Venkat announces nearly $400,000 in environmental grants

(Jan 12, 2023)

State Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny, announced today that Franklin Park has been awarded $390,900 in grants to address environmental concerns. Read more

 

Abney: $10.3 million in state grants awarded to decrease community gun violence

(Jan 12, 2023)

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 12 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today that a total of $10.3 million in state grants is being awarded to multiple Allegheny County entities for the purpose of preventing and limiting the frequency and severity of community gun violence. “Far too many innocent people have lost their lives to these senseless acts of violence, and far too many families have been irreversibly torn apart,” Abney said. “These funds are weapons in their own right to help stamp out the prevalence of these violent crimes.” Abney said that a $3 million Coordinated Community Violence Intervention grant is being allotted to the Neighborhood Resilience Project to supplement the Allegheny County Violence Prevention Plan. Abney also outlined that a total of $7.3 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention grants shall be utilized by several county organizations for outreach efforts, educational sessions, trauma aid and additional services. Beneficiaries of these grants are: Aaron Donald 99 Solutions Foundation: $80,015 for their Community Defense Project. ACH Clear Pathways: $450,000 to support their R.E.A.C.H. program. Allegheny County Chief Executive Officer: $2.43 million to implement the Rapid Employment and Development Initiative. Amachi Pittsburgh: $440,500 to their Hear4U Mobile Outreach. Foundation of HOPE: $809,000 for efforts that include their HOPE Aftercare/MAD DADS Read more

 

Abney announces a total of nearly $370,000 in multi-faceted school grants

(Jan 12, 2023)

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 12 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today that a total of nearly $370,000 in state grants is being awarded to colleges and public schools throughout Pittsburgh. Abney said the first set of grants, totaling slightly above $150,000, will be utilized to promote and strengthen university campus security, with a special emphasis on curtailing acts of sexual violence. These grants are part of Pennsylvania’s It’s On Us campaign, launched statewide by Gov. Tom Wolf in 2016 following President Obama’s national initiative. Beneficiaries of these grants include: Bidwell Training Center Inc.: $8,000 Community College of Allegheny County: $55,000 Duquesne University: $40,000 Point Park University: $40,000 Vet Tech Institute: $7,600 Per Abney, a second grant, nearly $217,000 and made possible by the Schools-to-Work Program, would help prepare Pittsburgh Public Schools students for careers in trades. Specifically, these monies will go to the Pipeline Into The Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Program which aids students seeking to enter the Carpenters’ Union Apprenticeship Program upon high school graduation. “Maintaining a safe space for students to pursue their dreams and goals is paramount to not only their success but to their overall well-being,” Abney said. “Furthermore, students deserve every and all opportunities to thrive in their chosen careers.” Additional Read more

 

Venkat: $20,000 to aid in goal of Hunger-Free campuses

(Jan 11, 2023)

Newly acquired funding of $20,000 will help La Roche University in McCandless move closer towards the goal of a hunger-free campus, state Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny, announced today. Read more

 

Allegheny County apprenticeship programs receive $716K boost

(Jan 11, 2023)

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 11 – Local programs to develop and expand opportunities for students preparing to enter the workforce were awarded more than $716,000 in grants through the state Department of Labor & Industry’s Schools-to-Work Program , the state House Allegheny County Democratic Delegation announced today. “Creating better job opportunities for our next generation of workers is foundational to continue growing our region’s economy,” said Rep. Nick Pisciottano, the delegation chair. “Investments like this support the idea that all Allegheny County workers deserve careers that allow them to raise a healthy family, own a home, and pursue their own happiness.” The following grants were among $2.7 million awarded today throughout the state: $250,000 to Carnegie Mellon University to support their Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing Pathways for Underserved Populations (RAMP UP) approach, leveraging trained staff and resources from Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy to deliver SMART Robotics technician training to underserved formal credit recovery high-school students (aged 17-21) at Passport Charter School , a formal learning site where this type of training is typically not found. $250,000 to PHASE 4 Learning Center to support their Giving Opportunities through Robotics and Manufacturing program, designed to prepare Read more

 

Mayes: $50K awarded for local non-profit

(Jan 11, 2023)

State Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes, D-Allegheny, today announced that a local food growth non-profit, Grow Pittsburgh, has been awarded $50,000 in state funding. Read more

 

Abney: $200,000 in preparatory state grants for Duquesne University announced

(Jan 09, 2023)

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 9 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today that a total of $200,000 in state grants is being awarded to Duquesne University for the purpose of preparing the school’s faculty and staff members to educate students. “These individuals are the integral resource dedicated to preparing young adults for the next important phase of their lives,” Abney said. “I’m thrilled that these grants will help professors and university leadership members excel at the highest level so they can impart that success on students.” Abney said Duquesne’s faculty and staff members will be the beneficiaries of two $100,000 grants made possible by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. One grant will help connect members of school leadership with local education agencies to better acclimate them to their roles, and the other grant will provide an interlinked process of training for prospective educators. More information about PDE’s policies and programs is available on the department’s website . Read more

 

Mayes takes oath of office to represent the 24th Legislative District

(Jan 05, 2023)

State Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes took the oath of office in the state Capitol Tuesday to begin representing the 24th Legislative District. Read more

 

Venkat: Over $600,000 in traffic safety grants awarded to McCandless, Hampton townships

(Jan 04, 2023)

Today, state Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny, announced $626,483 in state funding for his community. Read more

 

Benham begins second term in state House

(Jan 04, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 4 – State Rep. Jessica Benham took the oath of office in the state Capitol yesterday to begin her second term representing the 36th Legislative District in Allegheny County. For her second term, Benham said she plans to continue fighting for legislative changes that promote access to health care, public education, improvements to critical infrastructure, public safety, workers’ rights and more. “I pledge to continue fighting for working families in Pennsylvania, many of whom are currently struggling to get by,” said Benham. “My colleagues in Harrisburg and I are eager to continue working to pass legislation that will make material changes for those most in need.” As one of the few openly LGBTQ+ members in the General Assembly, Benham was recently named co-chair of the PA House LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus alongside state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., positioning the pair to lead on championing bills like the PA Fairness Act in the 2023-24 legislative session. In addition to pursuing policy changes in Harrisburg, Benham said her office on Brownsville Road is ready to help constituents with a variety of state-related services, including home heating assistance, children’s health insurance, prescription drug and property tax/rent rebate assistance. Residents can visit RepJess.com to find out more. The 36th Legislative District includes about 62,000 residents in the boroughs of Read more

 

Pisciottano sworn in for second term in state House

(Jan 04, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 4 – State Rep. Nick Pisciottano took the oath of office in the state Capitol yesterday to begin his second term representing the 38th Legislative District in Allegheny County. For his second term, Pisciottano said he plans to continue pushing legislative initiatives that support workers and create a fairer economy for all Pennsylvanians, among other things. “I’m eager to continue fighting for policies that help working families in our corner of Allegheny County and across Pennsylvania,” Pisciottano said. “My family has lived and worked in this region for generations. I’m committed to improving and growing what I already consider to be one of the best communities in the country to raise a family.” Pisciottano was also unanimously elected by his peers to serve as the PA House Allegheny County Democratic Delegation chair , and was named the chairman of the newly formed House Democratic Policy Subcommittee on Labor, Energy and Development . “In my new leadership roles I am looking forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to promote smart policies to foster a prosperous economy and rebuild Pennsylvania’s middle class,” Pisciottano said. “Now more than ever we need to be able to work together and across party lines to get things done in Harrisburg, because at Read more

 

Kinkead takes oath for second term in state House

(Jan 03, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 3 – State Rep. Emily Kinkead took the oath of office in the state Capitol today to begin her second term representing the 20th Legislative District in Allegheny County. For her second term, Kinkead said she plans to continue pursuing legislative priorities that promote safer and more equitable schools and communities, criminal justice reform, reproductive rights, and support for landslide victims, among other things. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue improving Allegheny County communities and making them more accessible for everyone,” said Kinkead. “I fought hard in Harrisburg alongside my Democratic colleagues throughout my first term. I’m eager to continue that fight, now as a member of the majority party in the state House, and help create a better life for all Pennsylvanians.” In addition to pushing policy changes in Harrisburg, Kinkead said her Bellevue office is ready to help constituents with a variety of state-related services, including home heating assistance, children’s health insurance, prescription drug and Property Tax/Rent Rebate assistance. Residents can visit RepEmilyKinkead.com to find out more. The 20th Legislative District includes about 62,000 residents in the township of Ross, the boroughs of Avalon, Bellevue and West View, and the 26th and 27th wards of Pittsburgh. Judge John McNally Read more

 

Steele sworn in for first term as state representative

(Jan 03, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 3 – State Rep. Mandy Steele took the oath of office today in the state Capitol to begin representing the 33 rd Legislative District. The noon swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of the 2023-24 legislative session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Steele said she wants to prioritize protecting women’s rights and working to promote a green economy across the commonwealth and locally, which would not only increase the commonwealth’s energy independence and address climate change, but also create jobs and save taxpayers money. “It is an honor to be selected by my community to work here in Harrisburg for them,” Steele said. “I come from a background of bringing people together from all walks of life and ideologies to better the community and I am ready to continue to do that. I think those skills – and the ability to work across the aisle, will be critical in the year ahead.” Steele said her office can help with a variety of state-related services, including home heating assistance, children’s health insurance, prescription drug and property tax/rent rebate assistance. Residents can find out more by going to www.pahouse.com/steele The 33 rd Legislative District includes the townships of East Deer, Fawn, Frazer, Harmar, Harrison, Indiana, O’Hara and Springdale. Additionally, the district includes the boroughs of Aspinwall, Blawnox, Brackenridge, Read more

 

Venkat takes state representative oath

(Jan 03, 2023)

State Rep. Arvind Venkat took the oath of office in the state Capitol today to begin representing the 30th Legislative District. Read more

 

Pisciottano joins Pittsburgh Regional Transit Board of Directors

(Dec 22, 2022)

PITTSBURGH, Dec. 22 – Serving alongside Allegheny County’s top transit innovators, state Rep. Nick Pisciottano, D-Allegheny, announced today that House Democratic Majority Leader Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, has appointed him to the Pittsburgh Regional Transit Board of Directors. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to help shape the future of Pennsylvania’s second largest public transit agency,” Pisciottano said. “In this new role, I’ll be working hard to ensure that Pittsburgh and Allegheny County residents can continue to access public transportation that is safe, reliable, and affordable.” In April, Pisciottano helped secure nearly $1 million for the authority to make fundamental upgrades to pedestrian crossings, bus stops, and traffic signals along Route 837 , one of the most heavily travelled roads in Allegheny County. At his West Mifflin district office, Pisciottano and his staff regularly help constituents receive Senior Citizen ConnectCards, which allow seniors to access PRT and other public transit services at no cost . Pisciottano will fill the PRT board vacancy left by Lt. Gov.-elect Austin Davis. The PRT board appointment comes just weeks after Pisciottano was appointed chair of the newly formed House Democratic Policy Subcommittee on Labor, Energy and Development, poising him to lead on a host Read more

 

Allegheny County organizations awarded $27 million for community safety initiatives

(Dec 16, 2022)

PITTSBURGH, Dec. 16 – The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency recently awarded more than $27 million to local law enforcement agencies, nonprofits and other community safety-focused organizations throughout the region, the state House Allegheny County Democratic Delegation announced today. “These investments will play a fundamental role in reducing crime across Allegheny County,” said state Rep. Nick Pisciottano, delegation chair. “I applaud everyone who helped connect these tax dollars to essential programs in our communities. I look forward to continuing to exhaust every possible funding opportunity that will increase the safety and well-being of all county residents.” The following were among the many PCCD grants distributed across the county this week: $17.6 million to Pittsburgh City for portable radios and related hardware. $2.3 million to the Allegheny County chief executive officer to reduce violent crime in the county. $1.8 million to the Center for Victims, which provides critical support and services to victims of all crimes. $740,000 to Duquesne City law enforcement for digital surveillance cameras, and associated equipment; automatic license plate readers and associated equipment; drone; IT server for storage; associated costs to install equipment. Read more

 

Pisciottano: $290,000 awarded to support local law enforcement

(Dec 15, 2022)

BALDWIN, Dec. 15 – Law enforcement agencies in West Mifflin and Baldwin have been awarded $290,000 through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, state Rep. Nick Pisciottano, D-Allegheny, announced today. “Our communities are safer when local law enforcement has the right tools and proper training," said Pisciottano. “I’ll continue advocating for grants every chance I get to support emergency services across our region.” Funds were awarded as follows: $200,000 to Baldwin Borough to fund drug recognition training and costs associated with attending the 2022 and 2023 PA DUI Conferences. $90,240 to West Mifflin Borough to purchase dash-mounted cameras for police cars. More information on PCCD grants can be found here . Read more

 

Benham applauds $1.8 million for safer communities

(Dec 15, 2022)

PITTSBURGH, Dec. 15 – More than $1.8 million in grants has been awarded to two area organizations through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, state Rep. Jessica Benham, D-Allegheny, announced today. Benham praised both awards, saying the funds will enhance community safety initiatives and increase access to essential victim services throughout the region. Funds were awarded as follows: $1.8 million to the Center for Victims , which provides critical support and services to victims of all crimes, including-domestic violence, rape and sexual assault, child sexual assault and physical abuse, elder abuse, homicide, burglary, and incidents of mass violence. $10,000 for security enhancement projects at the Pittsburgh Hispanic Development Corp. , a community organization focusing on racial and economic equity in the area. More information on PCCD grants can be found here . Read more

 

Frankel, Muth to hand off LGBTQ+ Caucus Leadership

(Nov 29, 2022)

Kenyatta, Benham will lead the caucus in 2023-24 session Read more

 

Rep. Pisciottano elected chairman of Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation

(Nov 15, 2022)

Pisciottano, a legislator in the final weeks of his first term representing parts of the Mon Valley and the South Hills, will succeed now Lieutenant Governor-elect Austin Davis, who served as ACHDD chair in the 2021-22 legislative session. Read more