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Abney announces conservation, recreation funding in southwestern Pa.

(Oct 07, 2026) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

HARRISBURG, Oct. 7 – State Rep. Aerion Abney, chair of the Allegheny and Southwest House Democratic Delegation, announced today that four projects across Allegheny County and southwestern Pennsylvania have been awarded funding through Pennsylvania’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program. The grants support projects focused on workforce development, urban forestry, parks and riverfront planning, as well as conservation efforts across western Pennsylvania. The grants include: Pittsburgh Conservation Corps — funding for workforce development and wood reuse in Allegheny County. Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy — funding to support work at Emerald View Park. Riverlife — funding for a study of Pittsburgh’s riverfront amenities. Western Pennsylvania Conservancy — funding for urban and community forestry efforts throughout Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania, including Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Erie, Fayette, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Somerset, Washington and Westmoreland counties. “These grants will help make southwestern Pennsylvania a stronger, more vibrant place to live,” Abney said. “They support good jobs, improve public spaces and parks and help us make better use of the natural assets that define our region. That’s an investment Read more

 

Abney bill to help child welfare providers manage insurance costs passes House

(Sep 29, 2026) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

HARRISBURG, Sept. 29 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today passed legislation sponsored by state Rep. Aerion Abney that would help child welfare providers manage insurance costs so they can afford to continue their important work. A licensed social worker, Abney said H.B. 2490 will help child welfare providers maintain affordable insurance coverage and serve children, families and communities across Pennsylvania. “Child welfare providers are facing a serious insurance crisis, with premiums rising sharply and some providers struggling to find coverage at all,” Abney said. “We need to make sure the people and organizations caring for our children can focus on that work instead of being pushed out by insurance costs. This legislation creates a fairer approach to liability and helps protect the stability of these essential services.” Under the bill, counties would not be allowed to require a child welfare provider to waive an insurer’s right to recover money from a party responsible for a claim as a condition of receiving a county contract. The legislation addresses a growing problem for providers. Rising insurance premiums and limited coverage options can make it more difficult for organizations to provide child welfare services. Preventing contract requirements that further increase insurers’ risk can help create greater Read more

 

Abney announces state investments for Pittsburgh communities

(Sep 15, 2026) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 15 – State Rep. Aerion Abney today announced more than $3.5 million in Local Share Account funding for Pittsburgh-area projects that will expand access to essential services, strengthen neighborhood infrastructure, preserve historic community assets and improve public spaces. The announcement also includes a city of Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire engine investment secured by the full Pittsburgh Delegation and a Pittsburgh Land Bank award that Abney secured in partnership with state Rep. Jessica Benham. "These investments deliver real, lasting improvements for residents throughout Pittsburgh," Abney said. "From bringing library services directly to older adults and ensuring emergency power for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, to creating childcare, expanding educational resources, improving accessibility and revitalizing neighborhood landmarks, these grants meet practical needs while helping our communities grow stronger." The grants include: $338,071 for the Allegheny County Library Association's new bookmobile. This funding will replace the association's nearly 15-year-old bookmobile, helping it continue bringing books, materials, and library services directly to people who may not be able to visit a library branch. $150,000 for a backup generator at the Center for Hearing & Deaf Services. The grant will help the center Read more

 

Abney announces cultural and historical grants supporting Allegheny County institutions

(Sep 10, 2026) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 10 – State Rep. Aerion Abney today announced more than $200,000 in Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission Cultural and Historical Support Grants for four Allegheny County institutions that preserve history, inspire young people, and strengthen communities across the region. The grants provide essential operating support to the Kamin Science Center, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, Senator John Heinz History Center and Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh. Together, the institutions play a vital role in educating students and families, preserving Western Pennsylvania’s history, promoting STEM learning and combating antisemitism and other forms of hate. “These institutions are a tremendous asset to our community, and I’m proud to see state funding helping them continue their important work,” Abney said. “Whether it’s inspiring a child to pursue a career in science, introducing families to the rich history of our region, or teaching future generations the lessons of the Holocaust, these organizations make a lasting difference in the lives of people throughout Western Pennsylvania.” The funding is part of nearly $4 million in Cultural and Historical Support Grants announced by the PHMC for the 2026-27 grant cycle. The program provides unrestricted operating support to eligible museums and official county historical societies across Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Abney welcomes additional state funding for Pittsburgh transportation improvements

(Aug 18, 2026) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

PITTSBURGH, Aug. 18 – State Rep. Aerion Abney today announced that Pittsburgh has been awarded nearly $3.75 million in state funding through Pennsylvania’s Multimodal Transportation Fund to support two important transportation infrastructure projects in the city. The awards include $3 million for the renovation of the Boulevard of the Allies in Pittsburgh’s Central Business District and $739,007 to upgrade and expand the North Shore’s overhead lane use control system. “These investments are about making Pittsburgh’s infrastructure safer, more reliable and better equipped to serve our growing city,” Abney said. “From improving one of our most important downtown corridors to modernizing a critical traffic management system on the North Shore, these projects will make a real difference for residents, workers, businesses and visitors. I’m proud to see state resources coming back to Pittsburgh to strengthen our transportation network and support our local economy.” The Boulevard of the Allies project will repave the roadway between Commonwealth and Grant streets in Pittsburgh’s Central Business District and add new median planters. The improvements will help make this important downtown corridor safer, smoother and more inviting. The North Shore Overhead Lane Use Control Upgrade and Expansion project will modernize the overhead lane control Read more

 

Pittsburgh legislators welcome $1.5 million for traffic signal renovations

(Aug 04, 2026) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

PITTSBURGH, Aug. 4 – The City of Pittsburgh has been awarded $1,533,315.69 from the state’s Greenlight-Go Program to replace outdated traffic signals at three intersections, announced local state Reps. Aerion Abney, Lindsay Powell and La’Tasha D. Mayes, all D-Allegheny. The funding will serve to replace traffic signals at the following intersections: Bingham and 10th Streets in the South Side Flats, located in Abney’s district. Butler and Main Streets in Lawrenceville, located in Powell’s district. East Liberty Boulevard and Larimer Avenue in the neighborhoods of the same name, located in Mayes’ district. "This investment will improve safety and reliability for everyone who travels through the South Side,” said Abney , chair of the House Democratic Allegheny County Delegation . “Replacing outdated traffic signals at the Bingham Street and 10th Street intersection will help keep pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, and drivers moving more safely and efficiently. I'm proud to support state investments that strengthen our infrastructure and improve daily commutes for Pittsburgh residents." “This funding will help to ensure that our local roads are safer for both drivers and pedestrians,” said Powell , city vice chair of the Allegheny Delegation. “This is especially true for Lawrenceville, where an intersection along our most significant Read more

 

Abney announces $29.3 million in state funding for Pittsburgh projects

(Jul 16, 2026) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

PITTSBUGH, July 16 – State Rep. Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny, today announced that more than $29.35 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grants have been awarded to transformative projects throughout his Pittsburgh district, supporting neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing, economic development, education, arts and culture, and community infrastructure. "These investments are about creating places where families can gather, businesses can grow, students can learn, and neighborhoods can thrive," Abney said. "Whether it's building more affordable housing, improving our parks, strengthening cultural institutions, or breathing new life into downtown, these projects will create jobs today while making Pittsburgh an even better place to live for years to come." Among the funded projects are: 1441 Metropolitan Street Renovation – $1 million to modernize a long-standing office building with major infrastructure upgrades, creating improved workspaces for county employees while extending the life of the facility. Allegheny Landing (Riverlife) – $500,000 to transform the North Shore park with improved accessibility, restored riverfront habitat, new play features and infrastructure that supports year-round community events. Arts Landing and Public Realm (Pittsburgh Cultural Trust) – $8 million to create a signature downtown Read more

 

Abney applauds state court’s skill game ruling, calls for stronger oversight

(Jun 16, 2026) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

HARRISBURG, June 16 – State Rep. Aerion Abney released the following statement regarding Monday’s ruling by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court that skill games are illegal in the commonwealth: “ The Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision confirms what many of us have long believed: skill games are illegal under existing Pennsylvania law. This ruling provides long-awaited clarity and presents an opportunity for the Commonwealth to establish a responsible, transparent framework moving forward. “For too long, skill game machines have proliferated across Pennsylvania with little to no meaningful oversight. These machines can be found in communities throughout Pittsburgh and across the Commonwealth, yet there are few safeguards to ensure accountability, consumer protection or transparency regarding how the money generated is managed and distributed. That lack of regulation has created an uneven playing field and left significant revenue on the table. “As the General Assembly considers next steps, we must strike a balance that protects the service organizations, veterans groups, clubs and small businesses that have come to rely on income associated with these machines, while also ensuring appropriate regulation and taxation. Those goals are not mutually exclusive. We can support community organizations and establish the oversight necessary to protect players, strengthen public trust, and ensure revenues Read more

 

First-ever digital advertising tax in PA passes state House

(Jun 09, 2026) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

HARRISBURG, June 9 – Today, the PA House of Representatives passed the "Digital Ads Tax Bill" (H.B. 1678) with a bipartisan vote of 139-63. Introduced by state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila.; Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny; and John Inglis, D-Allegheny, the legislation would update Pennsylvania’s existing gross receipts tax to include the sale of digital advertisements.The vast majority of the tax would be paid by the wealthiest Big Tech corporations, including Google, Meta, Amazon, TikTok, and Microsoft, which represent an almost $300 billion industry in the U.S. The legislation would require multinational corporations to pay their fair share without raising taxes on consumers or small businesses. The tax applies to the platform selling ad space on websites and apps, not the retailer paying to promote their product. Read more

 

Fiedler, Abney, Inglis bill to modernize Tax Code, close digital ads loophole reported out of House Finance Committee

(Jun 03, 2026) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

HARRISBURG, June 3 – Today, the House Finance Committee approved H.B. 1678 . The legislation would update Pennsylvania’s existing gross receipts tax to include the sale of digital advertisements. This is a long-overdue modernization of the commonwealth’s dated Tax Code, to include the global, digital economy. T he vast majority of the tax will be paid by the wealthiest Big Tech corporations, including Google, Meta, Amazon, TikTok and Microsoft, the sponsors said. Digital ads subject to the tax would include banners, search engine results and full-screen interstitial ads. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., and Rep. Aerion Abney and Rep. John Inglis, both D-Allegheny. “Bus drivers, teachers, cashiers and nurses are struggling to keep up with their household bills. This budget season in Harrisburg, we must remain focused on keeping their costs down. This bill protects people’s wallets and brings in revenue for important public programs and services like education, healthcare and transit,” said Fiedler . “It’s past time we require billionaires and Big Tech corporations pay their fair share to our Commonwealth, and close the digital ads loophole. I am thankful to the House Finance Committee for seeing the urgent need to move this bill.” The legislation could have significant impact on the state’s budget. House Bill 1678 Read more

 

Abney announces state funding to create affordable housing in North Side

(May 05, 2026) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

HARRISBURG, May 5 – State Rep. Aerion Abney today announced a $1 million grant to support the Horace Mann Village development in Pittsburgh’s North Side neighborhood, a major mixed-use housing project that will bring new residential units, public amenities and workforce development space to the community. The funding will support the Horace Mann Village project, which will transform a key site in Pittsburgh into a vibrant, community-centered development featuring 182 residential units, a structured parking facility, a public park and a workforce development center. “This investment represents a meaningful step forward for Pittsburgh’s North Side neighborhood and for families who need access to safe, modern and affordable housing,” Abney said. “Projects like Horace Mann Village not only expand housing opportunities, but also strengthen the long-term economic foundation of our neighborhoods by pairing housing with workforce development and community space.” The award is part of a broader statewide initiative announced by Gov. Josh Shapiro, whose administration is investing $10 million across seven projects through the PA Mixed-Use Housing Development Pilot Program. The program is designed to convert underutilized land and buildings into mixed-use developments that include new housing options in communities across Pennsylvania. According to the Department of Read more

 

New legislation to tax Big Tech’s digital advertising considered by PA House committee

(Apr 29, 2026) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

HARRISBURG, April 29 - The PA House Finance Committee today considered H.B. 1678 , new legislation that would tax revenue derived from digital advertising platforms. The bill, known as the Digital Ads Tax, was introduced by state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny, and John Inglis, D-Allegheny. House Bill 1678 would extend the existing gross receipts tax -- a 5% tax already paid by telecommunications and other industries -- to revenue from digital advertising platforms, which sell ad space on websites and apps. Digital ads subject to the tax would include banners, search engine results, and full-screen interstitial ads. The vast majority of the tax will be paid by the wealthiest Big Tech corporations, including Google, Meta, Amazon, TikTok, and Microsoft, the sponsors said. “Working people are struggling under the weight of the rising cost of groceries, gas, and housing, but still manage to pay their taxes. This legislation calls on some of the biggest corporations in the world to pay their fair share,” said Fiedler. “This legislation doesn’t cost people in Pennsylvania a penny. But with investment by these huge for-profit corporations, we can fund the infrastructure we all count on: roads, bridges, schools, and transit.” “I appreciate Chair Fiedler for introducing this legislation and thank the members of the committee for their thoughtful discussion on the Read more

 

Abney announces $4 million in violence-prevention grants for district

(Apr 15, 2026) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

State Rep. Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today that 10 violence-prevention programs in the 19th Legislative District will benefit from nearly $4 million in state grants. Read more

 

Abney announces over $53 million investment in Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority

(Apr 15, 2026) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

PITTSBURGH, April 15 – Today, State Rep. Aerion Abney announced a massive investment from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority to a Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority project. A Pennvest loan of $53,895,600 will go to the authority for sewer rehabilitation in the Hazelwood, Bon Air, Stanton Heights, Overbrook, Chateau, Swisshelm Park, Carrick and Allegheny West areas of Pittsburgh. The rehabilitation will be done in a proactive manner to avoid the issue and cost associated with full failure of infrastructure. All rehabilitation done will have a new design life of 50 years when completed. Pennvest’s low-interest loan funding will provide the grant-equivalent of $16,202,005 over the life of the loan. Without the loan, user sewage fees would be expected to increase by 70% to accommodate the project. “This Pennvest loan will provide crucial sewer rehabilitation and make sure our systems continue to run smoothly for decades to come,” Abney said. “I’m excited that the state has put its might behind these needed renovations, all while keeping fees down for constituents that have affordability on their minds.” For more information on Pennvest, visit pennvest.pa.gov . Read more

 

Honoring the legacy of 4 Black men who petitioned for the creation of Allegheny County

(Feb 27, 2026) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

Growing up, state Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney, D-Manchester, did not learn about the four Black men who signed the petition to create Allegheny County.He learned about Benjamin Richards, his son Charles Richards, David Saven and David Betty during his own journey into politics. Abney recently wrote an op-ed piece about the four men who signed the 1788 petition, in honor of Black History Month. Read more

 

Op-Ed: We Must Face, Not Erase, Black History

(Feb 13, 2026) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

The real story of America’s diversity, a story that is painful, heroic, and complicated — is certainly worth preserving. Read more

 

Abney: $2 million in grants to benefit 19th District

(Jan 20, 2026) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

State Rep. Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny, today announced that more than $2 million in grants has been awarded to four projects that will benefit the 19th Legislative District. Read more

 

Abney supports new recommendations for storm response

(Jan 06, 2026) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

State Rep. Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny, today expressed his support for a series of new recommendations from the state Public Utility Commission aimed at strengthening storm planning and coordination across Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Abney: 19th District benefits from $3.8 million in grants

(Dec 18, 2025) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

State Rep. Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny, today announced that nearly $3.8 million in grants has been awarded to 13 projects that will benefit the 19th Legislative District. Read more

 

Abney: 14 community support organizations in 19th District receive $4 million

(Dec 16, 2025) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

State Rep. Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today that nearly $4 million in tax credits was awarded to support 14 organizations providing valuable community support in the 19th Legislative District. Read more

 

Abney announces conservation, recreation funding in southwestern Pa.
Oct 07, 2026

Abney bill to help child welfare providers manage insurance costs passes House
Sep 29, 2026

Abney announces state investments for Pittsburgh communities
Sep 15, 2026

Abney announces cultural and historical grants supporting Allegheny County institutions
Sep 10, 2026

Abney welcomes additional state funding for Pittsburgh transportation improvements
Aug 18, 2026

Pittsburgh legislators welcome $1.5 million for traffic signal renovations
Aug 04, 2026

Abney announces $29.3 million in state funding for Pittsburgh projects
Jul 16, 2026

Abney applauds state court’s skill game ruling, calls for stronger oversight
Jun 16, 2026

First-ever digital advertising tax in PA passes state House
Jun 09, 2026

Fiedler, Abney, Inglis bill to modernize Tax Code, close digital ads loophole reported out of House Finance Committee
Jun 03, 2026

Abney announces state funding to create affordable housing in North Side
May 05, 2026

New legislation to tax Big Tech’s digital advertising considered by PA House committee
Apr 29, 2026

Abney announces $4 million in violence-prevention grants for district
Apr 15, 2026

Abney announces over $53 million investment in Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority
Apr 15, 2026

Honoring the legacy of 4 Black men who petitioned for the creation of Allegheny County
Feb 27, 2026

Op-Ed: We Must Face, Not Erase, Black History
Feb 13, 2026

Abney: $2 million in grants to benefit 19th District
Jan 20, 2026

Abney supports new recommendations for storm response
Jan 06, 2026

Abney: 19th District benefits from $3.8 million in grants
Dec 18, 2025

Abney: 14 community support organizations in 19th District receive $4 million
Dec 16, 2025