Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus expresses anger over racist remarks made at Trump rally

(1 day ago)

Members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus issued the following statement expressing deep outrage and indignation over racist comments made towards Latinos at yesterday's rally hosted by former president Donald Trump: “Dismissing Puerto Rico as a ‘floating island of garbage,’ mocking Hispanics as failing to use birth control and calling out a Black man in the audience with references to watermelon is abhorrent, disgusting and downright racist – and their claim it was all jokes is not believable at all. “Pennsylvania is home to 1.3 million Latinos -- a half-million of which are of Puerto Rican descent, who work hard, raise their families, serve in the military, support their communities and are American citizens,” said state Reps. Jose Giral, who is from Puerto Rico, and Manuel Guzman, who is of Puerto Rican descent, represent large Puerto Rican communities and expressed dismay that the state’s Puerto Rican community would be so wantonly mocked as a comedic prop. “The hateful, racist rhetoric of the former president and his supporters insults not just the Puerto Rican community, but every immigrant in our commonwealth and our nation. “We all deserve better.” The members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus are Reps. Danilo Burgos, Manuel Guzman, Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, Jose Giral, Liz Hanbidge, Lindsay Powell, Karol Kazeem, Read more

 

October 21, 2024 Email

(Oct 25, 2024)

While my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and I continued the people’s work this week in Harrisburg, a number of grants were awarded to multiple municipalities, schools, and organizations throughout District 21 and for local infrastructure improvements. Read more

 

Allegheny House Dems support Shapiro’s plan for Pittsburgh

(Oct 25, 2024)

$124.7 million secured, hundreds of millions more expected fordowntown housing, community revitalization Read more

 

Powell: over $3.3 million in community grants awarded

(Oct 23, 2024)

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 23 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, announced that more than $3.32 million in state grants was awarded to several local institutions. Powell and state Sen. Lindsey Williams, D-Allegheny, helped facilitate the Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program’s allocation of nearly $1.3 million to Shaler Area School District for roof replacement work at Shaler Area Middle School. In addition, Powell, Williams and state Sen. Wayne Fontana’s advocacy led to more than $2 million in Local Share Account funds being awarded to the following five projects: City of Pittsburgh -- $999,999 for traffic improvements along Smallman Street. Shaler Township -- $535,200 for improvements at Fall Run Park. Millvale Borough -- $250,000 for rehabilitating Logan Street. Reserve Township -- $200,000 for the Lonsdale Street and Emma Street Sewer Separation. City of Pittsburgh -- $42,592 for the Catholic Youth Association of Pittsburgh Inc. to purchase a vehicle for Meals on Wheels delivery. “I’m honored to advocate for the needs of District 21 alongside my colleagues in Harrisburg,” Powell said, “Investing in our district’s infrastructure and schools helps to facilitate a vibrant community -- one that is connected, prosperous and uplifts our neighbors to new heights.” PSFIG provides grants to public school districts and area career and technical schools for eligible facility Read more

 

Abney and Powell applaud $5 million grant to Pittsburgh School District for HVAC improvements

(Oct 23, 2024)

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 23 – State Reps. Aerion A. Abney and Lindsay Powell announced today that a $5 million state grant was awarded to Pittsburgh School District for updating HVAC systems at several district schools. Abney, Powell, state Reps. Dan Deasy, Jessica Benham and La’Tasha D. Mayes, and state Sens. Wayne Fontana and Jay Costa helped facilitate The Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program’s allocation that will install new systems at the following 11 educational institutions: Arsenal PreK-5 Arsenal 6-8 Carrick High School Classical 6-8 (PCA) Clayton Academy Concord PreK-5 CAPA 6-12 Grandview PreK-5 King PreK-8 Weil PreK-5 Westinghouse Academy 6-12 “Making these upgrades throughout Pittsburgh School District will help make for learning environments that are conducive to student livelihood and helping them achieve at the highest possible academic level,” Abney, D-Allegheny, said. “Thank you to my House and Senate colleagues for their combined collaboration in securing these dollars.” “Getting students ready to learn and excel in the classroom are imperative, and these funds will help ensure Pittsburgh School District students can perform their best in all academic endeavors,” Powell, D-Allegheny, added, “We’ve seen how old HVAC systems, coupled with climate change, can result in an unbearable learning environment, and I’m proud to partner with my fellow Read more

 

October 14, 2024 Email

(Oct 17, 2024)

World Mental Health Day was a few days ago, and I joined fellow state legislators and advocates this week to discuss how we can better support the mental health needs of our children. Read more

 

Powell hails $4.3 million for sewage system repairs

(Oct 16, 2024)

SHALER TOWNSHIP, Oct. 16 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, announced that $4.3 million was awarded to Shaler Township for maintenance of its sewage system. The funds, a low-interest loan from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority , will fix approximately 30,000 feet of manhole-to-manhole lining, rehabilitate 177 manholes, and include direct excavation repairs. “These monies are much more than providing the materials needed to keep citizens connected to clean water. They are investments in the health and hygiene of Allegheny County individuals and families,” Powell said. “I’m proud to have collaborated with Sen. Lindsey Williams on this necessity for all.” Shaler Township’s dollars will benefit nearly 9,000 customers and a total population of 22,495. PENNVEST allotted these monies, as part of its ongoing mission to increase the health and safety of Commonwealth citizens, protect our environment, promote economic development, and improve water quality. Read more

 

Sen. Lindsey M. Williams and Rep. Lindsay Powell Announce $500,000 in Grant Funding for Etna Center for Community

(Oct 11, 2024)

Senator Lindsey M. Williams (D-Allegheny) and Representative Lindsay Powell (D-21) announced that the Etna Center for Community will receive a $500,000 Multipurpose Community Facilities Program grant. This funding will be used to continue demolition on the historic Ochese Building and begin renovations to create a library and community space, the highest-prioritized project from Etna’s EcoDistrict Plan. Read more

 

October 7, 2024 Email

(Oct 09, 2024)

We wrapped up another week in Harrisburg, and the October air has finally turned crisp! Read more

 

September 30, 2024 Email

(Oct 02, 2024)

It’s hard to believe it’s been one year since I was sworn in as your state representative! Read more

 

September 23, 2024 Email

(Sep 30, 2024)

Colleagues on both sides of the aisle and I are less than a week away from returning to the Capitol to continue the good work on behalf of all Pennsylvanians! While still at home this week, however, my fellow members on the Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation and I presented state funds to the Allegheny County Constables Association for all they do to keep our neighbors safe. Read more

 

Powell introduces bill to ensure spouses of PA’s fallen first responders receive all the benefits they deserve

(Sep 24, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Sept. 24 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, has introduced a bill that would provide financial assistance to the spouses of Pennsylvania first responders killed in the line of duty. Powell’s legislation ( H.B. 2559 ) would clarify a provision in the state Workers’ Compensation Act and ensure surviving spouses of emergency personnel continue to receive death benefits, even if they choose to remarry. Current law does keep retirement pensions in place at 50% for surviving spouses, but death benefits cease upon remarriage. “Our first responders risk everything to protect us and some make the ultimate sacrifice. Standing with them means standing with their families,” Powell said. “It’s only right to have their backs, and my bill would help give them the financial stability to rebuild their lives.” The bill has been referred to the PA House Labor & Industry Committee. Read more

 

September 16, 2024 Email

(Sep 19, 2024)

Throughout our history, America has frequently struggled with anti-immigration sentiment, bigotry, and racism. And yet, what makes our country unique is that nearly all of us have an immigration story of our own. Read more

 

September 9, 2024 Email

(Sep 11, 2024)

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our “Housing For All” resource fair this past weekend! Read more

 

September 2, 2024 Email

(Sep 04, 2024)

I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend! Here in the 412, I was honored and privileged to march alongside several of my House Democratic colleagues, Gov. Josh Shapiro, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, Congresswoman Summer Lee, and others to support laborers and their right to organize for thriving wages, excellent healthcare, and humane working conditions. Read more

 

August 26, 2024 Email

(Aug 28, 2024)

School is back in session for our youngest neighbors across the Commonwealth, which was always one of my favorite times of the year growing up. The new notebook smell, academic exploration, and making new memories with friends are a few reasons to be excited for new beginnings! Read more

 

Summer 2024 Newsletter

(Aug 27, 2024)

It’s been almost a year since I was sworn in as state representative for Pennsylvania’s 21st Legislative District. So far, the honor of representing you in Harrisburg has been an incredibly humbling and rewarding experience. It’s been inspiring to meet so many people from all walks of life throughout our community, to hear their stories, and to learn about their concerns and priorities. Read more

 

August 12, 2024 Email

(Aug 13, 2024)

This past week, I supported and recognized not only the top beer festival in our nation, as voted on by readers of USA Today, but an annual celebration of Black and brown neighbors making their mark in the craft brewing space, contributing to the strength of local and state economies, and much more. Read more

 

August 5, 2024 Email

(Aug 07, 2024)

Recently, I joined Etna's residents and local leaders to celebrate the life and legacy of former Mayor Tom Rengers. Tom spent his life dedicated to making Etna a thriving, welcoming borough, and his legacy will live on through his neighbors’ selfless acts for their community and toward one another. In that spirit, I want to highlight the merits of public service and what that means and looks like for our communities. Read more

 

July 29, 2024 Email

(Aug 01, 2024)

In case you missed it, I hosted a PA House Democratic Policy Committee hearing this week to discuss short-term rental properties -- their impact locally, and across Pennsylvania. Read more