PITTSBURGH, Jan. 17 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced that a total of $873,125 in grants has been awarded to multiple community projects throughout the 19th Legislative District. Accounting for $498,125 are grants made possible by the Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund under the Commonwealth Financing Authority . Grant recipients are: Center of Life: $35,000 for Community Hub project on Hazelwood Green. Charles Street Area Corporation: $105,000 for parklet construction and acquisition of land for affordable housing development. Greenwood Plan: $35,000 for purchasing and redeveloping the Pitt Building into business space. Humane Animal Rescue League: $100,000 for expanding the community veterinary clinic. Jubilee Association: $50,000 for renovating the 2nd floor of the organization’s facility. The Citizen Science Lab: $63,000 for constructing the MLK Center for Scientific Excellence. The Education Partnership: $50,125 for constructing a warehouse to store school supplies. TMCAqua, LLC.: $60,000 for the Cordia Energy project. The remaining $375,000 in grants come courtesy of the CFA’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program . Grant recipients are: National Aviary: $125,000 for rose garden and pathway improvements project. Riverlife: $250,000 for reconstruction of Allegheny Landing. “I’m thrilled to help secure these funds and support Read more
Check out my free 2024 Capitol Calendar! Read more
“The pandemic dealt a crushing blow to our local artists, museums, orchestras and other arts and cultural centers, and these organizations are rebounding more slowly than other businesses and organizations,” Abney said. “The new funding will help speed recovery for these vital groups and for the talented performers, musicians, and other artists who uplift us and help stimulate local business activity.” Read more
PITTSBURGH, Dec. 11 – State Reps. Aerion A. Abney and Jessica Benham, both D-Allegheny, will host a legislative town hall from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18 at South Side Market House , 49 S. 12th St. in Pittsburgh . The lawmakers will provide updates on legislation that has recently passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and residents will have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss the issues most important to them. There will also be information about state services. “My colleagues and I on both sides of the aisle have accomplished much positive change this past year, but much more of the people’s work still needs to be done,” Abney said. “Having a healthy dialogue with neighbors where they live shines a necessary spotlight on the issues most significant to them.” “Legislative and policy solutions often grow out of conversations constituents have with their elected officials,” Benham added. “Listening to and understanding the concerns of the people I represent is one of the most important aspects of my job. I encourage folks to come out to connect with me and my team, even those who don’t have a specific issue in mind.” Residents wanting more information should call Abney’s district office at 412-471-7760 or Benham’s district office at 412-881-4208 . A light meal will also be served. Read more
PITTSBURGH, Nov. 28 – State Reps. Aerion A. Abney and La’Tasha D. Mayes, both D-Allegheny, will host a legislative town hall from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday , Dec. 5 at the Thelma Lovette YMCA , 2114 Centre Ave. in Pittsburgh . The lawmakers will provide updates on legislation that has recently passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and residents will have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss the issues most important to them. There will also be information about state services. “As the eyes and ears of the communities I represent, I’m excited to meet with my neighbors where they live for this important dialogue,” Abney said. “I’m eager to share the good work done in Harrisburg and receive essential feedback on the good work that still needs to be done.” “During this town hall, we’ll have the opportunity to connect with residents of the Hill District on issues affecting the community and on legislation including the CROWN Act ,” Mayes said. “I look forward to engaging constituents in a vibrant discussion about our work.” A light meal will be served. Residents wanting more information should call Abney’s district office at 412-471-7760 or Mayes’ district office at 412-665-5502 . Read more
PITTSBURGH, Nov. 21 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today that $2.84 million in tax credits through the state’s Neighborhood Assistance Program has been awarded to several community organizations. “These tax credits are essential to the preservation and improvement of communities that need urgent assistance,” Abney said. “Whether putting more roofs over the heads of individuals, providing food resources, or helping local businesses expand, I applaud all the great work these tax credits will do by encouraging private investment.” Two organizations were approved for general NAP tax credits. They are: Amani Christian Community Development Corp.: $55,000 for the Centre Avenue project, which includes the eventual completion of a 700 square foot affordable commercial space builder. Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania: $55,000 for a project to replace the roof of their main building for safer program access. Six organizations were awarded Neighborhood Partnership Program tax credits. Those recipients are: Hilltop Alliance: $200,000 for a projects involving home repairs and food assistance. Hazelwood Initiative Inc.: $240,000 for a project to renovate rental units. Northside Leadership Conference Inc.: $400,000 for a project to support affordable housing development, commercial real estate, small business support, parks and greenspace planning, and restoration, Read more
PITTSBURGH, Nov. 15 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, and his staff will hold a legislative town hall from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 20 at Pittsburgh Higher Ground Ministry, 3505 Perrysville Ave. in Pittsburgh . The town hall will include information about legislation that has recently passed the PA House and an opportunity for residents to discuss the issues most important to them. “Meeting with neighbors in a forum like this is integral to continuing the essential work that needs to be done in Harrisburg,” Abney said. “I look forward to having a lively dialogue with the people I’m privileged to represent.” Residents interested in attending are encouraged to call Abney’s district office at 412-471-7760 for more information. A light meal will be served. Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 14 – Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, introduced a bill today that would add Pennsylvania to the list of states who are members of the Social Work Licensure Compact. The legislation ( H.B. 1841 ) 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 with regards to social worker license status and any adverse actions associated with them. “Often an underappreciated profession, an increased demand for social workers became evident through the pandemic and continues as people deal with ongoing traumas,” Abney said. “My bill would be a win-win for social workers seeking employment opportunities and individuals in need of personal and emotional assistance.” Abney holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh. The bill has been referred to the House Professional Licensure Committee. Read more
PITTSBURGH, Nov. 6 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, and his staff will hold a legislative town hall from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9 at Sheraden Senior Center , 720 Sherwood Ave. in Pittsburgh . The town hall will include information about legislation that has recently passed the PA House and an opportunity for residents to discuss the issues most important to them. Interested individuals are encouraged to call Abney’s district office at 412-471-7760 for more information. A light meal will also be served. Read more
With the general election weeks away, lawmakers and advocates are calling for legislation to better inform incarcerated Pennsylvanians about their right to vote and permit them to vote via absentee ballot. Read more
PITTSBURGH, Oct. 13 – Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today that five local projects have been awarded nearly $7.5 million in PA Housing Finance Agency grants. The grant recipients are: Allegheny YMCA Renovation ~ $2.2 million for the preservation of 88 affordable housing units. Hazelwood 2023 ~ $540,000 for the preservation of nine affordable housing units. Hazelwood Affordable Rental Preservation Program ~ $1.86 million for the preservation of 61 affordable housing units. The Residences at Wood Street/Wood Street Commons Investment Project ~ $2 million for the preservation of 250 affordable housing units. Widows Home ~ $825,000 for the preservation of 24 affordable housing units. “Ensuring that everyone has safe place to call home and decreasing displacement are two of my highest priorities as a state legislator,” Abney said. “The social worker in me knows that these dollars will provide immeasurable help to the people and communities I’m privileged to represent.” These PHFA monies are classified as Housing Options Program grants and can be utilized to repair existing housing units or to construct new housing units. Additionally, they are intended to fund housing that has not already received Low Income Housing Tax Credit funding or does not anticipate receiving LIHTC funding during the next four years. A list of all Commonwealth PHFA HOP-MF grants awarded this year can Read more
“Advocating for incarcerated individuals is one of my biggest priorities as a state legislator,” said state Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, a co-sponsor on the legislation. “I will continue to champion any and all efforts that provide them with opportunities to start their lives anew and succeed upon their release.” Read more
“For decades, female and Black workers – and Black women in particular – have been underrepresented in the building and construction trades, effectively shutting them out of good-paying, family-sustaining jobs while shortchanging employers and our labor force,” Abney said. “With help from this new funding, APRI Pittsburgh will work to knock down the barriers that have stood in the way for these workers and allow us to reach new, diverse talent.” Read more
“Expanding diversity within the supply chain not only improves economic possibilities, but it also has the ability to enhance the quality of life within our communities,” said Rep. Aerion Abney, who represents a portion of Allegheny County and hosted the hearing. “If we embrace diversity in the supply chain, what we are really embracing is a stronger supply chain less susceptible to disruptions and a more secure economic future.” Read more
HARRISBURG, June 30 – Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, issued the following statement regarding today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision on 303 Creative Inc. v. Elenis: “In the face of the U.S. Supreme Court's recent ruling negatively impacting the LGBTQIA+ community, we find ourselves deeply disappointed for the second day in a row. It is disheartening to witness the erosion of civil rights and liberties for specific groups of people. Today, on the final day of Pride Month, our LGBTQIA+ friends must endure the reality of a country where businesses have legal protection to discriminate against them. “The Supreme Court, which once stood as a safeguard for existing rights, now appears to be driven by an agenda to strip them away. The court's attempt to conceal exclusivity under the guise of inclusivity only serves to expose the divisive nature of its ideology. This is undeniably a slippery slope that should concern us all, regardless of whether we identify as members of the LGBTQIA+ community or not. “The decision made today contributes to the growing uncertainty and chaos surrounding the direction our country is headed. Adversity, however, often presents us with an opportunity for unity and course correction. We now face the task of coming together, rectifying this situation, and ensuring that order prevails over chaos. It is our collective responsibility to foster a society where all individuals are protected, respected and Read more
HARRISBURG, June 29 – Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, issued the following statement regarding today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision against affirmative action programs at the University of North Carolina and Harvard University: “I must express that although I am disappointed by the Supreme Court's recent ruling striking down affirmative action, their decision comes as no surprise. The existence of structural and systemic racism in our country is an unfortunate reality that, while not revelatory, has become increasingly evident in the times we live in today. “Affirmative action was established to confront both implicit and explicit biases which prevented individuals from accessing opportunities available to others solely based on their race. It recognized race as one among many factors considered when evaluating an applicant, rather than the sole determining factor. Unfortunately, using a sole determining factor was often used to deny applicants prior to this policy. This policy, however, successfully dismantled barriers that countless people faced and continue to face due to racial discrimination. “Today's ruling serves as another reminder that the system is not broken, and it operates exactly as it was designed to operate. Regardless, we will continue to work with our colleges and universities to help ensure that these institutions reflect the diversity that makes those institutions and our commonwealth a vibrant and Read more
State grant to support formerly incarcerated young adults Read more
HARRISBURG, June 22 – Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, introduced a bill today that would deliver additional tax credit funds for communities to implement enhancement projects. The legislation ( H.B. 1429 ) would raise the cap on dollars available through the Neighborhood Assistance Program from $36 million to $72 million. Businesses would also see an increase on the tax credit they could claim, dependent on the kind of project they bring to a community. “As a social worker, I know firsthand that commonwealth communities deserve as much help as possible towards providing sustaining resources for its neighbors,” Abney said. “The monetary increase at the heart of my bill would keep neighborhoods healthy and vibrant for years to come.” Since 2015, the NAP has provided almost $174 million in tax credits and supported 1,128 projects across Pennsylvania. Read more
PHMC grants fund restoration, preservation planning Read more
PITTSBURGH, May 10 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today that two local substance use recovery institutions were awarded state grants. Crossroads of Pittsburgh and Tadiso, Inc. each received grants of up to $400,000 to establish or expand substance use disorder services, community outreach and education to underrepresented and minority communities struggling with the opioid overdose crisis. “Countless people struggle with addiction and require assistance to get their lives back on track,” Abney said. “These grants are vital contributors to extending a helping hand to all those in need.” Allegheny County is the beneficiary of as much as $2.4 million in these grants as a whole, and the grants are facilitated by the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs . Read more
Please use the form below to sign up for email updates. By completing this form you are acknowledging your request to receive periodic email updates.
By completing this form, you are verifying your request to opt in for email updates.
Thank you. Your email signup has been sent. You should start getting emails within 24 hours.
Please use the form below to email Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney.
Thank you. Your feedback has been sent.
730 James St.Pittsburgh, PA 15212-4935
P*: (412) 471-7760P: (833) 787-5134
F*: (412) 471-8056
Hours of Operation - Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
218 Irvis Office BuildingPO Box 202019Harrisburg, PA 17120-2019
P*: (717) 772-9902
F*: (717) 780-4762