we need some help from you guys to make it to continue to be so," Lou Kroeck of the South Side Chamber of Commerce said. Read more

 

Residents, business owners and leaders meet to discuss South Side safety

(Feb 09, 2023) Allegheny County Delegation

State Rep. Jessica Benham hosted the gathering and says the state is investing in solving the issues, like the PennDOT project in the East Carson corridor and $8 million towards preventing youth violence. Read more

 

Allegheny County fire, EMS agencies receive $2.5 million

(Feb 08, 2023) Allegheny County Delegation

PITTSBURGH, Feb. 8 – Area fire and EMS companies were recently awarded over $2.5 million through the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program , members of the state House Allegheny County Democratic Delegation announced today. “Allegheny County is home to some of the most dedicated first responders in the commonwealth and many of them are volunteers,” said state Rep. Nick Pisciottano, who chairs the delegation. “Our delegation is grateful to help emergency service companies throughout our region secure grants like these, which play an essential role in funding equipment, training, facility upgrades, and everything else our local heroes need to keep our communities safe.” Eligible projects include facility upgrades, equipment, debt reduction, training and certification, education and public outreach, and recruitment and retention efforts. Additionally, fire companies were permitted to apply for construction savings accounts for the purposes of new facility construction. The grant program is administered by the Office of State Fire Commissioner and makes funding available for volunteer and career fire companies, emergency medical services and rescue squads. All fire companies, emergency medical service and volunteer rescue squads are eligible to apply for this annual grant program. A complete list of the $31 million awarded to 2,336 applicants across the state in this round of grant funding is available here . Read more

 

Policy Committee addresses needs for South Side neighborhood

(Feb 08, 2023) Allegheny County Delegation

“Those of us who live here know the challenges that we have faced, recently and stretching into the past, and I know – from my conversations with my colleagues – that many of these challenges are shared by other communities throughout Pennsylvania,” state Rep. Jess Benham said. Read more

 

Pisciottano announces $192K for local EMS, firefighters

(Feb 08, 2023) Allegheny County Delegation

BALDWIN, Feb. 8 – Over $192,000 has been awarded to support local emergency service agencies through the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program , state Rep. Nick Pisciottano, D-Allegheny, announced today. “Firefighters and EMS workers often risk their own lives to protect our community,” said Pisciottano. “They deserve access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities to do their jobs safely. I’ll continue advocating for more state funding from Harrisburg to better outfit our local first responders.” The following local funding was included among $2.5 million in FCEMSGP grants awarded in Allegheny County: $15,000 to Allegheny County Airport Authority Fire Rescue. $10,000 to Baldwin EMS. $14,000 to Baldwin EMS (Fire). $15,000 to Baldwin Independent Fire Co. No. 1. $15,000 to Citizen’s Hose Co. No. 1 in Glassport. $13,800 to Dravosburg Volunteer Fire Department No. 1. $12,600 to Duquesne Annex Volunteer Fire Co. in West Mifflin. $15,000 to Homeville Volunteer Fire Dept. No. 1. $14,300 to Option Independent Fire Co. in West Mifflin. $15,000 to Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire. $10,000 to Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire (EMS). $14,000 to Skyview Volunteer Fire Co. No. 4 in West Mifflin. $13,500 to West Mifflin Volunteer Fire Co. No. 3. $15,000 to Whitehall Fire Co. Eligible projects include facility upgrades, equipment, debt reduction, training and certification, education and public Read more

 

Venkat announces nearly $150,000 for local fire departments and EMS agencies

(Feb 08, 2023) Allegheny County Delegation

Furthering his promise to prioritize investing in first responders, state Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny, announced today that $143,233.27 in state grants have been awarded to multiple fire departments and EMS agencies serving McCandless, Franklin Park, Ohio Township, Kilbuck, Emsworth, Ben Avon, Ben Avon Heights and Hampton Township. Read more

 

Policy roundtable: Committee talks green construction and innovation

(Feb 06, 2023) Allegheny County Delegation

PITTSBURGH, Feb. 6 – The Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens provided members of the PA House Democratic Policy Committee with a hands-on tour and discussion on the process needed and work being done to make this historic landmark a green facility designed with an emphasis on reducing harm – including energy efficient conservatories. “The Phipps Conservatory is an impressive resource for the entire region and state, featuring a tropical forest and indoor gardens as well as resources to educate visitors on cultural topics,” tour and roundtable co-host state Rep. Mandy Steele said. “One of the most impressive spots on the grounds remains the important work being done at the Center for Sustainable Landscapes, where the energy needed for the building is produced on-site and water is reused in an environmentally sustainable setting.” Constructed in 1893, the gardens were a gift to the city by Pittsburgh steel magnate Henry Phipps. Located in Pittsburgh’s Schenley Park, the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is city-owned but managed by a nonprofit organization. The National Register of Historic Places added the conservatory in 1976. “I’m always proud to introduce colleagues and friends to some of the great resources located in the heart of my legislative district,” co-host Rep. Dan Frankel said. “Phipps has been a leader in green innovation, opting to make changes 20 years ago that some Read more

 

Benham: $63,000 in state funds for local emergency services

(Feb 06, 2023) Allegheny County Delegation

MT. OLIVER, Feb. 6 – Nearly $63,000 has been awarded to local fire and EMS companies through the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program , state Rep. Jessica Benham, D-Allegheny, announced today. “We are very fortunate to have incredibly hard-working first responders in the 36th Legislative District,” said Benham. “I’ll continue fighting for state grant funding to train and equip our courageous firefighters and EMS workers to ensure they have the best tools to serve our neighbors.” The following local funding was included among $2.5 million in FCEMSG grants awarded in Allegheny County: $10,000 to Brentwood EMS. $13,000 to Brentwood Volunteer Fire Co. $14,800 to Mt. Oliver Hook and Ladder Co. $15,000 to Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire. $10,000 to Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire (EMS). Eligible projects include facility upgrades, equipment, debt reduction, training and certification, education and public outreach, and recruitment and retention efforts. Additionally, fire companies were permitted to apply for constructions savings accounts for the purposes of new facility construction. The FCEMSG is administered by the Office of State Fire Commissioner and makes an annual grant program available for volunteer and career fire companies, emergency medical services and rescue squads. All fire companies, emergency medical service and volunteer rescue squads are eligible to apply for this annual grant program. Read more

 

Policy Roundtable: Union leaders discuss importance of organizing

(Feb 03, 2023) Allegheny County Delegation

“The pandemic served as a wakeup call for many workers,” said Kinkead, who co-hosted the roundtable. “They saw employers demanding more work without any financial incentives, and this happened in some instances while zero safety precautions had been offered or even considered to protect the health of workers. I’m excited to report, however, that in the wake of these trying circumstances, workers are realizing their true bargaining power and the true benefits of organized labor.” Read more

 

Steele secures $95,000 in funding for region after police chief’s murder

(Feb 02, 2023) Allegheny County Delegation

Funding will help police, borough and local communities Read more

 

Vogel, Kinkead to co-chair bipartisan, bicameral Hunger Caucus

(Feb 02, 2023) Allegheny County Delegation

HARRISBURG, Feb. 2 – State Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr., R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence, announced today that he will once again serve as co-chair of the Legislative Hunger Caucus and will be joined by Rep. Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny, as the House co-chair for the 2023-2024 Legislative Session. “I’m excited to welcome Representative Kinkead as caucus co-chair this session and look forward to another successful growing season in our hunger garden, which harvested over 700 pounds of produce last season,” said Vogel. “I also hope to continue our momentum in September with the annual food drive, when we recognize Hunger Action Month across the state and highlight the critical importance of food banks in our communities.” “Hunger is perhaps the least partisan issue Pennsylvanians face,” said Kinkead. “Despite our state’s reputation as a world leader in food production and processing, data shows that over 1.1 million of our state residents struggle with food insecurity in both rural and urban communities. If elected officials at all levels work together and prioritize this issue, I believe we can end hunger in Pennsylvania.” The Hunger Caucus was founded in 2008 by former state Sen. Mike Brubaker, R-Chester/Lancaster, with the goal of educating legislators on food insecurity issues, improving access to nutrition programs and combating hunger across the state. In 2010, the Hunger Caucus established the Capitol Hunger Read more

 

Policy Hearing: Misclassification hurts workers, taxpayers and state

(Jan 27, 2023) Allegheny County Delegation

“The lost revenue is astronomical, and the lost protections, including health insurance, is sickening – not to mention devastating to our workers and their families,” Pisciottano said. “We heard the practice described as insurance fraud, a crime that hurts all Pennsylvania families and workers since it shortchanges every taxpaying resident.” Read more

 

Policy Hearing: Testifiers detail issues affecting health care staffing

(Jan 26, 2023) Allegheny County Delegation

“While the pandemic did not cause these issues, it crystalized the problem in a way where the public became acutely aware of its importance,” said Rep. Venkat, who is an emergency physician and the first physician to serve in PA's General Assembly in about 60 year. “Unfortunately, no silver bullet – or magical solution – exists to fix this complicated problem. As we saw when we peeled back layers of the issue today, addressing one issue often calls for the need to find a solution to several more related issues." Read more

 

Pa. lawmakers propose medical debt relief bill

(Jan 23, 2023) Allegheny County Delegation

HARRISBURG, Jan. 23 – Seeking to ease the burden of medical debt on working families, a plan to create the Pennsylvania Medical Debt Repayment Program was unveiled today by state Reps. Arvind Venkat and Nick Pisciottano, both D-Allegheny; Bridget Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna; and Tarik Khan and Donna Bullock, both D-Phila. “As a physician, I have seen firsthand how problems with our nation’s healthcare system – including medical debt – have hurt families and prevented people from getting the care they need,” said Venkat, the first physician to serve in the General Assembly in nearly 60 years. “While there are many issues that we need to address, including the systemic problems that lead to spiraling medical debt, this bill is an important first step toward helping people across Pennsylvania get the assistance and the care they need – and not phone calls from collection agencies.” “When my son was diagnosed with childhood leukemia, the last thing I wanted to worry about was the stress of medical costs. No family in Pennsylvania should ever need to think twice before seeking care for chronic or other serious conditions for fear of going into medical debt,” Kosierowski said. “We must do whatever we can at the state level to ensure that families don’t need to choose between going to the doctor or putting food on their table or buying clothes for their children.” The lawmakers likened the newly Read more

 

Abney praises nearly $500,000 state grant to rehabilitate Allegheny Landing Park

(Jan 13, 2023) Allegheny County Delegation

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 13 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today that a nearly $500,000 state grant is being awarded to Allegheny Landing Park. The grant will be used to make an array of improvements at the site including renovations to its plaza, historic railings and pedestrian walkways, installation of lawn, meadow and rain gardens, Americans with Disabilities Act access and landscaping. “Allegheny Landing Park was one of the first in Pittsburgh to integrate the scenic backdrop of the Three Rivers into its own appeal,” Abney said. “This grant will ensure that the citizens I represent can enjoy the space now and for many more years.” Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources administered the grant via their Community Conservation Partnerships Program . Read more

 

Mayes: More than $200,000 awarded to East Hills neighborhood

(Jan 13, 2023) Allegheny County Delegation

State Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes, D-Allegheny, announced today that a $230,736 state grant has been awarded to a project in her community. Read more

 

Joe McAndrew sworn in as PA representative of the 32nd District
Feb 21, 2023

Abigail Salisbury sworn in as PA representative of the 34th District
Feb 21, 2023

Venkat meets with federal secretary of the Interior, local officials
Feb 09, 2023

Abney and others award $2.5 million check to Allegheny YMCA
Feb 09, 2023

South Side businesses renew calls to end neighborhood violence
Feb 09, 2023

Residents, business owners and leaders meet to discuss South Side safety
Feb 09, 2023

Allegheny County fire, EMS agencies receive $2.5 million
Feb 08, 2023

Policy Committee addresses needs for South Side neighborhood
Feb 08, 2023

Pisciottano announces $192K for local EMS, firefighters
Feb 08, 2023

Venkat announces nearly $150,000 for local fire departments and EMS agencies
Feb 08, 2023

Policy roundtable: Committee talks green construction and innovation
Feb 06, 2023

Benham: $63,000 in state funds for local emergency services
Feb 06, 2023

Policy Roundtable: Union leaders discuss importance of organizing
Feb 03, 2023

Steele secures $95,000 in funding for region after police chief’s murder
Feb 02, 2023

Vogel, Kinkead to co-chair bipartisan, bicameral Hunger Caucus
Feb 02, 2023

Policy Hearing: Misclassification hurts workers, taxpayers and state
Jan 27, 2023

Policy Hearing: Testifiers detail issues affecting health care staffing
Jan 26, 2023

Pa. lawmakers propose medical debt relief bill
Jan 23, 2023

Abney praises nearly $500,000 state grant to rehabilitate Allegheny Landing Park
Jan 13, 2023

Mayes: More than $200,000 awarded to East Hills neighborhood
Jan 13, 2023