Featured News

Kinkead: 2 million Pennsylvanians face ‘hunger cliff’

(Feb 27, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 27 – State Rep. Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny, called for increasing outreach and expanding public food resources at a legislative lunch and learn hosted by the Pennsylvania Hunger Action Coalition at the state Capitol today. “Inflating food prices over the past year, coupled with the end of federal pandemic programs, will be devastating for many low-income families in the Commonwealth,” said Kinkead. “Whether it’s connecting people to community food banks or state programs like the Senior Food Box, we need to do more to ensure food insecure Pennsylvanians can pay their grocery bills and access adequate nutrition.” According to the PHAC, more than 300,000 Pennsylvania seniors are eligible for the existing Pennsylvania Senior Food Box , but only about 35,000 are enrolled to receive it this year. Kinkead said spreading awareness about the underutilized program could be one way to provide relief to the many Pennsylvanians heading toward a “hunger cliff.” Kinkead emphasized more than 1.8 million Pennsylvanians are enrolled in SNAP and that beneficiary households are expected to receive about $180 less per month, expressing concern that existing programs and resources may be overwhelmed by the increased demand. “Hunger doesn’t always look like a person holding a cardboard sign; it often looks like a parent working full-time on minimum wage or a young student becoming disruptive in class because they Read more

 

Kinkead announces $750,000 for Northland Public Library

(Feb 24, 2023)

PITTSBURGH, Feb. 24 – A state grant of $750,000 has been awarded to Northland Public Library Authority, which serves residents of the 20th Legislative District, state Rep. Emily Kinkead announced today. “Libraries make knowledge accessible to everyone,” said Kinkead. “Because they are free to access, they grant low-income families in every community entry to a wealth of educational resources, as well as tools to access government programs and apply for jobs. Tax dollars invested in public libraries pay dividends by expanding opportunities for everyone, and I will continue advocating for investments from the state to help our libraries grow so that they can continue to help our communities thrive.” The grants pay up to 50% of eligible costs in planning, acquisition, construction and rehabilitation of public libraries. Examples of fundable projects include but are not limited to: ADA upgrades, roof improvements, replacement windows, energy efficient upgrades to HVAC systems, facility expansion and new construction. More than $4 million was awarded to 21 public libraries across the state through this round of the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Keystone Grants for Public Library Facilities. Read more

 

Partner4Work awarded $260,000 grant to grow nursing career opportunities

(Feb 23, 2023)

PITTSBURGH, Feb. 23 – Regional workforce development organization Partner4Work will receive a $260,000 grant through the state Department of Labor & Industry’s Nursing Pathway Apprenticeship Industry Partnership, members of the state House Allegheny County Democratic Delegation announced today. Reflecting on the recent House Democratic Policy Committee hearing in McCandless addressing critical health care staffing issues, state Rep. Nick Pisciottano, the delegation chair, said the investment will play a significant role in filling the employment void hospitals and care providers have been facing since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. “While this is an important investment from the state, it’s just a drop in the bucket,” said Pisciottano. “There is a colossal shortage of health care workers right now, and fixing this problem is going to require a more aggressive pursuit of policy reforms and funding initiatives at all levels.” Through its Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board, P4W will use Nursing Pathway Apprenticeship Industry Partnership grant funding to establish health care partnerships, expand community outreach between employers and potential workers, and promote apprenticeship opportunities in the health care industry, specifically preparing individuals for careers as licensed professional nurses and certified nursing assistants. The grant program is part of the COVID-19 Nursing Workforce Read more

 

Policy Roundtable: Union leaders discuss importance of organizing

(Feb 03, 2023)

“The pandemic served as a wakeup call for many workers,” said Kinkead, who co-hosted the roundtable. “They saw employers demanding more work without any financial incentives, and this happened in some instances while zero safety precautions had been offered or even considered to protect the health of workers. I’m excited to report, however, that in the wake of these trying circumstances, workers are realizing their true bargaining power and the true benefits of organized labor.” Read more

 

Vogel, Kinkead to co-chair bipartisan, bicameral Hunger Caucus

(Feb 02, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 2 – State Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr., R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence, announced today that he will once again serve as co-chair of the Legislative Hunger Caucus and will be joined by Rep. Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny, as the House co-chair for the 2023-2024 Legislative Session. “I’m excited to welcome Representative Kinkead as caucus co-chair this session and look forward to another successful growing season in our hunger garden, which harvested over 700 pounds of produce last season,” said Vogel. “I also hope to continue our momentum in September with the annual food drive, when we recognize Hunger Action Month across the state and highlight the critical importance of food banks in our communities.” “Hunger is perhaps the least partisan issue Pennsylvanians face,” said Kinkead. “Despite our state’s reputation as a world leader in food production and processing, data shows that over 1.1 million of our state residents struggle with food insecurity in both rural and urban communities. If elected officials at all levels work together and prioritize this issue, I believe we can end hunger in Pennsylvania.” The Hunger Caucus was founded in 2008 by former state Sen. Mike Brubaker, R-Chester/Lancaster, with the goal of educating legislators on food insecurity issues, improving access to nutrition programs and combating hunger across the state. In 2010, the Hunger Caucus established the Capitol Hunger Read more

 

Conservation, Substance Abuse Education, and Act 13 Funding Opportunities

(Feb 01, 2023)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Regional Recovery Hubs Grant Program (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Nonprofit organization or governmental entity. Use : To support a Recovery-Oriented-System of Care (ROSC) by establishing a Recovery Hub and Spoke model. Funds : Nine grants up to $500,000 each will be awarded.. Application Deadline : February 24, 2023 More Information : https://www.ddap.pa.gov/Documents/Funding%20documents/GIFA%2023-01%20Regional%20Recovery%20Hubs_2023.01.11_FINAL.pdf . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency: Substance Abuse Education and Demand Reduction Category 1 Funds (Funding Source: SAEDR Fund) Who May Apply : Nonprofit organizations may partner with governmental entities, including school districts, provided the nonprofit organization is the applicant. Use : To provide research-based or evidence-based approaches to prevention, intervention, treatment, training, and education services to reduce substance use or to provide resources to assist families in accessing the services needed to reduce substance use behavior, as well as strategies aimed at combating opioid/heroin overdoses. Funds : Grants up to $150,000 over a two-year project period. Application Deadline : February 24, 2023 More Read more

 

Kinkead takes oath for second term in state House

(Jan 03, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 3 – State Rep. Emily Kinkead took the oath of office in the state Capitol today to begin her second term representing the 20th Legislative District in Allegheny County. For her second term, Kinkead said she plans to continue pursuing legislative priorities that promote safer and more equitable schools and communities, criminal justice reform, reproductive rights, and support for landslide victims, among other things. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue improving Allegheny County communities and making them more accessible for everyone,” said Kinkead. “I fought hard in Harrisburg alongside my Democratic colleagues throughout my first term. I’m eager to continue that fight, now as a member of the majority party in the state House, and help create a better life for all Pennsylvanians.” In addition to pushing policy changes in Harrisburg, Kinkead said her Bellevue office is ready to help constituents with a variety of state-related services, including home heating assistance, children’s health insurance, prescription drug and Property Tax/Rent Rebate assistance. Residents can visit RepEmilyKinkead.com to find out more. The 20th Legislative District includes about 62,000 residents in the township of Ross, the boroughs of Avalon, Bellevue and West View, and the 26th and 27th wards of Pittsburgh. Judge John McNally Read more

 

State programs now open for applications

(Dec 05, 2022)

Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency/Pennsylvania Department of Human Services: Pennsylvania Academic and Career/Technical Training Innovative Solicitation (Funding Source: Justice Reinvestment Fund) Who May Apply : Existing PACTT Affiliates. Use : To improve services for delinquent youth receiving academic and career/technical training services. Funds : Awards up to $75,000 for 24-month projects. Application Deadline : December 23, 2022 More Information : Click on https://egrants.pccd.pa.gov/Public/OpenAnnouncements.aspx . Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission: Clean Vessel Act (CVA) Pumpout Grant Program (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Local governmental entities and private businesses that own and operate boating facilities. Use : To fund the construction, renovation, and maintenance of pumpout and dump stations to service pleasure boats. Funds : Reimburse up to 75% of the installation cost of pumpout and dump stations. Application Deadline : December 30, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.fishandboat.com/Transact/Grants/Pages/PumpoutGrantProgram.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2022-23 School Safety and Security Training and Technical Assistance Program (Funding Source: FY 2022 School Safety and Security Grant Program Fund) Who May Apply : Non-profit organizations, institutions of higher education (not-for profit), and for-profit organizations. Use : To Read more

 

Kinkead secures $2 million to expand UPMC Heart Institute

(Nov 21, 2022)

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 21 – A $2 million state grant has been awarded to support the renovation and expansion of the Heart Institute at UPMC Children’s Hospital, state Rep. Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny, announced today. “Children's Hospital is a leading force for innovation in pediatric medicine,” said Kinkead. “This funding will quite literally be lifesaving for children in our region and across the country that are in need of cardiac care.” Kinkead specified that the project will involve the following: Addressing foundational, structure, and mechanical systems. Renovating clinical spaces; upgrading them with new catheterization labs, including a hybrid lab connected to a new cardiac MRI suite; plus, extra lab space and upgrading any outdated equipment. Creating a new patient waiting area, staff offices and a direct connection to the cafeteria. Transforming part of the patio into a dining and play area. The funding is provided by the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program , which is administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects. Read more

 

Kinkead announces over $920K to renovate local infrastructure

(Nov 16, 2022)

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 16 – Over $920,000 in state grants has been awarded to four local renovation projects, state Rep. Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny, announced today. “These investments will improve existing infrastructure and create opportunities for our residents,” Kinkead said. “State grants like these are competitive and I’ll continue fighting to bring tax dollars back to our community in my role as a state legislator.” The awarded projects are: $100,000 to the North Hills Council of Governments to renovate Powell Park, the largest and most frequently used park in West View Borough named in memory of the Honorable Mayor Richard E. Powell. The project includes new lighting and painting of the existing gazebo, new playground equipment, new fencing and gates around the playground, improvements and resurfacing of the basketball court, installation of a new pickleball and corn hole court, new park benches and picnic tables, and upgrades to the existing picnic tables. $200,000 to Ross Township to replace the existing concrete culvert at the Nelson Run Road stream crossing. The project also includes road support walls, erosion and sedimentation controls, stormwater improvements, relocation of utilities, paving and further restoration. $448,000 to the Pittsburgh Symphony to offset the cost of installing a gas boiler to provide a new Read more

 

GRANT MEMO: Workforce Support, Historic Preservation, and Criminal Justice Disparity Research Funding Opportunities For Your District

(Nov 14, 2022)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry: Pennsylvania Nursing Pathway Apprenticeship Industry Partnership (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Pennsylvania local workforce development boards. Use : To support the convening of Nursing Pathway Apprenticeship Industry Partnerships in lower moderate-income communities and guide the development and registration of healthcare apprenticeship programs, with emphasis on nursing occupations, through group sponsorships. Funds : Up to $260,000. Application Deadline : November 30, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Workforce-Development/grants/Documents/Nurse-Pathway-IP/Nursing%20Pathway%20Apprenticeship%20IP%20NGA%20FINAL.pdf . Pennsylvania Department of Human Services: Work Force Support Grant (WFSG) 2.0 (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Eligible DHS certified childcare providers. Use : To provide funding to eligible DHS certified childcare providers (providers) for staff retention and staff recruitment purposes. Funds : Variable depending on staff levels. Application Deadline : December 6, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.pakeys.org/workforcesupportgrants2/ . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2022 Read more

 

Kinkead, Gaydos introduce legislation to assist owners of landslide-prone properties

(Oct 27, 2022)

HARRISBURG, Oct. 27 – During a news conference today held in Pittsburgh, state Reps. Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny, and Valerie Gaydos, R-Allegheny, introduced legislation to create a new insurance program for homeowners living in landslide-prone areas, as well as assistance to local governments that wish to mitigate the risk of landslides within their communities. The bill would add coverage of landslides, slope movement and sinkholes to an existing program in the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection that currently covers only mine subsidence assistance and insurance. “Landslides represent a significant financial burden to our Commonwealth residents, costing them millions in damages every year,” said Gaydos. “Unfortunately, this type of disaster typically is not covered by most insurance policies.” Kinkead represents a high concentration of landslide victims in the North Hills and on the North Side of Pittsburgh. “Previous versions of this legislation, including a bill I introduced last year , have been discussed but have languished in committee,” said Kinkead. “Representative Gaydos and I have worked together to update and streamline the proposed program and are introducing a new, bipartisan bill. Too many Pennsylvanians face financial ruin through no fault of their own because of landslides, and this legislation provides a way out.” Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity, a member of the Coal Read more

 

Kinkead: $2.2 million awarded for local redevelopment projects

(Oct 27, 2022)

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 27 – Grants totaling more than $2.2 million have been secured to support three redevelopment projects in the city, state Rep. Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny, announced today. “Two of these projects will expand opportunities for local seniors and people with disabilities,” said Kinkead. “I’m very grateful to have played a role in securing funds for all three of these projects, especially those that will directly benefit the more vulnerable members of our community.” Kinkead said the awarded projects include: $500,000 to Verland CLA to support a Signature Home for individuals with disabilities in the North Side Area of Pittsburgh. The Signature Homes will accommodate residents by providing a living environment built with no steps to climb for ingress, egress, or throughout the living space, and an oversized garage that will accommodate a handicapped accessible van. The homes are fully sprinkled, allowing for safer and longer evacuation times in case of fire. $730,000 to the city to support construction efforts at the Brighton Heights Healthy Active Living Center. This project will activate the current three-story building and site, which currently only has the basement being occupied, into a better senior center and community space. Construction will update the existing structure, specifically the second floor, to meet contemporary Read more

 

GRANT MEMO: Nonprofit Security, Boating Facility, and Water/Sewer Funding Opportunities

(Oct 19, 2022)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry: PA Industry Partnership Grant (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Local workforce development boards, non-profit and non-governmental entities, community-based organizations, educational and post-secondary educational organizations, labor organizations, business associations, and economic development entities. Use : To identify workforce, education & training, and economic development needs, coordinate regional teams to support industry needs, identify public and community resources to address industry identified needs and increase collaboration among businesses within a targeted industry sector. Funds : Up to $250,000 per partnership. Application Deadline : October 28, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Workforce-Development/grants/Pages/default.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program (Funding Source: Nonprofit Security Grant Fund) Who May Apply : Non-profit organizations. Use : To support security enhancements designed to protect the safety and security of the users of a facility located in the Commonwealth that is owned or operated by the nonprofit organization. Funds : Awards between $5,000 and $150,000. Application Deadline : October 31, 2022 More Information : Click on Read more

 

Kinkead: Over $83 million secured for Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority

(Oct 19, 2022)

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 19 – More than $83 million has been allocated for major renovations to water lines within the Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority, state Rep. Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny, announced today. “It’s no secret that water lines in Pittsburgh have been neglected for decades,” said Kinkead. “I’m very excited to see an investment like this to directly improve the drinking water quality for many city residents and get us much closer to a lead-free system.” Among other projects announced across the state today, the PENNVEST board approved funds totaling nearly $83.4 million for the PWSA as follows: A $6.48 million grant and a $1.35 million loan to replace lead service lines that will affect 752 residential customers in areas where leaking, undersized water mains will also be replaced. A $75.5 million loan to replace approximately 63,000 feet of water lines throughout the distribution system. The project will address multiple undersized and leaking lines in a system with a historical water loss of 43%. The funding was approved today by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, or PENNVEST, which provides low-interest loans and grants to Pennsylvania municipalities or authorities to help fund water and sewer projects. Funding for PENNVEST originates from a combination of state funds approved by voters, Growing Read more

 

Testifiers plea for updated Pa. charter school law during policy hearing

(Oct 11, 2022)

The House Democratic Policy Committee convened a hearing Tuesday afternoon to discuss the need to reform Pennsylvania’s charter school law and address teacher shortages across the state. Read more

 

Democratic lawmakers introduce bills focused on protecting reproductive rights

(Oct 06, 2022)

Bills would protect both healthcare providers and patients. Read more

 

State Grant Programs Open For Application

(Sep 28, 2022)

Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Regional Policing Assistance Program Who May Apply: Applicants for the Regional Policing Assistance Program may be any municipality – a city, borough, township, home-rule municipality, or county. Applicants may also be a public or quasi-public body, or its representative, duly authorized to act on behalf of one or more municipalities. All applications must be accompanied by fully executed Articles of Agreement or an Intergovernmental Agreement that establishes a Regional Police Department. Use: Funding will support efforts in establishing or expanding regional police departments that would improve the following: uniformity and consistency of enforcement across municipalities; recruitment; distribution and deployment of police personnel; training and personnel efficiency; career enhancement opportunities; enhanced professionalism; and reduction of costs. Funds: A total of approximately $1,000,000 in federal funds is being announced to support this initiative. Applicants may apply for up to $150,000 for the formation of a new regional police department or up to $50,000 for the expansion of an existing regional police department by adding a chartered municipality(ies). Application Deadline: September 6, 2023 More information: PCCD Website Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Legal Read more

 

Rep. Emily Kinkead, Sen. Lindsey M. Williams, advocates stress importance of universal school meals legislation for all students

(Sep 21, 2022)

HARRISBURG, Sept. 21 – Today, Senator Lindsey M. Williams joined Representative Emily Kinkead, school administrators, advocates, and parents to discuss the importance of ensuring that all Pennsylvania students have reliable access to nutritious school meals every day. Following urging from advocates, Senator Williams, and other Democratic members of the Senate Education Committee, the Wolf Administration announced the Universal Free Breakfast Program earlier this month. This program will provide free breakfast for all Pennsylvania students enrolled in schools that participate in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, beginning October 1. However, this program only covers breakfast and will expire after the 2022-23 school year. As a Senator Williams and Representative Kinkead have introduced the “No Student Should Go Hungry Universal School Meals” legislation in the Senate and House . This legislation would create a Special Fund, funded from General Fund revenue, that would dedicate $275 million per year to feed all Pennsylvania students breakfast and lunch. “For perspective, Pennsylvania’s entire budget is $45.2 billion—that’s billion with a B,” said Senator Williams. “$275 million is .006% of that budget. In June, we passed a massive cut to corporate taxes, but we did very little to help working families directly. This is something that we can do right now that will have a huge impact on families Read more

 

Violence Intervention and Prevention, Transportation, and Local Law Enforcement Funding Opportunities

(Sep 13, 2022)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Commonwealth Financing Authority: Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund (GEDTF) (Funding Source: Pennsylvania Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund) Who May Apply : Allegheny County Municipalities, Authorities (Redevelopment, Municipal or Industrial), Councils of Government, Non-Profit Organizations, Trusts and For Profit Organizations. Use : To support community and economic development projects in Allegheny County. Funds : Awards between $150,000 and $500,000. Application Deadline : September 23, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.alleghenycounty.us/economic-development/authorities/gedtf-fund.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Transportation: Traffic Signal Technologies Grant Program (Funding Source: Motor License Fund) Who May Apply : Municipalities. Use : To install and maintain traffic signal technologies. Funds : Varies by award. This is a reimbursement grant with no matching funds required. Application Deadline : September 30, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.dot.state.pa.us/public/Bureaus/BOMO/Portal/TST_INFO.pdf . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) Grant Program (Funding Source: American Rescue Plan Act Funds) Who May Apply Read more

 

Kinkead: 2 million Pennsylvanians face ‘hunger cliff’
Feb 27, 2023

Kinkead announces $750,000 for Northland Public Library
Feb 24, 2023

Partner4Work awarded $260,000 grant to grow nursing career opportunities
Feb 23, 2023

Policy Roundtable: Union leaders discuss importance of organizing
Feb 03, 2023

Vogel, Kinkead to co-chair bipartisan, bicameral Hunger Caucus
Feb 02, 2023

Conservation, Substance Abuse Education, and Act 13 Funding Opportunities
Feb 01, 2023

Kinkead takes oath for second term in state House
Jan 03, 2023

State programs now open for applications
Dec 05, 2022

Kinkead secures $2 million to expand UPMC Heart Institute
Nov 21, 2022

Kinkead announces over $920K to renovate local infrastructure
Nov 16, 2022

GRANT MEMO: Workforce Support, Historic Preservation, and Criminal Justice Disparity Research Funding Opportunities For Your District
Nov 14, 2022

Kinkead, Gaydos introduce legislation to assist owners of landslide-prone properties
Oct 27, 2022

Kinkead: $2.2 million awarded for local redevelopment projects
Oct 27, 2022

GRANT MEMO: Nonprofit Security, Boating Facility, and Water/Sewer Funding Opportunities
Oct 19, 2022

Kinkead: Over $83 million secured for Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority
Oct 19, 2022

Testifiers plea for updated Pa. charter school law during policy hearing
Oct 11, 2022

Democratic lawmakers introduce bills focused on protecting reproductive rights
Oct 06, 2022

State Grant Programs Open For Application
Sep 28, 2022

Rep. Emily Kinkead, Sen. Lindsey M. Williams, advocates stress importance of universal school meals legislation for all students
Sep 21, 2022

Violence Intervention and Prevention, Transportation, and Local Law Enforcement Funding Opportunities
Sep 13, 2022