“This investment is incredible news for our region, and especially Turtle Creek, where Eos has already been an important part of our local economy,” state Rep. Brandon Markosek said. “This expansion shows real confidence in the people and potential of Western Pennsylvania. It means more jobs, more innovation and a stronger role for our region in the future of clean energy manufacturing.” Read more

WILKINSBURG, Oct. 16 – An award of nearly $1 million in conditional tax credits will leverage investments to preserve buildings for Wilkinsburg senior housing, state Rep. Abigail Salisbury announced today. Salisbury, D-Allegheny, said the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency has conditionally reserved $992,686 in tax credits to generate investments in a project to preserve buildings in the Gable Ridge development. “Affordable housing is essential for seniors on a fixed income,” said Salisbury. “The new tax credits will spur investments to fund preservation of six one- and two-story buildings – a total of 50 one-bedroom units – for residents 62 or older. It will be great to see improved housing opportunities for Wilkinsburg seniors.” Salisbury said the development is estimated to be just under 41,300 square feet and will include five accessible units. More information about PHFA Low Income Housing Tax Credits is available here: https://www.phfa.org/mhp/developers/lihtc.aspx Read more

“This project is a great example of how we can invest in our neighborhoods while taking care of our seniors,” state Rep. Dan Deasy said. “Hill Top Villas will provide safe, affordable housing and help older adults stay connected to the Fairywood community they’ve long been part of.” Read more

AMBRIDGE, Oct. 10 – Beaver County affordable housing will get a boost from nearly $3.4 million in tax credits reserved to leverage investment in two projects, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency has conditionally reserved $1.7 million in tax credits for the Legacy Bricks project in Aliquippa and another $1.68 million for St. Cecilia Senior in Rochester. “More affordable housing means more residents have the economic stability they need to thrive,” said Matzie. “These tax credits are great news because they will spur investments to help both of these projects take shape.” Matzie said the Legacy Bricks project in Aliquippa is located on a 4.84-acre site currently zoned for mixed used and traditional neighborhood development. The site is under an option to purchase agreement through Dec. 31, 2026. The St. Cecilia Senior project in Rochester would preserve a four-story building consisting of 33 one-bedroom units and 12 two-bedroom units for residents 62 or older. The development would be nearly 65,000 square feet and would include nine accessible units. More information about PHFA Low Income Housing Tax Credits is available here: https://www.phfa.org/mhp/developers/lihtc.aspx Read more

With strong bipartisan support, the PA House today passed a bill sponsored by state Rep. Dan Goughnour, D-Allegheny, that would modernize state liquor laws by allowing businesses with liquor licenses to have premixed cocktails on tap, just like beer. Read more

BRADDOCK, Oct. 6 – State Rep. Abigail Salisbury wants autistic Pennsylvanians or people with loved ones on the spectrum to be aware of the Pennsylvania State Police’s Autism Spectrum Disorder interaction card. Salisbury said the “ASD card” – which can be downloaded for free and carried in a wallet or saved on a phone – may be a helpful option for people on the autism spectrum when they are dealing with law enforcement in some situations. “In certain situations, interactions with police can be difficult for some people on the autism spectrum,” said Salisbury, who is chair of the Pennsylvania Autism Caucus and the first person with an autism diagnosis to hold that position. “Some people may experience sensory overload in situations involving lights and sirens, loud noises or other high-stress events, which can cause them to shut down and appear uncooperative or unpredictable. “ As someone on the spectrum, I understand these challenges, which is why I was glad to see the Pennsylvania State Police develop this resource in conjunction with an autistic consultant. Presenting the card can help communicate critical information at a stressful time. It’s one more tool in our toolbox to improve interactions for people with autism.” Lieutenant Adam Reed, of the Pennsylvania State Police, said the card is equally helpful to law enforcement officers. “As police Read more

Lawmakers call to protect survivors, increase accountability for repeat PFA violations Read more

“All this misinformation coming from the White House and federal government has done real damage,” said Rep. Abigail Salisbury, who hosted the hearing, serves as the chair of the Pennsylvania Autism Caucus and is autistic. “We heard directly from medical professionals, who explained how resources and their time is being dominated by combatting this misinformation – instead of devoting their time to research or dealing with the real-life concerns of their patients.” Read more

Legislation establishing Landslide and Sinkhole Insurance Program heads to Senate Read more

HARRISBURG, Sept. 29 — Pennsylvania would conduct a new public awareness campaign to get more fathers involved in prenatal care and the birthing process under a bill sponsored by state Rep. Aerion Abney that passed the House today with strong bipartisan support. House Bill 1212 , dubbed the PA Dads Matter Act, directs the Department of Health to conduct the campaign. Abney, D-Allegheny, introduced the bill as part of MOMNIBUS 2.0, a comprehensive legislative package that seeks to improve birthing outcomes and confronts the staggering rate of Black maternal mortality and morbidity in Pennsylvania. “I feel very strongly about this bill,” Abney said. “A dad’s involvement can make an enormous difference in a healthy pregnancy and birth. When a dad is engaged, there are lower chances of unhealthy birth weight and lower risks of postpartum mood and anxiety disorders.” Abney, the father of two sons, modeled the bill after bipartisan federal legislation drawn up by Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., and former Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla. “The MOMNIBUS is about more than just moms!” said state Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Philadelphia, the bill’s prime co-sponsor. “When dads and partners are engaged in the process, we know that birthing outcomes improve greatly for everyone. The Dads Matter Act highlights the role that fathers play to uplift the health and wellbeing of babies and mothers before, during and after Read more