2023 Spring Newsletter

(Apr 05, 2023)

For the first time in 12 years, Pennsylvania House Democrats have the majority. That means it’s time to fight harder than ever to make direct, tangible improvements in the lives of all Pennsylvanians. To that end, my work in Harrisburg has already begun. My focus is where it always has been: empathetic solutions to the issues that affect us all. Read more

 

Senator Costa, Mayor Gainey, Representative Innamorato Champion Tax Breaks for Pittsburgh’s Longtime Owner Occupied Properties, Call for Swift Passage

(Mar 23, 2023)

Today, State Senator Jay Costa, Mayor Ed Gainey, and Representative Sara Innamorato gathered to call for the speedy passage of the Longtime Owner Occupant Tax Exemption Program (LOOP) in order to protect homeowners living in areas with rapidly increasing property tax rates. Read more

 

How Corporations are Trapping Employees – What We Can Do to Stop Them

(Mar 21, 2023)

It may sound to some like a fair bargain. A prospective employer offers you a job and promises to train you with valuable skills. In return, you agree to stick with the company for a specific time, so another employer doesn’t poach you once your training is complete. This is the premise of the training repayment agreement provisions (TRAPs), or employment contract clauses, that demand company loyalty in exchange for job training. Read more

 

Innamorato praises $880,000 in state LSA grants

(Mar 16, 2023)

PITTSBURGH, March 16 – State Rep. Sara Innamorato, D-Allegheny, announced today that four local projects have been awarded $880,269 in state Local Share Account grants. “These grants will provide essential dollars for multiple community resources and institutions to make accessibility improvements, repair infrastructure and lay the groundwork for new resources,” Innamorato said. “Thank you to Senators Williams and Fontana for your collective collaboration in securing these funds.” An $85,736 grant was awarded to Shaler Township to modernize the Shaler North Hills Library’s 37-year-old elevator. A project will update the cab, lighting and mechanical components to allow the elevator to operate more efficiently for the library. The Allegheny County Redevelopment Authority, on behalf of the Etna Community Center, received a $400,000 grant to convert the historic Osche Building into The Etna Center for Community. This multi-use redevelopment project will contain a library and community center intended for the first floor and four affordable apartments on the second and third floors. “The Etna Community Organization, Etna Borough and the residents of Etna are ecstatic to be receiving the largest grant to date to bring a library and community center to Etna. Our community has been dreaming about bringing this asset back to Etna for a long time, and this funding is a huge step toward bringing that dream to life,” executive Read more

 

Policy Hearing: In search of election solutions, not political games

(Feb 02, 2023)

“Even before the 2020 election, Pennsylvania counties and the Pennsylvania Department of State asked for expanded pre-canvassing,” said Rep. Sara Innamorato, who hosted the hearing at the Allegheny County Courthouse. “As lawmakers, protecting and expanding democracy is one of our fundamental duties.” Read more

 

Innamorato: Nearly $1 million awarded for three local projects

(Nov 16, 2022)

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 16 – State Rep. Sara Innamorato, D-Allegheny, announced today that three local projects have been awarded nearly $1 million in state grants. “These funds are a tremendous investment in the Pittsburgh communities I’m proud to represent,” Innamorato said. “After undergoing construction, renovation or repair, the recipients will be better suited to having a lasting humanitarian and economic impact on our neighbors and communities.” A $173,860 grant goes towards the next phase of redeveloping the Etna Center for Community. The building’s historic windows will be replaced with high quality and energy efficient windows, restoring the history of one of Etna’s original buildings and helping to meet sustainability goals. In addition, the exterior masonry will be restored to its original brick. “We are so grateful for the advocacy and support of our state representatives in helping to make Etna's dream of bringing a library to our community a reality,” said Etna Community Organization Executive Director Megan Tunon. “The funds which Representative Innamorato helped us to secure will be the first to go toward the construction of the historic building in the heart of our downtown corridor that will become the Etna Center for Community. This will be a place reserved for the people of Etna to access free programming, services and resources for generations to come.” Shaler Area EMS Read more

 

Innamorato: $6 million awarded for two local projects

(Oct 27, 2022)

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 27 – Rep. Sara Innamorato, D-Allegheny, announced today that two local projects have been awarded a combined $6 million in state grants. “These projects mark a major state investment in our community,” Innamorato said. “Whether it’s commercial and residential improvement or aid provided to a local nonprofit, these projects will have a lasting impact on our community, and I want to thank everyone involved who has helped make them happen.” One of these projects is preparing and revitalizing the site of Allegheny Shores. This venture is being allocated $5 million to prepare the site for construction of new buildings. Earthwork and demolition, utility installation and roadway construction are some of the aspects these grant monies will address. “On behalf of the extended Mosites team and our community partners, I am truly grateful for the strong leadership of Senator Williams and Representative Innamorato in advocating for this critical $5 million investment,” said Steven Mosites, Jr. whose company is the contractor on the project. “Their direct engagement and advocacy, along with that of Senator Costa, County Executive Fitzgerald and Governor Wolf, is the key turning point for this project which will revitalize and return upwards of 50 acres of riverfront to the Sharpsburg community and the greater region.” The other project is expanding the Pittsburgh Glass Center’s facility. The Read more

 

Innamorato, Rothman and others recognize and celebrate employee-owned businesses

(Oct 26, 2022)

HARRISBURG, Oct. 26 – Today at the Capitol, Reps. Sara Innamorato, D-Allegheny, and Greg Rothman, R-Cumberland, marked October as Employee Ownership Month along with employee-owned business advocates and employee owners. “The guiding principle for employee ownership is recognizing the unique value brought by every person who helps these ventures grow and prosper,” Innamorato said. “Each person brings a different set of knowledge and perspectives to the table and as a result, these employees feel more secure in their roles and are encouraged to do all they can to help their businesses and fellow workers thrive.” Innamorato highlighted H.B. 2888 , introduced with Rothman, which would establish the Office of Employee Ownership within the Department of Community and Economic Development to provide multiple forms of assistance to current and future employee-owned businesses. “When people own something, they care about it more,” Rothman said. “They dig deeper roots. They want to see it succeed.” Innamorato also announced that the cities of Harrisburg, York and Pittsburgh have been recognized as three of the top 25 cities in the nation for employee ownership by the organization Certified EO. “Owners of businesses are nearing retirement age, and the majority of them don’t actually have succession plans,” Innamorato said. “Employee ownership can fill that gap, and they can be a way to keep Read more

 

Environmental Justice, Public Health, and Frontline Advocates Urge President Biden to Take Immediate Action to Cut Methane Pollution from Oil and Gas Industry

(Oct 06, 2022)

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania – Today, advocates from environmental justice, public health, and frontline community groups joined State Representative Sara Innamorato (District 21) at a press conference as part of a nationwide day of action to call on President Biden to take immediate action to cut methane pollution from the oil and gas industry. In 2021, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a draft rule to cut methane and other harmful pollutants from oil and gas operations across the U.S. While the proposal was an important step in the right direction, hundreds of thousands of people submitted public comments urging EPA to go further and address critical gaps in the initial proposed rule. As the White House reviews the updated EPA methane rule, advocates are calling on President Biden to publish the rule as soon as possible to protect communities and our climate now. “Our neighbors cannot afford the status quo when it comes to regulating the oil and gas industry,” said State Representative Sara Innamorato, District 21. “Inaction and slow responses to reigning in polluting industries continue to negatively impact our land, the public’s health, and the long-term economic future of communities across the Commonwealth. Pennsylvania is one of the largest methane emitters in the country, and today we call on the EPA to enact rules that would reduce methane and other harmful pollutants from entering our air and stocking the climate Read more

 

Innamorato announces grant to Borough of Aspinwall for Fireman’s Park

(Sep 20, 2022)

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 20 – Rep. Sara Innamorato, D-Allegheny, announced a $45,290 grant is being awarded to the borough of Aspinwall today for the renovation of the pavilion at Fireman’s Park. “The recreation building at Fireman’s Park is in need of significant renovation,” Innamorato said. “This project ensures that all the neighbors I represent can have fun but be safe as well when enjoying the park’s amenities.” “The borough is thrilled to receive the CFA grant to update our beloved Fireman’s Park pavilion,” Aspinwall Borough Manager Melissa Lang said. “The pavilion is rented by residents every weekend from April to October to host family parties, graduations and weddings, and the improvement to the pavilion is the final piece in updating and beautifying Fireman’s Park.” The grant was awarded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority . The grant is one of several awarded today from the CFA’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program . Read more

 

Fiedler, Kinkead introduce package of reproductive rights legislation

(Sep 19, 2022)

HARRISBURG, Sept. 19 – Today, state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., and Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny, hosted a news conference with other Democratic lawmakers in Harrisburg to introduce a powerful package of bills aimed at strengthening and growing reproductive rights and health care for the people of Pennsylvania. Fiedler and Kinkead were joined by state Reps. Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester; Liz Hanbidge, D-Montgomery; and Jessica Benham and Dan Frankel, both D-Allegheny. Reps. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., and Sara Innamorato, D-Allegheny, were not able to attend, but support the issue. The Fighting for Reproductive Rights! event included the announcement of a four-bill package that would protect the licenses of abortion care providers, protect those seeking an abortion from prosecution and expand the number of health care providers who may provide an abortion. Fiedler said, “The attacks we’re seeing on reproductive rights from our Republican colleagues is a monumental infringement on the rights of women and birthing people across the commonwealth. We are here today to propose these important bills to protect these crucial rights for the women and birthing people of Pennsylvania.” Kinkead said, “Democrats are exhausting every possible legislative avenue to solidify reproductive rights in our state. Despite the repulsive attacks elected Republicans launched on bodily autonomy this year, the overwhelming majority of Pennsylvanians - of Read more

 

2022 Summer Newsletter

(Sep 01, 2022)

The passage of the Whole-Home Repair Act as part of the Pennsylvania budget will helpensure that every Pennsylvanian has a safe and healthy home. Read more

 

Gov. Wolf: $2,000 Direct Payments to Pennsylvanians ‘Will Make a Life-Changing Difference for Families in Communities Across the Commonwealth’

(Aug 29, 2022)

Pittsburgh, PA – Governor Tom Wolf today was joined by Representative Sara Innamorato and local officials at Roots of Faith ministries in Sharpsburg to continue calling on Pennsylvania’s Republican-led General Assembly to finally take action and support Pennsylvanians by passing legislation for the $500 million PA Opportunity Program, which would send $2,000 checks directly to Pennsylvanians in need using money the commonwealth already has in the bank. “This money will make a life-changing difference for families in communities across the commonwealth, providing a much-needed buffer against prices that are artificially and temporarily higher due to inflation,” said Gov. Wolf. “Let’s put this cash back in the pockets of Pennsylvanians, to help cover the higher costs of gas, groceries, and everything else. "Why on earth wouldn’t we act to do all of that, when we have the funds necessary to make this investment in the people of Pennsylvania, right now??" Gov. Wolf said. "I am once again calling on Republican leaders in the General Assembly to send a bill to my desk to help the people of Pennsylvania.” Through the PA Opportunity Program, Pennsylvania householders with an income of $80,000 or less would receive direct payments of up to $2,000. First introduced in February with the proposal to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, Gov. Wolf’s $500 million PA Opportunity Program now proposes using Read more

 

Innamorato’s Whole-Home Repair legislation included in ’22-23 state budget

(Jul 08, 2022)

Bipartisan legislation creates one-stop shop for home repairs Read more

 

Legislators applaud budget’s investment in housing

(Jul 08, 2022)

“The passage of the Whole-Home Repair Act as part of the Pennsylvania budget will help ensure that every Pennsylvanian has a safe and healthy home,” Innamorato said. “We still have a lot of work ahead to address the affordable housing crisis in the state, but today is a good a day, and a victory for the people of Pennsylvania.” Read more

 

Pisciottano, Innamorato fight inflation with Open Markets Act

(Jun 22, 2022)

HARRISBURG, June 22 – Today, state Reps. Nick Pisciottano and Sara Innamorato, both D-Allegheny, introduced the Open Markets Act, the latest in a package of new bills from PA House Democrats designed to combat rising prices and bring relief to Pennsylvanians. The Open Markets Act would give the PA attorney general the authority necessary to effectively investigate and prosecute anti-trust violations, resulting in lower prices by reducing the number of price-gouging monopolies and creating a fairer, more competitive marketplace. “CEOs are bragging publicly about how inflation is great for their profit margins at the same time working families are struggling to afford enough food and gas” Pisciottano said. “The rules are currently rigged in favor of large corporations, but they don’t have to be. The Open Markets Act is a crucial first step toward protecting consumers and small businesses in Pennsylvania.” Pisciottano argued that anti-trust laws are extremely weak in Pennsylvania, which allows a few dominant corporations to control the supply and demand of entire industries, fostering an unfair, noncompetitive economic landscape. “The fact that only a few dominant corporations control vital sectors of our economy is one of the major reasons for drastic consumer price increases,” Innamorato said. “In order to break the grip of monopolistic corporations on the American economy and political arena, we must Read more

 

Our plan would end price gouging and protect the people

(Jun 15, 2022)

House Democrats have a plan to protect the people now and build a fairer economy for the future. Read more

 

End Price Gouging and Protect the People

(Jun 14, 2022)

America is supposed to be the land of opportunity, where working hard gets you ahead, but in 2022, price gouging and corporate greed are leaving working families behind and hurting the small local businesses that are the cornerstones of our communities. Read more

 

Pennsylvania needs rental assistance and eviction diversion programs, activists and lawmakers say

(May 02, 2022)

Study cites housing affordability exacerbated by COVID-19 pandemic Read more

 

State lawmakers demand action on PA Fertility Act

(Apr 26, 2022)

“The PA Fertility Act has the potential to have varied and long-lasting positive effects across the state, ensuring fertility coverage statewide, growing PA’s health care sector, attracting young professionals from outside the state, and keeping young professionals here at home,” Innamorato said, “as opposed to what we are seeing today, where young people are leaving PA in order to acquire fertility treatment coverage already confirmed in all our other northeast neighboring states.” Read more

 

2023 Spring Newsletter
Apr 05, 2023

Senator Costa, Mayor Gainey, Representative Innamorato Champion Tax Breaks for Pittsburgh’s Longtime Owner Occupied Properties, Call for Swift Passage
Mar 23, 2023

How Corporations are Trapping Employees – What We Can Do to Stop Them
Mar 21, 2023

Innamorato praises $880,000 in state LSA grants
Mar 16, 2023

Policy Hearing: In search of election solutions, not political games
Feb 02, 2023

Innamorato: Nearly $1 million awarded for three local projects
Nov 16, 2022

Innamorato: $6 million awarded for two local projects
Oct 27, 2022

Innamorato, Rothman and others recognize and celebrate employee-owned businesses
Oct 26, 2022

Environmental Justice, Public Health, and Frontline Advocates Urge President Biden to Take Immediate Action to Cut Methane Pollution from Oil and Gas Industry
Oct 06, 2022

Innamorato announces grant to Borough of Aspinwall for Fireman’s Park
Sep 20, 2022

Fiedler, Kinkead introduce package of reproductive rights legislation
Sep 19, 2022

2022 Summer Newsletter
Sep 01, 2022

Gov. Wolf: $2,000 Direct Payments to Pennsylvanians ‘Will Make a Life-Changing Difference for Families in Communities Across the Commonwealth’
Aug 29, 2022

Innamorato’s Whole-Home Repair legislation included in ’22-23 state budget
Jul 08, 2022

Legislators applaud budget’s investment in housing
Jul 08, 2022

Pisciottano, Innamorato fight inflation with Open Markets Act
Jun 22, 2022

Our plan would end price gouging and protect the people
Jun 15, 2022

End Price Gouging and Protect the People
Jun 14, 2022

Pennsylvania needs rental assistance and eviction diversion programs, activists and lawmakers say
May 02, 2022

State lawmakers demand action on PA Fertility Act
Apr 26, 2022