HARRISBURG, June 11 – Saying that residents should never have to fear for their safety where they gather to worship, celebrate shared culture, or collaborate on community projects, state Rep. Abigail Salisbury is preparing to introduce legislation that would eliminate a funding match requirement that makes it difficult for smaller, lower-income organizations to secure funding. Salisbury said she drafted the legislation, which would remove the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund’s 33% funding match requirement for groups below a certain revenue threshold, to address a funding challenge that can be an insurmountable obstacle for smaller groups. “Small faith-based and other nonprofit groups are just as vulnerable as larger organizations to targeted threats of violence, but they often don’t have the resources to come up with the matching funds required for a security grant,” said Salisbury, who is co-chair of the bicameral, bipartisan Pennsylvania Charitable Nonprofit Caucus. “My legislation would remove the 33% match requirement for grants ranging from $25,000 to $75,000 if the nonprofit’s annual revenue is less than $250,000. It’s time to ensure that these smaller groups have the protection they need and deserve.” Salisbury cited the 2024 attempted shooting at Jesus’ Dwelling Place Church in North Braddock and the challenges the church has faced in the aftermath of that incident in attempting to raise Read more

Legislation cracking down on nonconsensual sharing of intimate images advances to Senate Read more

Legislation establishing penalties for CEOs of insurance companies responsible for harm Read more

HARRISBURG, June 3 – The Pennsylvania House today unanimously adopted Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution ( H.R. 361 ) directing the state to study the financial costs and benefits of remaining part of the PJM Interconnection – the regional transmission organization that manages Pennsylvania’s electric grid. Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said that a study is needed in light of recent spikes in electricity prices in some parts of the state, which have prompted concerns and calls for reform from lawmakers. “With calls for reform from House lawmakers and the governor, it’s time to take a closer look to ensure that staying with PJM is the best option,” Matzie said. “We hear every day from our constituents about the rising costs of energy. All options should be on the table, and all avenues should be explored. This study will give policy makers the facts and figures needed to make informed decisions moving forward.” Matzie said that the study – which will be conducted by the Joint State Government Commission – will examine the financial risks and benefits associated with PJM membership and evaluate the impact of PJM membership on residential, commercial and industrial electricity customers. The PJM Interconnection manages the electric transmission grid in all or part of 13 states and the District of Columbia. Read more

“By drawing on the experience and expertise of our established trappers, we can provide our youth with mentorships that offer hands-on training emphasizing responsible, lawful trapping techniques,” said state Rep. Anita Kulik, D-Allegheny. “Mentoring is key to recruiting and retaining younger participants and to continuing to build our trapping heritage as we look to the future.” Read more

“Today, the House came together to do something simple and compassionate: give people at the end of their life more choices about how they spend their final days,” state Rep. Dan Frankel said. “This bill is about easing suffering and preserving dignity for patients facing unimaginable circumstances.” Read more

Responding to calls from Gov. Josh Shapiro and educators across the state, the state House today passed a bill on a bipartisan vote to restrict cell phone use in Pennsylvania schools. Read more

PITTSBURGH, June 1 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, will be hosting a family-friendly, block party style festival completely free to the community on Saturday, June 20. Powell’s Family Fair, which is now in its second year, will be held from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 20 at the intersection of 51st and Butler streets in Lawrenceville . “This event will bring our community together for some summer fun, while also providing access to critical services for kids and families,” said Powell. “Whether you need assistance with state and local resources, or want to enjoy the fun that summer brings, this will be the event for you and your family." The event will include access to dozens of state and local resources, appearances from beloved Pittsburgh mascots, a dunk tank and stands from several local organizations such as the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, You be You Music and the Undercliff Volunteer Fire Company. Read more

State grant supports Mid-Atlantic Mothers’ Milk Bank rehabilitation Read more

BRADDOCK, May 27 – With nonprofit organizations playing an increasingly critical role in keeping their communities thriving, state Rep. Abigail Salisbury announced today that the fourth annual Nonprofit Symposium will move to the Monroeville Convention Center this fall to accommodate the growing demand by groups seeking to strengthen their impact. Salisbury said the convention center’s 500-person capacity will double the space available for the day-long event. “Last year’s symposium drew 250 participants, which was an overflow crowd for the venue,” Salisbury said. “Having that many people come together to train and network about ways to improve their organization is a pretty amazing thing, and it helps increase the capacity of these organizations to deliver services to their community.” Salisbury said this year’s event, which is set for Oct. 15, will include dynamic training sessions on individual fundraising, social media marketing and legal compliance – with even more topics on the way. She is calling on the nonprofit community to help shape the agenda. “We want this event to reflect what organizations truly need right now,” Salisbury said. “If you have ideas for training areas you would like included, we want to hear from you. We’ll be expanding our schedule of events in the weeks ahead and will provide additional updates. In the meantime, I’m urging everyone Read more