HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 – State Rep. Abigail Salisbury cast a “yes” vote Wednesday for Pennsylvania’s new $50.1 billion spending plan, saying that it will deliver critical investments to public schools and essential programs without adding any new tax burden on residents. “With our schools, counties, local government and essential state programs waiting for funding, it took longer than it should have to get to this point,” Salisbury said. “I’m encouraged that the Senate finally came to the table so that we could send a plan to the governor’s desk.” Salisbury said that education is a key focus of the new budget, which includes a $105 million increase for Basic Education, nearly $40 million more for Special Education and $565 million in adequacy and tax equity funding to continue leveling the playing field for students in historically underfunded districts. Woodland Hills School District will see an estimated $2 million increase in Ready to Learn block grant funding. “It was critically important that we deliver on our constitutional duty to fairly fund our public schools, and the new budget does that. The new spending plan also ensures that our schools see the benefits of savings achieved through cyber charter reform. Those savings will mean additional funding of $12 million to the Pittsburgh School Distrct, more than $1.2 million to Woodland Hills School District, and nearly Read more

HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 – State Rep. Rob Matzie cast a “yes” vote today on the $50.1 billion 2025-26 Pennsylvania budget, saying the budget invests taxpayer dollars wisely without adding any new tax burden on residents. “This budget was a long time coming this year, but I’m satisfied that the plan we sent to the governor today will deliver critical funding to our schools, counties, and programs and services,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “I supported the new budget because it spends responsibly while delivering strong investments for our public schools and other critical programs – all without adding any new taxes or tapping into the state’s Rainy Day Fund.” Matzie said the new spending plan includes a $105 million increase for basic education, $40 million more for special education, a $565 million increase in Ready to Learn block grant funding for adequacy and tax equity payments and $178 million in savings from cyber charter reform. “The new budget delivers on our constitutional obligation to fairly fund our schools, adding nearly $600 million to help us continue leveling the playing field for students in less-affluent ZIP codes and easing the property tax burden on residents,” Matzie said. District 16 schools will see the following increases: Aliquippa SD: Nearly $129,000 (0.9%) increase for basic Read more

“In the face of careless cuts coming out of Washington, state budgets are under unprecedented and growing pressure to make up the difference—to fund the social safety net that keeps so many of our neighbors safe, fed, and healthy,” state Rep. Dan Frankel said. “This budget is a necessary step forward, but it’s also a reminder that the fight to protect our communities is far from over.” Read more

State grant programs now accepting applications Read more

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 7 – State Reps. Abigail Salisbury and Dan Frankel on Thursday brought together approximately 40 community leaders working on food insecurity issues for a panel discussion at Our Giving Kitchen, followed by meal preparation to address the needs of residents impacted by the federal government shutdown. Salisbury said working with local leaders is essential when resources are threatened. “Between the federal shutdown that has interrupted SNAP benefits and the impact of federal policies that prioritize billionaires over basic human needs, residents are hurting,” Salisbury said. “While we don’t know when the shutdown will end, it’s clear that we can’t rely on lawmakers in Washington, D.C. for the solution. Fortunately, we can join forces with the compassionate, committed partners here at home who make it their life’s work to help residents in need stay warm, safe and fed.” Frankel said, "Across Pennsylvania and the nation, families are struggling with food insecurity. The Trump administration’s cuts to social safety net programs and threats to SNAP benefits make an already dire situation worse. Thankfully, we have long-established local organizations leading efforts to help, along with many, many community members and public officials who are committed to protecting our neighbors from going hungry.” The panel featured the following community Read more

“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