Bills to improve voting access for incarcerated individuals draw support from lawmakers, advocates

(Oct 19, 2023)

With the general election weeks away, lawmakers and advocates are calling for legislation to better inform incarcerated Pennsylvanians about their right to vote and permit them to vote via absentee ballot. Read more

 

Abney praises nearly $7.5 million in PHFA grants

(Oct 13, 2023)

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 13 – Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today that five local projects have been awarded nearly $7.5 million in PA Housing Finance Agency grants. The grant recipients are: Allegheny YMCA Renovation ~ $2.2 million for the preservation of 88 affordable housing units. Hazelwood 2023 ~ $540,000 for the preservation of nine affordable housing units. Hazelwood Affordable Rental Preservation Program ~ $1.86 million for the preservation of 61 affordable housing units. The Residences at Wood Street/Wood Street Commons Investment Project ~ $2 million for the preservation of 250 affordable housing units. Widows Home ~ $825,000 for the preservation of 24 affordable housing units. “Ensuring that everyone has safe place to call home and decreasing displacement are two of my highest priorities as a state legislator,” Abney said. “The social worker in me knows that these dollars will provide immeasurable help to the people and communities I’m privileged to represent.” These PHFA monies are classified as Housing Options Program grants and can be utilized to repair existing housing units or to construct new housing units. Additionally, they are intended to fund housing that has not already received Low Income Housing Tax Credit funding or does not anticipate receiving LIHTC funding during the next four years. A list of all Commonwealth PHFA HOP-MF grants awarded this year can Read more

 

Rabb announces legislation to establish Incarcerated People’s Benefit Fund

(Sep 07, 2023)

“Advocating for incarcerated individuals is one of my biggest priorities as a state legislator,” said state Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, a co-sponsor on the legislation. “I will continue to champion any and all efforts that provide them with opportunities to start their lives anew and succeed upon their release.” Read more

 

Allegheny County Democratic Delegation: $155,000 secured to expand building and construction apprenticeships for women, diverse job seekers

(Aug 17, 2023)

“For decades, female and Black workers – and Black women in particular – have been underrepresented in the building and construction trades, effectively shutting them out of good-paying, family-sustaining jobs while shortchanging employers and our labor force,” Abney said. “With help from this new funding, APRI Pittsburgh will work to knock down the barriers that have stood in the way for these workers and allow us to reach new, diverse talent.” Read more

 

Policy hearing highlights how diversity strengthens supply chain

(Aug 09, 2023)

“Expanding diversity within the supply chain not only improves economic possibilities, but it also has the ability to enhance the quality of life within our communities,” said Rep. Aerion Abney, who represents a portion of Allegheny County and hosted the hearing. “If we embrace diversity in the supply chain, what we are really embracing is a stronger supply chain less susceptible to disruptions and a more secure economic future.” Read more

 

Abney issues statement regarding U.S. Supreme Court LGBTQIA+ ruling

(Jun 30, 2023)

HARRISBURG, June 30 – Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, issued the following statement regarding today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision on 303 Creative Inc. v. Elenis: “In the face of the U.S. Supreme Court's recent ruling negatively impacting the LGBTQIA+ community, we find ourselves deeply disappointed for the second day in a row. It is disheartening to witness the erosion of civil rights and liberties for specific groups of people. Today, on the final day of Pride Month, our LGBTQIA+ friends must endure the reality of a country where businesses have legal protection to discriminate against them. “The Supreme Court, which once stood as a safeguard for existing rights, now appears to be driven by an agenda to strip them away. The court's attempt to conceal exclusivity under the guise of inclusivity only serves to expose the divisive nature of its ideology. This is undeniably a slippery slope that should concern us all, regardless of whether we identify as members of the LGBTQIA+ community or not. “The decision made today contributes to the growing uncertainty and chaos surrounding the direction our country is headed. Adversity, however, often presents us with an opportunity for unity and course correction. We now face the task of coming together, rectifying this situation, and ensuring that order prevails over chaos. It is our collective responsibility to foster a society where all individuals are protected, respected and Read more

 

Abney issues statement regarding U.S. Supreme Court affirmative action ruling

(Jun 29, 2023)

HARRISBURG, June 29 – Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, issued the following statement regarding today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision against affirmative action programs at the University of North Carolina and Harvard University: “I must express that although I am disappointed by the Supreme Court's recent ruling striking down affirmative action, their decision comes as no surprise. The existence of structural and systemic racism in our country is an unfortunate reality that, while not revelatory, has become increasingly evident in the times we live in today. “Affirmative action was established to confront both implicit and explicit biases which prevented individuals from accessing opportunities available to others solely based on their race. It recognized race as one among many factors considered when evaluating an applicant, rather than the sole determining factor. Unfortunately, using a sole determining factor was often used to deny applicants prior to this policy. This policy, however, successfully dismantled barriers that countless people faced and continue to face due to racial discrimination. “Today's ruling serves as another reminder that the system is not broken, and it operates exactly as it was designed to operate. Regardless, we will continue to work with our colleges and universities to help ensure that these institutions reflect the diversity that makes those institutions and our commonwealth a vibrant and Read more

 

Allegheny House Dems announce $800,000 to help reduce youth recidivism

(Jun 29, 2023)

State grant to support formerly incarcerated young adults Read more

 

Abney introduces bill to increase neighborhood tax credit dollars

(Jun 22, 2023)

HARRISBURG, June 22 – Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, introduced a bill today that would deliver additional tax credit funds for communities to implement enhancement projects. The legislation ( H.B. 1429 ) would raise the cap on dollars available through the Neighborhood Assistance Program from $36 million to $72 million. Businesses would also see an increase on the tax credit they could claim, dependent on the kind of project they bring to a community. “As a social worker, I know firsthand that commonwealth communities deserve as much help as possible towards providing sustaining resources for its neighbors,” Abney said. “The monetary increase at the heart of my bill would keep neighborhoods healthy and vibrant for years to come.” Since 2015, the NAP has provided almost $174 million in tax credits and supported 1,128 projects across Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Allegheny House Dems announce $142,000 for historic preservation projects

(Jun 08, 2023)

PHMC grants fund restoration, preservation planning Read more

 

Abney: grants totaling as much as $800,000 awarded to local substance use recovery institutions

(May 10, 2023)

PITTSBURGH, May 10 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today that two local substance use recovery institutions were awarded state grants. Crossroads of Pittsburgh and Tadiso, Inc. each received grants of up to $400,000 to establish or expand substance use disorder services, community outreach and education to underrepresented and minority communities struggling with the opioid overdose crisis. “Countless people struggle with addiction and require assistance to get their lives back on track,” Abney said. “These grants are vital contributors to extending a helping hand to all those in need.” Allegheny County is the beneficiary of as much as $2.4 million in these grants as a whole, and the grants are facilitated by the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs . Read more

 

Abney announces $59,000 loan to repair collection lines in PWSA system

(Apr 20, 2023)

PITTSBURGH, April 20 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today that a $59,136 low-interest loan is being awarded to Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority . The loan will be utilized to fix more than 56 miles of collection lines in the sewer system. “Raw water sewage overflow is a major concern for the neighbors I represent during rainy weather,” Abney said. “This project helps mitigate that issue and reduces the amount of spillage into the three rivers.” Nearly 99,500 customers are served by the system. Read more

 

Abney and Benham praise state grant of up to $500,000 for Allegheny County recovery hub

(Apr 13, 2023)

PITTSBURGH, April 13 – State Reps. Aerion A. Abney and Jessica Benham, D-Allegheny, announced today that a state grant of as much as $500,000 will be awarded to Allegheny County for the establishment of a regional recovery hub spearheaded by Unity Recovery on Pittsburgh’s South Side. The funding will allow the recovery hub in Allegheny County and in counties across the Commonwealth to conduct an initial needs assessment for recovery support services in their specific region, including an estimate of individuals in need of these services and an analysis of their availability and accessibility. In addition, the hubs will develop a strategic plan, partnering with local organizations, that focuses on the importance of supporting multiple pathways to and through recovery, and will seek to promote recovery services in areas including peer support, family support and self-care. “Addiction is not a circumstance easily overcome by one individual’s own willpower,” Abney said. “These funds are essential to providing needed assistance for all those looking to turn their lives around for the positive.” “Substance use – especially opioid use – has devastated communities across the commonwealth, and South Pittsburgh is certainly no exception,” Benham added. “This is a public health crisis, and I applaud the Shapiro-Davis administration for embracing harm reduction strategies and investing in these recovery Read more

 

Abney introduces bills to help small businesses and streamline criminal justice data collection

(Mar 30, 2023)

HARRISBURG, March 30 – Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, introduced two bills today which would help small businesses find their footing and establish a central collection of data for defendants in the state justice system. A modernization and recapitalization of the Small Business Incubators Act, House Bill 744, formerly HB 2839, would provide up to $20 million in grants and loans for small businesses in Pennsylvania. These funds could be used to cover startup and overhead costs. Workers and investments also would be protected in Abney’s bill because grant recipients who leave the commonwealth would be required to repay those funds awarded to them in full. “Successful, local businesses help grow our economy and create good jobs everywhere,” Abney said. “A financial jumpstart to help them get established should encourage entrepreneurship." House Bill 743, formerly HB 2760, would require the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency , in collaboration with our courts, police departments and other criminal justice agencies, to collect, record and analyze data related to the experiences of defendants within the justice system. This data would then be compiled and reported to the General Assembly and be made available to the public. New Jersey enacted a similar law three years ago, and other states have introduced similar proposals as well. “It’s Pennsylvania’s turn to do everything in our power to improve Read more

 

Senator Jay Costa, Representative Aerion Abney Announce over $775,000 in Grant Funding

(Mar 17, 2023)

Today, Senator Jay Costa and Representative Aerion Abney are proud to announce $775,973 in grant funding within their legislative districts in Multimodal Transportation Fund Grants and Statewide Local Share Account Grants through the Commonwealth Financing Authority and Department of Economic and Community Development Read more

 

Abney: nearly $920,000 in state LSA grants awarded

(Mar 16, 2023)

PITTSBURGH, March 16 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today that nearly $920,000 in state Local Share Account grants is being awarded to multiple local organizations. “These grants are essential sustainment, infrastructure and, most importantly, personal investments in the people and communities I represent,” Abney said. “I’m incredibly thankful to Senator Wayne Fontana for his vital collaboration in securing these funds.” Beneficiaries of the grants are: Amachi Pittsburgh: $42,000 to purchase front and back door cameras with cloud-based monitoring, a keyless entry system, a video intercom system, and 14 locked storage cabinets. The Amachi office, located in the lower Hill District of Pittsburgh, offers programs and services to families impacted by parental incarceration. Bethlehem Haven: $425,000 to renovate a women's shelter located at 1410 Fifth Ave. by reconfiguring the living spaces so each of the 26 women can have their own independent living space in a single occupancy unit. City of Pittsburgh: $250,000 to install a solar energy system on the Fourth Division Maintenance Facility upon completion of a new building for the facility. Pittsburgh Housing Development Corp.: $200,000 to demolish six homes in three of PHDC's target investment neighborhoods. The demolition process is termed deconstruction due to the methods used, which include recovering, reusing and recycling Read more

 

Abney is appointed to PA House Appropriations Committee

(Mar 08, 2023)

HARRISBURG, March 8 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, has been named to the PA House Appropriations Committee . “I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve on such an influential committee. Our state budget, like any budget, is a statement of priorities,” Abney said. “I look forward to prioritizing the needs of my constituents and all residents of the Commonwealth to produce a budget that works for everyone.” Abney will chair the body’s Health and Human Services Subcommittee and joins his House Democratic colleagues State Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, Manuel Guzman Jr., Emily Kinkead, Napoleon Nelson and Benjamin Sanchez who will chair the Education, Economy/Infrastructure, Fiscal, Criminal Justice and Government/Financial Oversight subcommittees, respectively. State Rep. Regina Young will serve as the committee’s secretary; State Rep. Kyle Mullins was appointed vice chair and State Rep. Jordan Harris will chair the committee. Read more

 

Abney and others award $2.5 million check to Allegheny YMCA

(Feb 09, 2023)

PITTSBURGH, Feb. 7 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, presented a $2.5 million check to the Allegheny YMCA today alongside Mayor Ed Gainey, State Sens. Jay Costa and Wayne Fontana, and Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “This investment from the state will go a long way to improving the social fabric and quality of life for so many residents,” Abney said. “Thank you to all my colleagues for your leadership.” The funds will be utilized for a number of renovations to the 96-year-old facility, including to its pool, kitchen, locker rooms, meetings rooms and utility systems and are made possible by the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program . Read more

 

Abney praises nearly $500,000 state grant to rehabilitate Allegheny Landing Park

(Jan 13, 2023)

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 13 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today that a nearly $500,000 state grant is being awarded to Allegheny Landing Park. The grant will be used to make an array of improvements at the site including renovations to its plaza, historic railings and pedestrian walkways, installation of lawn, meadow and rain gardens, Americans with Disabilities Act access and landscaping. “Allegheny Landing Park was one of the first in Pittsburgh to integrate the scenic backdrop of the Three Rivers into its own appeal,” Abney said. “This grant will ensure that the citizens I represent can enjoy the space now and for many more years.” Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources administered the grant via their Community Conservation Partnerships Program . Read more

 

Abney: $10.3 million in state grants awarded to decrease community gun violence

(Jan 12, 2023)

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 12 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today that a total of $10.3 million in state grants is being awarded to multiple Allegheny County entities for the purpose of preventing and limiting the frequency and severity of community gun violence. “Far too many innocent people have lost their lives to these senseless acts of violence, and far too many families have been irreversibly torn apart,” Abney said. “These funds are weapons in their own right to help stamp out the prevalence of these violent crimes.” Abney said that a $3 million Coordinated Community Violence Intervention grant is being allotted to the Neighborhood Resilience Project to supplement the Allegheny County Violence Prevention Plan. Abney also outlined that a total of $7.3 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention grants shall be utilized by several county organizations for outreach efforts, educational sessions, trauma aid and additional services. Beneficiaries of these grants are: Aaron Donald 99 Solutions Foundation: $80,015 for their Community Defense Project. ACH Clear Pathways: $450,000 to support their R.E.A.C.H. program. Allegheny County Chief Executive Officer: $2.43 million to implement the Rapid Employment and Development Initiative. Amachi Pittsburgh: $440,500 to their Hear4U Mobile Outreach. Foundation of HOPE: $809,000 for efforts that include their HOPE Aftercare/MAD DADS Read more

 

Bills to improve voting access for incarcerated individuals draw support from lawmakers, advocates
Oct 19, 2023

Abney praises nearly $7.5 million in PHFA grants
Oct 13, 2023

Rabb announces legislation to establish Incarcerated People’s Benefit Fund
Sep 07, 2023

Allegheny County Democratic Delegation: $155,000 secured to expand building and construction apprenticeships for women, diverse job seekers
Aug 17, 2023

Policy hearing highlights how diversity strengthens supply chain
Aug 09, 2023

Abney issues statement regarding U.S. Supreme Court LGBTQIA+ ruling
Jun 30, 2023

Abney issues statement regarding U.S. Supreme Court affirmative action ruling
Jun 29, 2023

Allegheny House Dems announce $800,000 to help reduce youth recidivism
Jun 29, 2023

Abney introduces bill to increase neighborhood tax credit dollars
Jun 22, 2023

Allegheny House Dems announce $142,000 for historic preservation projects
Jun 08, 2023

Abney: grants totaling as much as $800,000 awarded to local substance use recovery institutions
May 10, 2023

Abney announces $59,000 loan to repair collection lines in PWSA system
Apr 20, 2023

Abney and Benham praise state grant of up to $500,000 for Allegheny County recovery hub
Apr 13, 2023

Abney introduces bills to help small businesses and streamline criminal justice data collection
Mar 30, 2023

Senator Jay Costa, Representative Aerion Abney Announce over $775,000 in Grant Funding
Mar 17, 2023

Abney: nearly $920,000 in state LSA grants awarded
Mar 16, 2023

Abney is appointed to PA House Appropriations Committee
Mar 08, 2023

Abney and others award $2.5 million check to Allegheny YMCA
Feb 09, 2023

Abney praises nearly $500,000 state grant to rehabilitate Allegheny Landing Park
Jan 13, 2023

Abney: $10.3 million in state grants awarded to decrease community gun violence
Jan 12, 2023