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
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
HARRISBURG, Sept. 26 – In the wake of last week’s comments by federal officials linking maternal acetaminophen use to an increased risk of autism, state Rep. Abigail Salisbury will host a state legislative hearing featuring medical and scientific experts on autism next week at the state Capitol. Salisbury said the hearing, facilitated at her request by the House Majority Policy Committee, will take place at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30 in Room 205 of the Ryan Office Building. “It’s our responsibility as lawmakers to make sure our policymaking is guided by science, not speculation,” said Salisbury, who chairs the Pennsylvania Autism Caucus and is the first person with autism to hold this position. “I am grateful to the House Majority Policy Committee for convening this hearing, which will feature medical professionals, researchers and experts on the autism spectrum to ensure our policymaking is informed by science and medical evidence—not junk science and speculation.” Salisbury said she believes the hearing will be an important first step and that she looks forward to continuing conversations with experts so that the path forward is guided by science, not fear or confusion. The meeting will be livestreamed at: https://youtube.com/live/-0WdZlhsORs . Media coverage is invited. Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 22 – State Rep. Abigail Salisbury, Chair of the Pennsylvania Autism Caucus, today called upon state legislative leadership to convene official hearings with scientific and medical experts to examine current research into the potential causes of autism. Salisbury's announcement comes in response to today's press conference with President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who announced an association between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and increased neurodevelopmental risks, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Acetaminophen is also known by the brand name Tylenol, and President Trump stated in the press conference, “Don't take Tylenol.” The federal advisory has sparked renewed national discussion about the importance of precautionary guidance, public awareness and evidence-based policymaking surrounding autism and prenatal health. “As Chair of the Pennsylvania Autism Caucus – and as the first person with an autism diagnosis to hold this position – I believe it is our moral and legislative responsibility to seek truth, clarity and scientific guidance wherever the health and well-being of Pennsylvania’s children are concerned,” said Salisbury, D-Allegheny. “Today’s federal announcement underscores how urgently we need expert-informed hearings to understand the full range of environmental, medical and Read more
BRADDOCK, Sept. 17 – State Rep. Abigail Salisbury today announced a new round of scholarships to help civic-minded residents in District 34’s lower-income communities strengthen their grant writing and nonprofit management skills. Salisbury said her office is working with the Health and Education Alliance and the Community College of Allegheny County to offer the scholarships, which will provide access to CCAC’s Grant Writing & Non-Profit Management course. “Nonprofits can be incredibly powerful agents for change,” said Salisbury, who is co-founder and chair of the Pennsylvania Charitable Nonprofit Caucus. “ But regardless of their mission – whether they’re fighting hunger, strengthening mental health resources or providing housing, afterschool programs or other critical services – nonprofits are only as effective as the staff who run them. “With access to CCAC’s course, last year’s winners learned how to tap into state funding and sharpen their management skills to help their organizations accomplish more for the community. We’re bringing those opportunities back this year with a new round of scholarships. I encourage anyone interested in applying to learn more, find out whether they qualify and apply by the October 15 deadline.” Salisbury said that to qualify for a scholarship, applicants must reside in a low-income census tract. To Read more
“Allegheny County has the infrastructure and sites that corporations like Mainspring need, but testifiers also explained that Pennsylvania risks being left behind by neighboring states when it comes to creating sufficient state incentives and acting quickly to support high-impact projects with large energy demands,” said state Rep. John Inglis, who co-hosted the event and represents portions of Allegheny County. “Mainspring chose Pittsburgh over Columbus to bring about 1,000 jobs to our region, but lawmakers will need to be proactive to ensure our region remains competitive.” Read more
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