Click to read the weekly email update. Read more
State Rep. Jessica Benham, D-Allegheny, announced today that a total of $59,499.12 is being awarded to local volunteer fire and emergency medical service companies. Read more
Read this week's email to learn about the budget and other important state-related services and programs. Read more
State Rep. Jessica Benham, D-Allegheny, announced today that Hilltop Urban Farm has received a $15,000 grant from the Department of Agriculture through the Pennsylvania Farm Bill’s Urban Agriculture Grant Program. Read more
State Rep. Jessica Benham, D-Allegheny, announced today that a total of $229,392 in Commonwealth Financing Authority Multimodal and Act 13 funding has been awarded to two projects in the 36th District. Read more
The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed so many inequities in our country – from socio-economic to racial, medical conditions and age. These inequities existed long before the pandemic but have been laid bare over the past year in such a way that we can no longer refuse to address them. Our most vulnerable populations – seniors and people with disabilities – must have access to quality, affordable care. And that starts with support for the workforce charged with helping them. We know that, if given the choice, most seniors prefer to age in place from the comfort of their own homes. But as they age, the need may arise for assistance with day-to-day activities, transportation, medications and overall wellness. That’s where direct care workers make a huge difference. These workers are low-paid and often lack adequate health care and other benefits like sick or vacation leave. These jobs are also physically and emotionally demanding and are often characterized by heavy workloads, scheduling challenges, and limited training and career advancement prospects . Yet, these workers show up each day for their clients because they know someone is depending on them. In 2020, people 65 and older made up 19% of Pennsylvania’s population -- that is expected to grow to 22% by 2025 . The increase in our aging population will put additional pressure on our direct care workforce. However, the investment by the state in these important jobs remains persistently low. Read more
I joined my colleagues in writing to Gov. Wolf to request he add prevailing wage standards to his solar energy plan. Read more
Click to read the digital version of my Spring newsletter. Read more
Funding to help Baldwin Borough with Elm Leaf Park Phase III Read more
HARRISBURG, March 15 – Financial assistance is now available to help Allegheny County residents struggling to pay rent or utilities during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of a program that is partially funded by legislation members of the Allegheny County Democratic Delegation helped to pass. The Allegheny County Emergency Rental Assistance program has a total of $79.9 million to distribute to eligible county residents. Of that funding, $43 million came from Act 1 of 2021, which Gov. Tom Wolf signed into law last month. Eligibility requirements for the program include: having at least one person who qualifies for unemployment, has lost income or suffered financially due to COVID-19. being at risk of experiencing homelessness. having a total income below 80% of the Area Median Income for Allegheny County. ACDD Chairman state Rep. Austin Davis, as well as state Reps. Jessica Benham, Dan Deasy, Tony DeLuca, Dan Frankel, Ed Gainey, Sara Innamorato, Emily Kinkead, Anita Kulik, Summer Lee, Brandon Markosek, Robert Matzie, Dan Miller, Nick Pisciottano and Jake Wheatley, issued the following statement: “People living in Allegheny County have been struggling for over a year during this pandemic. This program has been a long time coming and helps provide direct relief to those who’ve been scrambling to pay their rent and bills during this Read more
State Rep. Jessica Benham, D-Allegheny, has introduced legislation that would ensure Pennsylvanians seeking care related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic wouldn’t face out-of-pocket expenses. Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 10 – State Reps. Dan Miller and Jessica Benham, both D-Allegheny, are planning to introduce a bill that would create the Pennsylvania Department of Accessibility and Inclusion. “Nearly one in four Pennsylvanians have a disability, and despite the best intentions of many, most have only seen modest improvements in their lives and opportunities,” said Miller, a member of the House Autism and Intellectual Disabilities Caucus. “This department would be committed to providing government services and opportunities that are accessible to every Pennsylvanian.” Miller and Benham, who are both part of the Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation, said the bill would consolidate several existing programs under the new department. It would also create a cabinet-level secretary position in the governor’s administration. “Having a secretary dedicated to the needs of people with disabilities would go a long way in helping the governor’s office craft much-needed policies,” Benham said. “This is a way for Pennsylvania to make sure progress is made and that what matters to people with disabilities is considered.” Miller and Benham are seeking co-sponsors for their planned legislation. Read more
New grant opportunities are available. Read more
State Rep. Jessica Benham, D-Allegheny, today released the following statement in response to Gov. Tom Wolf’s budget address: Read more
State Rep. Jessica Benham, D-Allegheny, calls today’s failure to adopt an amendment that would have provided discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians abhorrent. Read more
Troubleshooting PUA claims Read more
The PA House Democratic whip, state Rep. Jordan Harris, D-Phila., today announced that state Reps. Jessica Benham, D-Allegheny; Donna Bullock, D-Phila.; Danilo Burgos, D-Phila.; Morgan Cephas, D-Phila.; Patty Kim, D-Dauphin; Kyle Mullins, D-Lackawanna; Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh; Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery; Pam Snyder, D-Greene/Fayette/Washington; and Jared Solomon, D-Phila., will serve as deputy whips for the 2021-22 legislative session. Read more
Pa. state Rep. Jessica Benham has officially kicked off her first term in the Pa. House of Representatives after being sworn in as state representative of the 36th Legislative District. She explains her priorities and how she'll put her neighbors first. Read more
It's Official! Today I became your state Rep. Read more
State Rep. Jessica Benham, D-Allegheny, took the oath of office today to begin her first term as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives representing the 36th legislative district. Read more
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