Featured News

Kinkead, Pashinski introduce bill to help Pennsylvanians save money on medications

(Mar 08, 2021)

HARRISBURG, March 8 – In an effort to help more residents reduce their prescription drug costs, state Reps. Emily Kinkead and Eddie Day Pashinski have introduced legislation that would direct the Pennsylvania Department of Health to study the potential savings of importing less expensive medicines from Canada. Kinkead, D-Allegheny, and Pashinski, D-Luzerne, said H.B. 833 would also design a potential prescription drug importation program in Pennsylvania when the study demonstrates significant cost savings for consumers. “Pharmaceutical companies claim the costs are driven by market forces and due to the high cost of research and development of new medicines, but those and other arguments they pose lack validity,” said Kinkead. “Drug companies want to enjoy a monopoly to discourage competition, to the detriment of our consumers here in Pennsylvania, including many who rely on life-saving medications and are forced to ration or forego medications they simply cannot afford. That’s reprehensible, and we already know of other states already implementing such programs. It’s time we do the same.” "The increasing cost of prescription drugs is driving up health care expenses, which is driving up every Pennsylvanian's cost of living," Pashinski said. "This legislation makes sure Pennsylvania is developing a long-term solution to this problem. We can potentially save the state and consumers millions of dollars by Read more

 

Rep. Kinkead’s Weekly Update - Vaccine prioritization update, keeping college affordable and more!

(Mar 04, 2021)

Yesterday, we received official word from state health and education officials that teachers and other school personnel will be vaccinated, using the Johnson & Johnson single-dose COVID-19 vaccine for PreK-12 teachers and other school staff. Read more

 

Kinkead: Teachers, school employees to be included in vaccine priority Phase 1A

(Mar 02, 2021)

HARRISBURG, March 2 – State Rep. Emily Kinkead issued the following statement regarding a pending announcement that will include teachers and other school personnel in the Phase1A priority designation of the COVID-19 vaccine: “The benefits of in-person education for our children cannot be replaced. The vital roles of our teachers, administrators, and school staff cannot be overstated. It makes complete sense to ensure that they are among the first to be protected from this deadly virus and thus to allow our students to return to in-person learning in the safest way possible -- for our students, for our school staff, and for their families. “Today’s news is definitely a step in the right direction, especially as you consider that many of our educators are expected to work in the classroom setting and aren’t able to work from home in most cases. Late last month, I joined a number of my colleagues who signed a letter to acting state Health Secretary Alison Beam, urging her to add teachers and other high-risk employees to the Phase 1A category for receiving the vaccine. I am gratified that our request was heard and addressed. “My ultimate goal is to continue to work with my colleagues and state health officials to include in Phase 1A other high-risk employees, like our corrections officers, who also work in close congregate workplace settings. They deserve to be safe and healthy as well.” Read more

 

Kinkead, Isaacson: Bill would enable students to easily transfer from community college to PASSHE

(Mar 01, 2021)

HARRISBURG, March 1 -- State Reps. Emily Kinkead and Mary Isaacson have introduced a measure that would make it easier for community college students to transfer to a Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education university. Kinkead, D-Allegheny, said more and more students are beginning their higher education careers at a community college due to increasing costs. To help these students obtain their bachelor’s degree in a timely manner, her bill would provide guaranteed PASSHE university admission for community college students who complete an approved associate degree for transfer program. “Each year, roughly 300,000 students begin their higher education journey at a community college before transferring to another university to finish their degree,” Kinkead said. “Our state has made significant strides to help streamline that transfer process, and this legislation would make that process even easier without requiring students to take on crippling financial debt. Community colleges are critical in making higher education accessible and affordable to the most students, especially as we work to address equity in education and economic opportunity. This program has been quite successful in California and I’m confident our state can reap similar rewards, encouraging students to achieve baccalaureate degrees and improve overall access to cost-effective higher education.” “Every college student’s pathway to higher education Read more

 

State Grant Programs Now Open for Applications: March 1 Update

(Mar 01, 2021)

Pennsylvania Department of Education, Office of Commonwealth Libraries: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Professional Development Training Grant (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : State aided public libraries and academic libraries. If the library is not fiscally independent, the application must come from the library’s parent entity. Use : Grants to bring virtual training to your organization or for individual library workers to attend virtual professional development training in principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in practices and work functions performed by library staff and experienced by library customers. Funds : Up to $6,000 per organization to bring virtual training to your organization and up to $1,000 for individuals to attend virtual professional development. Application Deadline : Applications accepted until funds are depleted. First weekly award announcement is March 15. More Information : Contact Stacey Mulligan, smulligan@pa.gov or 717-783-5744, Library Development Advisor in the Bureau of Library Development. Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency/Pennsylvania Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs: 2021 SBIRT Projects in Postsecondary Institutions (Funding Source: F ederal Funding ) Who May Apply : Public or nonprofit postsecondary institutions, including two and four-year colleges and universities, that also Read more

 

Rep. Emily Kinkead's weekly update - vaccine updates, foreclosure moratorium extension info and more!

(Feb 25, 2021)

COVID-19 vaccine information updates, details on the foreclosure moratorium extension, heating assistance information and how to sign up for health insurance. Read more

 

Rep. Kinkead’s Weekly Update - budget hearings update, COVID-19 vaccine info and more!

(Feb 18, 2021)

It’s been another busy week at the state Capitol, where budget hearings for the 2021-22 state spending plan continue. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, these hearings provide me with an opportunity to dive deep into our state’s budgetary process and to ensure our investments are wisely spent. Fiscal policies may not be all that exciting, but they’re very important and truly set the tone for what our state’s overall priorities are for the new budget year. Read more

 

State Grant Programs Now Open for Applications: Feb. 16 Update

(Feb 17, 2021)

STATE GRANT PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture: Agricultural Hemp Promotion, Education and Export Promotion Matching Grant Program (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Nonprofit agricultural product promotion and marketing organizations. Use : Projects aimed at increasing sales, export or consumer awareness of Pennsylvania hemp products. Eligible projects may include regional or national promotion. Funds : Reimbursement grants up to 50% of project costs. The minimum matching grant is $1,000. A total of $253,000 will be available statewide. Application Deadline : March 5 More Information : See the February 13, 2021, PA Bulletin at Pennsylvania Bulletin (pacodeandbulletin.gov) . Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture: Federal Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (Funding Source: Federal Fund ing ) Who May Apply : State and local organizations, producer associations, academia, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders. Use : Projects that will increase visibility and competitiveness of the state’s horticultural specialty crops including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, culinary herbs and spices, medicinal plants and nursery crops. Funds : Requests may be made for a minimum of $20,000, provided the amount reasonably represents the cost of the Read more

 

Rep. Kinkead’s Weekly Update - Happy Valentine's Day, COVID-19 relief and more!

(Feb 11, 2021)

Before I begin this week’s update, I want to wish each of you a happy and safe Valentine’s Day this Sunday. Please be safe and enjoy spending time with your valentine and your loved ones! Read more

 

Rep. Kinkead’s Weekly Update - Budget proposal action, Property Tax/Rent Rebate info and more!

(Feb 04, 2021)

The governor has laid out a clear budget proposal that moves our state in the right direction, notably where it concerns infrastructure, education, and criminal justice. Read more

 

Kinkead: Governor’s proposed budget provides strong plan to move PA forward

(Feb 03, 2021)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 3 – State Rep. Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny, issued the following statement regarding Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposed 2021-22 budget: “The governor’s budget address laid out a clear path that moves our state forward in the right direction. I was pleased to hear him outline his plans on infrastructure investment, which includes long-overdue expansion of broadband access across Pennsylvania, notably in our unserved and underserved communities, safer roads and bridges, and investments to removing lead and asbestos from many of our aging schools. “Our schools have also suffered for many years due to not being fully funded and the governor’s plan will provide our public schools with the resources they need and deserve. For far too long, homeowners in many school districts have had to bear the brunt of skyrocketing property taxes. Governor Wolf’s plan would ensure our districts receive this vital support and that includes raising the salary for teachers to a $45,000 minimum annual salary. No doubt about it -- our teachers have gone above and beyond, even before the pandemic, and they should be fairly compensated for all they do in providing education and support to our children. “Governor Wolf’s support of the Clean Slate Law was just the beginning as it relates to criminal justice reform in our great commonwealth. I was pleased to hear his plans to reform the bail and probation Read more

 

State Grant Programs Now Open for Applications: March 31 Update

(Feb 01, 2021)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development: Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) (Funding Source: General Fund) Eligibility : 501c3 nonprofits Use : Tax credit program to encourage businesses to invest in projects by eligible nonprofits to serve low-income individuals and improve distressed areas. Projects can include affordable housing, community economic development, community services, education, neighborhood conservation, crime prevention, job training, or charitable food assistance. A special-priority category this year is COVID-19 Pandemic and Social Justice Issues, which can include a variety of COVID related services as well as projects that strive to increase awareness of or improve social justice issues within marginalized communities in Pennsylvania. See guidelines for more information. Funds : State tax credits up to 80%, depending upon the program category, for businesses that donate to the nonprofit. Application Deadline : May 28. Applicants submitting a solicitation plan in lieu of firm commitments must have their contributors confirmed by August 31, 2021. More Information : Click on https://dced.pa.gov/programs/neighborhood-assistance-program-nap/ . Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their projects prior to application with their Regional DCED Office: https://dced.pa.gov/dced-regional-offices/ . Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Read more

 

Agriculture, Youth, and Capital Case Indigent Defense Funding Opportunities for Your District

(Jan 29, 2021)

STATE GRANT PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture: Commonwealth Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply: State and local organizations, producer associations, academia, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders. Use: To promote high-priority specialty crops (hemp, hardwoods, honey, hops; also barley, rye, and wheat for distilling, brewing, and malting) through projects like child and adult nutrition education, participation in international standard setting bodies, improving efficiency of distribution systems, good manufacturing and handling practices, research, development of seed varieties, and pest and disease control. Funds: $460,000 will be distributed in total, with 6.2% going to low income rural areas and 3.8% going to low income urban areas. Application Deadline: Concept papers due March 5 More Information: Click on Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (pa.gov) . Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture: Agriculture and Youth Organization Grant Program (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply: Agriculture and youth organizations, such as FFA, 4-H, Ag in the Classroom, the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, and vocational education programs. Schools and school districts may also apply on behalf of an agriculture and youth organization. Use: Educational programs, workforce development programs, seminars and field trips, agricultural safety Read more

 

Rep. Emily Kinkead's Weekly Update - unemployment comp updates, help for our schools and more!

(Jan 28, 2021)

Dear Neighbor, I hope you are doing well and staying safe and healthy. I wanted to share some news and information that I hope you will find useful. Read more

 

Kinkead announces committee assignments

(Jan 11, 2021)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 11 – Today state Rep. Emily Kinkead announced she has been chosen to serve on four standing House committees. Kinkead, D-Allegheny, will be serving as a member of the Agriculture, Appropriations, Human Services, and Judiciary committees. “I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues on these committees, which cover a wide range of issues, including agriculture - considered one of our state’s top industries - to oversee the state’s budgetary process, ensure our social services programs are providing the support our residents need and deserve, especially during the ongoing pandemic, and review measures related to the oversight of law enforcement agencies and our corrections system,” Kinkead said. “We certainly have a great deal of work ahead of us in this new legislative session, and I’m excited and looking forward to hitting the ground running to making real, meaningful differences in the lives of our residents.” Kinkead is among 25 new members in the House who were recently sworn into office. For assistance with a variety of state-related services, including property tax/rent rebate assistance, help with unemployment compensation, or home heating help, please visit her website at www.pahouse.net/kinkead . Read more

 

Kinkead sworn in for first term in office

(Jan 05, 2021)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 5 – State Rep. Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny, has been sworn into office for her first term representing the 20 th Legislative District. “I was proud and honored to take the oath of office today and I am committed to being your voice in Harrisburg,” said Kinkead. “We have a lot of work ahead of us in this session, and that includes helping people who are out of work and struggling due to the pandemic. I am committed to fighting for the changes we need, including raising our state’s minimum wage, affordable health care, criminal justice reforms and supporting much-needed economic development in our communities. I promise to work together with my colleagues to bring needed relief and changes to benefit all residents of our great state.” Prior to her election in November 2020, Kinkead worked as an attorney in private practice. While earning her law degree at the University of Pittsburgh, she interned with a legal aid clinic in Eldoret, Kenya, protecting the rights of HIV+ individuals and victims of domestic and gender violence. She also interned at Neighborhood Legal Services in Pittsburgh, helping low-income tenants in landlord-tenant disputes and at the Pitt Law Immigration Clinic, assisting clients seeking asylum in the United States. Prior to entering private practice, Kinkead clerked for Commonwealth Court Judge Michael Wojcik. She is an active volunteer with the Junior League of Read more

 

2021 Calendar - Rep. Emily Kinkead

(Dec 03, 2020)

Download Rep. Emily Kinkead's 2021 Capitol Scenes calendar. Read more

 

Pa. Treasury could be holding your unclaimed property

(Dec 01, 2020)

Each year, the Pennsylvania Treasury receives millions of dollars of unclaimed property. It is estimated that roughly one in 10 Pennsylvanians has unclaimed property. Unclaimed property may include: Closed bank accounts; Uncashed checks, including paychecks; Lost stocks and bonds; Contents of safe deposit boxes; Proceeds from the demutualization of insurance companies; Expired gift cards/gift certificates. To find out if you have unclaimed property, search your name in the Unclaimed Property database at www.patreasury.gov/Unclaimed/Search.html , call 1-800-222-2046, or contact my office . There is NO CHARGE to claim your unclaimed property. Read more

 

Kinkead, Pashinski introduce bill to help Pennsylvanians save money on medications
Mar 08, 2021

Rep. Kinkead’s Weekly Update - Vaccine prioritization update, keeping college affordable and more!
Mar 04, 2021

Kinkead: Teachers, school employees to be included in vaccine priority Phase 1A
Mar 02, 2021

Kinkead, Isaacson: Bill would enable students to easily transfer from community college to PASSHE
Mar 01, 2021

State Grant Programs Now Open for Applications: March 1 Update
Mar 01, 2021

Rep. Emily Kinkead's weekly update - vaccine updates, foreclosure moratorium extension info and more!
Feb 25, 2021

Rep. Kinkead’s Weekly Update - budget hearings update, COVID-19 vaccine info and more!
Feb 18, 2021

State Grant Programs Now Open for Applications: Feb. 16 Update
Feb 17, 2021

Rep. Kinkead’s Weekly Update - Happy Valentine's Day, COVID-19 relief and more!
Feb 11, 2021

Rep. Kinkead’s Weekly Update - Budget proposal action, Property Tax/Rent Rebate info and more!
Feb 04, 2021

Kinkead: Governor’s proposed budget provides strong plan to move PA forward
Feb 03, 2021

State Grant Programs Now Open for Applications: March 31 Update
Feb 01, 2021

Agriculture, Youth, and Capital Case Indigent Defense Funding Opportunities for Your District
Jan 29, 2021

Rep. Emily Kinkead's Weekly Update - unemployment comp updates, help for our schools and more!
Jan 28, 2021

Kinkead announces committee assignments
Jan 11, 2021

Kinkead sworn in for first term in office
Jan 05, 2021

2021 Calendar - Rep. Emily Kinkead
Dec 03, 2020

Pa. Treasury could be holding your unclaimed property
Dec 01, 2020