Removing barriers to security grants; screening newborns for a dangerous disease; protecting kids from chatbots; student art contests – and more!

Rep. Abigail Salisbury October 8, 2026 | 10:45 AM

You can read my e-newsletter in a way that’s preferable to you by visiting my legislative website here and clicking on the accessibility icon in the lower right corner.

Don’t miss these experts at our Oct. 15 Nonprofit Symposium!

We’ve compiled some of the best experts in the field to offer tips on how to keep your organization thriving! Register for the Oct. 15 Nonprofit Symposium to hear (clockwise from bottom left):

Timothy Mazzocco, Senior Deputy AG in the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General's Charitable Trusts & Organizations Section, on managing nonprofit risk
workplace wellness expert Julius Boatright on fostering staff health and wellness
financial analyst and wealth management expert Becky Flaherty on cultivating recurring individual small donors
executive communications consultant and Allegheny County DHS Senior Public Affairs Officer David Seldin on how to tell your story in the most compelling way
political strategist and government relations and marketing expert Grant Regan on nonprofit social media communications

Don’t miss out! Register for this free event today! Questions? Call our office at (412) 273-3400.

Screening newborns for a dangerous disease

Until recently, Pennsylvania screened newborns for Gaucher disease – an inherited genetic disorder that can have devastating health consequences. Six years ago, Gaucher was dropped from the list of screened diseases, so parents and hospitals were no longer automatically notified if their newborn had the disease. Today, the House passed my bill that would restore this screening, so parents can get the vital information they need to get their children the earliest possible care and treatment. Visit this page to read more.

Your safety should never depend on the size of your organization’s budget

Staying safe where you meet to worship, celebrate your culture, or work on community projects should never depend on the size of your organization’s budget. Last week, the House Finance Committee advanced my bill that would make it easier for smaller community groups to access security grant funding. Visit this page to read more.

Protecting kids from chatbot dangers – and other House votes

Last week in the House, I voted for – and the House passed – bills that would:

prevent chatbots from encouraging suicide, self-harm or violence and add other safeguards to protect minors
set guidelines for using artificial intelligence in healthcare
pay incarcerated people to work and gain experience
preserve fertility options for patients with cancer
allow unaffiliated voters to participate in primary elections
improve school emergency response by directing schools to consider implementing a silent panic alarm system
help drivers who have communication barriers
establish licensing requirements for home instructors
require PUC to consider affordability, safety, and other public-interest factors before approving any rate hikes

Visit this page to read more about these bills and others, which now head to the state Senate for consideration.

Around the region

Our district office director, Aaron, recently joined the Swissvale Shade Tree Committee, the University of Pittsburgh’s Environmental Advocacy class, and other local community leaders at the Swissvale Pollinator Park to plant new redbuds and Pawpaw trees, mulch, and put protective wraps around trees/seedlings.

Aaron also provided state services at the Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation’s Celebration at the Station, below. Residents connected with local organizations, programs, and services and while younger visitors enjoyed a petting zoo and other fun!

Below at left, our staffer Rich attended a paid parental leave and diaper bank legislative event with County Executive Sara Innamorato, whose paid parental leave policy was recently approved by the Allegheny County Health Board. The policy, which now heads for a final vote with County Council, provides up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave at 100% of an employee’s wages, capped at $4,200 per week. (Businesses with fewer than 15 employees would be exempt.)

Two new student art contests!

Allegheny County students in grades 9-12 are invited to enter the second annual “I Voted” sticker contest. The winning design will be featured on stickers available to voters during the 2027 elections. Designs must:

Include the phrase “I Voted”
Fit a 2-inch circular design
Be nonpartisan
Avoid copyrighted images and trademarks
Include parent or guardian consent for students under 18

The deadline for submissions is Dec. 31. Visit this page for the full rules.

All Pennsylvania students in grades K-12 are invited to enter the Be Money $mart Activity Book Cover Contest. The book features coloring pages, word searches, crosswords, and budgeting sheets, all centered around financial literacy. The winning student’s artwork will appear on the cover of this year’s Activity Book, and their class or school will receive a visit from the Auditor General. Visit this page to read the contest rules and enter. The deadline for submissions is Oct. 30.

Remember these election deadlines!

This is a reminder that Monday, Oct. 19 is the deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 3 General Election. Visit this page to register and this page to check your registration status.

If you plan to vote by mail, please note that Tuesday, Oct. 27 is the last day to apply for an absentee or mail-in ballot. Voting by mail is safe and simple. Check out this video or click on the image above to learn more! Visit this page to find more voting information.

Upcoming events

Tree Pittsburgh has a number of events coming up, including a tree adoption event at Braddock Farms, above, and tree education events, below.

Visit this page to learn more about Tree Pittsburgh upcoming events!

You can support the fight against hunger and the work of Wilkinsburg Community Ministry by joining the Pittsburgh East CROP Hunger Walk on Sunday, Oct. 11. Visit this page to learn more and register yourself or a team.

Finding funding & help with state services

Nonprofits and local officials: Visit this page for a list of latest state grant openings.

Please remember that our talented staff can help with a wide range of state-related matters, including filing applications for state programs and services, resolving questions or problems involving state benefits, assisting with unemployment issues, obtaining a PRT Senior ConnectCard or a disability placard, solving state-related problems, and much more.

Seniors and residents with a disability: if you are eligible for a rebate on property taxes or rent you paid in 2025, please remember that the deadline to apply to the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is Dec. 31! Please contact us if you have questions or need help applying!