HARRISBURG, June 25 – State Rep. Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny, has issued the following statement regarding the 2021-22 state budget : “It’s clear we have very serious problems in our state to solve. People are struggling and suffering, and they don’t need to be because we have $10 billion dollars we could have spent to help them get back on their feet and recover from the pandemic. “Instead of putting together a moral and compassionate budget that spends the lion’s share of these funds to help the people of Pennsylvania, the Republicans have done nothing but put together a callous budget with peanuts to help our struggling constituents. “Instead of making a $10 billion investment in our communities to make real, generational change in this commonwealth, the Republicans are pretending that we are poor and must save for a “rainy day” despite the fact it has been downpouring for more than a year. They want to use these funds for their own pet projects without the transparency and oversight provided through the formal budget process, instead of investing in our small businesses, our infrastructure, our workers -- instead of investing in the people of Pennsylvania. “This heartless budget is full of missed opportunities -- 10 billion of them. Simply, it’s repugnant that we had an unprecedented opportunity to help our residents in need and, Read more
HARRISBURG, June 10 – State Rep. Emily Kinkead announced $1.53 million in funding to create and provide affordable housing and other supports to Allegheny County in need. Kinkead, D-Allegheny, said eight organizations will receive the funds, which are administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund. Funding for the grants is provided through Marcellus Shale Impact Fees and Realty Transfer Taxes. “Everyone deserves a place they can call home and providing the vital support to our residents who are struggling is the right thing to do,” said Kinkead. “These funds can be extremely helpful to our most vulnerable residents, especially as they attempt to recover from the financial impacts of the pandemic.” Kinkead said the projects funded include: Allegheny County Department of Human Services – Mobility Counseling Program –$350,000. Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh – Home Accessibility Program for Independence – $300,000. Catapult Greater Pittsburgh Inc. – Decreasing Racial and Economic Disparity Through Homeownership and Asset Building Project – $200,000. North Hills Affordable Housing – HEARTH: 25 years of changing loves – $200,000. Community Human Services Corp. – Read more
AMBRIDGE, June 9 – State grants totaling more than $3.5 million will bolster Beaver and Allegheny county probation services, improve treatment and support for abuse victims, and fund opioid abuse education and overdose prevention programs, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said some of the funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will fund rehabilitation programs that can reduce recidivism rates by offering treatment-based alternatives to jail time. “Good, quality probation services can play a huge role in steering offenders back on the path to productive lives,” Matzie said. “Securing this funding is going to strengthen Beaver County’s probation services and support sentencing alternatives like drug and alcohol treatment programs, which reduce recidivism rates by targeting the root causes of many crimes. Successful programs end up saving taxpayers in incarceration costs and add wage earners back to our economy. “Other funding will support treatment for domestic violence and sexual abuse victims who are struggling with substance use disorders to help them overcome addiction.” Matzie said the grants include the following: Beaver County $282,501 to Beaver County Commissioners in grant-in-aid funding to improve probation services. $149,693 to the Women’s Center of Beaver County to provide trauma-informed Read more
HARRISBURG, June 9 – The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency today approved more than $2.7 million in funds to support and enhance adult probation and parole services in Allegheny County, state Rep. Emily Kinkead announced. Kinkead, D-Allegheny, said the funds will be used for the county’s electronic monitoring program in a continuing effort to reduce its jail population, while also providing effective supervision of eligible offenders. In addition, funding will also be used to continue its drug and alcohol treatment program and support its adult parole services. “Rather than warehousing people in the Allegheny County Jail, this funding will allow individuals under probation services to rehabilitate in the community,” Kinkead said. “Coupled with effective drug and alcohol treatment programs, this can help reduce recidivism rates and help people build back their lives as they work to reintegrate into society.” PCCD is the state’s lead agency for criminal justice policy issues, providing support services to law enforcement agencies, victims of crime and communities. More information on PCCD can be found at the following site: www.pccd.pa.gov . Read more
Legislation would allow communities to respond to shootings, violence by ending state preemption Read more
AMBRIDGE, June 2 – Grant funding of $783,535 from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission will support projects to preserve and rehabilitate historic sites in Beaver and Allegheny counties, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie, one of the PHMC commissioners who voted today to approve the grants, said they are part of a package of $2.3 million awarded under the Keystone Historic Preservation grant program to more than 50 projects statewide through a competitive selection process. “Historic sites teach us about our roots in ways textbooks never can, by allowing us to revisit places and retrace paths built by our ancestors,” Matzie said. “Here in Beaver County, part of the funding will lay the groundwork to rehabilitate the Old Economy Ambridge Bicentennial House – one of the first six houses built by the Harmony Society in 1824. Statewide, the grants are going to ensure similar unique landmarks are preserved for future generations.” Matzie said the grants to Beaver and Allegheny counties include the following: Beaver County Ambridge Historic District Economic Development Corp. - $17,950 New Brighton Historical Society - for Preservation Plan at the Irish-Townsend House - $25,000 Allegheny County Carnegie Library of Homestead - $100,000 City of Pittsburgh - $17,500 Frick Art Read more
AMBRIDGE, May 25 – A $236,480 grant from the Commonwealth Financing Authority will fund a project to clear blight and improve the West End Franklin Avenue Gateway, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said the grant to the Aliquippa Economic Development Corporation will fund demolition and construction work that will reshape the area by creating new green areas and residential spaces. “Securing this funding will allow the city to purchase and demolish seven to eight properties in the West End Franklin Avenue Gateway, with the land being offered to adjoining property owners for use as side yards or to prospective builders, in accordance with residential property resale guidelines,” Matzie said. “The grant will also fund rehabilitation of the sidewalk along the 1000 and 1100 blocks of Franklin Avenue, including replacement of access ramps and adjacent lawn restoration. “The project is going to give this section of the city a new face while generating jobs, increasing property values, and creating new living spaces that attract new residents. It’s also going to allow the city to build on other recent progress it has made on the path to renewal.” Matzie said the total project cost is $312,564, with the Aliquippa Economic Development Corporation providing $24,044 of matching funds. In December, Matzie secured a $1 Read more
HARRISBURG, May 12 – A nonprofit organization in Northern Allegheny County, which provides food and support services to those in need, are among several organizations statewide to receive funding from the Ag and Youth Grant program, state Rep. Emily Kinkead announced today. Kinkead, D-Allegheny, said North Hills Community Outreach was awarded $2,750 to expand the Rosalinda Sauro Sirriani Garden, its community-supported organic garden in Bellevue. “North Hills Community Outreach does so much to help our community and support residents who are experiencing food insecurity,” said Kinkead. “In less than 10 years, the Rosalinda Sauro Sirianni Garden has produced enough produce to serve over a thousand families in need each year, and this grant will allow the NHCO to expand, allowing it to serve more residents in need.” “These funds are greatly appreciated and will enable students to learn at our garden and increase their passion for giving back through volunteerism,” said Tom Baker, NHCO executive director. “The garden is a wonderful place for students to serve. We are fortunate to have a garden coordinator that empowers students in an extremely meaningful way and empowers them to help others.” This grant program, part of the Pennsylvania Farm Bill, funds projects for ag education and workforce development, equipment purchases and capital projects to Read more
STATE COLLEGE, May 11 – The workers who have been hit hardest by the pandemic need support. The PA House Democratic leadership team is hosting a rally Wednesday to make the case for workers’ rights to a fair wage, hazard pay and paid family and sick leave and how the PA Rescue plan would do just that. The rally will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 12 at The Borough Building, 243 S. Allen St., State College . The media is encouraged to attend. The PA Rescue Plan includes more than $1.5 billion for job training, hazard pay, wage boosts for direct-care workers and job creation efforts to kickstart the economy in communities across the state. The PRP aims to ensure federal American Rescue Plan funding is invested for immediate impact and long-term success. Additional information about the plan is available at www.pahouse.com/parescueplan . Read more
Heath Committee hearing on organ donation veers into pseudoscience, unfairly attacks Pitt Read more
Says legislature needs to address health disparities, mental health needs, family support Read more
HARRISBURG, April 21 – The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority and the West View Water Authority in Pittsburgh have received a total of $45 million in funding from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority to make needed water quality and sewer infrastructure repairs, including lead line replacement, state Rep. Emily Kinkead announced today. Kinkead, D-Allegheny, said $38.5 million in funding will be used by the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority to replace 25,000 feet of piping, along with 59 fire hydrants and 592 lead service lines. $6.6 million will be used by the West View Water Authority to replace aged water infrastructure, including lead service lines. “These projects will ensure residents get reliable access to safe water by the removal of lead pipes and also reduce water loss that can come from aged infrastructure,” said Kinkead. “Investments like these will protect our water and sewer systems now and in years to come.” Pennvest provides communities across Pennsylvania with funding for sewer, stormwater and drinking water projects. More information can be found at the following link: https://www.pennvest.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx Read more
On Thursday, April 29th, I hosted an event focused on “The Intersection of Transportation, Labor and the Environment” Read more
Funding to help Baldwin Borough with Elm Leaf Park Phase III Read more
HARRISBURG, April 1 -- State Representative Rob Matzie, Democratic Chairman of the House Consumer Affairs Committee, led yesterday’s House Democratic Policy Committee on bridging the digital divide. The hearing is the third in a series this week focused on net neutrality and bridging the gap to improve future outcomes for educators, students, health care access and Pennsylvania businesses. “This hearing was a great cap on the weeks’ discussions on how we can make sure Pennsylvania is digitally connected. The last year has shown us that reliable internet, computers and phone help keep us learning, working, entertained, managing health and in touch with family and friends. I thank Chairman Matzie for leading the discussion and look forward to a public-private partnership that helps close the divide,” said Ryan Bizzarro, chairman of the Democratic Policy Committee. “Quick, reliable Internet access isn’t a luxury in today’s world – it’s a necessity,” said Matzie. “Those without it face major disadvantages when it comes to competing for jobs, accessing health and education services and connecting to state programs. I’m hosting this hearing because we need to develop solutions to bridge this digital divide now, before it threatens to disenfranchise more Pennsylvanians.” The committee heard testimony from Brian Barno, Broadband Cable Association of Pennsylvania; Joseph Glinka, government Read more
Click here to learn more about the Allegheny County Democratic Delegation's priorities for the region on public health, the economy, transportation and public education. Read more
AMBRIDGE, March 30 – Schools in the 16 th Legislative District are expected to receive $25.4 million in federal funding to ensure students and staff enjoy a safe and productive return to the classroom, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said schools will be able to use the funding for a broad range of needs, from basic education, transportation and food services to program-based student supports. “Learning is a dynamic process, and a successful return to the classroom will involve more than simply replenishing supplies and resuming regular programs,” Matzie said. “Educators will need to assess student progress and address gaps in learning. Securing this funding will give schools the resources needed to ensure that all students – despite pandemic-related setbacks – are ready to move forward and thrive.” Matzie said the following allocations are expected: Aliquippa School District – $8.1 million. Ambridge Area School District – $4.6 million. Baden Academy Charter School – $1.8 million. Central Valley School District – $2.4 million. Freedom Area School District – $2.2 million. Hopewell Area School District – $2.1 million. Quaker Valley School District – $1.4 Read more
Registration now open for event, the largest of its kind in western PA Read more
HARRISBURG, March 24 – State Rep. Emily Kinkead has introduced legislation that would effectively reduce carbon dioxide emissions in Pennsylvania to zero. Kinkead, D-Allegheny, said her bill, which would be known as the Energy Transition Recovery Act , would direct funds from the sale of carbon allowances sold at auction through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative to methods designed to curb those emissions by 2050. Pennsylvania is expected to become a member of RGGI by 2022. “Earlier this week, the governor announced the Project to Utilize Light and Solar Energy, part of the GreenGov initiative, which I fully support, and my legislation fits in with that effort by making a significant impact in lowering carbon dioxide emissions,” said Kinkead. “My colleagues and I took an oath to protect and uphold the state Constitution, which includes the right to clean air and water. It’s imperative we move forward and do all we can to protect our future children and grandchildren, and we can do so right now.” Kinkead’s legislation is currently under consideration in the House Environmental Energy and Resources Committee. Read more
HARRISBURG, March 22 – State Rep. Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny, issued the following statement on Gov. Tom Wolf’s announcement on the Project to Utilize Light and Solar Energy, part of the GreenGov initiative: “I fully support and applaud the Wolf administration’s efforts, which will positively impact our state and move us further away from a fossil fuel-based economy. “Nearly two years ago, an executive order was introduced that paved the way for our state to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. The fact that we have not moved closer to joining RGGI is beyond frustrating, especially when you consider that in July of last year, our nation tied with July 2016 as the second hottest month on record. Our polar caps are continuing to melt, sea levels and temperatures rise, and forest areas in the Amazon and across our world continue to burn. “It’s imperative we do more to combat climate change, and today’s announcement will make a significant impact. PULSE will launch the largest solar energy commitment by any government entity in our country. It will supply about half the energy used by state government, creating hundreds of jobs and making a huge impact in lowering carbon dioxide emissions. This effort closely aligns with my bill, H.B. 989 , to be known as the Energy Transition Recovery Act, which would direct funds from the sale of carbon allowances sold at Read more
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