“Upgrades like these are important for enhancing safety, reducing delays, and even cutting idling times to reduce pollution. I want to thank PennDOT and our local partners who helped make this funding happen," Salisbury said. Read more
OHIO TOWNSHIP, Aug. 2 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny, announced that Ohio Township received a $248,666 state grant to enhance community safety. The funds will be implemented to modernize traffic signal equipment at the intersection of Mount Nebo Road and Arndt Road in the township. “Traffic lights are an absolute necessity when it comes to regulating the safe flow of vehicles and pedestrians every day,” Venkat said. “Securing dollars to help ensure these essential pieces of infrastructure function properly is an investment in the health and well-being of Ohio Township residents and visitors alike.” Ohio Township is one of 73 Pennsylvania municipalities receiving a total of $30 million in Green Light-Go grants. The program, facilitated by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, awards monies to communities for the purpose of improving congestion and traffic flow. By upgrading to newer technologies in detection, traffic signals are better equipped to respond to real time traffic demand. Read more
"I am thrilled to see this significant investment in improving traffic infrastructure in Monroeville," said Markosek. "The Green Light-Go grants will allow for the implementation of state-of-the-art technologies, making our roadways safer and more efficient for all residents and commuters." Read more
State Rep. Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny, addresses access to voting during a hearing in Pittsburgh on July 30. HARRISBURG, July 31 – Led by state Reps. Aerion Abney, Napoleon Nelson, Rick Krajewski, Anthony Bellmon and Greg Scott, the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus on Tuesday heard from Allegheny County officials over incarcerated peoples’ right to vote from jail. The caucus held a news conference in Pittsburgh during their Lunch and Learn Event with guests, including Allegheny County Jail Assistant Deputy Warden Connie Clark, County Elections Manager David Voye, Lorraine Cross of the Black Political Empowerment Project, Amy Kleissas from the League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh, Destiny of Faith Church Rev. Brenda Gregg, and Teresa Minor Spencer of West End Power. "Even behind bars, the right to vote is a beacon of hope, reminding us that every voice matters, and that redemption and civic duty are intertwined," said Abney, D-Allegheny. “Voting from jail underscores the principle that rehabilitation includes reintegration into society, fostering a sense of responsibility and participation in democratic processes.” Discussion centered on allowing incarcerated individuals to vote and how that emphasizes the idea that justice and democracy are inclusive. "The vote is the great equalizer; it bridges the gap between those inside and outside prison walls, ensuring that all citizens Read more
Newly listed grant programs Read more
“We know clean energy manufacturing is a tremendous opportunity in this commonwealth that has never existed before,” said Rep. Mandy Steele, who hosted the hearing and represents portions of Allegheny County. “We have the potential for unbelievable job creation and business growth, and we learned more about the thousands of jobs being created and the potential to bring manufacturing jobs back to Pennsylvania from Asia – but it’s important the state continues to support these efforts to maximize this moment.” Read more
HARRISBURG, July 29 – Pennsylvania Jewish Legislative Caucus Co-Chairs Sen. Judy Schwank and Rep. Dan Frankel issued the following statements today condemning the antisemitic vandalism of Chabad of Squirrel Hill and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh. “The vandalism of Chabad of Squirrel Hill and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh is an instance of the increasingly frequent expressions of antisemitism in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. While this did not occur in my own community, my heart goes out to all those who have been hurt or feel unsafe as a result of this display,” said Schwank, D-Berks. “Any expression of antisemitism is an attack on all our Jewish communities, families, friends and neighbors. It is disgusting, it is unacceptable and it has no place in our commonwealth.” “Vandalizing Chabad of Squirrel Hill and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh is not only an antisemitic attack on pillars of Pittsburgh’s Jewish community, but an attack on the values of tolerance, respect and community that we as Pittsburghers hold dear,” said Frankel, D-Allegheny. “Hate has no place in Pittsburgh or anywhere else, and we must stand together to denounce such acts of intolerance.” Last week, Frankel joined various other state leaders at the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh to announce the availability of $10 million in funding for Read more
PITTSBURGH, July 29 – State Rep. Dan Frankel and state Sen. Jay Costa issued the following joint statement today regarding Chabad of Squirrel Hill and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh being vandalized: “Vandalizing Chabad of Squirrel Hill and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh is an attack on the values of tolerance, respect and community that we as Pittsburghers hold dear,” said Rep. Frankel. “Hate has no place in Pittsburgh or anywhere else, and we must stand together to denounce such acts of intolerance.” “Today, I am profoundly saddened and enraged to learn that vandals have spray-painted graffiti on the Chabad in Squirrel Hill as well as the Jewish Federation,” said Costa. “I condemn in the strongest terms this morning’s acts of vandalism, and I call on every person to reject all forms of hatred, discrimination, antisemitism and division that threaten to divide us further from each other.” Last week, Costa and Frankel announced the availability of $10 million in funding for nonprofit organizations to enhance security through the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program . The program was created in the aftermath of the attack on the synagogues in the Tree of Life building in 2018 to help houses of faith and other community organizations strengthen security. Applications for the fall 2024-25 Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program are being accepted until Aug. 27. For Read more
OHIO TOWNSHIP, July 26 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny, announced that the Ohio Township Volunteer Fire Company of Allegheny County has received $270,000 in state funds from the Office of the State Fire Commissioner. Ohio Township VFC will use the monies to purchase a new water tanker truck and replace a tanker truck that’s over 30 years old. “Firefighters save lives and protect our communities every day. They cannot afford to have resources that malfunction or break down on the job,” Venkat said. “The brave men and women of Ohio Township Volunteer Fire Company are better prepared to face the perils of their profession with this new vehicle.” These dollars are made possible by the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Loan Program, which provides funds to fire and emergency medical services companies for the acquisition, rehabilitation or improvement of apparatus, facilities and equipment. Read more
Bipartisan news conference highlights impact of PBM reform on local pharmacies, patients Read more
BRADDOCK, July 24 – Combined grant and loan funding totaling $6 million will support new work at the former Westinghouse Electric Corporation’s Braddock Avenue site so the industrial park can attract and support more business tenants, state Rep. Abigail Salisbury announced today. Salisbury, D-Allegheny, said the funding to Regional Industrial Development Corporation of Southwestern PA – secured through the Commonwealth Financing Authority under the state’s Business in Our Sites program – includes a $2.4 million grant and a $3.6 million low-interest loan. “Over the years, RIDC has developed the site of the old Westinghouse company complex on Braddock Avenue so that Keystone Commons now houses more than 40 businesses employing more than 1,100 workers,” Salisbury said. “And the site – which attracts both manufacturing and tech companies – has the potential for additional development. “The new funding will allow RIDC to continue development efforts by demolishing a dilapidated building located next to the West Shop Industrial Mall and redeveloping that space for commercial use. The project will create an estimated 50 new jobs and broaden the park’s capacity to attract and support new commercial tenants. It’s exciting work that will result in new employers, new job opportunities and, ultimately, more money coming back to support our local economy.” Read more
Lawmakers tout pharmaceutical industry reform to help patients, local pharmacies Read more
Legislators hail new law with Cambria County pharmacists Read more
Newly enacted state budget makes major investments in education, communities Read more
BRADDOCK, July 16 – Combined tax credits and funding of more than $5 million will support work on two major housing projects in Homewood and Wilkinsburg, state Rep. Abigail Salisbury announced today. “Stability, security, easier access to jobs and community programs – all depend on the availability of affordable housing,” said Salisbury, D-Allegheny. “I’m excited about the new funding and reservation of tax credits to leverage investments in these projects because they are going to connect more residents with safe new living spaces and the benefits that go along with that.” Salisbury said the details of the projects and funding, awarded through the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency are as follows: North Homewood development , 7206 Tioga St: Construction of one four-story, 79,478-square-foot, general occupancy building that will include 21 one-bedroom units, 22 two-bedroom units, and 15 three-bedroom units, including nine accessible units. The project is supported by conditional reservation of $1.43 million in Low Income Housing Tax Credits, plus an additional $1 million in Pennsylvania Housing Tax Credits and $750,000 in National Housing Trust Fund funds. Legacy Wilkinsburg development , Hunter Street: Construction of four general occupancy two- to three-story buildings totaling 49,075 square feet that will include eight one-bedroom units, 22 two-bedroom units, and eight three-bedroom Read more
HARRISBURG, July 16 – Health care providers will no longer be forced to shoulder credit card transaction fees just to receive reimbursement for their services, thanks to a newly signed law introduced by Reps. Arvind Venkat and Greg Scott that requires insurers to offer providers a variety of different reimbursement options. Act 58 of 2024 , signed yesterday by Gov. Josh Shapiro, provides that insurers may no longer limit reimbursement methods exclusively to electronic credit cards – which often carry high transaction fees – and must instead offer a variety of reimbursement options so providers can choose the method best suited to them. “No one should have to pay a fee just to be reimbursed for their services, but this has been the reality for many health care providers, who have been forced to accept insurer reimbursement payments through electronic credit cards that often carry transaction fees,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “It’s an unfair practice that prevents providers from receiving full compensation and penalizes patients, as well, when those costs are passed along as increased rates. “Under the new law, insurers may no longer limit reimbursement to being provided by electronic credit cards, but must offer health care providers a choice as to how they wish to be reimbursed. It’s time to make this aspect of health care fairer for providers and more cost-efficient for Read more
HARRISBURG, July 12 – State Rep. Abigail Salisbury cast a “yes” vote Thursday for Pennsylvania’s new $47.6 billion spending plan, saying it will dramatically change the way the state funds its public schools while also bolstering important resources like affordable housing. “The new budget invests $1.3 billion for public education and more than $500 million to address the deficit caused by chronic underfunding of districts, including many schools in our own district,” Salisbury said. “With those investments, we can finally begin to change the dynamic for millions of students who have faced a disadvantage from the moment they set foot in the classroom. The new plan will allow us to start leveling the playing field for those students while also offsetting rising property taxes – all without taking funding away from any other school district. “Critically, the new plan addresses the damaging impact cyber charters have had on our public school budgets by changing the way those charter schools are funded and returning more of that funding back to our brick-and-mortar schools. “The budget also invests in ways to make higher education more affordable for students – a commitment that’s critical if we’re going to encourage new generations of young adults to stay, build lives in the state and contribute back to the economy. Right now, our students carry the third-highest debt Read more
Legislation creating affordable pathways to four-year degrees clears state House and Senate Read more
HARRISBURG, July 12 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat issued the following statement regarding his support for the new Pennsylvania state budget. “I was happy to vote for the new state budget, which makes a $1.3 billion investment in our public schools and will make a positive difference for communities in Allegheny County and in the North Hills suburbs of Pittsburgh. “The new budget invests money in our Avonworth, Hampton and North Allegheny school districts; bolsters resources for first responders, police, fire and EMS workers; and will help ensure that hospitals are able to stay open and that no one will go bankrupt from receiving health care. “As your state representative, I am focused on making health care more affordable and accessible, investing in public schools and first responders, and making sure our economic environment is thriving. The new budget promises to advance those goals. It also addresses the needs of small businesses and working families through provisions that will allow businesses to deduct net operating losses and contribute toward the child care expenses so many working parents have. “While no budget is perfect and requires some compromise by both sides, I believe the new plan invests strategically in ways that will improve quality of life in our community – without adding any new taxes. That’s a budget I can support.” Read more
HARRISBURG, July 12 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell yesterday cast a “yes” vote for Pennsylvania’s 2024-25 budget, saying that the new plan brings the kind of bold investment the state especially needs to level the playing field for public school students. “The whole point of public education is to ensure that every child gets the same chance to succeed, but that can’t happen with the vast disparity we have in per-pupil spending between wealthier and less-affluent districts,” Powell said. “Pennsylvania has been failing its public school students, and it’s time for the commonwealth to step up and make the kind of commitment that affirms equity and a fair shot for all children. I believe the new budget’s $1.3 billion investment in our students reflects that kind of commitment needed to level the playing field and start shifting that burden off taxpayers. “At the same time, the new plan will reform the way we fund our cyber charter schools so that more of that money returns to fund public schools. “ The new budget also invests in ways that will help make our state schools and community colleges more affordable. We can’t afford to lose young adults to other states because we’re unable to provide attainable higher education. Our workforce and our economy ultimately pay the price.” Powell said the new budget also boosts funding to expand opportunities and bolster Read more
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