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Abney introduces bill to ensure landlords are transparent with tenants on utility bills

(Mar 31, 2025) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

HARRISBURG, March 31 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, today introduced a bill that would require landlords to share, upon request, utility bills with tenants. The legislation ( H.B. 1034 ) would only apply to tenants who pay their landlords directly for utilities and whose fees are not determined by unit usage meters. “When paying landlords directly for utilities, tenants deserve the assurance that what they’re asked to pay is the same amount reflected on the actual utility bill,” Abney said. “My legislation would create more access and transparency and would minimize landlord tenant disputes over utility costs.” Residents in Abney’s district have been affected by this issue, which a similar law in Maryland has already addressed. Abney’s bill was referred to the Pennsylvania House Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities Committee. Read more

 

Abney’s bill to help keep seniors eligible for state prescription programs ceremonially signed into law

(Mar 26, 2025) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

HARRISBURG, March 25 – State Rep. Aerion Abney’s bill that excludes a portion of a person’s potential revenue when determining their financial eligibility for senior prescription programs was ceremonially signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro at the state Capitol today. Act 118 of 2024 , formerly H.B. 2378, went into effect October 2024 and does not count the total dollar amount, including face value and interest earned, of redeemed savings bonds as part of older Pennsylvanians’ income when they apply for either the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly or PACE Needs Enhancement Tier, otherwise known as PACE and PACENET. “Older Pennsylvanians need to stay connected to the medications they need to maintain and improve their health and well-being. Excluding savings bond earnings also allows them to get the most out of such a proactive investment by keeping more money in their pockets,” said Abney, D-Allegheny. “I want to thank Governor Shapiro, my colleagues in the House and Senate, and all other stakeholders for helping to support PA’s seniors through my legislation.” PACE is funded entirely by the Pennsylvania Lottery and has helped more than 1.6 million Pennsylvania seniors pay for more than 360 million prescriptions. PACE and PACENET serve more than 250,000 older Pennsylvanians. Act 118 of 2024 is Abney’s first bill as a state representative to become law. Read more

 

Abney: $1.5 million+ for hiring support and public safety in Pittsburgh

(Feb 27, 2025) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

PITTSBURGH, Feb. 26 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced that two state grants, totaling more than $1.5 million, were awarded to a local restaurant for expanding employment opportunities and to projects that will safeguard motorists and pedestrians. Café Momentum Pittsburgh received $914,300 for extending workforce development internships to 75 at-risk youths. The interns will learn front- and back-of-the-house work during their time with Café Momentum, as well as receive life-skills support, employee adjustment and confidence skill building assistance, mental healthcare, and education support. Funding of $647,000 will go toward modernizing the traffic signal at the intersection of East General Robinson Street and Sandusky Street and for pedestrian safety improvements in the North Shore neighborhood. “Giving young people opportunities, such as those provided by Café Momentum, will provide them with invaluable information on sustainable careers and, potentially, a path to such careers in food services and hospitality. I’m also proud to help secure monies that will keep neighbors safe with traffic improvements on the North Side,” Abney said. “Thank you to Senator Wayne Fontana and all partners who helped make these dollars possible.” Café Momentum’s funds are allocated through the Commonwealth’s Violence Intervention and Prevention Grant Program, while the traffic signal Read more

 

Abney introduces bill for PA to join Social Work Licensure Compact

(Feb 19, 2025) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

HARRISBURG, Feb. 19 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, introduced a bill today that would add Pennsylvania to the list of states that are members of the Social Work Licensure Compact. The legislation ( H.B. 554 ) would allow licensed commonwealth social workers or those eligible for a license to apply for the ability to provide their services across multiple states. A comprehensive data system would also be created, so the public could be kept safe and informed regarding social worker license status and any adverse actions associated with a licensed social worker. “As a social worker, I know firsthand how hard they work for their fellow citizens and how their efforts are often overlooked by others,” Abney said. “My bill would help social workers provide for themselves and their families, while ensuring that those in need of their services can improve their own circumstances by seeking them out.” Abney holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh. The bill has been referred to the PA House Professional Licensure Committee. Read more

 

Abney appointed to Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s Board of Directors

(Feb 13, 2025) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

HARRISBURG, Feb. 13 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today that he has been appointed to Pittsburgh Regional Transit ’s Board of Directors by Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Joanna E. McClinton. “I want to thank Speaker McClinton for entrusting me with the responsibility to address transportation needs across Pittsburgh. This role, complemented by serving on the House Appropriations Committee, is a tremendous opportunity to help secure dollars that keep residents connected to home, work and other destinations through this year’s budget and future budgets,” Abney said. “I look forward to collaborating with government colleagues, community leaders and stakeholders on solutions that get neighbors where they need to go every day.” Abney’s term on the board will officially begin on March 1 and run exactly four years. PRT is comprised of 2,600 employees who operate, maintain and support bus, light rail, incline and paratransit services, which translates into providing 60 million rides per year. Until 2022, the agency was known as Port Authority. Read more

 

Abney extols $500,000 grant for urban farming and marketplace

(Feb 05, 2025) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

PITTSBURGH, Feb. 5 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced that a state grant of half a million dollars was awarded to a local career training institute for establishing resources available to prospective urban farmers. Bidwell Training Center , located on Pittsburgh’s North Side, would utilize the funds to create an urban agriculture farm and market. “Cities across the country continue to break the mold of the stereotypical farm with hundreds of acres to contribute to PA’s agricultural output and economic strength their own unique way,” Abney said. “These dollars will help enable a great educational institute like Bidwell to provide students with a blueprint to what a vibrant and sustaining future in urban farming looks like.” Bidwell’s grant is part of a total of $10 million in state funding, which is made possible by Pennsylvania’s Agricultural Innovation Grant program. A first-of-its-kind in the nation, the program helps farmers and other agriculture businesses implement new agricultural technologies, conservation and renewable energy innovations – expanding their potential to generate profits, enrich soil and water resources, and produce energy on the farm. All grant recipients can be found here . Read more

 

Abney: over $637,000 for community safety and the arts

(Jan 29, 2025) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 29 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced that more than $637,000 in state funds has been approved for several Pittsburgh institutions for safety measures and preserving the arts. More than $347,000 was secured by Abney and state Sen. Wayne Fontana, D-Allegheny, for the following entities: Pittsburgh Opera Inc. : $187,605 for operating expenses. Carnegie Institute: $100,000 to purchase specialized entertainment and industry-grade equipment for The Andy Warhol Museum . YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh : $60,000 to install two elevators, a sprinkler system, HVAC, mechanical plumbing and electrical systems at the Allegheny YMCA. Abney collaborated with state Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, and Fontana to help deliver $70,000 to POORLAW for a new HVAC system, phone system and PA system, along with upgrades to plumbing and the electrical system, at its Hazelwood One-Stop Shop Equity Resource Center. He also worked with state Sen. Jay Costa, D-Allegheny, and state Reps. La’Tasha D. Mayes, D-Allegheny, and Frankel to acquire $70,000 for Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy to construct ADA-accessible pathways at Schenley Park, improve stormwater infrastructure, and create new connections between the park and the Carnegie Mellon University campus. Abney, Fontana and state Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, helped procure a $150,000 grant to modernize a passenger elevator at Heinz Hall for Pittsburgh Symphony Inc. Read more

 

Abney lauds $26 million+ to remediate lead lines and improve Pittsburgh’s drinking water

(Jan 22, 2025) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 22 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced that over $26 million in state funds were awarded to the city of Pittsburgh to replace existing infrastructure and safeguard its drinking water supply. The monies will be used to replace lead service lines in Homewood, Oakland, Garfield, Friendship, Lincon-Lemington-Belmar, South Side Slopes, central North Side, Marshall Shadeland, Mount Washington and Squirrel Hill. They are the combination of a nearly $13 million low-interest, long-term loan and a grant of more than $13 million from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority . “Safe drinking water must be accessible to all neighbors, regardless of income, social status or any other discriminatory factors,” Abney said. “Everyone deserves this necessity, and I’m proud to partner with Sen. Fontana to see it come to fruition and enhance the posterity of all Pennsylvanians.” PENNVEST’s project in Pittsburgh will benefit nearly 1,700 residential customers. Read more

 

Rep. Abney's 2025 Capitol Calendar

(Jan 07, 2025) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

Please check out my 2025 Capitol calendar Read more

 

Shapiro Administration Announces $3.4 Million Investment in Point State Park to Upgrade Amenities, Walkways, Lighting and More Ahead of NFL Draft and America 250 Celebrations in Pittsburgh

(Dec 05, 2024) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) State Parks Director John Hallas today announced that Point State Park in Pittsburgh will undergo significant upgrades to prepare for major events in 2026, including the NFL Draft and the nation's 250th anniversary. Read more

 

Abney: Nearly $1.1 million in state grants for school safety, mental health needs

(Dec 03, 2024) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

PITTSBURGH, Dec. 3 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced that $1.09 million in state grants was awarded to a school district and charter schools throughout Pittsburgh to make them safer for students, teachers and staff and address behavioral health needs. Noncompetitive funds were allocated to the following public school district and charter schools in the 19th Legislative District: Pittsburgh School District: $528,221 City CHS: $70,000 Manchester Academic CS: $70,000 Passport Academy CS: $70,000 Pittsburgh – Mt. Oliver I.U. 2: $70,000 Propel CS – Hazelwood: $70,000 Propel CS – Northside: $70,000 Urban Pathways 6-12 CS: $70,000 Urban Pathways K-5 College CS: $70,000 “Being a member of the Pennsylvania House Education Committee has magnified my resolve to ensure that the students I’m privileged to represent can excel in an environment conducive to learning,” Abney said. "Helping to secure these dollars means investing in our young neighbors, so they can plant the seeds of a sustaining and prosperous posterity for themselves and the commonwealth.” The state’s School Safety and Security Committee, under the banner of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, made the funds possible. They help advance the SSSC’s goal of ensuring that all students can learn in safe, healthy school environments by helping school entities address basic safety needs and Read more

 

State grant of $150,000 awarded to Allegheny County for climate plan

(Nov 22, 2024) Allegheny County Delegation

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Nov. 22 – The Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation announced today that a $150,000 state grant was awarded to the county for a climate action plan. The funds, allocated through the Municipal Assistance Program , will address extreme weather events and public health impacts, with the goal being to develop investment strategies for county facilities, assets and services alongside its comprehensive plan update. “Measurable ramifications of climate change grow every day across a host of sectors, and Allegheny County wants to ensure it does everything in its power to help stem the tide of its impact,” state Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny and chair of the Allegheny County Delegation in the Pennsylvania House, said. “These dollars will help ensure all the tools and resources are in place to invest in a safer and greener county, state, country and planet for countless generations.” The Municipal Assistance Program provides technical resources and assistance for municipalities, consolidation and regional efforts, as well as serving as a resource for local government officials, developers and residents interested in planning to improve, grow and enhance communities. Gov. Josh Shapiro helped secured $2 million for the program in the 2024-25 bipartisan budget. A full list of grant recipients statewide is available here . Membership of the Allegheny County Delegation include state Reps. Abney, Jessica Benham, Read more

 

Abney becomes new chair of Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation

(Nov 14, 2024) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

HARRISBURG, Nov. 14 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced that he has been elected as the new chair of the Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation . “I’m grateful to my colleagues for giving me the honor to serve as chair and elevate the priorities of our delegation both in Harrisburg and across our region. With so much uncertainty facing our country and state, our region will need to display strong leadership focused on improving the quality of life for our residents,” Abney said. “I look forward to working with our government partners and other stakeholders alike to promote an agenda that is realistic, relevant and impactful.” Abney previously served as city vice chair on the delegation and assumes the role previously held by state Sen.-elect Nick Pisciottano. Abney has served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives since April 2022. Membership of the Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation is comprised of state Reps. Jessica Benham, Brandon Markosek, Dan Deasy, Dan Frankel, Matthew R. Gergely, Emily Kinkead, Anita Kulik, La’Tasha D. Mayes, Joe McAndrew, Dan Miller, Lindsay Powell, Abigail Salisbury, Mandy Steele and Arvind Venkat. State Rep.-elect John Inglis will fill the vacancy left by Pisciottano. Read more

 

Abney praises $1.3 million+ in state conservation grants for Pittsburgh

(Nov 13, 2024) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 13 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced that a total of $1,306,600 in state conservation grants was awarded to three projects in Pittsburgh. Abney collaborated with fellow Allegheny County state Reps. Lindsay Powell, Abigail Salisbury and Jessica Benham and state Sens. Jay Costa and Wayne Fontana to secure $604,400 in Community Conservation Partnership Program funds for the coordination of an Urban and Community Forestry workforce development program in the Steel City by the Student Conservation Association Inc. He also joined a long list of state lawmakers who helped make possible a $600,000 C2P2 grant for the coordination and funding of an Urban Wood Reuse Project and Urban and Community Forestry workforce development program by the Pittsburgh Conservation Corps. Abney, Powell, Fontana and Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes and state Sen. Lindsey Williams facilitated $102,200 in C2P2 dollars for the acquisition of approximately 8.94 acres in Pittsburgh for open space and passive recreation as well. “Pittsburgh is proud to do its part in the ongoing international campaign to safeguard the environment. Moreover, adding opportunities for neighbors to have fun while experiencing all the Steel City has to offer will make it a more welcoming and hospitable place for neighbors and visitors alike,” Abney said. “Thank you to all my state legislative partners for their work in procuring these grants.” The Read more

 

Abney: nearly $24 million in community grants awarded

(Nov 04, 2024) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

“Investing in housing projects for the people of Pittsburgh, coupled with dollars for scientific research and the arts, means that the Steel City will continue to be a welcoming place to neighbors and visitors alike,” Abney said. “Thank you to Sen. Fontana for his collaboration in acquiring the funding.” Read more

 

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

(Oct 23, 2024) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

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

 

Abney: over $2.8 million in community grants awarded

(Oct 23, 2024) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 23 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced that a total of $2,827,731 in state grants was awarded to several local institutions. Local Share Account funds were presented to the following eight projects: Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh – $750,000 for renovating the third floor of the Center for Hearing and Deaf Services, Inc. Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh -- $600,000 for restoring parts of Allegheny Landing. Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County – $312,000 for upgrades to David L. Lawrence Convention Center’s 10 th Street underpass lighting. Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh – $300,000 for renovating the future site of the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh’s Annex. Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh – $250,000 for renovating the fifth floor of Pittsburgh Gateways Corporation’s Energy Innovation Center. Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh – $224,366 for constructing a memorial to honor the fallen firefighters of Pittsburgh Fire Fighters IAFF Local No. 1. Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh – $200,000 for Lower Hill District Foundation, Inc.’s future Urban Open Space. Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh – $191,365 for redeveloping the Read more

 

Abney’s bill to help keep seniors eligible for state prescription programs passes PA Senate

(Oct 23, 2024) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

HARRISBURG, Oct. 23 – State Rep. Aerion Abney’s bill that would exclude a portion of a person’s potential revenue when determining their financial eligibility for senior prescription programs in Pennsylvania passed the state Senate yesterday. Abney’s legislation ( H.B. 2378 ) would not count the total dollar amount, including face value and interest earned, of redeemed savings bonds as part of older Pennsylvanians’ income when they apply for either the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly or PACE Needs Enhancement Tier, otherwise known as PACE and PACENET. “Keeping prescription coverage in place for our seniors not only ensures they continue to receive the medications they need to maintain and improve their health and well-being, but excluding savings bond assets will keep more money in their pockets for other necessities,” Abney, D-Allegheny, said. “Thank you to my colleagues in the Senate and everyone for their personal and financial investments in older Pennsylvanians.” PACE is funded entirely by the Pennsylvania Lottery and has helped more than 1.6 million PA seniors pay for more than 360 million prescriptions. PACE and PACENET currently serve more than 250,000 older Pennsylvanians. Abney’s bill now goes to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk to be signed into law. Read more

 

Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Representative Aerion Abney announce over $500,000 in LSA Grants Benefitting Pittsburgh

(Oct 22, 2024) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

Today, Senator Jay Costa joins State Representative Aerion Abney are proud to announce $580,000 in LSA funding benefitting their districts. Read more

 

Abney hails $500,000 grant for Hill House renovation

(Oct 11, 2024) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 11 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced that a $500,000 grant has been awarded to HH Main LLC. The funds will be utilized for the renovation of Hill House and, specifically, to address the building’s structural integrity when it comes to safety and functionality. “For more than 50 years, Hill House has provided medical assistance and various additional resources to the Black and brown residents of the Hill District and many others. These dollars will be an investment in the next 50-plus years of its invaluable service to the community,” Abney said. “Thank you to Senator Jay Costa for his collaboration in securing this grant and to community partners for their advocacy of Hill House.” HH Main LLC’s grant money is part of $45 million package made possible by the Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program , which is facilitated by the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority. The program, part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, offers competitive grants to community anchor institutions for constructing, acquiring or improving buildings that are or will be open to the public and will directly enable work, education and health monitoring at the respective facility. A full list of grant recipients in this round of funding can be found here . Read more

 

Abney introduces bill to ensure landlords are transparent with tenants on utility bills
Mar 31, 2025

Abney’s bill to help keep seniors eligible for state prescription programs ceremonially signed into law
Mar 26, 2025

Abney: $1.5 million+ for hiring support and public safety in Pittsburgh
Feb 27, 2025

Abney introduces bill for PA to join Social Work Licensure Compact
Feb 19, 2025

Abney appointed to Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s Board of Directors
Feb 13, 2025

Abney extols $500,000 grant for urban farming and marketplace
Feb 05, 2025

Abney: over $637,000 for community safety and the arts
Jan 29, 2025

Abney lauds $26 million+ to remediate lead lines and improve Pittsburgh’s drinking water
Jan 22, 2025

Rep. Abney's 2025 Capitol Calendar
Jan 07, 2025

Shapiro Administration Announces $3.4 Million Investment in Point State Park to Upgrade Amenities, Walkways, Lighting and More Ahead of NFL Draft and America 250 Celebrations in Pittsburgh
Dec 05, 2024

Abney: Nearly $1.1 million in state grants for school safety, mental health needs
Dec 03, 2024

State grant of $150,000 awarded to Allegheny County for climate plan
Nov 22, 2024

Abney becomes new chair of Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation
Nov 14, 2024

Abney praises $1.3 million+ in state conservation grants for Pittsburgh
Nov 13, 2024

Abney: nearly $24 million in community grants awarded
Nov 04, 2024

Abney and Powell applaud $5 million grant to Pittsburgh School District for HVAC improvements
Oct 23, 2024

Abney: over $2.8 million in community grants awarded
Oct 23, 2024

Abney’s bill to help keep seniors eligible for state prescription programs passes PA Senate
Oct 23, 2024

Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Representative Aerion Abney announce over $500,000 in LSA Grants Benefitting Pittsburgh
Oct 22, 2024

Abney hails $500,000 grant for Hill House renovation
Oct 11, 2024