HARRISBURG, APRIL 21 – Today, legislation (H.B. 797) sponsored by state Rep. Jessica Benham, passed the Pennsylvania State Senate by a unanimous 48-0 vote. The bill, also known as the Second Class City Firemen Relief Law, would allow the surviving spouse of a deceased firefighter in a Second Class City to continue to receive pension benefits, even after the spouse remarries. In Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh is the only city under Second Class City classification. Current law requires that pension payments are discontinued if a surviving spouse remarries. Pittsburgh firefighters are the only professional firefighters in Pennsylvania whose pensions are subject to such a provision. In 2006, the provision ending pension benefits for surviving spouses of Pittsburgh police officers upon remarriage was repealed, but firefighters did not benefit from that repeal. Benham’s bill passed the PA House on April 22, 2025, by a unanimous 203-0 vote, and was approved by the Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee, 11-0, on June 24, 2025. “Firefighters in Pittsburgh risk their lives for the safety of our communities, and their families deserve our support,” Benham said. “This archaic provision should not continue to cause undue stress to the surviving spouses of Pittsburgh firefighters, who deserve our recognition of their sacrifices and the ability to move forward with their lives. I applaud the Read more
New state grant programs accepting applications Read more
State grant programs currently accepting applications Read more
State grant programs now accepting applications Read more
New State Grant Programs Accepting Applications Read more
New state grant funding opportunities Read more
State Grant Programs Open for Applications Read more
State Grant Programs Now Accepting Applications Read more
State grants fund new play space, snow plow truck Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 12 — The Allegheny County Democratic House Delegation announced today that Allegheny County is receiving $7.3 million in grants to support various programs aiding crime victims and community safety. The funding comes from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. “These grants will aid our county and justice system in numerous ways—from helping victims navigate the courts to treating addictions to preventing child abuse,” said state Rep. Aerion Abney, chair of the delegation. “On behalf of our Allegheny County Democratic House Delegation, I’m grateful to PCCD for the work they do to ensure this critical funding comes to our county.” The following grants were awarded to organizations in Allegheny County: $500,000 to Allegheny-Singer Research Institute for a program for post-incarcerated patients with a stimulant-use disorder. $487,424 to Institute for Research, Education and Training in Addiction for an initiative for treatment placement. $500,000 to Passages to Recovery Inc. for peer-advocacy support. $500,000 to Unity Recovery for peer-led re-entry support. $50,000 to A Child’s Place for citizens advisory and police liaison services. $49,757 to UPMC-Children’s Hospital for a public campaign on child abuse prevention. $53,139 to Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburg for victims’ rights programs and services. $80,392 to Read more
State grant programs accepting applications Read more
Grant funding supports Brentwood Community Park, Elizabeth Seton Center Read more
Applications are open for state grant programs Read more
Apply now for state grant funding Read more
Funding will support replacing lead lines in the •South Side Flats and South Side Slopes neighborhoods. 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. Jessica Benham.
Thank you. Your feedback has been sent.
2600 Brownsville RoadPittsburgh, PA 15227-2000
P*: (412) 881-4208
Hours of Operation - Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
219 Irvis Office BuildingPO Box 202036Harrisburg, PA 17120-2036
P*: (717) 783-0411