HARRISBURG, Oct. 5 – The Pennsylvania House today passed legislation introduced by state Rep. Abigail Salisbury that would require all Pennsylvania newborns to be tested for Gaucher disease, an inherited genetic disorder that can have devastating health consequences. Salisbury, D-Allegheny, said H.B. 1652 would allow parents to know at the earliest possible time whether their newborn has the disease so they can obtain timely treatment to help alleviate symptoms. “Pennsylvania screens newborns for a wide array of diseases to ensure that children who are affected can benefit from timely detection and treatment,” Salisbury said. “Until recently, the list of screened diseases included Gaucher disease, a genetic disorder that can cause devastating health problems, including organ, blood, and bone disorders and even certain cancers. “Six years ago, Gaucher was dropped from the list of screened diseases, which means that hospitals and parents are no longer automatically notified if their newborn has the disease, and children are deprived of a vital, early treatment window that can alleviate some health impacts. My bill would reinstate screening for this devastating disease, so parents get the timely information they need to help their children.” Gaucher disease is a genetic condition in which a person is missing an enzyme that breaks down lipids – fatty compounds in the body that serve various Read more

Legislation preventing delays for small-scale energy systems advances to Senate Read more

HARRISBURG, Sept. 30 – The Pennsylvania House Finance Committee today unanimously approved state Rep. Abigail Salisbury’s bill that would make it easier for lower-income houses of worship and other smaller nonprofit groups to obtain security funding. Salisbury’s H.B. 2639 would remove the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund’s 33% match requirement for grants ranging from $25,000 to $75,000 if a nonprofit’s annual revenue is less than $250,000. “For houses of worship and other community groups, nothing is more important than ensuring members are safe on the premises,” Salisbury said. “Unfortunately, many smaller groups struggle to meet the dollar match required to obtain funding under our state security grant program. We saw this happen after the attempted shooting at Jesus’ Dwelling Place in North Braddock. Like many smaller groups whose outreach is limited to the immediate community, the church struggled to raise the required 33% match. It took them a year and a half to raise the match and secure a line of credit for the cost-reimbursable $75,000 grant. “The size of a group’s operating budget should never determine its ability to protect members. My bill would lift the 33% match requirement for grants ranging from $25,000 to $75,000 if a nonprofit’s annual revenue is less than $250,000, to ensure everyone has the protection they deserve.” The bill now Read more

"As someone who has stuttered since a young age, I know firsthand how frustrating it can be when others don't understand you,” said state Rep. Brandon Markosek. “Traffic stops can become stressful and for drivers who face communication barriers, they can be overwhelming. This bill would give those drivers a tool to prevent misunderstandings and let officers know what to expect, so that both sides can approach the moment with less confusion." Read more

BRADDOCK, Sept. 29 – State Rep. Abigail Salisbury will host the fourth annual Nonprofit Symposium from 10 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15 at the Monroeville Convention Center, located at 209 Mall Blvd. in Monroeville, 15146. Salisbury, who is the founder and co-chair of the Pennsylvania Charitable Nonprofit Caucus, said this year’s free event will be the largest and most comprehensive symposium to date, with an agenda covering a broad range of topics to help nonprofits thrive at a crucial time. “Wherever people need help, nonprofits are there at the ground level – providing food, connecting residents with mental health and crisis services, running afterschool programs and meeting hundreds of other community needs,” Salisbury said. “Those services are more critical than ever, as more families are feeling the impact of cuts at the federal level. This year’s symposium will help nonprofit board members, managers, staffers and volunteers develop the skills they need to ensure that their organizations are there to meet the demand. I urge anyone who works or volunteers for a nonprofit in any capacity to register for this free event.” Salisbury said this year’s agenda will include expert-led sessions on nonprofit social media communications, cultivating recurring individual small donors, managing nonprofit risk, telling your nonprofit’s story, and nonprofit personnel mental Read more

Read my email update from September 18, 2026 Read more

State dollars support streetscape improvements, new vehicle purchases Read more

"These projects support the things residents count on every day, from clean water to safe parks to reliable public buildings," state Rep. Anita Kulik said. "I'm proud to have helped secure this funding, and I look forward to seeing the impact it makes in our communities." Read more

BRADDOCK, Sept. 15 – New grants totaling nearly $4.5 million will fund major transportation and water infrastructure improvements, vehicle and equipment purchases, and facility renovation projects in the 34 th Legislative District, state Rep. Abigail Salisbury announced today. “The new funding will allow our municipalities to repair deteriorating roads, update aging water and wastewater infrastructure, improve stormwater management, clear blight, renovate community facilities and move forward with other projects to make life safer and more convenient for residents,” Salisbury said. “The dollars from the state will also help ease the strain on taxpayers.” Salisbury said the 17 grants, secured through the Commonwealth Financing Authority under the Local Share Account, include: $800,000 to Pittsburgh to purchase a pumper fire truck for the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire to replace the old, deteriorated unit. (Will benefit District 34 and nine other districts). $500,000 to the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh for the next phase of renovations to the Clayton Mansion, including reconstructing exterior areas damaged by water runoff, masonry repairs, painting and repairs to windows, doors, and other areas. $326,623 to Swissvale-Braddock Hills Regional Police Department to purchase four hybrid vehicles: two marked patrol cars, one unmarked patrol car and one marked K-9 vehicle. $317,604 to Forest Hills Borough to Read more