In bipartisan fashion, the House today approved a bill sponsored by state Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, to bring economic stability to more working families by creating a family and medical leave insurance program in Pennsylvania. Read more
HARRISBURG, March 25 – Ahead of a busy tourism season in Pennsylvania, with events from the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh to the World Cup in Philadelphia, the House Tourism, Recreation and Economic Development Committee met today to discuss reforms to how short-term rentals are regulated across Pennsylvania, based on legislation introduced by state Reps. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, and Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery. “One of the best parts about short-term rentals is the opportunity they provide,” said Powell. “They provide access to so many communities across our commonwealth, allowing each of us to visit areas across Pennsylvania comfortably and easily. “The need for reform is especially personal to me and my district. Over the last two years, there have been two shootings, with one being fatal, at Airbnbs in my community. This legislation would ensure that a growing part of our economy is regulated both for the safety of guests and for the continuing development of our tourism industry. I am thankful to Chair Daley for hosting this hearing and supporting this legislation with me.” Powell’s legislation, H.B. 2303, would establish countywide registries of short-term rental properties, require the designation of a 24/7 “person in charge” for each property, create distinct regulatory categories for homestay operators, vacation rental operators and corporate operators, and implement baseline Read more
HARRISBURG, March 19 -- State Reps. Lindsay Powell, Jennifer M. O’Mara and Mary Jo Daley today introduced legislation to establish a statewide regulatory framework for short-term rentals across Pennsylvania. The legislation, H.B. 2303 , is based on recommendations from a nonpartisan, independent study conducted by the Joint State Government Commission, which was directed by a 2024 House Resolution sponsored by Powell and O’Mara. The bill aims to create consistent, baseline standards for short-term rental properties while preserving flexibility for local communities. “On New Year’s Eve, a member of our community was seriously injured in a violent incident at a short-term rental in my district. This was the second such event in the same neighborhood in recent years – the prior taking the lives of two teenagers,” said Powell , D-Allegheny. “That is why, two years ago, Rep. O’Mara and I led passage of a resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a comprehensive study of the short-term rental industry and develop recommendations for a statewide framework. “Today, we are proud to introduce legislation that turns those recommendations into action. This bill strikes a necessary balance of protecting public safety, supporting responsible operators, and ensuring transparency for local officials and law enforcement. As short-term rentals continue to grow across Pennsylvania, we have a Read more
PITTSBURGH, March 16 – The Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania has received $75,000 to invest into security measures for their facility, announced state Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny. Powell is the prime sponsor of H.B. 670 , legislation that would mirror federal law and make it a state-level criminal offense to obstruct physical access to a reproductive health care clinic. “ Across Pennsylvania and our nation, we’ve seen far too many incidents where patients and health care workers are threatened or attacked,” said Powell. “The fact that Planned Parenthood needs this funding for security shows exactly why Pennsylvania must pass a state-level FACE Act to protect safe access to care. “I’m proud to support these funds so our region can continue accessing essential health care, and I will keep fighting in Harrisburg to protect reproductive rights.” In addition, $25,000 has been awarded to the Persad Center , located in Upper Lawrenceville, to make similar investments in their facility to allow members of the LGBTQ+ community to safely receive mental health services and drug and alcohol treatment. The funding for these projects comes from the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program , which administers grants to organizations that serve individuals, groups or institutions that are included in the FBI’s Hate Crime Statistics as a motivation category for a Read more
HARRISBURG, March 9 – Many older Pennsylvanians face health conditions that make it unsafe for them to continue driving, which often leads them to surrender their driver’s licenses and receive a free state photo identification card. However, subsequent renewals of these cards include a fee, which state Reps. Arvind Venkat and Lindsay Powell , both D-Allegheny, intend to remedy. The Pittsburgh-area legislators plan to introduce legislation that would exempt Pennsylvanians age 65 or older that have surrendered their driver’s license for medical reasons from the fees associated with renewing their state photo ID. “Giving up a driver’s license can be difficult, especially when it is due to a medical condition,” said Venkat. “We do not need to add an extra cost for seniors during this challenging situation. This legislation will allow older Pennsylvanians to make the responsible decision to surrender their license without the burden of additional financial hardship.” “When many of our older neighbors live on fixed incomes, we should not be charging them unreasonable fees that could go toward health care, groceries, transportation, or any other costs they may have,” said Powell. The current fee to renew a photo ID, as of July 2025 , is $44.50. Over 20% of Pennsylvanians — nearly 2.6 million people — are aged 65 or older, one of the highest shares in the Read more
My Spring 2026 Print Newsletter Read more
"Housing is one of the issues we hear about most from families in our communities, because it affects everything—whether people can stay near their jobs, raise their kids in stable neighborhoods, and plan for their future,” Powell said. “I’m encouraged to see the governor put forward a comprehensive plan that treats our housing shortage with the urgency it deserves." Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: All-Terrain Vehicle/Snowmobile Grants Who May Apply: County and municipal governments, non-profits, for-profits Use: Planning, acquisition of land, development, rehabilitation, maintenance of ATV or snowmobile trails and facilities, purchase of equipment, and educational programs related to the use of ATVs or snowmobiles Funds: Grants will range between $25,000 and $1,000,000 Application Deadline: March 31, 2026 More information: DCNR Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: DCED Website Department of Community and Economic Development: Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant Who May Apply: Technical and trade schools, school districts, post-secondary academic institutions, workforce investment boards, economic development organizations, and non-profit organizations. For-profit Read more
PITTSBURGH, Feb. 5 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, today hosted “Ought to Be a Law,” a competition that encourages civic participation by having Shaler Area High School students submit proposals for state legislation. “Seeing how policy and lawmaking work is a great way for civic engagement to stay with students as they grow older,” Powell said. “I am so proud to see the amazing work of our students as they engage with policymaking, discover the local issues that matter to them, and learn about how government can fix these concerns and work for them.” The competition followed general themes inspired by real legislation in Harrisburg that would impact students, such as delayed school start times , mental health days for students , and anti-discrimination policies. The winning proposed legislation from the event includes: State Infrastructure: Sidewalks and Traffic Control , introduced by Max Post and David Plawski. Skill Classes in High Schools , introduced by Olivia Lourenco. Raising the Minimum Wage , introduced by Joel Searock and Quincy Montgomery. PA Road Visibility and Safety Act , introduced by Addy Applbaum and Jaylynn Jones. Censorship in Curriculum , introduced by Elizabeth Dunlevy and Madelyn Hannan. Summaries of each winning proposal can be found here . Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 26 - The chair, vice-chair, and secretary of the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus issued the following statement today in response to another fatal incident involving federal immigration enforcement personnel in Minnesota: “Once again, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal agents operating under this administration have demonstrated a reckless disregard for human life and community safety. These actions are not isolated -- they reflect a broader pattern of aggressive, militarized immigration enforcement that terrorizes communities, undermines public trust, and endangers both civilians and legitimate law enforcement officers. “ICE agents frequently misrepresent themselves as law enforcement and employ tactics that erode trust and interfere with the work of state and local police, whose duty is to protect all Pennsylvanians. “We categorically reject the false choice between public safety and immigrant rights. True public safety is built through transparency, accountability, restraint, and respect for due process -- not fear, intimidation, or lethal force. The escalation of violence linked to federal immigration operations should alarm every Pennsylvanian, regardless of immigration status. “Our congressional delegation continues to be obstructed by an administration that shows little regard for checks and balances or the rule of law. We urge U.S. Read more
PITTSBURGH, Jan. 20 – The Commonwealth Financing Authority has approved nearly $1 million in grant funding for three projects in the 21st Legislative District, announced state Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny. “These projects will see the beginnings of long-needed infrastructure repairs in our community,” said Powell. “I am excited to see these projects come to fruition, and I am proud to ensure our district continues to get the funding it deserves.” Grants from the Multimodal Transportation Fund include: $349,098 to the city of Pittsburgh for preliminary design and engineering related to the Bloomfield Bridge, Main Street and Liberty Avenue intersection improvements. $126,046 to the Senator John Heinz Historical Center for sidewalk improvements along Penn Avenue and 13th Street. The grant from the Small Water and Sewer Program includes: $500,000 to Reserve Township to support phase one of the Mount Troy Road waterline extension project. Read more
In the face of lost federal Affordable Care Act tax credits and rising health care insurance premiums, the legislators proposed the new bill to ensure that Pennsylvanians can avoid unnecessary health and financial risk – the kind that is experienced without health coverage. Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Transportation: Multimodal Transportation Funding (MTF) Who May Apply: Municipalities, councils of government, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, ports and rail freight entities. Use: To improve transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit revitalization. Funds: The MTF requires a 30% match of the amount award. Awards are available for projects with a minimum cost of $100,000 and no more than $3,000,000. Application Deadline: February 13, 2026 More information: PennDOT website Commonwealth Financing Authority: Public School Facility Improvement Grant Who May Apply: School entities, defined as a school district or an area career and technical school. Use: Facility improvement projects, including but not limited to roof repair/replacement, heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment, plumbing systems, window repair/replacement, health and safety upgrades, and accessibility projects. Funds: $100 million in total funding is available. Grant requests shall not exceed $5 million per eligible improvement project. School entities may submit more than one application, but no school entity shall receive more than 20% of the total funding available. Application Deadline: March 13, 2026 More information: CFA Website Department of Military and Read more
PITTSBURGH, Jan. 7 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, issued the following statement in response to the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police opening an investigation into a non-fatal New Year’s Eve shooting in which a woman was struck by gunfire inside her Constance Street home. The shots reportedly came from a neighboring Airbnb that was being used for a party. “We are witnessing the consequences of unregulated short-term rentals in our community,” said Powell, co-chair of the bipartisan Pennsylvania Housing Caucus. “The absence of clear rules governing these properties has led to dangerous situations and unnecessary chaos -- this incident could have had far more serious consequences. “This tragedy underscores what has been clear for some time: now is the time for short-term rental reform. That is why Representative Mary Jo Daley and I will soon be introducing legislation to establish a clear, statewide regulatory framework for short-term rentals. “This legislation will bring transparency and accountability to an industry that has operated in the shadows for far too long, while still supporting responsible hosts. It establishes baseline safety standards, clarifies oversight, and ensures that local governments and first responders know who is operating these properties and how to reach them -- helping protect communities and making tragedies like this far less likely.” This incident Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan 5 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat and Lindsay Powell, both D-Allegheny, and Tim Twardzik, R-Schuylkill, have announced their intention to introduce legislation that would protect consumers entering into a Shared Appreciation Agreement. Shared Appreciation Agreements, also known as Home Equity Sharing Agreements, are contracts in which a homeowner receives funds in exchange for granting a third party a future interest in the appreciation, equity, or value of their home. The legislation would add Shared Appreciation Agreements to the Loan Interest and Protection Law (Usury Law), Act 6 of 1974, extending to homeowners the same statutory safeguards that apply to other home-secured financial products. These protections include disclosure requirements, foreclosure safeguards, and remedies for violations. “Homeowners may enter into a Shared Appreciation Agreement believing it is a beneficial decision for their family’s future,” said Venkat. “However, unfair or deceptive marketing practices can lead to significant financial hardship down the road. This legislation would provide stronger protections for homeowners as they consider whether to proceed with a Shared Appreciation Agreement.” Under a Shared Appreciation Agreement, the more a home appreciates, the more the homeowner must pay to satisfy the contract -- often far exceeding the amount originally received. Conversely, if the home Read more
PITTSBURGH, Dec. 18 – The Commonwealth Financing Authority has approved over $2.6 million in state grant funding for projects supporting the 21st District, including a single $1 million grant, announced state Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny. “These projects will drive meaningful improvements across our community,” said Powell. “This funding supports our first responders, strengthens critical infrastructure, and creates good jobs for the workers making those upgrades possible. I’m proud to support these investments, and will continue fighting to make sure our community gets the resources it deserves.” The projects in the 21st District that will be backed by this funding include: $1 million to purchase two ambulances to be used in Pittsburgh. $650,000 to the Millvale Borough Development Corporation to renovate a 6,400 square-foot vacant, blighted building. $300,000 to support the purchase of vehicles to be utilized by the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority. $253,623 to make sewer improvements in Reserve Township. $150,865 to replace aging rescue equipment at the Elfinwild Volunteer Fire Company in Shaler Township. $100,000 to Riverlife in Pittsburgh to support restoration along River Avenue. $80,170 to support flooring renovations to the Pittsburgh Opera Theater’s Bitz Opera Factory. $75,000 to support the purchase of new vehicles for Light of Read more
PITTSBURGH, Dec. 16 – Seven projects in the 21st Legislative District have received a combined total of over $1.44 million in state funding through the Pennsylvania’s Neighborhood Assistance Program, state Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, announced today. “In Harrisburg, I have been fighting to protect and expand affordable housing while ensuring our neighbors can keep their fridges stocked during the colder months,” said Powell, co-chair of the bipartisan Housing Caucus. “Our neighbors deserve safe roofs over their heads and full stomachs, and these awards will support the incredible community organizations that make that possible. I am proud to continue advocating for them to ensure they receive the funding they need.” The organizations that will receive funding from this program include: $500,000 to Fifty 26th LLC to support in the construction of a six-story, mixed-used building on a former industrial site in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. This will create 199 rental units, with 20 designated as affordable housing, and will add 20 permanent jobs through new retail tenants. $475,000 to the Northside Leadership Conference to back Year 5 of six in their plan to revitalize the Northside by helping four to six new businesses open, offering workshops and backing affordable housing. $190,000 to the Bloomfield-Garfield Corp. to back Year 5 of six in their efforts to renovate Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 12 — The Allegheny County Democratic House Delegation announced today that Allegheny County is receiving $7.3 million in grants to support various programs aiding crime victims and community safety. The funding comes from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. “These grants will aid our county and justice system in numerous ways—from helping victims navigate the courts to treating addictions to preventing child abuse,” said state Rep. Aerion Abney, chair of the delegation. “On behalf of our Allegheny County Democratic House Delegation, I’m grateful to PCCD for the work they do to ensure this critical funding comes to our county.” The following grants were awarded to organizations in Allegheny County: $500,000 to Allegheny-Singer Research Institute for a program for post-incarcerated patients with a stimulant-use disorder. $487,424 to Institute for Research, Education and Training in Addiction for an initiative for treatment placement. $500,000 to Passages to Recovery Inc. for peer-advocacy support. $500,000 to Unity Recovery for peer-led re-entry support. $50,000 to A Child’s Place for citizens advisory and police liaison services. $49,757 to UPMC-Children’s Hospital for a public campaign on child abuse prevention. $53,139 to Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburg for victims’ rights programs and services. $80,392 to Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Local Share Account Philadelphia Who May Apply: Community Development Corporations, economic development organizations and redevelopment authorities, business improvement districts/neighborhood improvement districts, non-profit organizations with a 501(c) designation, the City of Philadelphia, the School District of Philadelphia. Any eligible organization must be located in Philadelphia. Use: Economic development projects, neighborhood revitalization projects, community improvement projects, projects in the public interest. Any eligible project must be located in Philadelphia. Funds: Grant amounts will vary based on the specific project requirements but are limited to a minimum request/award of $10,000 and a maximum request/award of $500,000. Application Deadline: January 31, 2026 More information: DCED Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Who May Apply: Any nonprofit organization designated under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the organization must primarily serve individuals, groups, or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category for single bias hate crime incidence identified by the FBI in its Hate Crime Statistics Publication (race/ethnicity/ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender, or gender identity). Use: For security enhancements designed to protect the safety and security of the users of a facility located in the Commonwealth. Funds: A total of $10 million in state funding is available for this round. Grants may range from $5,000 to $150,000 with match funding required above a request of $25,001 based on the size of the grant request. Application Deadline: January 12, 2026 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Continuing County Adult Probation and Parole Grant Who May Apply: Counties that provide adult probation staff and may be used for costs incurred by the county for adult probation and parole services, but only to the extent that the staff and program meet the qualifications and standards established by the Commission. Use: To provide funding from the Commonwealth for costs incurred by the county for adult probation and parole supervision. Read more
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