HARRISBURG, Feb. 10 – State Reps. Dan Miller and Jessica Benham, both D-Allegheny, are planning to introduce a bill that would create the Pennsylvania Department of Accessibility and Inclusion. “Nearly one in four Pennsylvanians have a disability, and despite the best intentions of many, most have only seen modest improvements in their lives and opportunities,” said Miller, a member of the House Autism and Intellectual Disabilities Caucus. “This department would be committed to providing government services and opportunities that are accessible to every Pennsylvanian.” Miller and Benham, who are both part of the Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation, said the bill would consolidate several existing programs under the new department. It would also create a cabinet-level secretary position in the governor’s administration. “Having a secretary dedicated to the needs of people with disabilities would go a long way in helping the governor’s office craft much-needed policies,” Benham said. “This is a way for Pennsylvania to make sure progress is made and that what matters to people with disabilities is considered.” Miller and Benham are seeking co-sponsors for their planned legislation. Read more
‘Health care is a human right, and we have a long way to go to fulfill that promise’ Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 3 – State Rep. Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny, issued the following statement regarding Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposed 2021-22 budget: “The governor’s budget address laid out a clear path that moves our state forward in the right direction. I was pleased to hear him outline his plans on infrastructure investment, which includes long-overdue expansion of broadband access across Pennsylvania, notably in our unserved and underserved communities, safer roads and bridges, and investments to removing lead and asbestos from many of our aging schools. “Our schools have also suffered for many years due to not being fully funded and the governor’s plan will provide our public schools with the resources they need and deserve. For far too long, homeowners in many school districts have had to bear the brunt of skyrocketing property taxes. Governor Wolf’s plan would ensure our districts receive this vital support and that includes raising the salary for teachers to a $45,000 minimum annual salary. No doubt about it -- our teachers have gone above and beyond, even before the pandemic, and they should be fairly compensated for all they do in providing education and support to our children. “Governor Wolf’s support of the Clean Slate Law was just the beginning as it relates to criminal justice reform in our great commonwealth. I was pleased to hear his plans to reform the bail and probation Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 25 – State Reps. Nick Pisciottano and Amen Brown are leading an effort to boost the state stipend for veterans who are blind, paralyzed or amputees due to their military service. The $150 monthly stipend has not seen an increase for more than two decades. Pisciottano, D-Allegheny, and Brown, D-Philadelphia, said they plan on introducing legislation that would increase the monthly stipend disabled veterans receive to $200 per month. Based on rising costs and inflation, the current $150 a month these veterans receive is worth about $98 a month, reflecting a 34% decrease in value. “These men and women gave so much in service to our country and to keep each one of us safe, including the loss of their sight and their mobility,” said Pisciottano. “Each one of them who suffered life-altering, debilitating injuries is truly deserving of a long-overdue increase to this benefit, a benefit that is well within our state’s budgetary means. I’m proud to partner with Representative Brown to make this happen and I anticipate more of our colleagues will sign on to support this worthwhile effort to provide this assistance to our disabled veterans.” “Our veterans deserve our deep gratitude and a salute for their service and for keeping our imperfect democratic republic safe.” Brown said. “However, what veterans deserve – and need more – is real, tangible assistance from our state and federal Read more
‘Her science-led leadership has soothed a frightened public’ Read more
AMBRIDGE, Jan. 15 – Schools in the 16 th Legislative District will be able to apply for approximately $12.62 million in federal CARES Act funding to ensure students have the resources they need to continue learning during the pandemic, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the funding to eight school districts in the district will help ensure schools have the resources they need to continue offering quality education. “The pandemic’s economic impact has strained resources all around, and school districts are no exception,” Matzie said. “The districts have faced a ton of challenges, from providing safe on-site instruction to ensuring an effective remote curriculum, and I want to commend school officials and our dedicated teachers, aides and other school staff. This funding is going to speed the resources to our districts they need to ensure our students are safe and do not fall behind.” Matzie said the following funding is allocated: Aliquippa School District – $4,032,121. Ambridge Area School District – $2,297,093. Baden Academy Charter School – $875,776. Central Valley School District – $1,173,585. Freedom Area School District – $1,096,991 Hopewell Area School District – Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 13 – Newly sworn-in state Rep. Nick Pisciottano has joined House Democratic leadership in co-sponsoring a measure designed to help Pennsylvanians struggling to pay their rent or mortgage during the current pandemic. Pisciottano, D-Allegheny, said the Pennsylvania Housing Energy Lessee Protection Strategy , or PA HELPS, is a $974 million proposal that would keep people in their homes, thus avoiding evictions and foreclosures, and it also would help local landlords. PA HELPS would direct the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to set up an easy-to-use program to quickly provide assistance to those in need. “We have thousands of Pennsylvanians, including many in my district, who continue to struggle to pay their rent or mortgage as this pandemic continues, and they can’t afford to wait any longer for the help they need and deserve,” said Pisciottano. “This proposal would do just that and remove the fear and anxiety they’ve been experiencing and allow them to stay safely in their homes.” The $974 million in funding included in the proposal is composed of $852 million in estimated federal aid allocated to Pennsylvania for emergency rental assistance. It also includes $122 million that would be redirected back from the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. In November, the $122 million that was originally earmarked toward rental and mortgage relief was instead used to close a Read more
Grant to fund repairs to 117-year-old railroad bridge in North Versailles Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 11 – Today state Rep. Emily Kinkead announced she has been chosen to serve on four standing House committees. Kinkead, D-Allegheny, will be serving as a member of the Agriculture, Appropriations, Human Services, and Judiciary committees. “I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues on these committees, which cover a wide range of issues, including agriculture - considered one of our state’s top industries - to oversee the state’s budgetary process, ensure our social services programs are providing the support our residents need and deserve, especially during the ongoing pandemic, and review measures related to the oversight of law enforcement agencies and our corrections system,” Kinkead said. “We certainly have a great deal of work ahead of us in this new legislative session, and I’m excited and looking forward to hitting the ground running to making real, meaningful differences in the lives of our residents.” Kinkead is among 25 new members in the House who were recently sworn into office. For assistance with a variety of state-related services, including property tax/rent rebate assistance, help with unemployment compensation, or home heating help, please visit her website at www.pahouse.net/kinkead . Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 11 – State Rep. Nick Pisciottano announced he has been named to serve on three standing committees in the PA House of Representatives. Pisciottano, D-Allegheny, will serve on the Commerce, Labor & Industry, and Tourism & Recreational Development committees. “It’s no secret that our communities have been devastated by the current pandemic and serving on the Commerce and Labor and Industry committees will provide me with an opportunity to help with unemployment compensation issues, protect workers’ rights and assist our small businesses with much-needed relief and support,” said Pisciottano. “With tourism considered the second-largest industry in our state, and many of my constituents working in this industry, I am proud to have a voice at the table to promote and expand our tourism and recreational opportunities here in Allegheny County.” Pisciottano is among 25 new members in the House who were recently sworn into office. For assistance with a variety of state-related services, including property tax/rent rebate assistance, help with unemployment compensation, or home heating help, residents may visit his website at www.pahouse.net/pisciottano . Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 5 – State Rep. Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny, has been sworn into office for her first term representing the 20 th Legislative District. “I was proud and honored to take the oath of office today and I am committed to being your voice in Harrisburg,” said Kinkead. “We have a lot of work ahead of us in this session, and that includes helping people who are out of work and struggling due to the pandemic. I am committed to fighting for the changes we need, including raising our state’s minimum wage, affordable health care, criminal justice reforms and supporting much-needed economic development in our communities. I promise to work together with my colleagues to bring needed relief and changes to benefit all residents of our great state.” Prior to her election in November 2020, Kinkead worked as an attorney in private practice. While earning her law degree at the University of Pittsburgh, she interned with a legal aid clinic in Eldoret, Kenya, protecting the rights of HIV+ individuals and victims of domestic and gender violence. She also interned at Neighborhood Legal Services in Pittsburgh, helping low-income tenants in landlord-tenant disputes and at the Pitt Law Immigration Clinic, assisting clients seeking asylum in the United States. Prior to entering private practice, Kinkead clerked for Commonwealth Court Judge Michael Wojcik. She is an active volunteer with the Junior League of Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 5 – State Rep. Rob Matzie was sworn in today at the state Capitol in Harrisburg, taking the oath of office to begin his seventh term representing the people of the 16 th Legislative District. As he renewed his commitment to the district, Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the health of residents and the local economy are top priorities. “My top priority in the months ahead will be continuing to address the COVID pandemic and preparing for the recovery, both on the health front and the economic front. “As always, I will continue to support strong education funding at all levels, as well as job training and economic development opportunities for our communities. “Finally, I am proud to have been reappointed Democratic chairman of the House Consumer Affairs Committee. My focus will be on expanding broadband access and to fully – and safely – develop our state’s natural energy resources.” Matzie said his office – which is operating remotely during the pandemic – can help with a wide variety of state services, including prescription drug assistance, children’s insurance, unemployment compensation, driver and vehicle services, home heating and property tax/rent rebate applications, veterans’ issues and more. Residents should call the office at 724-266-7774 for assistance More information is available by Read more
Lawmakers ‘lament’ need for security, but pledge to ensure safety Read more
AMBRIDGE, Dec. 23 – Beaver County development projects will benefit from more than $1.5 million in funding thanks to state grants under state Redevelopment and Capital Assistance Program funding, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. “The funding to Aliquippa will allow us to transform a dead brownfield area into a thriving manufacturing area, which will provide job opportunities and economic revitalization for the entire area. The grant to Monaca will allow for construction of a 27,000-square-foot building to house police, fire and administrative operations, which will allow the borough to operate with greater efficiency and greater savings to taxpayers.” Matzie said the grants include the following: $1 million for redevelopment of a 40-acre brownfield and construction of a 250,000-square-foot high-tech manufacturing building located along the Ohio River in Aliquippa. $500,000 to build the new 27,000-square-foot, two-story Monaca Civic Center on Pacific Avenue in the borough to house police, fire and administrative departments. In addition to the Aliquippa and Monaca projects, Matzie said development projects in Midland Borough will receive $2.5 million in combined funding, and another development project in Center Township will receive $2 million in funding. The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program is a grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the Read more
AMBRIDGE, Dec. 23 – Beaver County residents will have access to free COVID-19 testing at a drive through-clinic in Monaca beginning Dec. 27, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced. Matzie said the testing will be available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily from Sunday, Dec. 27 through Thursday, Dec. 31 at the Community College of Beaver County, 1 Campus Drive, Monaca. Matzie said mid-nasal passage swab PCR tests are free and will be performed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Patients must be 3 or older and are not required to show symptoms of COVID-19 to be tested. No appointment is necessary. Patients are encouraged to bring a photo-ID or insurance card. Registration will also be completed on-site. The turnaround time for testing results is two to seven days after testing. More information on the testing is available here. Read more
PITTSBURGH, Dec. 17 – The Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics has been awarded a $50,000 grant to upgrade equipment used to train students pursuing aviation careers, state Rep.-elect Nick Pisciottano announced. Pisciottano, D-Allegheny, said the Keystone Communities Program grant process began under his predecessor, former state Rep. Bill Kortz, and he was able to complete Kortz’s efforts and secure the grant with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. PIA will use the grant to replace its 1200Y3 transponder bench unit test with a more updated version, which will provide students the ability to accurately test transponders and equipment used for air traffic control reporting, he added. “This Keystone Communities Program grant will help to ensure that PIA graduates remain at the top of the hiring list for aviation employers all across the industry for years to come,” Pisciottano said. “As young people realize careers in the technical trades are just as financially rewarding and professionally gratifying as those obtained with a four-year college degree, we hope more people will see schools like PIA – a prestigious, nationally top-ranked program – as an excellent option toward a great career, right here in our backyard.” “PIA is grateful to work with the Keystone Communities Program to ensure that this grant is put to practical use in a way that will enhance the career prospects of our Read more
AMBRIDGE, Dec. 9 – Grants totaling nearly $4.53 million will bolster programs to assist law enforcement, deter crime, protect domestic crime victims and offer supports and services for women and children victims of abuse, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the funding comes from grants administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, acting on recommendations by various advisory committees. “Funding from PCCD goes toward programs that make our communities safer by improving crime detection and prevention and enhancing services and support for victims. They help our law enforcement and social service workers do their jobs better and help crime victims recover and thrive. Essentially, they are investments in peace and safety for our region.” Matzie said grants approved by these committees will fund the following services: County Adult Probation and Parole Advisory Committee – improve probation services Allegheny County Improvement of Adult Probation Services – $1.33 million. Beaver County Improvement of Adult Probation Services – $282,501. Criminal Justice Advisory Committee – purchase body-worn law enforcement cameras Borough of Ambridge Law Enforcement and Corrections – $23,209. Beaver County Commissioners BWC Program Expansion – $2,892 . Criminal Justice Read more
AMBRIDGE, Dec. 8 – More area residents and business owners will have the benefit of high-speed broadband access thanks to nearly $2 million in funding from the Federal Communications Commission awarded today to five area broadband companies, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie said the funding is welcome after years of work to bring faster connections to area neighborhoods. “As Democratic chairman of the House Consumer Affairs Committee, expanding access for residents and businesses has been a top priority,” Matzie said. “I’m glad to see the federal government make this much-needed investment to help remove the digital divide that unfortunately exits based on Zip code. “So many day-to-day tasks and interactions depend on reliable, quick internet access, and the need is even greater now, as more people are working, shopping and socializing from home. Internet access has become similar to other essential services, such as water, electric and gas utility – with a level of expectation by the consumer that there is access and speed.” Matzie said the funding, which will provide access to 1,731 homes and businesses in the district, includes the following: $716,028 to Windstream Services LLC, to 259 Beaver County customers and another $180,474 for 114 Allegheny County customers. $593,551 to Space Exploration Technologies Corp. for 575 Beaver County customers and an additional Read more
AMBRIDGE, Dec. 7 – Tax credits totaling $400,000 will help rehabilitate blighted areas of Beaver County, revitalize parts of the business district and provide residents with food, rent and job training assistance, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the tax credits awarded to Aliquippa Economic Development Corp., which were approved under the state’s Neighborhood Assistance Program, will create investments that transform the landscape while improving residents’ lives. “I am pleased that the funding for this crucial community project continues the vision of our team of stakeholders led by Mayor Dwan Walker, council members Walker, Mottes, Piroli and Milliner, and community leaders,” Matzie said. “The public-private partnership with the commonwealth and BNY Mellon has paid big dividends in a variety of ways thus far, and the continuation of cleaning up blighted properties and rebuilding crucial infrastructure is the next step in improving the quality of life for city residents.” Matzie said that among other things, the tax credits will fund the following: Acquire 7 blighted houses in the West End Franklin Avenue Corridor and acquire and rehab 1 house in this neighborhood. Provide match funding for the house acquisition/rehabilitation projects, replace 800 feet of sidewalk and ADA ramps, and install signage and landscaping at the Gateway Read more
AMBRIDGE, Dec. 2 – State grant funding of $209,833 will help boost operations for museums and historical societies in Beaver and Allegheny counties as they work to preserve and showcase the region’s unique past, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie, who serves on the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, voted today to approve the grants as part of a package of nearly $2 million to 155 museums and county historical societies statewide. “Our region has an incredibly rich culture and history, and our museums and historical societies are the bridges that keep us connected to that rich past through colorful displays and events,” Matzie said. Many have been hit hard during the pandemic, as restrictions on events and gatherings have drained resources. Securing this funding is going to help ensure they are around to keep telling our history to future generations.” Matzie said the regional grants include the following: Allegheny County Braddock’s Battlefield History Center - $4,000 Carnegie Museum of Natural History & Carnegie Science Center - $40,000 Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh - $40,000 Frick Art & Historical Center - $40,000 Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania - $40,000 The Holocaust Center of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh - $8,462 Read more
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