State funding secured to rehabilitate Elizabeth Ave. Read more
BEN AVON HEIGHTS, Feb. 24 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny, announced that a $250,000 state grant was awarded to the Borough of Ben Avon Heights for work focused on pedestrian safety and ease of travel throughout the community. The grant, made possible by the Multimodal Transportation Fund, will be used to complete a sidewalk installation project along Canterbury Road by connecting the existing sidewalk from the Shannopin Country Club to New Brighton Road. “Keeping residents safe and the community of Ben Avon Heights connected are priorities I’m proud to help bring to fruition with these dollars,” Venkat said. “Thank you to Sen. Devlin Robinson for his collaboration on this bipartisan effort to improve local infrastructure.” Venkat and Robinson procured a $181,100 Local Share Account grant for Ben Avon Heights’ project last year as well. The representatives’ advocacy has resulted in a total of $431,100 secured. The MTF, a Commonwealth Financing Authority program, provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of Pennsylvania. Read more
"From safer sidewalks to better transit connections, these projects address longstanding safety concerns,” state Rep. Dan Deasy said. “I've heard directly from constituents about these needs, and I'm pleased we could secure significant funding to assist our municipalities in creating more walkable and accessible areas that positively affect how residents navigate our communities." Read more
BRADDOCK, Feb. 24 – Major transportation improvements are coming to the 34 th Legislative District thanks to $1.67 million in new grant funding from the Commonwealth Financing Authority, state Rep. Abigail Salisbury announced today. “Our towns and boroughs have identified aging and deteriorated roads and sidewalks that need restoring,” Salisbury said. “The new grants will ensure we have the funds needed to move forward with projects in Rankin, Swissvale, North Braddock, Forest Hills and Wilkinsburg so that motorists, cyclists and pedestrians have the safer, smoother commute they deserve.” Salisbury said the funding includes: $500,000 to the Wilkinsburg School District for vehicle and pedestrian improvements around the Kelly Primary School. $445,000 to the Borough of Rankin to reconstruct Rankin Boulevard and Harriet Street. $300,000 to Swissvale Borough to reconstruct sidewalks and pedestrian stairs along multiple streets in the borough. $225,000 to North Braddock Borough to reconstruct Jones Avenue from Library Street to 6 th Street. $200,000 to Forest Hills Borough for roadway and sidewalk improvements on multiple streets. The funding comes from CFA’s Multimodal Transportation Fund. More about the program is available here: https://dced.pa.gov/programs/multimodal-transportation-fund/ . Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 20 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, has introduced a state version of a federal law that protects patients from violence and harassment when visiting sites where abortions and reproductive healthcare services are provided. Powell’s legislation ( H.B. 670 ) would establish a state version of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act to guarantee the rights of Pennsylvania mothers and birthing individuals. The FACE Act prohibits intimidation, obstruction and/or violence against those seeking reproductive healthcare services and providers, while also prohibiting defacement/damage to sites offering such services. “As long as abortion is legal in PA, all efforts must be made to not only keep reproductive healthcare readily accessible, but to keep both patients and providers safe during these processes. Intolerance of any kind runs counter to the constitutional rights of residents and has no place in this Commonwealth,” Powell said. “My bill would help curb potential threats and put the health and well-being of Pennsylvanians first.” President Bill Clinton signed the federal FACE Act into law in May 1994. Read more
State grant grows advanced skills training opportunities for local students Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 19 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, introduced a bill today that would add Pennsylvania to the list of states that are members of the Social Work Licensure Compact. The legislation ( H.B. 554 ) would allow licensed commonwealth social workers or those eligible for a license to apply for the ability to provide their services across multiple states. A comprehensive data system would also be created, so the public could be kept safe and informed regarding social worker license status and any adverse actions associated with a licensed social worker. “As a social worker, I know firsthand how hard they work for their fellow citizens and how their efforts are often overlooked by others,” Abney said. “My bill would help social workers provide for themselves and their families, while ensuring that those in need of their services can improve their own circumstances by seeking them out.” Abney holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh. The bill has been referred to the PA House Professional Licensure Committee. Read more
"Investing in the safety and well-being of our communities means investing in our firefighters and EMS heroes,” said Kinkead, D-Allegheny. “These dollars will ensure they have better equipment, safer working conditions, and ultimately help them deliver a stronger emergency response. I’m proud to support our local first responders by advocating for state investments like these.” Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 13 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today that he has been appointed to Pittsburgh Regional Transit ’s Board of Directors by Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Joanna E. McClinton. “I want to thank Speaker McClinton for entrusting me with the responsibility to address transportation needs across Pittsburgh. This role, complemented by serving on the House Appropriations Committee, is a tremendous opportunity to help secure dollars that keep residents connected to home, work and other destinations through this year’s budget and future budgets,” Abney said. “I look forward to collaborating with government colleagues, community leaders and stakeholders on solutions that get neighbors where they need to go every day.” Abney’s term on the board will officially begin on March 1 and run exactly four years. PRT is comprised of 2,600 employees who operate, maintain and support bus, light rail, incline and paratransit services, which translates into providing 60 million rides per year. Until 2022, the agency was known as Port Authority. Read more
PITTSBURGH, Feb. 12 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, announced today that the Office of the State Fire Commissioner has awarded more than $146,000 in funding to fire and EMS companies in the 21st Legislative District. “Our first responders are committed to protecting us all and sacrifice a great deal of their time and energy. Reciprocating that same level of commitment to them is essential,” Powell said. “These dollars are investments in their ability to save lives and to keep themselves safe on the job every day. I’m honored to advocate on their behalf and will continue to work toward providing them with the tools and resources they need.” Grant recipients are: Bauerstown Volunteer Fire Department: $14,170.24 Cherry City Volunteer Fire Co.: $14,600.59 Elfinwild Volunteer Fire Co.: $14,815.77 Etna Volunteer Fire Department: $16,106.84 Millvale Volunteer Fire Department: $14,385.41 Reserve Volunteer Fire Department: $28,322.02 Shaler Area Emergency Medical Services Inc.: $15,000 Shaler Villa Volunteer Fire Co.: $12,663.99 Undercliff Volunteer Fire Co.: $16,322.02 The Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program is administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner and is available for volunteer and career fire companies, emergency medical services and rescue squads. Eligible projects include facility upgrades, equipment, debt reduction, training and certification, Read more
ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Feb. 12 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny, announced that the Office of the State Fire Commissioner awarded nearly $160,000 in funding to fire and EMS companies in the 30th Legislative District. “Just as the men and women of our local emergency services keep us safe, we must do the exact same for them. These dollars will help provide them with the tools and resources they need to do their jobs effectively,” Venkat said. “As a physician-legislator, I will continue to advocate for state support for our heroic first responders.” Grant recipients are: Emsworth Volunteer Fire Company Inc.: $14,385.41 Franklin Park Volunteer Fire Company No. 1: $13,094.35 Hampton Township Volunteer Fire Department 1: $12,448.81 Highland Firemans Association: $15,030.95 Ingomar Volunteer Fire Company No. 2: $12,458 McCandless Franklin Park Ambulance Authority: $15,000 Ohio Township Volunteer Fire Company of Allegheny County: $13,739.88 Peebles District Volunteer Fire Company: $16,322.02 Ross West View EMS Authority: $31,322.02 (for fire and EMS services) Shaler-Hampton Area Emergency Medical Services: $15,000 The Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program is administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner and is available for volunteer and career fire companies, emergency medical services and rescue squads. Eligible projects include facility upgrades, equipment, debt reduction, training Read more
BRADDOCK, Feb. 12 – Grants totaling $184,790 will bring new resources to fire and EMS companies in the 34 th Legislative District, state Rep. Abigail Salisbury announced today. “Our fire and EMS workers answer the call 24/7, despite staffing and budgetary issues that make their jobs even more challenging,” Salisbury said. “The new funding will help keep critical resources flowing to these frontline heroes.” The funding includes the following: The funding was awarded through the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, which is administered by the Office of State Fire Commissioner and is available for volunteer and career fire companies, emergency medical services and rescue squads. Eligible projects include facility upgrades, equipment, debt reduction, training and certification, education and public outreach, and recruitment and retention efforts. Additionally, fire companies were permitted to apply for construction savings accounts for the purposes of new facility construction. A full list of funding awarded statewide is available here . Read more
"With so many of our emergency services relying on volunteers, these grants are a vital investment in public safety," state Rep. Brandon Markosek said. "This funding will help our local departments with everything from equipment upgrades to training costs, ensuring they can continue providing the outstanding emergency response our residents count on." Read more
"Our fire and EMS companies provide life-sustaining support to our communities,” state Rep. Dan Deasy said. “They are vital to our everyday safety and these grants are just a portion of state dollars coming back to assist them in continuing to serve. I will always fight to bring these dollars home so they can have the equipment, facilities and training they need to be the best.” Read more
Newly listed state grant programs Read more
"These grants represent a vital investment in our community's safety and emergency response capabilities," state Rep. Anita Kulik said. "Every dollar helps our volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel access the resources, training and equipment they need to protect our neighborhoods. Supporting these dedicated first responders, who selflessly serve our community day and night, remains one of my top priorities." Read more
A bipartisan Pennsylvania House bill on food allergy safety authored by two Allegheny County lawmakers could see a floor vote this week. Read more
Two Pennsylvania lawmakers who serve Allegheny County are trying to advance a proposed bill that would require restaurants to add allergy warnings for customers and employees. Read more
PITTSBURGH, Feb. 5 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced that a state grant of half a million dollars was awarded to a local career training institute for establishing resources available to prospective urban farmers. Bidwell Training Center , located on Pittsburgh’s North Side, would utilize the funds to create an urban agriculture farm and market. “Cities across the country continue to break the mold of the stereotypical farm with hundreds of acres to contribute to PA’s agricultural output and economic strength their own unique way,” Abney said. “These dollars will help enable a great educational institute like Bidwell to provide students with a blueprint to what a vibrant and sustaining future in urban farming looks like.” Bidwell’s grant is part of a total of $10 million in state funding, which is made possible by Pennsylvania’s Agricultural Innovation Grant program. A first-of-its-kind in the nation, the program helps farmers and other agriculture businesses implement new agricultural technologies, conservation and renewable energy innovations – expanding their potential to generate profits, enrich soil and water resources, and produce energy on the farm. All grant recipients can be found here . Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 5 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat and Natalie Mihalek’s legislation that would promote food allergy safety in multiple ways passed the Pennsylvania House today. House Bill 77 would mandate that menus in restaurants and food establishments contain a disclaimer regarding food allergies and that there are posters to make servers aware of food allergies present in food preparation and staff areas. “This bill would put in place commonsense food safety practices focused on preventing food allergy exposures and, most importantly, saving as many lives as possible,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “Thank you to Rep. Mihalek for her partnership on this legislation and to my fellow House members for putting the lives of Pennsylvanians first with your affirmative votes.” “Food safety continues to be an important topic, and for good reason, as our citizens deserve to have confidence that the food they are eating doesn’t pose a threat. This bill is just one important step in providing that confidence,” added Mihalek, R-Allegheny. “Rep. Venkat has been a strong advocate on this issue, and it was an honor to work with him.” More than 33 million Americans have food allergies, and it is estimated that food allergies lead to 200 deaths per year. Over a 13-year period, nearly half of fatal food allergy reactions were caused by accidental food allergen exposure at a restaurant or other food service Read more
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