Newly listed state grant programs Read more
HARRISBURG, Aug. 28 – Majority House Health Committee Chair Dan Frankel issued the following statement in response to state Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor’s audit released today: “I’m embarrassed for the auditor general, but he’s not the first person to struggle to understand our health care system. It’s far too complicated, and these massive companies intentionally use that fact to fleece health care consumers. “Those of us working on this issue understand that spread pricing is a specific way that pharmacy benefit managers make money – by collecting the difference between how much they pay for drugs and how much they charge. Our Department of Human Services banned spread pricing in Medical Assistance years ago, and it is prohibited in contracts. “Unsurprisingly, PBMs still do find a variety of ways to extract profits from pharmacies, even though they are already barred from doing so through spread pricing specifically. PBMs are extremely savvy corporations that excel at finding loopholes and making money off our pharmaceutical distribution system. In fact, they are currently being investigated for these practices by the Federal Trade Commission. “While I’ll allow that this industry is allergic to transparency and intentionally confusing, I am genuinely shocked that a public official charged with protecting the interests of this commonwealth could be so easily snookered. Read more
“I dispute the findings of the Auditor General’s audit because they are rooted in a lack of understanding of key terms. Had the Auditor General engaged with me at any point on the issue of Pharmacy Benefits Managers, an issue I’ve been working on for quite some time, he would perhaps have a better grasp of the issues." Read more
Celebrates new law to reform pharmacy benefit manager policy Read more
“The good news is that we know treatment can work – Michael and I are living proof that childhood stuttering doesn’t have to stand in the way of a successful future,” said state Rep. Markosek, D-Allegheny. “But timing is important; because treating stuttering is easier and more successful when kids are younger, it’s critically important that parents and caregivers have the coverage needed to get their children started at an early age. Read more
“The convention center attracts visitors from across the country to downtown Pittsburgh and is surrounded by many of our city’s top attractions. That's why it's essential to ensure the area is safe and accessible for pedestrians and bicyclists,” said state Rep. Abney. Read more
Newly listed grant program Read more
Lawmakers tout pharmaceutical industry reform to help patients, local pharmacies Read more
BRADDOCK, Aug. 12 – Students in the 34 th Legislative District will enjoy more fresh produce during the school day thanks to $54,780 in new grants from the Department of Education, state Rep. Abigail Salisbury announced today. Salisbury, D-Allegheny, said the funding under the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program includes $21,384 to Propel Braddock Hills Elementary School, $18,414 to Kelly Primary School in Wilkinsburg and $14,982 to Turner Intermediate School in Wilkinsburg. “We know good nutrition is essential to brain development and also for boosting the cognitive and concentration skills kids need in the classroom,” Salisbury said. “With the new funding, our schools can add fresh, delicious fruits and vegetables during the school day to fuel learning while also teaching kids healthy eating lessons they can carry into the future.” To be eligible, schools must participate in the National School Lunch Program. To give children from low-income families more opportunities to consume fresh produce on a regular basis, the FFVP prioritizes schools with the highest percentage of children eligible for free and reduced-price meals. More information is available here: https://www.media.pa.gov/pages/education-details.aspx?newsid=1484#:~:text=Nearly%20%247.3%20million%20in%20grant,two%20years%20in%20a%20row . Read more
ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Aug. 12 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny, announced that a total of $570,000 in state funds was awarded to two fire companies in Pennsylvania’s 30th Legislative District by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development . Emsworth Volunteer Fire Company received $350,000 for equipment needs, while Highland Volunteer Fire Department in McCandless was allotted $220,000 to upgrade their communications equipment. “Providing these firefighters with the equipment needed to save lives and keep themselves safe is paramount,” Venkat said. “I’m proud to support our first responders as much as possible and thank them for their selfless service to our neighbors and communities every day.” Recently, Venkat also helped Ohio Township Volunteer Fire Company secure $270,000 to purchase a new water tanker truck. Read more
Historic increase in funding delivers on promises to reduce waiting lists, help raise wages for caregivers Read more
“Upgrades like these are important for enhancing safety, reducing delays, and even cutting idling times to reduce pollution. I want to thank PennDOT and our local partners who helped make this funding happen," Salisbury said. Read more
OHIO TOWNSHIP, Aug. 2 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny, announced that Ohio Township received a $248,666 state grant to enhance community safety. The funds will be implemented to modernize traffic signal equipment at the intersection of Mount Nebo Road and Arndt Road in the township. “Traffic lights are an absolute necessity when it comes to regulating the safe flow of vehicles and pedestrians every day,” Venkat said. “Securing dollars to help ensure these essential pieces of infrastructure function properly is an investment in the health and well-being of Ohio Township residents and visitors alike.” Ohio Township is one of 73 Pennsylvania municipalities receiving a total of $30 million in Green Light-Go grants. The program, facilitated by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, awards monies to communities for the purpose of improving congestion and traffic flow. By upgrading to newer technologies in detection, traffic signals are better equipped to respond to real time traffic demand. Read more
"I am thrilled to see this significant investment in improving traffic infrastructure in Monroeville," said Markosek. "The Green Light-Go grants will allow for the implementation of state-of-the-art technologies, making our roadways safer and more efficient for all residents and commuters." Read more
State Rep. Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny, addresses access to voting during a hearing in Pittsburgh on July 30. HARRISBURG, July 31 – Led by state Reps. Aerion Abney, Napoleon Nelson, Rick Krajewski, Anthony Bellmon and Greg Scott, the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus on Tuesday heard from Allegheny County officials over incarcerated peoples’ right to vote from jail. The caucus held a news conference in Pittsburgh during their Lunch and Learn Event with guests, including Allegheny County Jail Assistant Deputy Warden Connie Clark, County Elections Manager David Voye, Lorraine Cross of the Black Political Empowerment Project, Amy Kleissas from the League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh, Destiny of Faith Church Rev. Brenda Gregg, and Teresa Minor Spencer of West End Power. "Even behind bars, the right to vote is a beacon of hope, reminding us that every voice matters, and that redemption and civic duty are intertwined," said Abney, D-Allegheny. “Voting from jail underscores the principle that rehabilitation includes reintegration into society, fostering a sense of responsibility and participation in democratic processes.” Discussion centered on allowing incarcerated individuals to vote and how that emphasizes the idea that justice and democracy are inclusive. "The vote is the great equalizer; it bridges the gap between those inside and outside prison walls, ensuring that all citizens Read more
Newly listed grant programs Read more
“We know clean energy manufacturing is a tremendous opportunity in this commonwealth that has never existed before,” said Rep. Mandy Steele, who hosted the hearing and represents portions of Allegheny County. “We have the potential for unbelievable job creation and business growth, and we learned more about the thousands of jobs being created and the potential to bring manufacturing jobs back to Pennsylvania from Asia – but it’s important the state continues to support these efforts to maximize this moment.” Read more
HARRISBURG, July 29 – Pennsylvania Jewish Legislative Caucus Co-Chairs Sen. Judy Schwank and Rep. Dan Frankel issued the following statements today condemning the antisemitic vandalism of Chabad of Squirrel Hill and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh. “The vandalism of Chabad of Squirrel Hill and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh is an instance of the increasingly frequent expressions of antisemitism in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. While this did not occur in my own community, my heart goes out to all those who have been hurt or feel unsafe as a result of this display,” said Schwank, D-Berks. “Any expression of antisemitism is an attack on all our Jewish communities, families, friends and neighbors. It is disgusting, it is unacceptable and it has no place in our commonwealth.” “Vandalizing Chabad of Squirrel Hill and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh is not only an antisemitic attack on pillars of Pittsburgh’s Jewish community, but an attack on the values of tolerance, respect and community that we as Pittsburghers hold dear,” said Frankel, D-Allegheny. “Hate has no place in Pittsburgh or anywhere else, and we must stand together to denounce such acts of intolerance.” Last week, Frankel joined various other state leaders at the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh to announce the availability of $10 million in funding for Read more
PITTSBURGH, July 29 – State Rep. Dan Frankel and state Sen. Jay Costa issued the following joint statement today regarding Chabad of Squirrel Hill and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh being vandalized: “Vandalizing Chabad of Squirrel Hill and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh is an attack on the values of tolerance, respect and community that we as Pittsburghers hold dear,” said Rep. Frankel. “Hate has no place in Pittsburgh or anywhere else, and we must stand together to denounce such acts of intolerance.” “Today, I am profoundly saddened and enraged to learn that vandals have spray-painted graffiti on the Chabad in Squirrel Hill as well as the Jewish Federation,” said Costa. “I condemn in the strongest terms this morning’s acts of vandalism, and I call on every person to reject all forms of hatred, discrimination, antisemitism and division that threaten to divide us further from each other.” Last week, Costa and Frankel announced the availability of $10 million in funding for nonprofit organizations to enhance security through the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program . The program was created in the aftermath of the attack on the synagogues in the Tree of Life building in 2018 to help houses of faith and other community organizations strengthen security. Applications for the fall 2024-25 Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program are being accepted until Aug. 27. For Read more
OHIO TOWNSHIP, July 26 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny, announced that the Ohio Township Volunteer Fire Company of Allegheny County has received $270,000 in state funds from the Office of the State Fire Commissioner. Ohio Township VFC will use the monies to purchase a new water tanker truck and replace a tanker truck that’s over 30 years old. “Firefighters save lives and protect our communities every day. They cannot afford to have resources that malfunction or break down on the job,” Venkat said. “The brave men and women of Ohio Township Volunteer Fire Company are better prepared to face the perils of their profession with this new vehicle.” These dollars are made possible by the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Loan Program, which provides funds to fire and emergency medical services companies for the acquisition, rehabilitation or improvement of apparatus, facilities and equipment. Read more
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