March 25, 2024 Email

(Mar 26, 2024)

I was excited to be back on the PA Turnpike this past week headed to Harrisburg to vote on important legislation that will directly improve Pennsylvania’s ease of living and economic competitiveness. Read more

 

Treasury Returns More Than $200,000 in Unclaimed Property to Residents and Businesses in Pittsburgh at Events Hosted by Rep. Lindsay Powell

(Mar 26, 2024)

Treasurer Stacy Garrity and state Rep. Lindsay Powell (D-21) announced today that more than $200,000 in unclaimed property is being returned to residents and businesses in Pittsburgh following recent events hosted by Rep. Powell. Read more

 

Allegheny County Board of Health proposes safer conditions for renters

(Mar 08, 2024)

The Allegheny County Board of Health is addressing the relationship between landlords and tenants. Read more

 

Powell and Abney to host landlord and tenant rights panel

(Feb 29, 2024)

PITTSBURGH, Feb. 29 – State Reps. Lindsay Powell and Aerion Abney, both D-Allegheny, will hold a landlord and tenant legal rights panel on Thursday, March 7 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Tripoli Street Community Center . “Fair and equitable housing is a right every neighbor should be able to acquire,” Powell said. “I’m looking forward to having a productive conversation with renters and property managers about their rights under the law.” “Fostering strong professional relationships between landlords and tenants is an important aspect when it comes to limiting displacement,” Abney added. “Laying out the legal rights of both parties with the citizens I represent will help accomplish that goal.” Local magistrates will also be present to provide additional information. Tripoli Street Community Center is located at 816 Tripoli St. , Pittsburgh 15212. Read more

 

Powell signs on as primary sponsor of legislation to decrease displacement & gentrification through tax increment financing

(Feb 26, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 26 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, has signed on as the sponsor of a bill that would utilize tax increment financing dollars for keeping individuals and families in their homes in TIF-designated districts. The legislation, H.B. 1064 , would update the Tax Increment Financing Act and allow designated districts to fund affordable housing, foreclosure and rental assistance, and workforce programs with TIF dollars. The bill would also increase the lifespan of TIF districts from 20 to 25 years and convert more of such collected monies into projects aimed at the measures outlined above. “TIFs have been an integral component of revitalizing economically distressed areas. Funding for anti-displacement activities, however, have never been allowable costs under prior TIF guidelines,” Powell said. “While we’ve seen areas rebound as a result of this program, long-time neighborhood residents have lost their homes because of resulting increases in property values and taxes. My amendment aims to prevent those consequences in future TIF districts. “These are commonsense changes to the program that should garner bipartisan support,” Powell continued. “From speaking with residents, community organizations and partners in the public and private sectors, we all want to see our region thrive. This legislation would make TIF districts more effective and equitable.” House Bill 1064 was originally Read more

 

Pittsburgh nurse practitioners say let them do what they're trained to do to expand health care services

(Feb 26, 2024)

The growing shortage of health care providers could be helped with a change in state law, says one group. Read more

 

Allegheny House Dems announce $500K to build career pathways

(Feb 16, 2024)

L&I grants fund pre-apprenticeships, workforce diversity programs Read more

 

Allegheny House Dems celebrate $218K to protect native species

(Feb 15, 2024)

DCNR grant money to study new species, support biodiversity Read more

 

Powell hails budget proposal outlined by Gov. Shapiro

(Feb 06, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 6 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, applauded Gov. Josh Shapiro's budget address today, hailing it as a transformative vision for Pennsylvania. "What we heard from the governor was a bold blueprint to make our Commonwealth one of the most welcoming, accessible, competitive and equitable states in the country, all without costing Pennsylvanians a cent more in taxes,” Powell said. "Among the governor’s proposals are a $40 million increase for Pittsburgh Regional Transit, a $600 million investment in economic development projects, and a $1.1 billion increase in basic education funding, which includes $900 million for catch-up investments to support underfunded districts like Pittsburgh Public Schools. “We must better support our schools to ensure a high-quality education for our children because we're falling short right now. I am hopeful that the governor will also commit to opposing the diversion of public school resources toward charter schools and voucher programs. “I was also pleased to hear the governor call for the legalization of recreational adult-use cannabis with an emphasis on restorative justice. This will not only serve to generate millions in additional tax revenue for the Commonwealth but will also be a long-overdue first step to undoing the decades of damage caused primarily to Black and brown communities, who have been disproportionately impacted by its prohibition.” Read more

 

Powell responds to U.S. Steel settlement

(Jan 31, 2024)

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 31 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, released a statement on the recent courtroom settlement between environmental activists and U.S. Steel, applauding the $20 million pollution control upgrades at the Clairton Coke Works as a positive step forward. "Mon Valley residents have been breathing in toxic air for far too long. The recent settlement with U.S. Steel is a step in the right direction, but it should have never come to this,” Powell said. “We cannot overlook the fact that this settlement is the result of years of neglect and mismanagement. The Clairton Coke Works should have never allowed emissions to reach such dangerous levels in the first place. "An 80% reduction in air pollution is certainly a welcome change, but let's not forget that it should have been zero emissions from the beginning. Clean air and water are a fundamental human right. Our communities deserve to breathe freely without fear of contracting chronic respiratory illnesses, due to unchecked corporate negligence. I’m hopeful that this settlement will serve as a deterrent to would-be polluters going forward." Powell represents the 21st Legislative District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, which includes the Lawrenceville and Strip District neighborhoods, Millvale and Etna boroughs, and Reserve and Shaler townships in Pittsburgh. Read more

 

Abney: $32 million+ secured to remove lead in Pittsburgh’s drinking water, enhance water conservation

(Jan 25, 2024)

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 25 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced that a total of $32,058,100 was secured by the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority for lead remediation and water conservation measures across multiple Pittsburgh neighborhoods. The state funds, facilitated by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority , will be used to replace approximately 1,375 public and 1,260 private lead service lines in the areas of Millvale Borough, Mount Washington, South Side Slopes, Garfield, Upper Lawrenceville, Central Northside, Manchester, Perry North, Perry South and Spring Hill. Many of these communities are at a disproportionately higher risk for lead contamination. Consumers will also be able to save water, as they are currently required to flush their systems each morning prior to use. Abney, whose legislative district includes four of the localities in the service area, said, “Ensuring the health of the neighbors I represent and preserving the local environment are paramount. These efforts will also help keep more dollars in the pockets of individuals and families who need them the most.” “Safe drinking water is a basic necessity that must be available to everyone,” state Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, said. “Investing monies in these critical infrastructural improvements is an investment in the health and safety of citizens and the environment.” Powell represents the citizens of Millvale, Upper Read more

 

Powell and Williams celebrate grants totaling $318,000 for community projects

(Jan 17, 2024)

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 17 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, and state Sen. Lindsey Williams, D-Allegheny, announced $318,000 in Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund grants under the Commonwealth Financing Authority , which will benefit Shaler, Etna and the surrounding communities. Grantees receiving GEDTF funds in Senate District 38 and House District 21 are: The Union Hotel Redevelopment Project will receive $45,000 for façade repairs to the Union Hotel, which are necessary to ensure the safety of building users and pedestrians. This project is a part of the larger Etna Business District revitalization project, which will create new housing and business opportunities in Etna while restoring the historic features of existing buildings. The Shaler Area School District will receive $50,000 for its “Young Learners Need Choice” program, which will provide collaborative tables, flexible seating options, and learning centers for K-3 classrooms at Burchfield, Marzolf and Reserve Primary schools. Shaler Area EMS will receive $118,000 for enhancements to their existing Firefighter Rehabilitation program. Shaler Area EMS currently supports nine local volunteer fire departments by medically evaluating each firefighter after significant exertion for signs of distress or medical compromise. This funding will be used to allow the agency to improve equipment available to protect volunteers and ensure their health and safety. Read more

 

Winter 2024 Newsletter

(Jan 16, 2024)

Check out my Winter 2024 print newsletter, my first print newsletter as a PA state representative! Read more

 

Powell announces leading photonics company will be headquartered in Pittsburgh

(Jan 09, 2024)

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 9 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, announced today that Excelitas Technologies Corp. , a leader in photonics technology, is establishing its headquarters in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. The company has committed to creating at least 250 high-wage jobs in Pittsburgh over the next four years. “District 21 is an attractive location for businesses,” Powell said. “We have close access to world-renowned companies, a growing local economy, and the world’s most welcoming residents. We’re happy that Excelitas recognizes what the district has to offer and has committed to a 12-year lease for their new location in the Strip District.” Excilitas’ relocation to the Strip District comes shortly after Westinghouse announced the planned opening of their new nuclear innovation facility in Etna in October 2023. The firm’s new address will be 2545 Railroad St. Photonics is a branch of optics that studies light in the form of photons and is utilized in medicine, communication, aviation, renewable energy and many other fields in a variety of ways. Read more

 

2024 Capitol Calendar

(Jan 02, 2024)

Check out my free 2024 Capitol Calendar! Read more

 

Powell: More than $672,000 awarded to fund District 21 water infrastructure projects, revive nonprofit arts and cultural organizations

(Dec 19, 2023)

“The pandemic’s closures and cancellations had a devastating impact on our local artists, theaters, museums and other arts and cultural organizations, and many are still struggling to fully recover. Neighboring bars, restaurants and other small businesses felt the impact, as well,” Powell said. “This new funding to help revive the arts will help bring back more of the events, exhibits and performances our community loves, and in the process, stimulate more local business activity.” Read more

 

Western Pa. lawmaker introduces legislation to bar employers from suspending healthcare benefits for striking workers

(Dec 15, 2023)

Rep. Lindsey Powell (D-Allegheny) introduced a bill this week to bar employers from suspending health care coverage for striking workers, citing the “disastrous effects” discontinuing coverage could have on employees and their families. Read more

 

Powell attends White House meeting on states’ efforts to reduce gun violence

(Dec 14, 2023)

WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 14 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, joined dozens of state lawmakers from across the country at the White House for a state legislative meeting on gun violence prevention. The meeting, hosted by Vice President Kamala Harris, included six key actions to help reduce gun violence at the state level: Establishing statewide offices dedicated to gun violence prevention. Investing in evidence-based solutions. Strengthening support for survivors. Implementing responsible gun ownership practices. Enhancing background checks. Establishing industry accountability and standards. “All Pennsylvanians deserve to feel safe in their communities, whether it be at home, school, work, a place of worship or at public gatherings,” Powell said. “I believe that it is the responsibility of the state legislature to protect the rights of our neighbors – the right to live without the fear and trauma of gun violence – and I am committed to commonsense policies to achieve that vision.” The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed two bills this year that are part of The Common Agenda to End Gun Violence package. They would create extreme risk protection orders and enact universal background checks . A bill to require the reporting of lost and stolen firearms failed to pass the House, while an additional bill to require guns to be safely stored in homes has not come up for a vote. Community Read more

 

Powell introduces legislation to protect health care benefits for striking workers

(Dec 13, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 13 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, has introduced a bill that would ensure Pennsylvania workers do not lose health care coverage while on strike. Powell’s legislation, H.B. 1911 , would prohibit employers in Pennsylvania from denying health care benefits to workers who are on strike and is co-sponsored by PA House Majority Whip Dan Miller, D-Allegheny. Nearly 159 million workers depend on health care coverage through their employers, according to a KFF survey from last year . As a result, employees often end up paying an annual average of more than $7,700 for single coverage and $22,000 for family coverage through COBRA during a strike’s duration. “Compelling employees to choose between job security and safeguarding their well-being and that of their families is a dire proposition,” Powell said. “My bill keeps essential health coverage in place until the employer and employees reach a mutual compromise.” “Stripping health care from workers who exercise their rights to collectively bargain places a tremendous burden on working families, especially those with children,” Miller added. “I want to thank Representative Powell for introducing this legislation, which along with other bills we have passed this year , aim to level the playing field between workers and large corporations so that workers can exercise their rights and have their voices heard.” House Bill 1911 Read more

 

Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus announces the addition of new members to the group

(Nov 21, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Nov. 21 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus announced today the addition of three new members. Chairman Danilo Burgos explained that the new members, Reps. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, and Heather Boyd and Carol Kazeem, both D-Delaware, will bring a wealth of experience, passion and dedication to the Latino Caucus. “Their diverse backgrounds and perspectives will contribute significantly to our ongoing efforts to advocate for the interests and well-being of Pennsylvania's Latino community,” Burgos said. "Their commitment to fostering inclusivity and addressing the unique challenges faced by the Latino community will undoubtedly enhance the impact of our collective advocacy. We are building a more inclusive and equitable future for all Pennsylvanians," he added. Kazeem said that the only way to address issues relevant to the Latino population is to through a collective effort. “I believe the Latino Caucus understands the challenges and concerns of the community and is continually igniting changes,” Kazeem said. “I am glad to be part of this great force and I am looking forward to engaging in advocacy of policies that would ensure the progress of all Latinos in the commonwealth.” Boyd expressed similar sentiments and highlighted her excitement on becoming an active member of the PA Latino Caucus. “It is an honor to join the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Read more

 

March 25, 2024 Email
Mar 26, 2024

Treasury Returns More Than $200,000 in Unclaimed Property to Residents and Businesses in Pittsburgh at Events Hosted by Rep. Lindsay Powell
Mar 26, 2024

Allegheny County Board of Health proposes safer conditions for renters
Mar 08, 2024

Powell and Abney to host landlord and tenant rights panel
Feb 29, 2024

Powell signs on as primary sponsor of legislation to decrease displacement & gentrification through tax increment financing
Feb 26, 2024

Pittsburgh nurse practitioners say let them do what they're trained to do to expand health care services
Feb 26, 2024

Allegheny House Dems announce $500K to build career pathways
Feb 16, 2024

Allegheny House Dems celebrate $218K to protect native species
Feb 15, 2024

Powell hails budget proposal outlined by Gov. Shapiro
Feb 06, 2024

Powell responds to U.S. Steel settlement
Jan 31, 2024

Abney: $32 million+ secured to remove lead in Pittsburgh’s drinking water, enhance water conservation
Jan 25, 2024

Powell and Williams celebrate grants totaling $318,000 for community projects
Jan 17, 2024

Winter 2024 Newsletter
Jan 16, 2024

Powell announces leading photonics company will be headquartered in Pittsburgh
Jan 09, 2024

2024 Capitol Calendar
Jan 02, 2024

Powell: More than $672,000 awarded to fund District 21 water infrastructure projects, revive nonprofit arts and cultural organizations
Dec 19, 2023

Western Pa. lawmaker introduces legislation to bar employers from suspending healthcare benefits for striking workers
Dec 15, 2023

Powell attends White House meeting on states’ efforts to reduce gun violence
Dec 14, 2023

Powell introduces legislation to protect health care benefits for striking workers
Dec 13, 2023

Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus announces the addition of new members to the group
Nov 21, 2023