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House approves Steele bill to strengthen school counseling services

(Apr 29, 2026) Allegheny County Delegation

The House today approved a bill sponsored by state Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny, to standardize and improve school counseling services for students in all grades in Pennsylvania schools by ensuring that counselors aren’t pulled away from their needed counseling duties. Read more

 

Powell introduces bill to expand public-private transportation projects

(Apr 29, 2026) Allegheny County Delegation

HARRISBURG, April 29 – Pennsylvania has some of the oldest infrastructure in the country, and local governments are facing major difficulty and expenses in funding projects—especially for transportation purposes. This is why state Rep. Lindsay Powell has introduced legislation that would allow local governments to take part in public-private partnerships to improve transportation infrastructure. House Bill 2469 would allow all counties, as well as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, to use public-private partnerships, also known as P3s, which authorize governments to coordinate with private entities for the engineering, construction, operation, financing and maintenance of a transportation project or facility. “From aging bridges and congested corridors to major transit and roadway upgrades, we have all seen transportation projects in our communities that need urgent support,” said Powell, D-Allegheny. “These projects can be daunting to take on, especially because taxpayers are footing the bill. My legislation would allow counties to partner with private groups to deliver large-scale infrastructure projects more efficiently and cost-effectively.” Current law allows only PennDOT and certain transportation agencies to use P3s. With this legislation, the current P3 process would remain unchanged. The American Society of Civil Engineers gave Pennsylvania’s infrastructure a grade of C- in 2022, Read more

 

House Education Committee advances Steele bill to restrict cell phones in schools

(Apr 28, 2026) Rep. Mandy Steele

“I’m very passionate about this issue, because our children are being harmed by unfettered access to digital devices,” Steele said. “I’m grateful to my colleagues on the Education Committee who realize the high stakes for our children and are helping to move this bill through the Legislature. We need to do our part to create a healthy learning environment for every child in Pennsylvania." Read more

 

Friel, Kinkead bills to protect good Samaritans in drug, alcohol overdoses clear committee

(Apr 28, 2026) Rep. Emily Kinkead

HARRISBURG, April 28 – The Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee on Monday unanimously advanced two bills that would protect individuals cooperating with first responders in the event of a drug or alcohol overdose, announced state Reps. Paul Friel and Emily Kinkead, who sponsored the bills. House Bills 1944 and 1945 would protect people, such as college students, from endangerment charges if they are administering aid to a person suffering an emergency overdose. “Strengthening medical amnesty, particularly on college campuses, empowers students to prioritize safety over fear, fostering a community where looking out for one another is the norm, not a liability,” said Friel, D-Chester. “When students trust they won't face punishment for seeking help, they are far more likely to intervene in emergencies, saving lives.” “Every second matters in an emergency. In these critical moments, no one should have to weigh saving a life against the risk of being charged with a crime,” said Kinkead, D-Allegheny. “These bills make it clear that if you render aid to a person experiencing a medical emergency as a result of consuming drugs or alcohol, you should be protected. “Advancing this legislation is a step toward ensuring people, especially young people, are empowered to do the right thing without fear of life-altering consequences.” The representatives heard during a March Read more

 

Arts Landing; Reproductive Care Ruling; Free Paper Shredding; and more

(Apr 24, 2026) Rep. Emily Kinkead

Read my email update from April 24, 2026 Read more

 

Office Hours Update; FAFSA Deadline; Disability Summit; and more

(Apr 24, 2026) Rep. John Inglis

Read my email update from April 24, 2026 Read more

 

Powell applauds $700,000 investment to redevelop blighted buildings

(Apr 17, 2026) Rep. Lindsay Powell

PITTSBURGH, April 17 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, applauded a $700,000 investment to redevelop two blighted structures in the Spring Garden neighborhood to create more housing and business opportunities in the community. The project will turn two currently vacant and blighted structures – a four-story building and an adjoining single-family home – into a mixed-use property at the intersection of Spring Garden Avenue and Chestnut Street . “A blighted building can be difficult to handle, but it also provides a prime opportunity for redevelopment with the right resources,” said Powell. “This funding will allow for redevelopment that will be incredibly impactful for our community by creating business opportunity and allowing for more neighbors to proudly call Spring Garden home.” Once completed, the development will bring four affordable residential units and a ground-floor commercial space for a neighborhood-serving business to the community. Funding for this project was made available through the Community Revitalization Fund Program via the Mixed-Use Development Tax Credit. The funding will cover more than one-quarter of the total cost of the development, which is being led by the Community Alliance of Spring Garden and East Deutschtown, in collaboration with Rising Tide Partners and Main + Elm Development Company. Powell is the prime sponsor of H.B. 1650 , Read more

 

Updates from the Capitol; SNAP Requirements; New Scholarship; and more

(Apr 16, 2026) Rep. Emily Kinkead

Read my email update from April 16, 2026 Read more

 

Steele, state police to host community forum on protestor rights and interacting with law enforcement

(Apr 16, 2026) Allegheny County Delegation

State police program on protestors' First Amendment rights and interaction with law enforcement Read more

 

Salisbury: More than $1 million secured for District 34 vocational training, reentry supports and after-school programs

(Apr 16, 2026) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

BRADDOCK, April 16 – New vocational training, reentry supports and after-school programs are coming to the 34 th Legislative District, thanks to more than $1 million in new funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, state Rep. Abigail Salisbury announced today. Salisbury said the funding includes $500,000 to the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh to expand vocational training and reentry support for 265 adults at high risk of violence involvement. “The program will provide people at risk with vocational training and related support services, including life coaching, counseling, math and financial literacy, transportation, childcare, trauma recovery and more,” Salisbury said. “For people reentering the community, experiencing homelessness, dealing with substance use disorder or living in communities with elevated crime rates, those services can be life changing.” Salisbury said that an additional $531,000 will support after-school and summer programs designed to steer youth away from violence. “I’m thrilled about the new funding for afterschool and summer programs,” Salisbury said. “We have seen the difference these programs make through one-on-one mentoring, homework help and academic support, and activities that create social bonds, build confidence and offer a sense of belonging. Thanks to the new funding, we’ll be able to provide Read more

 

Goughnour announces $1.4 million in violence-prevention grants for district

(Apr 15, 2026) Allegheny County Delegation

State Rep. Dan Goughnour, D-Allegheny, and state Sen. Nick Pisciottano, D-Allegheny, announced today that four violence-prevention programs in the 35th Legislative District will benefit from nearly $1.4 million in new grants. Read more

 

Abney announces $4 million in violence-prevention grants for district

(Apr 15, 2026) Allegheny County Delegation

State Rep. Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today that 10 violence-prevention programs in the 19th Legislative District will benefit from nearly $4 million in state grants. Read more

 

Deasy announces nearly $165,000 in state funding to expand soccer program for underserved youth

(Apr 15, 2026) Rep. Dan Deasy

"Every young person deserves a chance to succeed, no matter what they’ve faced,” state Rep. Dan Deasy said. "Open Field gives our youth a safe place to belong, mentorship and support. When we invest in our young people, we strengthen our communities.” Read more

 

Powell secures over $24 million for Water and Sewer Authority

(Apr 15, 2026) Allegheny County Delegation

PITTSBURGH, April 15 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, announced that the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority has been awarded $24,050,459 in funding to support upgrades, repairs and replacements to aging pipes, water mains, fire hydrants and sewer lines. “Everyone should have access to safe and clean water in their homes and businesses,” said Powell. “I’m pleased to see these investments in our community, as they will continue to ensure our region has the healthy water we need for generations to come.” The first project, totaling $2,279,460 , will see approximately 15,000 feet of aging water mains, 306 valves, 34 fire hydrants, 366 water service lines and 733 residential lead service lines replaced. The funding for this project comes from a $1,644,844 grant, and a $634,616 low-interest loan. The second project, coming from a $21,770,999 low-interest loan, will replace aging 4-inch to 16-inch diameter pipes with new zinc-coated ductile iron pipes ranging from 4 to 24 inches. Water mains, valves, fire hydrants and water service lines will also be replaced. These projects will cover a service area of 70,061 residential customers with a population of 303,255. Both are proposed to begin in October 2026 and be concluded by November 2027. The projects are funded through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority , which provides low-cost financial assistance to Read more

 

Shapiro in the Mon; May the Fourth Be With Your Vote; and more…

(Apr 10, 2026) Rep. John Inglis

Read my email update from April 10, 2026 Read more

 

Steele to celebrate Earth Week at district office

(Apr 09, 2026) Allegheny County Delegation

A devoted advocate for environmental conservation, state Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny, will celebrate Earth Week by offering local residents the opportunity to do their own part to protect the environment. Read more

 

Voter Registration; Disability Summit; Holiday Office Hours; and more

(Apr 02, 2026) Rep. Emily Kinkead

Read my email update from April 2, 2026 Read more

 

House Dems Pass 300+ Bills; Community Events; Public Transit Updates; and more

(Mar 27, 2026) Rep. Emily Kinkead

Read my email update from March 27, 2026 Read more

 

Pennsylvania House passes Matzie bill to improve rail safety

(Mar 25, 2026) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, March 25 – The Pennsylvania House today passed legislation introduced by state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, to improve rail safety for both workers and the communities trains pass through. “It’s been three years since the catastrophe in East Palestine. We can’t sit around and wait for that to happen again,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “I am glad the House took action to prevent the next rail disaster and make our communities and families safer by passing this bill. H.B. 1191 is a way we can start to reduce derailments and protect workers, first responders and community residents.” Matzie introduced H.B. 1191 to improve public safety at railroad crossings. The bill comes after a February 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, which released toxic chemicals, causing widespread environmental and health concerns. This bill would: Prohibit trains from blocking crossings, which could delay emergency responders. This can ensure faster response times. Limit the length of freight or work trains to 8,500 feet, or approximately 1.6 miles. Require safe staffing levels for trains or light engines, including a minimum of a two-person crew on a train or light engine. Authorize a union representative to monitor safety practices and operations of a railroad, which would allow a representative to take Read more

 

Pennsylvania House passes Matzie bill to protect utility consumers from data center-driven rate hikes

(Mar 24, 2026) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, March 24 – With the commonwealth seeing a sharp rise in data center development, the Pennsylvania House today passed legislation introduced by state Rep. Rob Matzie that would ensure the centers’ massive energy demands do not drive up Pennsylvanians’ electricity bills. Matzie, who is chair of the House Majority Caucus, said he introduced H.B. 1834 so the state can get the right regulatory framework in place now, as proposals for new data centers continue to mount. “Normally, if an electric company adds poles and wires or equipment, we all share in the costs. That’s because it’s making the delivery system better for all of us,” Matzie said. “That’s not the case with data centers. No one’s electric bill should ever go up because a data center has located in Pennsylvania, but we need to plan ahead to make sure that doesn’t happen. “It’s possible to protect ratepayers while still allowing the commonwealth to reap the tremendous economic benefits data centers can bring. Those goals are not mutually exclusive – as long as we get the right regulatory framework in place. My bill would do that.” Matzie said his bill would: Make sure that all costs incurred by data centers to get their electricity is paid for by them – not households and small businesses. Require data centers to contribute to universal service programs and supplement Read more

 

House approves Steele bill to strengthen school counseling services
Apr 29, 2026

Powell introduces bill to expand public-private transportation projects
Apr 29, 2026

House Education Committee advances Steele bill to restrict cell phones in schools
Apr 28, 2026

Friel, Kinkead bills to protect good Samaritans in drug, alcohol overdoses clear committee
Apr 28, 2026

Arts Landing; Reproductive Care Ruling; Free Paper Shredding; and more
Apr 24, 2026

Office Hours Update; FAFSA Deadline; Disability Summit; and more
Apr 24, 2026

Powell applauds $700,000 investment to redevelop blighted buildings
Apr 17, 2026

Updates from the Capitol; SNAP Requirements; New Scholarship; and more
Apr 16, 2026

Steele, state police to host community forum on protestor rights and interacting with law enforcement
Apr 16, 2026

Salisbury: More than $1 million secured for District 34 vocational training, reentry supports and after-school programs
Apr 16, 2026

Goughnour announces $1.4 million in violence-prevention grants for district
Apr 15, 2026

Abney announces $4 million in violence-prevention grants for district
Apr 15, 2026

Deasy announces nearly $165,000 in state funding to expand soccer program for underserved youth
Apr 15, 2026

Powell secures over $24 million for Water and Sewer Authority
Apr 15, 2026

Shapiro in the Mon; May the Fourth Be With Your Vote; and more…
Apr 10, 2026

Steele to celebrate Earth Week at district office
Apr 09, 2026

Voter Registration; Disability Summit; Holiday Office Hours; and more
Apr 02, 2026

House Dems Pass 300+ Bills; Community Events; Public Transit Updates; and more
Mar 27, 2026

Pennsylvania House passes Matzie bill to improve rail safety
Mar 25, 2026

Pennsylvania House passes Matzie bill to protect utility consumers from data center-driven rate hikes
Mar 24, 2026