“Police and local officials in Rankin, North Braddock and East Pittsburgh deserve a lot of credit for exercising the vision and planning needed to combine forces into a new regional police department,” Salisbury said. “But like other police and first responder agencies around the state, the new department faces the challenge of securing the needed staff power, training, tech equipment and other resources on a limited budget. The new funding will help ensure these frontline heroes have the resources they need to keep our communities safe.” Read more

Bipartisan bill would help local pharmacies stay in business Read more

PCCD awards to enhance school security Read more

“The Carrie Blast Furnaces historic site is a unique, interactive attraction that draws folks to the area to explore, learn and invest back into local businesses,” Salisbury said. “The new funding to make the area around the furnaces shovel ready for new development will build on this amazing landmark by attracting investors and commercial tenants, creating jobs and spurring economic activity. I’m grateful to DCED and the state and local partners who helped make the funding happen.” Read more

“NEC affects babies born prematurely or with medical complications typically,” Deasy said. “But even babies born to term can succumb to this illness. One of my own constituents, Cash Owen Finegan, son of Shannan and Cassius Finegan, lived for 68 brave days before succumbing to NEC complications. After hearing the heartbreaking story and the frustration these families face, I felt it was important to recognize this terrible disease and help to create awareness about it.” Read more

HARRISBURG, May 8 – State Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester, and state Rep. Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny, today introduced legislation advancing the Shapiro administration’s Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Sustainability Standard (PRESS) and Pennsylvania Climate Emission Reduction (PACER) Program plans for Pennsylvania, respectively. The plans were first announced by Gov. Josh Shapiro in March . A companion PRESS bill was filed in the Senate by state Sen. Steven Santarsiero, D-Bucks, while state Sen. Carolyn Comitta, D-Chester, introduced the Senate version of the PACER legislation. “Right now in our commonwealth, we must take action to catch up in the race to create clean and reliable energy – to be more competitive, ensure consumers pay less for their electricity bills, and create more jobs and opportunities for our businesses to grow and our workers to get ahead,” Shapiro said. “I have made clear that any energy policy supported by my administration must meet the three-part test of protecting and creating energy jobs, taking real action to address climate change pollution, and ensuring reliable, affordable power for consumers in the long term – and my energy plan is built to do all three. Together with the support of leaders like Representative Abney and Representative Otten in the General Assembly, we’re going to ensure Pennsylvania will continue to be a national energy leader for decades to come.” Read more

HARRISBURG, May 6 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat’s bill that would require health insurers to offer multiple payment options to in-network health care providers for payment for clinical services and disclose any associated fees with each method of payment was unanimously adopted by the PA House Insurance Committee today. The legislation, H.B. 1867 , would eliminate electronic credit card reimbursements being the sole method of payment and allow health care providers to choose the payment option best suited to their needs. Electronic credit card reimbursements with mandatory fees would only be permitted if the in-network health care provider agrees to that arrangement. “Administrative fees associated with only having electronic credit cards as the means of payment unnecessarily drains agreed-upon reimbursements received by hard-working doctors, nurses and other health professionals who have dedicated their lives to safeguarding the health of our community,” Venkat, D-Allegheny, said. “Let’s get our health care providers the full compensation they deserve and continue to support them in all their efforts.” According to a ProPublica article , almost 60% of medical practices said they were compelled to pay fees for electronic payment at least some of the time. These fees can also cost larger medical practices $1 million a year, and small clinics can lose as much as $100,000 due to the fees. The legislation now moves to the full Read more

“This is a very easy way for us to make sure that our veterans get access to the information they need for benefits they have earned,” state Rep. Dan Deasy said. Read more

Legislation to cover remote blood-pressure monitors through Medicaid, CHIP Read more

Light opens at Richland Avenue and Fifth Street intersection Read more