News Center

Cephas, Curry, Mayes launch Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus

(Oct 17, 2023) Allegheny County Delegation

The Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus seeks to address disturbing trends of Black maternal mortality and morbidity and pass the Pennsylvania MOMNIBUS, a legislative package modeled after the federal MOMNIBUS legislation to change the trajectory of maternal health outcomes in Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Salisbury to hold expungement clinic in Pittsburgh

(Oct 17, 2023) Allegheny County Delegation

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 17 – State Rep. Abigail Salisbury, D-Allegheny, will host an expungement clinic at the Community Empowerment Association in Pittsburgh from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19. The clinic will help residents expunge criminal records and seal or pardon past convictions, and the Allegheny County Bar Foundation's Pro Bono Center will provide the legal advice on the processes at the event. “Minor justice system offenses should not deter or prevent people from pursuing impactful lives,” Salisbury said. “I want to encourage residents looking for a fresh start to attend the clinic and find out how my staff and I can help.” Salisbury is a nonprofit attorney, served as the executive director of JURIST.org , and taught First Amendment law at the University of Pittsburgh. Pre-registration for the clinic can be completed here . Read more

 

Educational, Environmental, Public Safety, and Redevelopment Grant Opportunities

(Oct 16, 2023) Allegheny County Delegation

PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Please note: On Oct. 10, PCCD announced The Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program deadline has been extended to 11:45 p.m. on Oct. 30, 2023. Department of Environmental Protection: Coastal Zone Grant Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, area-wide agencies, state agencies, educational institutions (school districts, colleges, universities, other institutions of higher learning), conservation districts, port authorities, public authorities, or incorporated nonprofit organizations. Use: Grants may be applied to a wide variety of studies, plans, designs, research, acquisition, and construction projects pertaining to one or more of the established Coastal Resources Management Program policies. Projects must be located within the Delaware Estuary Coastal Zone or the Lake Erie Coastal Zone boundaries. Funds: Grant funding is provided to DEP from the Office for Coastal Management through NOAA. Application Deadline: Monday, October 16, 2023 More information: DEP Website Pennsylvania Department of Education Nita M. Lowey 21 st Century Community Learning Centers Cohort 12 Who May Apply: P ublic school districts, charter schools, private schools, nonprofit agencies, city or county government agencies, faith-based organizations, institutions of higher education, Indian tribes or tribal organizations and for-profit corporations. Applicants must Read more

 

More than $3 million awarded from PHFA’s Housing Options Program

(Oct 13, 2023) Allegheny County Delegation

“Pittsburgh ranks as one of the most expensive cities in the U.S., and these grants will make it more affordable for residents of the 24th Legislative District to continue living here in our city,” Mayes said. “Thanks to these grants from PHFA’s HOP, we may make Pittsburgh a more affordable area to live.” Read more

 

Abney praises nearly $7.5 million in PHFA grants

(Oct 13, 2023) Allegheny County Delegation

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 13 – Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today that five local projects have been awarded nearly $7.5 million in PA Housing Finance Agency grants. The grant recipients are: Allegheny YMCA Renovation ~ $2.2 million for the preservation of 88 affordable housing units. Hazelwood 2023 ~ $540,000 for the preservation of nine affordable housing units. Hazelwood Affordable Rental Preservation Program ~ $1.86 million for the preservation of 61 affordable housing units. The Residences at Wood Street/Wood Street Commons Investment Project ~ $2 million for the preservation of 250 affordable housing units. Widows Home ~ $825,000 for the preservation of 24 affordable housing units. “Ensuring that everyone has safe place to call home and decreasing displacement are two of my highest priorities as a state legislator,” Abney said. “The social worker in me knows that these dollars will provide immeasurable help to the people and communities I’m privileged to represent.” These PHFA monies are classified as Housing Options Program grants and can be utilized to repair existing housing units or to construct new housing units. Additionally, they are intended to fund housing that has not already received Low Income Housing Tax Credit funding or does not anticipate receiving LIHTC funding during the next four years. A list of all Commonwealth PHFA HOP-MF grants awarded this year can Read more

 

Venkat signs onto amicus brief in lawsuit about mifepristone

(Oct 12, 2023) Allegheny County Delegation

“Access to an abortion is a critical to reproductive health care,” Venkat said. “As an emergency physician, I signed onto this amicus brief to take a stand against this political attack on medication abortions. This lawsuit would potentially limit Americans’ access to mifepristone, one of two medications used for abortions in the U.S., creating a further crisis in women’s health care.” Read more

 

Symposium examines how nonprofits can maximize their missions

(Oct 12, 2023) Allegheny County Delegation

“Navigating government programs can be a frustrating experience for anyone attempting to access a service for the first time,” Salisbury said. “I saw a unique opportunity to bring experts into the room to speak directly to nonprofit organizations and explain the process. The ultimate goal is to help as many people as possible, and today we had a chance to illustrate how organizations can work with government to expand the amazing work they are already doing throughout our neighborhoods and communities.” Read more

 

Mayes stands in solidarity with PPG staff on strike

(Oct 12, 2023) Allegheny County Delegation

“I stand in solidarity with striking Post-Gazette staff as they continue to fight for a fair contract,” Mayes said. “For a year now, the Post-Gazette and Block Communications continuously refuse to engage in collective bargaining, causing staff on strike to lose wages and benefits that impact their livelihood.” Read more

 

Kinkead welcomes $229,000 for Brighton Heights green space

(Oct 10, 2023) Rep. Emily Kinkead

DCNR grant to aid revitalization of former St. John’s Hospital site Read more

 

Salisbury lauds $250,000 grant to Rivers of Steel Heritage Corp.

(Oct 10, 2023) Allegheny County Delegation

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 10 – State Rep. Abigail Salisbury, D-Allegheny, announced today that a $250,000 Community Conservation Partnership Program grant was awarded to the Rivers of Steel Heritage Corp. Salisbury said the funds will be utilized to implement various initiatives at the Carrie Blast Furnaces site, including efforts to promote its historical preservation and generate recreational tourism. Such efforts would include public workshops, fundraisers and mini grants. “Much of Pittsburgh’s identity and history is synonymous with the tireless work ethic of its steel mill laborers,” Salisbury said. “This grant will help allow new generations to discover and learn about their commitment to the Steel City and keep their spirit alive for generations to come.” A total of more than $1.19 million in CCPR grants was awarded to park, recreational and conservation projects throughout Allegheny County. The PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources facilitates the grants, and a complete list of all statewide grant recipients for fall of this year can be found here . Read more

 

Aspinwall Borough receives grant from DCNR

(Oct 06, 2023) Allegheny County Delegation

“This project at Aspinwall Park will improve the park for all residents,” Steele said. “By investing in Aspinwall Borough, we may enhance our community.” Read more

 

$99,800 grant awarded to rehabilitate Marmo Park

(Oct 05, 2023) Allegheny County Delegation

The grant will fund rehabilitation of Marmo Park, which will include installing play equipment with required safety surface, Americans with Disabilities Act access, landscaping, project signage, and other related site improvements. Read more

 

Powell sworn in as PA House representative

(Oct 02, 2023) Allegheny County Delegation

HARRISBURG, Oct. 2 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell was sworn in by U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan Schwab at the state Capitol today as the new representative for the 21 st Legislative District. “I’m honored and excited to hit the ground running in my new role as a state representative,” said Powell, D-Allegheny. “I’ve collaborated with some of the individuals who I’m pleased to now call colleagues and look forward to working with them to enhance the lives of all Pennsylvanians.” Powell is no stranger to federal and state government. She served as a member of U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer’s and U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries’ staff and acted as the city of Pittsburgh’s assistant chief of staff for nearly five years. Most recently, Powell was director of workforce strategies for InnovatePGH and focused on creating employment opportunities for underrepresented technologists in the Pittsburgh tech ecosystem in that role. Key issues for Powell include safe and dignified housing for all, helping working families, assisting small businesses and strengthening the local economy, and increasing the number of community assets. Powell won the September special election for the vacant House seat after Sara Innamorato resigned. Taking office, she reaffirms the Democratic majority and serves as the first person of color to hold this seat, while also increasing the total Read more

 

Allegheny Dems call out GOP for holding universities’ funding hostage

(Sep 21, 2023) Rep. Emily Kinkead

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 21 – As Pennsylvania’s four state-related universities continue operating without state assistance they regularly receive through the state budget to keep in-state tuition affordable for more than 70,000 students, Democratic officials today joined students from the University of Pittsburgh in Schenley Park for a news conference discussing the consequences of delaying the state funding. The House last met in July, when Republican leaders and a handful of extremist members stymied legislation providing funding to Pitt, Penn State, and Temple universities, forcing the schools to begin the semester without assistance from the state. Lincoln University’s appropriation passed the House but remains stalled in the Republican-controlled Senate. This funding is appropriated annually through the state budget process. “As a graduate from their law school, I’m lucky to know firsthand that the University of Pittsburgh is a prestigious institution offering world class opportunities and resources to prepare our future leaders for successful careers in myriad fields. For dozens of years, their unparalleled programming has been made possible with help from state funding. Unfortunately, Republican leaders in the legislature are now holding this money hostage, using college students as pawns to advance unpopular culture war positions that many of their own constituents disagree with,” said state Rep. Emily Read more

 

Frankel unveils bill to protect PA workers from secondhand smoke

(Sep 20, 2023) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

“Fifteen years ago, this commonwealth took an enormous step forward in ensuring that our workers are not forced to breathe in toxic smoke – it’s time to finish the job,” Frankel, D-Allegheny, said. Read more

 

Medical Debt Is Killing Our Patients

(Sep 18, 2023) Rep. Arvind Venkat

As an emergency medicine resident in the early 2000s, I cared for a patient in her early 60s with back pain. Prior to the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), approximately 16%opens in a new tab or window of emergency department patients were uninsured. Often their issues were of low acuity, again because they had no other place to see a physician. I assumed that to be the case with this patient, that I would treat her presumably musculoskeletal back pain, and discharge her. However, while treating her, I noticed she struggled to walk and clutched her gown across her chest. It was the clutching that really struck me as unusual. Read more

 

Venkat seeks to protect children’s welfare

(Sep 13, 2023) Allegheny County Delegation

“While sexually violent predators must register under Megan’s Law, they may live where they choose, potentially putting children at risk,” Venkat said. “My legislation would change that and align Pennsylvania with a number of other states that enacted more robust residential restrictions, bolstering community safety and security, especially for our children.” Read more

 

Steele highlights grant to O’Hara Township, Fox Chapel Borough

(Sep 13, 2023) Allegheny County Delegation

“With this grant, we may begin to address environmental issues on a local level and address other issues impacting O’Hara Township and Fox Chapel Borough,” Steele said. “As a commonwealth, we must work together to protect our environment, starting right here in our community.” Read more

 

Implosion to occur in Springdale

(Sep 13, 2023) Allegheny County Delegation

“To ensure the safety of residents, I’ve asked the Department of Environmental Protection to thoroughly review the demolition and monitor the area,” Steele said. “In the wake of the first demolition, my office received calls from numerous residents with concerns about health risks from the dust blanketing certain areas. To ensure the safety of residents, water trucks will spray down dust in the area.” Read more

 

Salisbury: $10,000 Municipal Assistance Program grant will help repurpose vacant properties

(Sep 13, 2023) Allegheny County Delegation

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 13 – State Rep. Abigail Salisbury, D-Allegheny, announced today that a $10,000 Municipal Assistance Program grant was awarded to the borough of Churchill. The funds will be utilized to update the borough’s zoning ordinances and pave the way for vacant industrial properties to be converted into new homes for local businesses, organizations and more. “These buildings sit around without purpose day after day and are a missed economic and human service opportunity for the Churchill community,” Salisbury said. “This grant will not only help provide a cosmetic facelift for such properties, but new ventures will be able to move into these spaces and serve neighbors in a variety of impactful methods.” Salisbury has introduced two pieces of legislation that seek to assist communities statewide in a similar vein. The first ( H.B. 1163 ) would update current property law and allow communities to make blighted or abandoned properties subject to potential acquisition by land banks. Another ( H.B. 1216 ) would create a Municipal Grant Assistance Program within the Department of Community and Economic Development . The program would provide municipalities with grant writing training and allow for professional grant writers to connect with municipalities to provide their services. Both bills have passed the House and are in the Senate for consideration. The commonwealth in its entirety received nearly $500,000 in MAP Read more

 

Cephas, Curry, Mayes launch Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus
Oct 17, 2023

Salisbury to hold expungement clinic in Pittsburgh
Oct 17, 2023

Educational, Environmental, Public Safety, and Redevelopment Grant Opportunities
Oct 16, 2023

More than $3 million awarded from PHFA’s Housing Options Program
Oct 13, 2023

Abney praises nearly $7.5 million in PHFA grants
Oct 13, 2023

Venkat signs onto amicus brief in lawsuit about mifepristone
Oct 12, 2023

Symposium examines how nonprofits can maximize their missions
Oct 12, 2023

Mayes stands in solidarity with PPG staff on strike
Oct 12, 2023

Kinkead welcomes $229,000 for Brighton Heights green space
Oct 10, 2023

Salisbury lauds $250,000 grant to Rivers of Steel Heritage Corp.
Oct 10, 2023

Aspinwall Borough receives grant from DCNR
Oct 06, 2023

$99,800 grant awarded to rehabilitate Marmo Park
Oct 05, 2023

Powell sworn in as PA House representative
Oct 02, 2023

Allegheny Dems call out GOP for holding universities’ funding hostage
Sep 21, 2023

Frankel unveils bill to protect PA workers from secondhand smoke
Sep 20, 2023

Medical Debt Is Killing Our Patients
Sep 18, 2023

Venkat seeks to protect children’s welfare
Sep 13, 2023

Steele highlights grant to O’Hara Township, Fox Chapel Borough
Sep 13, 2023

Implosion to occur in Springdale
Sep 13, 2023

Salisbury: $10,000 Municipal Assistance Program grant will help repurpose vacant properties
Sep 13, 2023