PITTSBURGH, Oct. 23 – State Reps. Aerion A. Abney and Lindsay Powell announced today that a $5 million state grant was awarded to Pittsburgh School District for updating HVAC systems at several district schools. Abney, Powell, state Reps. Dan Deasy, Jessica Benham and La’Tasha D. Mayes, and state Sens. Wayne Fontana and Jay Costa helped facilitate The Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program’s allocation that will install new systems at the following 11 educational institutions: Arsenal PreK-5 Arsenal 6-8 Carrick High School Classical 6-8 (PCA) Clayton Academy Concord PreK-5 CAPA 6-12 Grandview PreK-5 King PreK-8 Weil PreK-5 Westinghouse Academy 6-12 “Making these upgrades throughout Pittsburgh School District will help make for learning environments that are conducive to student livelihood and helping them achieve at the highest possible academic level,” Abney, D-Allegheny, said. “Thank you to my House and Senate colleagues for their combined collaboration in securing these dollars.” “Getting students ready to learn and excel in the classroom are imperative, and these funds will help ensure Pittsburgh School District students can perform their best in all academic endeavors,” Powell, D-Allegheny, added, “We’ve seen how old HVAC systems, coupled with climate change, can result in an unbearable learning environment, and I’m proud to partner with my fellow Read more
PITTSBURGH, Oct. 22 – Grant funding of $881,124 is coming to the 23 rd Legislative District to fund building upgrades and renovations, state Rep. Dan Frankel announced today. Frankel said the funding – secured through the Commonwealth Financing Authority under the Local Share Account program – will enhance security, accessibility and utility for two community buildings. “These grants will not only strengthen our shared community infrastructure but also support the rich diversity that makes our corner of Pittsburgh such a special place to live,” said Frankel, D-Allegheny. “Through this funding, we will help foster a more secure, inclusive and thriving environment for all.” “I am delighted to be announcing the recipients of these LSA dollars to benefit our communities,” said Sen. Jay Costa. “These dollars will help deliver safety, quality of life and basic needs to our friends and neighbors across the district. I look forward to seeing these dollars improve our municipalities and improving the daily experiences of our fellow residents.” The funding includes: $531,124 to Yeshivath Achei Tmimim of Pittsburgh for a project to renovate a former elementary school into a K-12 private school for boys, including reflooring several portions of the building and retrofitting the kitchen, which will serve meals to students as well as community meals through Read more
PITTSBURGH, Oct. 23 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced that a total of $2,827,731 in state grants was awarded to several local institutions. Local Share Account funds were presented to the following eight projects: Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh – $750,000 for renovating the third floor of the Center for Hearing and Deaf Services, Inc. Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh -- $600,000 for restoring parts of Allegheny Landing. Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County – $312,000 for upgrades to David L. Lawrence Convention Center’s 10 th Street underpass lighting. Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh – $300,000 for renovating the future site of the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh’s Annex. Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh – $250,000 for renovating the fifth floor of Pittsburgh Gateways Corporation’s Energy Innovation Center. Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh – $224,366 for constructing a memorial to honor the fallen firefighters of Pittsburgh Fire Fighters IAFF Local No. 1. Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh – $200,000 for Lower Hill District Foundation, Inc.’s future Urban Open Space. Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh – $191,365 for redeveloping the Read more
State grants support school renovations, milk bank construction Read more
LSA grants awarded for local restoration, construction projects Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 23 – State Rep. Aerion Abney’s bill that would exclude a portion of a person’s potential revenue when determining their financial eligibility for senior prescription programs in Pennsylvania passed the state Senate yesterday. Abney’s legislation ( H.B. 2378 ) would not count the total dollar amount, including face value and interest earned, of redeemed savings bonds as part of older Pennsylvanians’ income when they apply for either the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly or PACE Needs Enhancement Tier, otherwise known as PACE and PACENET. “Keeping prescription coverage in place for our seniors not only ensures they continue to receive the medications they need to maintain and improve their health and well-being, but excluding savings bond assets will keep more money in their pockets for other necessities,” Abney, D-Allegheny, said. “Thank you to my colleagues in the Senate and everyone for their personal and financial investments in older Pennsylvanians.” PACE is funded entirely by the Pennsylvania Lottery and has helped more than 1.6 million PA seniors pay for more than 360 million prescriptions. PACE and PACENET currently serve more than 250,000 older Pennsylvanians. Abney’s bill now goes to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk to be signed into law. Read more
Funding for asbestos removal, security upgrades at elementary schools Read more
State grants fund firehall renovations, ADA improvements Read more
ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Oct. 22 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny, announced that a total of more than $1.8 million in state grants was awarded to several local institutions. Venkat and state Sen. Devlin Robinson, R-Allegheny, helped facilitate The Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program’s allocation of $1 million to the Avonworth School District for roof replacement work at Avonworth Middle/High School. In addition, $841,100 in Local Share Account funds was awarded to the following four projects: Ohio Township -- $500,000 for the expansion of AHN Site Park. Ben Avon Heights Borough -- $181,100 for pedestrian, curb and roadway improvements along Canterbury Road. Franklin Park Borough -- $100,000 for purchasing a bucket truck. Franklin Park Borough -- $60,000 for roof replacement work on two buildings in Blueberry Hill. “Securing these dollars means giving communities the tools and resources they need to keep neighbors safe and stay on top of local priorities, as well,” Venkat said, “It is my honor and privilege to do all I can in my role to best serve the good people of the 30th Legislative District.” PSFIG provides grants to public school districts and area career and technical schools for eligible facility improvement projects. The LSA supports projects in the public interest within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and is made possible by gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Read more
Today, Senator Jay Costa joins State Representative Aerion Abney are proud to announce $580,000 in LSA funding benefitting their districts. Read more
ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Oct. 22 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat and state Sen. Lindsey Williams announced that a total of $1.12 million in state grants was awarded to several local institutions. “Ensuring the safety and well-being of neighbors young and old and keeping our communities proactive in addressing issues as they arise is vital,” Venkat, D-Allegheny, said, “Thank you to Senator Lindsey Williams for her collaboration in securing these crucial dollars.” “Funding our EMS agencies so they have the equipment that they need to provide high-quality services to our communities is a top priority for me,” Williams, D-Allegheny, added, “I’m incredibly grateful for the work that McCandless Franklin Park Ambulance Authority does to keep this community safe and healthy every day, and I’m proud to partner with them and local municipal leaders and elected officials to secure funding that will help them continue that work.” Venkat, Williams and state Rep. Rob Mercuri, R-Allegheny, helped facilitate The Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program’s allocation of $700,000 to Hampton Township School District for roof replacement work at Hampton Township Middle School. In addition, $426,485 in Local Share Account funds was presented to the following three projects: McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority-$200,000 for purchasing a new ambulance. McCandless Township-$166,000 for repairing Read more
BRADDOCK, Oct. 22 – New funding of $7.1 million from the Commonwealth Financing Authority will support multiple infrastructure and revitalization projects across the 34 th Legislative District, state Rep. Abigail Salisbury announced today. “It’s exciting to see new funding coming home to support projects to repair our roads, improve our wastewater services, transform vacant properties into public spaces and revitalize our downtown centers.” Salisbury said. “These are investments that address real-life needs, expand access to jobs and community services and make life safer and more promising for residents.” Salisbury said the grants by region – awarded from Statewide Local Share Account funding – include: Braddock Borough $125,762 to purchase a police cruiser and public skid loader; $125,000 for Phase II of a sanitary sewer rehabilitation project; and $72,000 to purchase and install new residential water meters. Chalfant Borough $225,000 for road resurfacing and $175,000 for municipal building renovations. Churchill Borough $124,950 for school zone radar warning signs. East Pittsburgh Borough $306,000 to purchase a building and land for the National Museum of Broadcasting. Edgewood Borough $425,000 for municipal complex improvements. Forest Hills Borough $650,000 to renovate the main park pool office and locker room. North Braddock Borough Read more
State Rep. Brandon Markosek's HB 2268 guarantees that children who stutter can access speech therapy without facing financial barriers. Read more
"These grants are an investment in the future of our communities," said state Rep. Dan Deasy. "From modernizing Green Tree's public swimming pool to improving sidewalks and addressing environmental concerns in Scott Township, this funding will directly benefit residents by enhancing safety, recreation and infrastructure." Read more
"These grants will enhance the quality of life in our communities," said state Rep. Brandon Markosek, D-Allegheny. "They will support improvements to our parks, repair roads, and ensure that our schools and public spaces are safe and accessible. I am pleased to see investments on projects that are focused on creating a safer, healthier and more vibrant future for our residents.” Read more
Yesterday, Governor Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 402(opens in a new tab) into law — officially recognizing Diwali as a state holiday in Pennsylvania while attending a Diwali, Tihar, and Bandi Chhor Diwas celebration hosted by the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Asian American & Pacific Islander Affairs in the atrium of the Keystone Building in downtown Harrisburg. Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 22 – Gov. Josh Shapiro held a ceremonial bill signing yesterday at the state Capitol for state Rep. Matthew R. Gergely’s bill that will help liquor-licensed establishments address staffing needs and increase profitability through multiple measures. Act 57 of 2024 , formerly H.B. 829, was originally introduced as a flexible hiring initiative, one that allows qualified employees to work at more than one liquor licensee at a given time. The law was amended, however, to also include the following provisions: Increase the number of weekly happy hours from 14 to 24 at bars and restaurants. Allow entities to offer as many as two discounted combination meals, alcoholic drink included, daily. Make permanent the option of temporary outdoor dining areas within 1,000 feet of these establishments. “Liquor licensees were hit hard by COVID-19, and many struggled to make ends meet and stay in business. My legislation invests in the financial stability and livelihood of establishment employees and helps these small businesses flourish and contribute to a strong local and state economy,” Gergely said. “I want to thank Governor Shapiro, my colleagues in both chambers, and everyone who made Act 57 possible.” Act 57 of 2024 is Gergely’s second bill to become law this legislative session. In April, Act 6 of 2024 , which ensures donated plasma is suitable for integration into essential pharmaceuticals, Read more
Lawmakers, public defenders, researchers and others involved in the criminal justice system in Pennsylvania will hold a public hearing to talk about the state of public defense in the commonwealth, the progress that has been made, and the challenges that still need to be addressed. Read more
Medical debt is an issue that disproportionately impacts rural Pennsylvanians. Efforts to reduce medical debt have been thwarted by legislators representing those communities. Read more
BRADDOCK, Oct. 17 – State Rep. Abigail Salisbury will host the second annual Nonprofit Symposium from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 9 PA, 100 Kingston Drive, Pittsburgh. Salisbury said the free event will be a critical resource for Pennsylvania nonprofit groups of all kinds that are working to maximize funding and further their mission. “Nonprofit groups and the work they do – whether it’s fighting hunger, easing homelessness, promoting mental health or connecting residents with other essential services – make a huge impact, and everything we do to support them strengthens their outreach. “Last year’s symposium was a huge success, and I’m even more excited for this year’s event, because we have added new topics and speakers to help these groups succeed. Getting everyone together in the same room to network and share strategies – all with the same mission of empowering residents and helping their community – brings a special energy to this event.” Salisbury said the symposium will feature: A grant workshop and tips for tapping into state funding. A free copy of the latest state grant directory. A board development workshop. Strategies for advocating with elected officials. Updates on nonprofit law developments. Ideas on how to obtain real estate to Read more
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