Legislation would ensure essential documents for formerly incarcerated people Read more
HARRISBURG, March 27 – State Reps. Shelby Labs, R-Bucks, and Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, have introduced the Victims of Violence Relocation Act. Under the legislation ( H.B. 2162 ), eligible violent crime survivors would be entitled to relocation assistance and extend the timeframe for requesting such assistance from 90 to 180 days after the crime occurred. The legislators said this would allow survivors more time to access necessary support and ensure they can utilize federal documentation to validate their need for relocation. “Increasing protections for all victims as they heal is vital,” said Labs. “This bipartisan legislation improves on the steps taken by Act 148 of 2018 and makes sure that more of Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable can be supported and protected. I want to thank Representative Powell for partnering with me to introduce this crucial bill that protects victims of violent crime across the Commonwealth.” “I’m proud to partner with Representative Labs to introduce this critical legislation that will ensure survivors of violent crime have the needed agency to navigate their recovery journey,” Powell added. “My heart breaks for these victims, and it’s imperative that we take steps to alleviate unnecessary burdens to help them address their trauma.” The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence said one in three women, one in four men and nearly half of LGBTQ+ Read more
Today, Sen. Jim Brewster and Rep. Matthew Gergely announced a $1.8 million Multimodal Transportation grant for the City of McKeesport. Read more
“With McCandless ranked as largely below average for walkability and most errands requiring a car, these funds will make McCandless more accessible for pedestrians,” Venkat said. “In 2022, more than 7,500 pedestrians died in the U.S., the highest since 1981. These investments in McCandless will ensure that we enhance our community’s walkability, as well as safeguard lives.” Read more
“I introduced this legislation after speaking with my constituent Kathy Briden of Franklin Park, whose son Matthew tragically died after accidentally being exposed to peanuts while eating at a restaurant in Allegheny County,” Venkat said. “Nearly 50% of deaths caused by food allergies occur at restaurants and retail food establishments. These deaths are preventable. House Bill 1869 would help ensure food safety at restaurants, protecting millions of Pennsylvanians with food allergies.” Read more
“As Pittsburgh ranks in the top five largest U.S. cities for those who commute by walking, these investments make necessary strides toward repairing our city’s sidewalks,” Mayes said. “This reconstruction will ensure that all residents may access Pittsburgh, making it one of the best investments in our urban infrastructure.” Read more
PITTSBURGH, March 26 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced that a total of $1,024,147 in state grants has been awarded to help make navigating Pittsburgh a safer and easier prospect for those on foot and bicycles alike. The Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County received a $950,000 Multimodal Transportation Fund grant to aid pedestrian access to PNC Park. The City of Pittsburgh was also allotted a $74,147 MTF grant for a cycle lane/trail paving project to connect Second Avenue to its existing transportation network. “Connecting residents and visitors to all corners of the city helps ensure their personal and financial livelihood and translates into substantial funds for making Pittsburgh even better,” Abney said. “Not only that, these dollars are key to the local economic health and key to enjoying the sports legacy established right here in the City of Champions.” MTF grants are facilitated by the Commonwealth Financing Authority and help to provide a reliable system of transportation to residents statewide. Monies may be used for the development, rehabilitation and enhancement of transportation assets to existing communities, streetscape, lighting, sidewalk enhancement, pedestrian safety, connectivity of transportation assets and transit-oriented development. Read more
Treasurer Stacy Garrity and state Rep. Lindsay Powell (D-21) announced today that more than $200,000 in unclaimed property is being returned to residents and businesses in Pittsburgh following recent events hosted by Rep. Powell. Read more
“I’m pleased to see investments in enhancing roadways, but also ones that give residents other transportation options and prioritize pedestrian safety,” state Rep. Anita Kulik said. “These projects are practical steps towards creating communities that are more vibrant and accessible.” Read more
“Sidewalks are essential infrastructure that connect communities and promote physical activity,” state Rep. Dan Deasy said. “The new grants will help to improve safety and accessibility so that residents can navigate their neighborhoods with ease.” Read more
“As the state representative for the 33rd Legislative District, I prioritize investments that put the safety of communities first, and that is why I advocated for more than $1.25 million for our infrastructure,” Steele said. “With Pennsylvania having some of the oldest infrastructure in the country, the 33rd Legislative District would benefit from enhancements to our infrastructure, which include upgrading a traffic signal, constructing a roundabout, and installing sidewalks. These investments will make the townships of Harrison and O’Hara, and Sharpsburg Borough, safer and more accessible.” Read more
BRADDOCK, March 26 – Major transportation improvements are coming to Wilkinsburg and Swissvale, thanks to nearly $1.63 million in new grant funding from the Commonwealth Financing Authority, state Rep. Abigail Salisbury announced today. Salisbury, D-Allegheny, said three separate grants awarded under the CFA’s Multimodal Transportation Fund will support improvements for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists in both boroughs. “Safe, hassle-free transportation is a big quality-of-life issue and one that requires smart investments – whether they’re to upgrade existing roads and sidewalks or construct new routes that make it easier for folks to get around the community. The new funding will allow us to move forward on projects that will improve access and road quality for Wilkinsburg residents and add streetscaping to a busy route in Swissvale. I want to thank CFA and our local partners who helped us bring this funding home.” Salisbury said the funding includes: $643,268 to Wilkinsburg Borough to reconstruct Laketon Road and Graham Boulevard. $586,750 to Swissvale Borough for streetscape improvements along Monongahela Avenue. $397,310 to Action Housing Inc. to construct pedestrian and transportation improvements around Penn Lincoln Apartments in Wilkinsburg. The MTF provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available for Read more
The School Counseling Services Act (H.B. 1665) would require schools to implement comprehensive counseling services that provide support to all students. It would also direct school counselors to spend at least 80% of their time providing direct and indirect services to students. Read more
Bill would enhance rescue capabilities in western PA Read more
PITTSBURGH, March 20 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, said he is thrilled that the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament is making its seventh appearance in the Steel City and will be a strong stimulus to the local economy. The 19th Legislative District’s PPG Paints Arena will host first and second round March Madness action for the fifth time from March 21 to March 23 . The influx of foot traffic and subsequent patronage at the wide array of area businesses is a prospect he said he looks forward to seeing come to fruition. “I’m so proud to represent such diverse communities in Pittsburgh and look forward to seeing visitors from all corners of the country return or experience all the city has to offer for the first time,” Abney said. “Not only will they have lots of fun and make new memories, their collective stay will provide a vital boost to the economic cycle that keeps the city of Three Rivers moving onward and upward.” Not only that, Duquesne University, also in the district Abney represents, has punched their tournament ticket for the first time in nearly 50 years. They play Brigham Young University in the first round. Read more
HARRISBURG, March 20 – State Reps. Danielle Friel Otten and Aerion Abney have begun circulating House legislative sponsorship memos advancing the Shapiro administration’s bold new energy plan for Pennsylvania, which was announced last week . The legislators each introduced a core component of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s initiative: the Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Sustainability Standard (PRESS) and Pennsylvania Climate Emission Reduction (PACER) Program . PRESS would continue the successful elements of Pennsylvania’s forward thinking but outdated Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards while making them more inclusive -- adding nuclear power and next-generation technologies such as fusion, as well as incentivizing lower emissions for gas-fired power plants. It would require Pennsylvania to get 50% of its electricity from a diverse range of energy resources by 2035, including 35% from solar, wind, small modular reactors, and fusion; 10% from sources like large hydropower and battery storage; and 5% from natural gas and other alternative fuels. “Sustainable standards are a conversation that’s been underway since my first year in the legislature, and I’m extremely glad that a serious discussion has come to the forefront,” said Otten, D-Chester . “The collective attention on this issue is promising. As a lead sponsor on the governor’s proposed plan in the House, I feel well positioned to assure that Read more
Constituents may contact their local police department to report any crimes, and Steele’s office at 724-826-5151 to address any legislative issues relating to community safety. Read more
Pennsylvania will establish its own cap-and-trade program to reduce harmful emissions, lower consumers’ electric bills, and create clean energy jobs under legislation introduced today by state Senator Carolyn Comitta and state Rep. Aerion Abney. Read more
PITTSBURGH, March 19 – State Rep. Matthew R. Gergely, D-Allegheny, announced that a $916,680 federal grant has been awarded to West Mifflin Area School District . This Bipartisan Safer Communities Act Stronger Connections Grant will seek to curtail and prevent instances of bullying, hate and violence at an individual and systemic level. Funds can be utilized to address the overall health of students and staff, raise awareness for families and the community at large, and institute inclusive and/or equitable policies. “Having managed financial matters for a public school system, I know firsthand how beneficial these monies will be to ensuring a school environment that is conducive to not simply learning and teaching but to safety and personal well-being as well,” Gergely said. “Students and staff deserve to put all of their focus behind succeeding at their highest possible academic level and facilitating instruction that aids in such performance respectively.” More information about BSCA SCGs, including the full list of schools to receive these grants, and related funding can be found here . Safe school resources can also be found here . Read more
“Today, we took a massive stride toward restricting toxic chemicals, such as PAHs, that threaten our communities, including the health of our youth and our environment,” said Steele, D-Allegheny. “One of my own children suffered health issues, which our pediatrician attributed to coal tar sealant used on my driveway. With more sealants available that are safer, we should not permit the sale of sealants with chemicals toxic to the health of Pennsylvanians or the environment. We must remove sealants high in PAHs from the market.” Read more
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