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
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
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
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
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
“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
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
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
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
Today, Senator Jay Costa joins State Representative Aerion Abney are proud to announce $580,000 in LSA funding benefitting their districts. Read more
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
Members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus and statewide voting rights advocates came together today to celebrate and spread awareness of the Department of State’s first-ever official guidance to counties on voting practices in jails. Most Pennsylvanians who are being held pre-trial or are incarcerated for a misdemeanor are eligible to vote, but many jails do not have official procedures. Read more
School districts across Allegheny County awarded a total of $10.6 million in funding Read more
PITTSBURGH, Sept. 9 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, held his first senior fair inside a packed hall at the National Aviary this past Thursday. The event’s goal was to provide older Pennsylvanians with information on state services geared toward them. This included assistance with the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program and initiatives under the banner of the state departments of Banking & Securities and Military & Veterans Affairs. “Thank you to all who came out for the senior fair,” Abney said. “Creating a meaningful space for our elder neighbors in the district to feel loved and appreciated and have a great time was a true pleasure. I also want to thank the National Aviary, my staff, and everyone else who made the event such a success.” Photos from the senior fair can be viewed here . Read more
BELLEFONTE, Aug. 28 – State lawmakers and Centre County officials today toured the Centre County Correctional Facility together and discussed the importance of voting access, as it pertains to people who are incarcerated. Discussion centered on facility policies allowing individuals to vote from jail and how the duty to vote, justice and democracy are related. “I speak on behalf of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus when I say that we are impressed with the level of voting access that the CCCF provides,” said state Rep. Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny , who is a member of the PLBC and hosted the meeting. “When we look at the issue of voting from jail, we’re also talking about the dignity and power it can provide for the voter." “It’s imperative that incarcerated people know that their voice is not only wanted at the polls but is needed. Denying the right to vote to individuals in jail strips them of their humanity and silences voices that need to be heard in a democracy." “In 2018, Centre County Correctional Facility staff, the Commissioners, and a community volunteer began the process of exploring what voting would look like in our facility,” said Warden Glenn Irwin, Centre County Correctional Facility . “We know how important voting is, so we work to stay compliant with current PA election laws and regulations while ensuring all of our eligible returning citizens can Read more
It’s been some time since I’ve had the chance to talk to you in a newsletter, and I’m excited to give you a preview of what you can look forward to reading about in the next few pages. Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County: Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund Who May Apply: Municipalities, authorities, councils of government, non-profits and for-profit businesses in Allegheny County. Use: Economic development projects, infrastructure development projects, job training, community improvement projects, public safety projects, and public interest projects. Funds: Project budgets must be between $150,000 and $500,000. Application Deadline: August 30, 2024 More information: RAAC Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2024-25 Advanced Law Enforcement Training Initiative Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to non-profit organizations with experience in facilitating and hosting in-person law enforcement trainings in Pennsylvania. Use: To support advanced comprehensive evidence-based training courses for law enforcement. Funds: A total of $80,000 in Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund one grant with a budget not to exceed $80,000 over the one-year project period. Application Deadline: August 29, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Project Safe and Smart 2025 Who May Apply: Community-based organizations that can successfully demonstrate their reach and partnership with K-12 school entities. Preference will be given to applicants that demonstrate that they Read more
“The convention center attracts visitors from across the country to downtown Pittsburgh and is surrounded by many of our city’s top attractions. That's why it's essential to ensure the area is safe and accessible for pedestrians and bicyclists,” said state Rep. Abney. Read more
State Rep. Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny, addresses access to voting during a hearing in Pittsburgh on July 30. HARRISBURG, July 31 – Led by state Reps. Aerion Abney, Napoleon Nelson, Rick Krajewski, Anthony Bellmon and Greg Scott, the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus on Tuesday heard from Allegheny County officials over incarcerated peoples’ right to vote from jail. The caucus held a news conference in Pittsburgh during their Lunch and Learn Event with guests, including Allegheny County Jail Assistant Deputy Warden Connie Clark, County Elections Manager David Voye, Lorraine Cross of the Black Political Empowerment Project, Amy Kleissas from the League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh, Destiny of Faith Church Rev. Brenda Gregg, and Teresa Minor Spencer of West End Power. "Even behind bars, the right to vote is a beacon of hope, reminding us that every voice matters, and that redemption and civic duty are intertwined," said Abney, D-Allegheny. “Voting from jail underscores the principle that rehabilitation includes reintegration into society, fostering a sense of responsibility and participation in democratic processes.” Discussion centered on allowing incarcerated individuals to vote and how that emphasizes the idea that justice and democracy are inclusive. "The vote is the great equalizer; it bridges the gap between those inside and outside prison walls, ensuring that all citizens Read more
“A public school education is supposed to be the great equalizer, but for decades, that hasn’t been the case here in PA because of an unconstitutional funding system that ties the quality of a student’s education to the wealth of their ZIP code,” Abney said. “I voted for the new state plan because I believe its $1.3 billion investment in students will be a game-changer. It’s time to level the playing field and ensure all Pennsylvania students get the quality education they deserve – and it’s also time to start easing the burden of rising property taxes residents have shouldered for too long." Read more
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