“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

“Even before the 2020 election, Pennsylvania counties and the Pennsylvania Department of State asked for expanded pre-canvassing,” said Rep. Sara Innamorato, who hosted the hearing at the Allegheny County Courthouse. “As lawmakers, protecting and expanding democracy is one of our fundamental duties.” Read more

Funding will help police, borough and local communities Read more

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

“The lost revenue is astronomical, and the lost protections, including health insurance, is sickening – not to mention devastating to our workers and their families,” Pisciottano said. “We heard the practice described as insurance fraud, a crime that hurts all Pennsylvania families and workers since it shortchanges every taxpaying resident.” Read more

“While the pandemic did not cause these issues, it crystalized the problem in a way where the public became acutely aware of its importance,” said Rep. Venkat, who is an emergency physician and the first physician to serve in PA's General Assembly in about 60 year. “Unfortunately, no silver bullet – or magical solution – exists to fix this complicated problem. As we saw when we peeled back layers of the issue today, addressing one issue often calls for the need to find a solution to several more related issues." Read more

HARRISBURG, Jan. 23 – Seeking to ease the burden of medical debt on working families, a plan to create the Pennsylvania Medical Debt Repayment Program was unveiled today by state Reps. Arvind Venkat and Nick Pisciottano, both D-Allegheny; Bridget Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna; and Tarik Khan and Donna Bullock, both D-Phila. “As a physician, I have seen firsthand how problems with our nation’s healthcare system – including medical debt – have hurt families and prevented people from getting the care they need,” said Venkat, the first physician to serve in the General Assembly in nearly 60 years. “While there are many issues that we need to address, including the systemic problems that lead to spiraling medical debt, this bill is an important first step toward helping people across Pennsylvania get the assistance and the care they need – and not phone calls from collection agencies.” “When my son was diagnosed with childhood leukemia, the last thing I wanted to worry about was the stress of medical costs. No family in Pennsylvania should ever need to think twice before seeking care for chronic or other serious conditions for fear of going into medical debt,” Kosierowski said. “We must do whatever we can at the state level to ensure that families don’t need to choose between going to the doctor or putting food on their table or buying clothes for their children.” The lawmakers likened the newly Read more

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 13 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today that a nearly $500,000 state grant is being awarded to Allegheny Landing Park. The grant will be used to make an array of improvements at the site including renovations to its plaza, historic railings and pedestrian walkways, installation of lawn, meadow and rain gardens, Americans with Disabilities Act access and landscaping. “Allegheny Landing Park was one of the first in Pittsburgh to integrate the scenic backdrop of the Three Rivers into its own appeal,” Abney said. “This grant will ensure that the citizens I represent can enjoy the space now and for many more years.” Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources administered the grant via their Community Conservation Partnerships Program . Read more

State Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes, D-Allegheny, announced today that a $230,736 state grant has been awarded to a project in her community. Read more