HARRISBURG, Dec. 12 – Majority House Health Committee Chairman Dan Frankel joined colleagues to celebrate a major step forward Tuesday for legislation that would allow access to dental care for thousands of Pennsylvanians. “When you are unable to get the dental care you need, all of the outcomes get worse and worse. Lapses in dental care can make it difficult to eat or talk, and they lead to serious health conditions. Pain from lapses in dental care can make it difficult to function at all,” said Frankel, D-Allegheny. “It’s nothing less than immoral to allow this necessary care to remain out of reach.” House Bill 1585 , introduced by Frankel, would establish teledentistry in Pennsylvania and require insurance plans to cover it, and H.B. 1417 would restore dental coverage under the state Medical Assistance program after cuts in 2011 eliminated services like root canals, periodontal disease work and emergency exams. Both bills passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support. House Bill 1417 was introduced by then-Rep. Sara Innamorato, who cheered the votes from Pittsburgh, where she is preparing to take office as the Allegheny County Executive. “Everyone deserves access to quality health care, which includes dental health care. Pennsylvanians who utilize Medical Assistance are suffering because they cannot access the oral care they need,” Innamorato said. “Moving forward, Medical Read more
Bipartisan legislation would provide dental benefits to Medical Assistance recipients Read more
“While the plaintiffs and defendants such as CPERG, Grant Mackay Co., Controlled Demolition Inc. and others work toward a resolution to continue with the implosion, I will work closely with constituents and the Department of Environmental Protection to ensure that the implosion safely occurs,” Steele said. “To address these issues, I will aim to implement regulations to protect Pennsylvanians’ health from contamination at toxic sites, specifically regarding coal demolition sites, through legislation.” Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Office of the Budget: Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) Who May Apply: Applicants must have been previously itemized in a Capital Budget Project Itemization Act. Use: Applicants can use funds for the purposes prescribed in the Capital Budget Project Itemization Act. Funds: Varied. Application Deadline: January 12, 2024 More information: OB website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Recruitment Incentives for Law Enforcement Who May Apply: Local law enforcement agencies, campus or university police, railroad or street railway police, airport authority police, and county park police. Use: Funding is explicitly to support Act 120 training and recruitment activities for law enforcement officers that will take place between Oct. 19, 2023 and June 30, 2025. Funds: $14 million in federal COVID Relief (ARPA) is available. PCCD anticipates this funding being able to support approximately 2,000 new fulltime officers statewide. Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all funding is committed, at which point the application period will close. More information: PCCD Website Department of Aging: Senior Community Center Grants Who May Apply: Pennsylvania Senior Community Centers with an existing, contractual relationship with an Area Agency on Aging. Use: To help Pennsylvania’s Senior Community Centers increase Read more
“This grant will continue to support the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum’s efforts to highlight the bravery of those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces,” Mayes said. “By supporting the operations of this museum, we allow more people to learn about U.S. history, as well as recognize our military personnel.” Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 11 – State Rep. Matthew R. Gergely’s bill that would ensure plasma donated throughout Pennsylvania is suitable for subsequent use in health and medical forums passed the state House of Representatives unanimously. The legislation (H.B. 1795 ) would require that source plasma specifically, undergoes extensive testing upon donation and before it is ultimately integrated into essential pharmaceuticals. Gergely’s bill, co-sponsored by state Rep. Tim Briggs of Montgomery County, would also allow more focus to be devoted to developing such pharmaceuticals by eliminating a signification portion of subsequent testing conducted in labs during the clinical development phase. “Having several source plasma centers local to the citizens I represent is a big part of why it’s such a priority for me. Safeguarding healthy and viable plasma will save lives and enhance quality of life throughout the 35th District and the Commonwealth at large,” said Gergely, D-Allegheny. “Thank you to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for moving this commitment to human welfare a step closer to reality.” “Plasma is a lifeline for countless individuals battling critical conditions. This proposed legislation aims to optimize this life-saving resource, ensuring its safety while expediting its availability for pharmaceutical use,” Briggs added. “Collaborating on this bill underscores our dedication to advancing Read more
PITTSBURGH, Dec. 11 – Two museums in the 23 rd Legislative District will benefit from $55,030 in new grant funding, state Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, announced today. Frankel said the Carnegie Museum of Natural History was awarded $44,945, and the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh was awarded $10,085 to enhance operations. “ Without our local historians, museum exhibits and archives, we lose touch with our history,” Frankel said. “The new funding to these key community centers will help ensure that the lessons they teach continue to resonate for visitors of all ages.” The funding is part of a package of Cultural and Historical Support grants awarded statewide by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Read more
PITTSBURGH, Dec. 11 – State Reps. Aerion A. Abney and Jessica Benham, both D-Allegheny, will host a legislative town hall from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18 at South Side Market House , 49 S. 12th St. in Pittsburgh . The lawmakers will provide updates on legislation that has recently passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and residents will have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss the issues most important to them. There will also be information about state services. “My colleagues and I on both sides of the aisle have accomplished much positive change this past year, but much more of the people’s work still needs to be done,” Abney said. “Having a healthy dialogue with neighbors where they live shines a necessary spotlight on the issues most significant to them.” “Legislative and policy solutions often grow out of conversations constituents have with their elected officials,” Benham added. “Listening to and understanding the concerns of the people I represent is one of the most important aspects of my job. I encourage folks to come out to connect with me and my team, even those who don’t have a specific issue in mind.” Residents wanting more information should call Abney’s district office at 412-471-7760 or Benham’s district office at 412-881-4208 . A light meal will also be served. Read more
“Through this legislation, we will keep Pennsylvania open for business by reducing fees for small businesses, creating more opportunities for entrepreneurs and spurring economic growth,” Venkat said. “With more than 1.1 million small businesses employing more than 2.5 million people in Pennsylvania, we have the opportunity to incentivize more Pennsylvanians to start small businesses, but also attract more entrepreneurs to open their small businesses in our commonwealth.” Read more
“This luncheon provides my staff and I with an opportunity to recognize the brave veterans that fought for our freedom in the U.S. Armed Forces,” Steele said. “By hosting this luncheon, we may express our gratitude, but also connect veterans with state services available to them.” Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Aging: Senior Community Center Grants Who May Apply: Pennsylvania Senior Community Centers with an existing, contractual relationship with an Area Agency on Aging. Use: To help Pennsylvania’s Senior Community Centers increase participation and programming Funds: Up to $2 million in grant funding is available. Grants vary depending on staff levels. Application Deadline: December 15, 2023 More information: Aging Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Violence Intervention and Prevention Who May Apply: Community-based organizations with 501(c)(3) designation, institutions of higher education, municipalities, district attorneys, and counties, Use: Effective local intervening and preventive measures to stop gun and group violence that is occurring across the state in both the short- and long-term Funds: $40 million in state funding is available for two tracks: VIP Grants: Applicants can request up to 50% of their operating budget up to $950,00 total. Coordinated Community Violence Intervention Strategies Projects (CCVI): Applicants can request up to $3 million in total funding over a 36-month period (funding match required). PCCD anticipates approving only 2-3 CCVI projects. Application Deadline: January 18, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Department of Community and Economic Development: Read more
PENN HILLS, Dec. 1 – State Rep. Joe McAndrew, a member of the PA House Transportation Committee, is urging Allegheny County residents to provide feedback about Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s proposed redesign of county bus lines by completing the agency’s Bus Line Redesign survey as soon as possible at: www.Buslineredesign.com . McAndrew, D-Allegheny, said public input is critical to ensure that the ultimate design meets residents’ needs. “The county is about to embark on the largest redesign of bus lines we have seen in nearly 20 years, and as planning proceeds, residents’ voices will be essential to the process,” McAndrew said. “Expert plans and projections may be important, but they’re no substitute for real-life feedback from riders and potential riders about their needs and challenges.” McAndrew said he often hears complaints from residents in the east suburbs who say they have little or sporadic access to desired destinations such as Monroeville and Oakland. “With so many important life events depending on reliable access to transportation, we can’t let PRT make these decisions based on speculation – they need to hear from our community now,” McAndrew said. “I’m urging everyone to complete the survey before the Dec. 17 deadline.” McAndrew serves the municipalities of Penn Hills, Oakmont, Verona & Plum. More information on survey Read more
The two bills are companions to S.B. 992 and S.B. 993, introduced by Sen. Judy Schwank, D-Berks. Read more
Venkat’s legislation would prohibit health insurers or their contracted vendors that initiate payments to participating health care providers from requiring the use of an electronic credit card with a fee to transmit payment to the health care provider without the provider’s consent. Read more
PITTSBURGH, Nov. 28 – State Reps. Aerion A. Abney and La’Tasha D. Mayes, both D-Allegheny, will host a legislative town hall from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday , Dec. 5 at the Thelma Lovette YMCA , 2114 Centre Ave. in Pittsburgh . The lawmakers will provide updates on legislation that has recently passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and residents will have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss the issues most important to them. There will also be information about state services. “As the eyes and ears of the communities I represent, I’m excited to meet with my neighbors where they live for this important dialogue,” Abney said. “I’m eager to share the good work done in Harrisburg and receive essential feedback on the good work that still needs to be done.” “During this town hall, we’ll have the opportunity to connect with residents of the Hill District on issues affecting the community and on legislation including the CROWN Act ,” Mayes said. “I look forward to engaging constituents in a vibrant discussion about our work.” A light meal will be served. Residents wanting more information should call Abney’s district office at 412-471-7760 or Mayes’ district office at 412-665-5502 . Read more
“By hosting this luncheon, my district office staff will have the opportunity to provide seniors with a meal to nourish them, as well as provide information on state services,” Steele said. “My staff looks forward to meeting seniors that reside in the 33rd Legislative District.” Read more
NAP tax credits to support revitalization efforts Read more
PITTSBURGH, Nov. 22 – Two community projects were awarded a combined $136,250 in tax credits to support housing initiatives and provide personal care kits to underserved communities, according to state Rep. Dan Deasy. Deasy, D-Allegheny, said the investments are as follows: $80,000 for the Mt. Washington Community Development Corp. to provide assistance to low-income individuals and families in the neighborhoods of Mt. Washington and Duquesne Heights. Major needs addressed within this project include affordable housing, housing improvement assistance and stabilization, home and community safety, food security and job training. $56,250 for Global Links’ Personal Care Kits initiative, which aims to provide 5,000 neighbors with 10,000 personal care kits in 2024. “These investments will help local organizations with providing opportunities for folks to live with dignity in good, affordable homes and in good health,” Deasy said. “I am proud to support these efforts and want to thank community leaders for the work they do to provide a positive and lasting impact on our communities.” The investments to support both projects come from the state Department of Community and Economic Development’s Neighborhood Assistance Program. The goals of the program are to promote community participation and collaborations among nonprofits, businesses Read more
PITTSBURGH, Nov. 21 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today that $2.84 million in tax credits through the state’s Neighborhood Assistance Program has been awarded to several community organizations. “These tax credits are essential to the preservation and improvement of communities that need urgent assistance,” Abney said. “Whether putting more roofs over the heads of individuals, providing food resources, or helping local businesses expand, I applaud all the great work these tax credits will do by encouraging private investment.” Two organizations were approved for general NAP tax credits. They are: Amani Christian Community Development Corp.: $55,000 for the Centre Avenue project, which includes the eventual completion of a 700 square foot affordable commercial space builder. Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania: $55,000 for a project to replace the roof of their main building for safer program access. Six organizations were awarded Neighborhood Partnership Program tax credits. Those recipients are: Hilltop Alliance: $200,000 for a projects involving home repairs and food assistance. Hazelwood Initiative Inc.: $240,000 for a project to renovate rental units. Northside Leadership Conference Inc.: $400,000 for a project to support affordable housing development, commercial real estate, small business support, parks and greenspace planning, and restoration, Read more
PITTSBURGH, Nov. 21 – Three organizations in the 23 rd Legislative District have been awarded $126,250 in tax credits to spur investment in community projects, state Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, announced today. “Tax credits can offer critical support for key community projects by drawing needed investments,” Frankel said. “I’m excited that these newly awarded credits will support programs that offer hope for residents and families and new opportunities for marginalized businesses and job seekers.” Frankel said the funding includes: $71,250 in tax credits to InnovatePGH Partnership Pittsburgh to support projects aimed at improving equality and access to Oakland’s business and innovation district, with an emphasis on helping diverse and marginalized entrepreneurs and job seekers. $41,250 in tax credits to the Aleph Institute to support the Shifra program, which helps families in need through an afterschool program, a motherhood center, and a food shed. $13,750 in tax credits to the Friendship Circle of Pittsburgh Inc. to help support The Beacon – a program that aims to engage 300-500 teens in activities that promote mental health and wellness skills. In addition, more than $1.3 million in tax credits was awarded to Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, which distributes food to residents in Allegheny County and 10 other counties. The funding is Read more
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