PENN HILLS, Dec. 1 – State Rep. Joe McAndrew, a member of the PA House Transportation Committee, is urging Allegheny County residents to provide feedback about Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s proposed redesign of county bus lines by completing the agency’s Bus Line Redesign survey as soon as possible at: www.Buslineredesign.com . McAndrew, D-Allegheny, said public input is critical to ensure that the ultimate design meets residents’ needs. “The county is about to embark on the largest redesign of bus lines we have seen in nearly 20 years, and as planning proceeds, residents’ voices will be essential to the process,” McAndrew said. “Expert plans and projections may be important, but they’re no substitute for real-life feedback from riders and potential riders about their needs and challenges.” McAndrew said he often hears complaints from residents in the east suburbs who say they have little or sporadic access to desired destinations such as Monroeville and Oakland. “With so many important life events depending on reliable access to transportation, we can’t let PRT make these decisions based on speculation – they need to hear from our community now,” McAndrew said. “I’m urging everyone to complete the survey before the Dec. 17 deadline.” McAndrew serves the municipalities of Penn Hills, Oakmont, Verona & Plum. More information on survey Read more

The two bills are companions to S.B. 992 and S.B. 993, introduced by Sen. Judy Schwank, D-Berks. Read more

Venkat’s legislation would prohibit health insurers or their contracted vendors that initiate payments to participating health care providers from requiring the use of an electronic credit card with a fee to transmit payment to the health care provider without the provider’s consent. Read more

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 28 – State Reps. Aerion A. Abney and La’Tasha D. Mayes, both D-Allegheny, will host a legislative town hall from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday , Dec. 5 at the Thelma Lovette YMCA , 2114 Centre Ave. in Pittsburgh . The lawmakers will provide updates on legislation that has recently passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and residents will have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss the issues most important to them. There will also be information about state services. “As the eyes and ears of the communities I represent, I’m excited to meet with my neighbors where they live for this important dialogue,” Abney said. “I’m eager to share the good work done in Harrisburg and receive essential feedback on the good work that still needs to be done.” “During this town hall, we’ll have the opportunity to connect with residents of the Hill District on issues affecting the community and on legislation including the CROWN Act ,” Mayes said. “I look forward to engaging constituents in a vibrant discussion about our work.” A light meal will be served. Residents wanting more information should call Abney’s district office at 412-471-7760 or Mayes’ district office at 412-665-5502 . Read more

“By hosting this luncheon, my district office staff will have the opportunity to provide seniors with a meal to nourish them, as well as provide information on state services,” Steele said. “My staff looks forward to meeting seniors that reside in the 33rd Legislative District.” Read more

NAP tax credits to support revitalization efforts Read more

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 22 – Two community projects were awarded a combined $136,250 in tax credits to support housing initiatives and provide personal care kits to underserved communities, according to state Rep. Dan Deasy. Deasy, D-Allegheny, said the investments are as follows: $80,000 for the Mt. Washington Community Development Corp. to provide assistance to low-income individuals and families in the neighborhoods of Mt. Washington and Duquesne Heights. Major needs addressed within this project include affordable housing, housing improvement assistance and stabilization, home and community safety, food security and job training. $56,250 for Global Links’ Personal Care Kits initiative, which aims to provide 5,000 neighbors with 10,000 personal care kits in 2024. “These investments will help local organizations with providing opportunities for folks to live with dignity in good, affordable homes and in good health,” Deasy said. “I am proud to support these efforts and want to thank community leaders for the work they do to provide a positive and lasting impact on our communities.” The investments to support both projects come from the state Department of Community and Economic Development’s Neighborhood Assistance Program. The goals of the program are to promote community participation and collaborations among nonprofits, businesses Read more

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 21 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today that $2.84 million in tax credits through the state’s Neighborhood Assistance Program has been awarded to several community organizations. “These tax credits are essential to the preservation and improvement of communities that need urgent assistance,” Abney said. “Whether putting more roofs over the heads of individuals, providing food resources, or helping local businesses expand, I applaud all the great work these tax credits will do by encouraging private investment.” Two organizations were approved for general NAP tax credits. They are: Amani Christian Community Development Corp.: $55,000 for the Centre Avenue project, which includes the eventual completion of a 700 square foot affordable commercial space builder. Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania: $55,000 for a project to replace the roof of their main building for safer program access. Six organizations were awarded Neighborhood Partnership Program tax credits. Those recipients are: Hilltop Alliance: $200,000 for a projects involving home repairs and food assistance. Hazelwood Initiative Inc.: $240,000 for a project to renovate rental units. Northside Leadership Conference Inc.: $400,000 for a project to support affordable housing development, commercial real estate, small business support, parks and greenspace planning, and restoration, Read more

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 21 – Three organizations in the 23 rd Legislative District have been awarded $126,250 in tax credits to spur investment in community projects, state Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, announced today. “Tax credits can offer critical support for key community projects by drawing needed investments,” Frankel said. “I’m excited that these newly awarded credits will support programs that offer hope for residents and families and new opportunities for marginalized businesses and job seekers.” Frankel said the funding includes: $71,250 in tax credits to InnovatePGH Partnership Pittsburgh to support projects aimed at improving equality and access to Oakland’s business and innovation district, with an emphasis on helping diverse and marginalized entrepreneurs and job seekers. $41,250 in tax credits to the Aleph Institute to support the Shifra program, which helps families in need through an afterschool program, a motherhood center, and a food shed. $13,750 in tax credits to the Friendship Circle of Pittsburgh Inc. to help support The Beacon – a program that aims to engage 300-500 teens in activities that promote mental health and wellness skills. In addition, more than $1.3 million in tax credits was awarded to Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, which distributes food to residents in Allegheny County and 10 other counties. The funding is Read more

BRADDOCK, Nov. 21 – Residents and businesses in the 34 th Legislative District will benefit from more than $1 million in new tax credits awarded to support affordable housing, community revitalization and human services programs, state Rep. Abigail Salisbury announced today. Salisbury, D-Allegheny, said the tax credits – awarded through the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Neighborhood Assistance Program – will leverage investments to bolster the work of area nonprofit organizations. “Our district’s charitable nonprofits are constantly working to improve quality of life for residents, but they can’t do it alone,” Salisbury said. “Fortunately, tax credits can be a powerful tool to spur new investments. The newly awarded tax credits are going to boost key projects to fight blight and attract new businesses, expand affordable housing, and continue treatment programs and related services for residents.” Salisbury said the funding includes: $400,000 in tax credits to Wilkinsburg Community Development Corp. to supports efforts to strengthen the Central Business District, improve quality of life for residents, continue attracting new homeowners and businesses, and improve the borough’s fiscal health and sustainability. $265,875 in tax credits to Enterprise Zone Corp. of Braddock to support projects to Read more