Legislation to Help Landslide Victims Read more
I was proud to stand as an ally with my LGBTQIA+ colleagues on behalf of all LGBTQIA+ Pennsylvanians to introduce, yet again, the Pennsylvania Fairness Act.This act would simply ensure that the basic rights we take for granted are secured for every person in Pennsylvania, no matter how they identify or who they love. This legislation is long overdue, but I will fight for it every day until it is passed. 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
Late last week, I was joined by 10 of my colleagues in sending a letter condemning Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala’s decision to instruct his staff to not offer plea deals to Milton Raiford, a Black attorney who spoke out against racism in the criminal justice system. We demanded that he rescind that policy, apologize, and commit to an independent investigation of his office. 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
Zappala letter Kinkead June 2021 Read more
In response to the concerns many of you have expressed about increasing violence in our neighborhoods, I want to personally invite you to a special virtual forum on Thursday, June 10 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. You’ll hear from community leaders (police, public safety advocates, and my fellow elected officials) about what we are doing now, what we can continue to do, and what we should begin to do to make our Northside neighborhoods safer places for everyone. Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Commonwealth Financing Authority: Unserved High-Speed Broadband Funding Program ( Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Any nongovernmental entity with the technical, managerial, and financial expertise to design, build and operate a high-speed broadband service infrastructure within Pennsylvania. Use : Acquisition, construction, equipment, and site preparation costs associated with the deployment of high-speed broadband infrastructure to unserved areas, which are geographic areas in which households or businesses do not have access to at least 25 megabits per second downstream speeds and 3 megabits per second upstream speeds. Funds : Grants up to $1 million or 75% of the total project costs, whichever is less. Applicant must commit its own private capital to fund at least 25% of the total project cost. Funding from other federal, state or local government grants or other subsidies can be used to finance the project but will not be considered to be part of the private capital requirement. Application Deadline : September 24 More Information : Click on https://dced.pa.gov/programs/unserved-high-speed-broadband-funding-program-uhsb/ . OTHER PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful/The GIANT Company: 2021 Healing the Planet Grant Program ( Funding Source: Private Funds) Read more
This week, the Commonwealth Financing Authority awarded borough of Bellevue a $61,630 grant to demolish and rehabilitate three vacant structures. These properties, which were previously deemed as uninhabitable by borough officials, will be torn down and then eligible for reuse as a side yard, to enlarge an existing yard, or for parking through the county’s Vacant Property Recovery Program. Read more
HARRISBURG, May 25 – The Commonwealth Financing Authority has awarded the borough of Bellevue a $61,630 grant to demolish and rehabilitate three vacant structures, state Rep. Emily Kinkead announced today. “These properties, which were previously deemed as uninhabitable by borough officials, will be torn down and then eligible for reuse as a side yard, to enlarge an existing yard, or for parking through the county’s Vacant Property Recovery Program,” Kinkead said. “Addressing issues of blight and freeing uninhabitable properties up for alternative uses improves the overall quality of life in our communities, now and in the years to come. I am excited to see Bellevue get funds to continue to revitalize this beautiful borough.” The Commonwealth Financing Authority provides funding for a multitude of projects that help communities succeed, including those focused on development, water quality, energy infrastructure and more. More information can be found at the following link: https://dced.pa.gov/programs-funding/commonwealth-financing-authority-cfa/ . Read more
ERIE, May 20 – Positive and negative impacts of the proposed consolidation of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education were vetted at today’s House Democratic Policy Committee virtual hearing. The hearing, hosted by committee Chairman Ryan Bizzarro, and state Reps. Peter Schweyer and Emily Kinkead, included testimony from educators, facility management, PASSHE leadership and students. The committee heard testimony from Dr. Sam Claster, Sociology Department Chair, Edinboro University; Lydia Laythe, Washington Township Councilperson in Erie; and Mary Jo Campbell, Professor Emeritus, Edinboro University; who all cautioned that moving forward without hearing from those directly involved in educating students and keeping schools in operation and how consolidation without addressing investment and system strains may not have the desired intention. “The bottom line is Pennsylvania ranks 48th in investment in higher education. If we want to attract and retain Pennsylvania students and prepare them for a successful future, we must address the system’s shortcomings and invest in students so we can build a stronger higher education system that positions Pennsylvania with a vibrant workforce,” explained Bizzarro. “We do need to take our time and take an approach that can have positive, longstanding impacts on our commonwealth.” Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Chancellor Dr. Daniel Greenstein and Clarion Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission: Historical & Archival Records Care grant program (Funding Source: Keystone Recreation, Park & Conservation Fund ) Who May Apply : H istorical societies, libraries, museums, nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, local governments, school districts. Use : Surveying, inventorying, preserving, arranging and describing historical records relevant to Pennsylvania. Funding may also be requested for reformatting or the purchase of supplies and equipment. Funds : Collaborative grants up to $15,000 for a two-year project. Single entity grants up to $5,000 for a two-year project. No match required. Application Deadline : August 1 More Information : Click on https://www.phmc.pa.gov/Preservation/Grants-Funding/Pages/Records-Care-Grants.aspx . UPCOMING APPLICATION DEADLINES: PCCD Communities That Care: May 24 (Funding Source: General Fund ) Nonprofit organizations and units of local government. - Planning grants to help communities apply the Communities That Care (CTC) model. DCED Neighborhood Assistance Program: May 28 (Funding Source: General Fund) 501c3 nonprofits . – Tax credit program to encourage businesses to invest in projects by eligible nonprofits to serve low-income Read more
HARRISBURG, May 18 – The impact of a proposed consolidation of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education on students, staff and communities will be the focus of Thursday’s virtual House Democratic Policy Committee hearing hosted by state Representatives Ryan Bizzarro, Peter Schweyer and Emily Kinkead. The virtual hearing will begin at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 20 and can be viewed online at www.pahouse.com/policy . The public and media are encouraged to tune in and may submit questions via email to policy@pahouse.net . Bizzarro, D-Erie and chairman of the committee will join with Schweyer, D-Lehigh, and Kinkead, D-Allegheny, to discuss how consolidation will impact educational opportunities, extracurricular offerings, employment and the economic impact of the communities state system schools call home. PASSHE’s first plan—the west integration plan—aims to consolidate California University of Pennsylvania, Clarion University, and Edinboro University. The second—the northeast integration – would consolidate Bloomsburg University, Lock Haven University and Mansfield University. Read more
I took part in a PA House Democratic Policy Committee hearing in Pittsburgh this week, where we discussed the PA Rescue Plan and how it would invest federal funds to end housing insecurities and provide affordable housing options. Even before the pandemic, housing needs were significant, and it’s vital we address these issues. 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
My staff and I received some great news this week – the landlord for the building which houses the Bellevue Post Office has agreed to a one-year lease extension. Read more
This week, state and federal officials have resumed using the one-shot Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine. The government temporarily suspended using the Johnson & Johnson shot due to concerns surrounding isolated incidents of rare blood clots that had occurred in an extremely small percentage of those who received shots. Please know that these incidents are very rare, and the vaccine was found to be safe and effective. Read more
Some great news this week to benefit our communities – the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority 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. These investments ensure you get reliable access to safe water, but they will also protect our water and sewer systems for years to come. Read more
HARRISBURG, April 22 – The Commonwealth Financing Authority has awarded the city of Pittsburgh $500,000 in state funds to construct a pedestrian/bicycle bridge at the former Davis Avenue Bridge site, state Rep. Emily Kinkead announced. Kinkead, D-Allegheny, said the new bridge will replace the one that was demolished in 2009 due to structural deficiencies. The project will also include new lighting and abutment. “Since 2009, residents of the Brighton Heights neighborhood could throw a rock and hit Riverview Park, but would have to walk at least 45 minutes to be able to pick the rock back up,” Kinkead said. “The new bridge will be more structurally sound and provide much-needed and welcome access to recreational and outdoor activities. I am proud to have helped to secure funds to support this long-overdue reconnection of our neighborhoods.” The Commonwealth Financing Authority provides funding for a multitude of projects that help communities succeed, including those focused on development, water quality, energy infrastructure, and more. To learn more, residents may visit the following link : https://dced.pa.gov/programs/multimodal-transportation-fund/ 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
There was some good news this week regarding COVID-19 vaccines – all Pennsylvanians 16 years of age or older are now eligible to schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine. Read more
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658 Lincoln AveBellevue, PA 15202-3420
P*: (412) 321-5523
Rep. Emily Kinkead's office is accessed behind H&R Block. Turn down Florence Ave. from Lincoln Ave. and make the first left into the parking lot.
116 B East WingHarrisburg, PA 17120-2020
P*: (717) 787-5470