The state budget deadline is less than a week away, and I’m still in Harrisburg focused on passing a comprehensive spending plan that invests in education, health, housing, infrastructure, transportation, and much more for the neighbors I’m proud to represent and neighbors across PA. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 26 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, has introduced a bill that would provide money to Pennsylvania individuals and families seeking to own their own home. Powell’s legislation ( H.B. 2454 ) would establish the Affordable Homeownership Program under the state Department of Community and Economic Development . The program would award grants to sponsoring organizations, who would then provide the funds to individuals or households with annual incomes between 60% and 120% of the area median income. Qualifying applicants would be able to use these funds for projects such as: Home purchasing assistance programs. Home repairs. Work force housing programs. Acquiring residential properties. Designing and constructing properties. Asset management studies of properties. Social and environmental studies of properties. Homeownership education programs. Land trusts acquiring properties (Homeowners would need to maintain at least 40% of the equity on the property). “The median home price shot through the roof to nearly $225,000 in March of this year and continues to climb. This, combined with other factors, has pushed owning a home away from reality and closer to fantasy for many Pennsylvanians,” Powell said. “Home ownership is not only part of the American dream, it’s crucial to building and fostering strong communities. My bill would benefit PA and all neighbors who call it home.” Grant Read more
HARRISBURG, June 25 — State Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila.; Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny; Tarik Khan, D-Phila.; and Tarah Probst, D-Monroe/Pike, today introduced a bill that would create a School Facilities Office within the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The proposed office would be designed to help lawmakers and school district officials assess school facilities so they can adequately address facilities needs across the Commonwealth. “The deterioration of our school buildings is a statewide educational and public health issue, and we need to start funding them with that importance,” Fiedler said. “But if we are going to use millions of dollars in public money, we have to do it wisely and ensure no funds are wasted. We have a chance now to provide our children with the 21st-century learning spaces they deserve -- let's seize the opportunity and do it right.” In 2023, the Commonwealth Court ruled that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and that it is not enough for students to learn in facilities that are “generally safe,” the facilities “must be safe, and adequate.” "In Pittsburgh, more than 75% of our schools had to resort to remote learning because they lacked air conditioning and proper ventilation," explained Powell. "The need for an organizing office to help schools access local, state and federal dollars for Read more
I’m back in my legislative district before gearing up to return to Harrisburg next week! I’m fighting to ensure we can finalize a comprehensive budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year that assists and benefits ALL Pennsylvanians. Read more
PITTSBURGH, June 20 – State Reps. Lindsay Powell and Nick Pisciottano, both D-Allegheny, joined Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato to support legislation aimed at growing green energy jobs across Pennsylvania at the City County Building today. House Bill 2315 , sponsored by Powell and Pisciottano, would establish the Promotion of Renewable Opportunities, Supporting People, Employment and Resilience – or PROSPER -- Act and incentivize the creation of sustainable energy jobs statewide, with a focus on regions grappling with high unemployment rates within the natural resources and mining sectors. Powell pointed out that PA is among the top producers of natural gas energy in the country, and the PROSPER Act would serve as a logical bridge to cleaner energy output. “Clean air and water are human rights, and communities throughout the Commonwealth should be able to thrive without having to worry about developing respiratory illnesses due to poor air quality or having their water contaminated,” she said. “The PROSPER Act is an investment in our future and the long-term health of our communities.” Recent research has found that fossil fuel extraction workers possess skillsets compatible with work in clean energy, and Pisciottano communicated the need to assist them. “The PROSPER Act is centered around supporting workers whose livelihood has depended on the fossil fuel industry,” he said. “We refuse Read more
I was back in Harrisburg this week, and I was proud to cast my affirmative vote for a basic education funding bill that would help get our public schools the dollars they need to assist students, teachers, and staff. We have a historic opportunity to reverse decades of underfunding public education. The House did our part. Now, the state Senate needs to act. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 11 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, has introduced a bill that would help Pennsylvanians access the consultations and care they need, while keeping the price of this treatment low. Powell’s legislation ( H.B. 2385 ) would mandate that consultations between doctors, often done virtually, are covered under health insurances policies statewide. “The collective knowledge of more than one medical professional is often vital when our neighbors receive care. Interprofessional consultations are one tool physicians employ to effectively diagnose and treat patients,” Powell said. “This bill would help ensure that costs facing patients are reduced and would provide better peace of mind on the path to recovery. The burden of scheduling additional doctor appointments would also be removed and save patients considerable time and money.” The bill has been referred to the PA House Insurance Committee. A related bill Powell has introduced would prohibit employers in Pennsylvania from denying medical benefits to workers who are on strike. That legislation is co-sponsored by state Rep. Dan Miller, D-Allegheny. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 10 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell’s bill that would help keep individuals and families in their homes passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today. The legislation, H.B. 1064, would update the Tax Increment Financing Act and allow TIF districts to fund affordable housing, foreclosure and rental assistance, and workforce programs with funds collected from the implementation of the act. The bill would also increase the lifespan of TIF districts from 20 to 25 years, allowing more revenue generated from these projects to ensure development is equitable and to support homeowners who may be impacted by resulting property tax increases. “These commonsense changes to the TIF Act are investments not only in the economic health and viability of neighborhoods but are investments in our neighbors who call these communities home,” said Powell, D-Allegheny. “Strengthening our community bonds and supporting residents is a bipartisan issue, and I'm glad my colleagues on both sides recognized the need for these protections.” TIF districts are communities deemed “blighted” or “distressed” and coordinated through a partnership with a city and its respective county and school districts. The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration. Read more
My colleagues and I were back in Harrisburg this week for budget negotiations, and like the temperatures, discussions are heating up fast! Please never hesitate to let my office know which priorities you want to see funded. A budget is only strong if it reflects the needs and priorities of our communities! Read more
I hope everyone had a safe and fun Memorial Day weekend, as we paid homage to all our fallen service members and their sacrifices to our country. Once my colleagues and I return to Harrisburg next week, we’ll be fully in the thick of budget month, my first, but I’m looking forward to passing a comprehensive Pennsylvania budget. Read more
HARRISBURG, May 30 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell has introduced a resolution that would designate June 15, 2024 as Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Pennsylvania. “Mistreatment of our senior neighbors is not limited to what we can physically observe. Abuse encompasses psychological, emotional and financial manipulation and is made easier through widespread internet access,” said Powell, D-Allegheny. “They are our mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles who were there for us when we needed support. Now, we need to be present for them. We must keep them healthy and safe in their advanced age, and my resolution would help further this important conversation.” At least 10% of adults aged 65 and older will experience some form of elder abuse in a given year, according to one statistic compiled by the U.S. Department of Justice. In Pennsylvania , reports of elder abuse rose from 39,820 cases in fiscal year 2020-21 to 44,352 cases in fiscal year 2021-22. The resolution ( H.R. 453 ) was referred to the PA House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee, of which Powell is a member. Read more
My colleagues on both sides of the aisle are back in Harrisburg before the busy budget month of June begins to deliver on important legislation for all Pennsylvanians. As an example, I voted yes on state Rep. Mandy Steele’s bill that would require health insurance to cover the costs of blood pressure monitors for pregnant or postpartum persons, a critical piece of legislation that will provide new parents greater peace of mind. Read more
HARRISBURG, May 22 – State Reps. Lindsay Powell and Nick Pisciottano, both D-Allegheny, today introduced legislation aimed at growing green energy jobs across Pennsylvania while ensuring a just transition for fossil fuel industry workers. House Bill 2315 would establish the Promotion of Renewable Opportunities, Supporting People, Employment & Resilience (PROSPER) Tax Credit to incentivize the creation of sustainable energy jobs in Pennsylvania, with a focus on regions grappling with high unemployment rates within the natural-resources and mining sectors. “The urgency to shift toward sustainable energy sources is undeniable, but we must ensure that no worker is left behind in this transition," Powell said. "We have a tremendous opportunity to position Pennsylvania as a leader in the transition to renewable energy. The PROSPER Tax Credit is our commitment to supporting workers who have long relied on the fossil fuel industry, while simultaneously fostering the growth of green energy jobs in our state.” “So many families in southwestern Pennsylvania rely on jobs in the natural gas and mining industries,” Pisciottano said. “Legislation like this is key to helping these workers keep earning a paycheck as our economy shifts away from fossil fuels. Industries changing over time is inevitable, but our dedication to pursuing policies that support working people is unwavering.” Read more
Representatives are back in their districts this week, and I’ve been fortunate to meet with residents about their priorities for the budget this year! Read more
PITTSBURGH, May 14 – The Stephen Foster Community Center is receiving $62,558 for capital improvements and renovations, state Rep. Lindsay Powell announced today. Powell, D-Allegheny, said the competitive grant from the state Department of Aging is a smart investment in a well-loved community gathering place. “The center plays a key role for so many seniors by offering meals and transportation, health and wellness programs, and classes and trips,” Powell said. “Possibly most important, it brings people together for conversation, community engagement, and all the other activities that go hand in hand with healthy aging. “The new funding will help ensure that the many seniors who love and use the center will be able to do so in the safest, most comfortable setting possible. I’m grateful to the center staff and Catholic Youth Organization for all they do to make the center a vital place in so many people’s lives, and I’m thankful to the Department of Aging and our community partners for the new funding that will keep it thriving.” More information about the competitive grants as well as additional, non-competitive grants to area senior centers is available here . Read more
PITTSBURGH, May 13 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, announced that a total of $75,000 in state grants has been awarded to help communities in Pennsylvania’s 21st Legislative District become safer, easier to navigate and focused on the future. The state Department of Community and Economic Development awarded $50,000 to Reserve Township to finish repairs to Logan Street, which links Millvale Borough to Reserve Township. Powell said this crucial corridor helps facilitate fast travel for each other’s first responders to provide mutual aid and connects residents with area shopping, restaurants and places of worship. These funds will be utilized to install a retaining wall to prevent a future landslide, stabilize the slope, and implement traffic safety improvements to the route. “Reserve Township’s residents and first responders deserve a quick route to and from Millvale Borough because lives literally depend on it,” Powell said. “Our region is prone to landslides, as a result of our beautiful but volatile landscapes, and it was my privilege to bring back these crucial dollars to our neighbors.” “State Representative Powell was instrumental in facilitating a state grant that allowed Reserve Township to rebuild the failing retaining wall and get this route reopened again after a closure of more than two years,” said Jan Kowalski, Reserve Township’s manager. Etna Borough received $25,000 from Read more
Stalking impacts nearly 7.5 million Americans every year. Now, devices like Apple’s AirTag are so discrete that a stalker can drop the device into their victim's pocket or purse without the victim being aware. I’m proud to say, however, that legislation passed the PA House to keep up with these individuals seeking to do harm. Read more
The federal Affordable Connectivity Program is officially at an end as of this email. Read more
HARRISBURG, April 30 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell’s bill that would ban tracking via a feature on devices manufactured by Apple Inc. passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today. The legislation, H.B. 416 , would forbid the use of AirTags for any nefarious motive, with an emphasis on remote stalking. Bad actors have utilized AirTags to put trackers on vehicles and pinpoint the location of their victims. “Stalking in any form directly or indirectly impacts far too many residents in our state, country and worldwide. Not only that, the consistent advent of new technologies has made life even more perilous for people subjected to this crime,” Powell, D-Allegheny, said. “This bill would help neighbors stay safer across the commonwealth and keep them on level ground with people seeking to do them harm.” Multiple plaintiffs filed a class-action lawsuit against Apple in December of 2022 for remote stalking and despite the company’s attempt to dismiss the case, it is moving forward. AirTags, launched more than three years ago, is intended to help individuals find items that are often misplaced, such as keys, wallets or bookbags. The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration. Read more
Covid-19 not only resulted in immeasurable loss of life, it also permanently altered life as we knew it. The base of operations that is home shed its more proverbial association and became the place where business in all its forms got done. Computers and internet access represented a lifeline for people forging ahead through this once-in-a-generation health crisis. Read more
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