Summer 2020 Newsletter Read more
The fire and emergency medical service personnel in our community and across the state are instrumental in ensuring our safety, and they work hard to get the job done, day in and day out. Read more
Last week, Gov. Tom Wolf offered his annual budget address before the state House and Senate. The plan he laid out was one of prosperity, hope and for a brighter future for Pennsylvania, something I know will directly benefit working-class families in the Mon Valley. Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 12 – Following Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Mark Tranquilli being reassigned on Tuesday to summary appeals after allegedly calling a Black female juror “Aunt Jemima” and making other racist remarks toward her, members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus are now urging the Judicial Conduct Review Board to investigate. Leading the effort are PLBC members representing Allegheny County, who condemned Tranquilli’s comments as another manifestation of a broken criminal justice system that systemically targets black and brown people. “The alleged comments made by Judge Mark Tranquilli are alarming on multiple fronts,” said state Rep. Austin Davis, who represents the 35 th Legislative District in Allegheny County. “On one hand we have an individual tasked with upholding the law to the highest extent but who clearly harbors bias and judgment toward defendants before a verdict is even reached. On the other hand, we have a judge who harbors an even stronger bias toward people of color, both of which are a recipe for disaster and an injustice to our community. I’m calling on the Judicial Conduct Review Board to do a thorough investigation into this matter.” State Rep. Edward C. Gainey, who represents the 24 th Legislative District, also in Allegheny County, echoed similar sentiments. “Our society is based on the belief that justice is blind – that regardless of race, color Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – State Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny, today issued the following statement regarding Gov. Tom Wolf’s budget address: “Governor Tom Wolf today laid out a plan of prosperity, hope, and for a brighter future for Pennsylvania, one which will directly benefit working-class families in the Mon Valley. “To say I’m encouraged by what I heard today in the House chamber is an understatement. I’m hopeful for a better 2020 for all Pennsylvanians, and I’m excited to assess the budget proposal in the coming weeks in the House Appropriations Committee. “Today’s budget proposal encompassed the core values and issues that are of extreme importance to Mon Valley residents, including workforce development, raising the minimum wage, universal Pre-K for every child, and a continued emphasis in bolstering and advancing the commonwealth’s educational entities. “But it also included a push to curb the issue of gun violence, which unfortunately is a deep-searing pain for far too many families in the commonwealth. I believe the governor’s plan to tackle this issue is promising and an initiative that can be accomplished with bipartisan support. “While we’ve yet to reach the finish line, today’s budget proposal offers a progressive, calculated plan that reflects the base of House Democrats’ Plan for PA initiative, which includes putting people first, good Read more
I’m excited to announce that House Bill 1737, which would create an environmental liability exemption for land banks, was passed by the state House and now heads to the state Senate! Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 28 – Grant money awarded today to two school districts in the 35 th Legislative District will go toward the purchase new food service equipment, said state Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny. Davis said the grants, awarded through the state Department of Education, went to Steel Valley and West Mifflin Area school districts. “We champion the ability to provide students with quality, healthy food throughout the school day. But that can’t be done without quality equipment,” Davis said. “The funding awarded today will allow the receiving districts to accomplish this goal.” Davis said Steel Valley School District’s Steel Valley High School was awarded $16,085 for the purchase of a convection steamer . West Mifflin Area School District received a total of $12,594. Davis said West Mifflin’s Clara Barton Elementary School will use half the funding for a convection oven. West Mifflin Area High School also will use half the funding to purchase a convection oven. Davis said funding for the grants is made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is awarded to schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program and have 50% or more of students eligible for free or reduced-priced meals. More than $925,000 in competitive grants has been awarded to 72 elementary, middle and high schools across the state for the purchase of new food Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 21 – State Rep. Austin Davis’ H.B. 1737 , which would create an environmental liability exemption for land banks, was passed by the state House of Representatives today. Current law, as defined under the Land Recycling and Environmental Remediation Standards Act, deems a land bank – enacted by a municipality for the purpose of acquiring and redeveloping local property – is subject to enforcement action by the state Department of Environmental Protection. However, the Economic Development Agency, Fiduciary and Lender Environmental Liability Protection Act exempts “economic development agencies” from liability from the DEP, so long as they do not contribute or exacerbate contamination at the property. Economic development agencies include redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities and other government and community-based entities acquiring properties. Davis’ legislation seeks to grant the same protections to land banks. “The practice of repurposing land has been stagnant due to the Department of Environmental Protection’s enforcement efforts, which has resulted in large amounts of land remaining vacant,” Davis said. “My bill would exempt land banks from this enforcement, while also encouraging environmental cleanup without fear of being reprimanded for contamination that took place prior to the land bank’s purchase.” Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 21 – State Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny, announced a total of 15 fire and emergency medical services companies are slated to receive a combined total of $187,946 in state funding. “Our first responders put it all on the line to protect our community,” Davis said. “However, they can’t do their job if they lack the training or equipment to do so. This funding will allow emergency services personnel and local firefighters to safely accomplish that goal so that they, too, can go home to their families at the end of their shift.” The grantees include: City of McKeesport Fire Department - $14,248. Clairton Volunteer Fire Department - $12,000. Coulter Volunteer Fire Co. - $11,920. Duquesne Volunteer Fire Department - $12,194. Duquesne Annex Fire Co. - $12,194. McKeesport Ambulance Rescue - $9,192. Munhall Prehospital Services - $9,192. Munhall Fire & Rescue No. 5 - $12,057. Munhall Volunteer Fire Co. No. 2 - $23,283. Munhall Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 - $13,289. Rainbow Volunteer Fire Co. - $12,604. Versailles Volunteer Fire Co. - $11,646. Whitaker Volunteer Fire Co. - $11,646. White Oak EMS - $9,192. White Oak Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 - $13,426. The grants are funded by Pennsylvania’s Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program, administered Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 17 – The Clairton City School District and the West Mifflin Area School District each were awarded a $35,000 grant designed to advance science and technology education, state Rep. Austin Davis announced today. Davis, D-Allegheny, said that the PAsmart grants will provide computer science and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education to students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12 and provide professional development for educators. “It’s vital that we provide the necessary tools and support for students and teachers to help schools succeed in a fast-paced and ever-growing economy,” Davis said. “These grants are invaluable in providing our students with the important skills and education they need to meet the needs of local businesses and spur economic development.” A total of $5.7 million in grants were awarded to help schools statewide introduce and expand computer science training. The funds also will be used to provide educators from pre-kindergarten through grade 12 with the necessary computer science training. More information on the PAsmart initiative can be found at this link: https://www.pasmart.gov/ . Read more
This week I stood alongside my colleague and friend, state Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, and introduced what we and many others believe to be crucial legislation that would provide transparency in drug pricing and ensure Pennsylvanians can access affordable, life-saving medication. Read more
With one-in-two Pennsylvanians struggling to afford health care, state Reps. Dan Frankel and Austin Davis, both D-Allegheny, today unveiled legislation to provide transparency in drug pricing and ensure Pennsylvanians can access affordable, life-saving medication. Read more
I made a promise to my friends and neighbors to put our needs first when I was elected your state representative. Read more
Check out my 2019 Winter Newsletter! Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 26 – State Rep. Austin Davis, in an effort to help those struggling to acquire gainful employment, will be hosting an expungement clinic on Jan. 11. The event, co-hosted by the Allegheny County Office of the Public Defender, will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11 at Founders Hall Gymnasium, 3600 O’Neil Blvd., McKeesport. “So many people struggle with employment due to their criminal records. However, many them have already paid the price for their past mistakes yet continue to struggle to find a family sustaining job. This clinic hopes to help as many people as possible in clearing their name and finding gainful employment.” For more information about this event, residents can contact Davis’ district office at 412-664-0035. Read more
I’m happy to announce that $41,250 in tax credits granted under the Neighborhood Assistance Program will enhance Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh’s renovation and modification efforts in Clairton. Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 18 – Tax credits of $41,250 under the Neighborhood Assistance Program will enhance Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh’s renovation and modification efforts in Clairton, state Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny, announced today. “Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh does great work in the Mon Valley, providing low-income homeowners who are unable to afford the upkeep associated with home ownership a helping hand, which ultimately improves these homeowners’ quality of life,” Davis said. “I look forward to the work that will accompany these awarded tax credits, and I know Clairton residents do, too.” Davis said Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh will work in unison with other local service providers to provide low-income homeowners with renovations and modifications to their homes, which will allow these homeowners to continue living independently while also enhancing the economic revitalization of their neighborhood. NAP encourages private sector investment into projects that will help improve distressed communities by providing tax credits to businesses that donate capital to support projects that address neighborhood and community. Read more
Do you need assistance with expunging your criminal record? Read more
My legislation, H.B. 1737, which would create an environmental liability exemption for land banks, was unanimously voted out of the House Urban Affairs Committee. Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 26 – State Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny, announced Tuesday that the Department of Community and Economic Development approved a $60,000 state grant that will fund a multi-municipal community improvement project in Munhall, Homestead and West Homestead. Davis said the funding was awarded through DCED’s Municipal Assistance Program, which assists local governments with planning for zoning, coordinating emergency services, and creating comprehensive plans. “The growth of our community is of utmost importance, but that can’t be done without a comprehensive plan that will allow our municipalities to adjust accordingly for current and emerging needs,” Davis said. “That plan, however, costs money, which is why today’s grant is so crucial and important to the forward progression of our community.” Davis said the funding will facilitate the development of an implemental multi-municipal comprehensive plan that will address the needs of the three communities and improve the quality of life for residents. MAP provides technical resources and assistance for municipalities, consolidation and regional efforts, as well as serving as a resource for local government officials, developers and citizens interested in planning to improve, grow and enhance communities. More about MAP and other DCED initiatives can be found on the DCED website . Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 21 – State Rep. Austin Davis’ H.B. 1737 , which would create an environmental liability exemption for land banks, was unanimously voted out of the House Urban Affairs Committee on Thursday. Current law, as defined under the Land Recycling and Environmental Remediation Standards Act, deems a land bank – enacted by a municipality for the purpose of acquiring and redeveloping local property – is subject to enforcement action by the state Department of Environmental Protection. However, the Economic Development Agency, Fiduciary and Lender Environmental Liability Protection Act exempts “economic development agencies” from liability to the DEP, so long as they do not contribute or exacerbate contamination at the property. Economic development agencies include redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities and other government and community-based entities acquiring properties. Davis’ legislation seeks to grant the same protections to land banks. “The commonwealth has so much land that could be repurposed and used but sits vacant due to the Department of Environmental Protection’s enforcement efforts. My bill would exempt land banks from this enforcement yet still encourage environmental clean up without fear of being on the hook for contamination that took place prior to the land bank’s purchase,” Davis said. House Bill 1737 is expected to be Read more
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627 Lysle Blvd.McKeesport, PA 15132
P*: (412) 664-0035
F*: (412) 664-0039
parking in the rear
3905 Main StreetMunhall, PA 15120
P*: (412) 476-3046
F*: (412) 476-3048
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P*: (412) 233-2505
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G-07 Irvis Office BuildingP.O. Box 202035Harrisburg, PA 17120-2035
P*: (717) 783-1018
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