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Venkat, Williams: House passes bipartisan bill to extend Military Family Education benefits

(1 day ago)

“Our military men and women sacrifice so much when they commit to serve, and their families also sacrifice each time they say goodbye to a loved one leaving for duty,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “The Military Family Education Program is an excellent way of giving back to these families while also boosting Guard recruitment and retention. “As written, the existing law leaves some uncertainty regarding whether the education benefit is renewable. By making clear that the benefit is available each time a Guard member reenlists or renews their service commitment, our bill would give greater effect to this powerful program.” Read more

 

Venkat: House passes bipartisan bill to help patients avoid medical debt

(May 13, 2025)

“Hospital-based financial aid can help patients avoid life-altering medical debt, yet many patients are unaware that these programs even exist or how to access them,” said Venkat, an emergency physician and legislator who sits on the House Health Committee. “Our legislation would make sure patients receive this information in a standardized, easily understandable format so they can reap the benefits of these programs. Our bill would also require hospitals to suspend billing pending a decision on the patient’s application. Making the system more accessible and user-friendly for patients will help prevent all Pennsylvanians from accumulating medical debt.” Read more

 

Venkat, Cutler to introduce bill that would reduce state costs, ensure Medicaid patient access to GLP-1 medications

(May 12, 2025)

“GLP-1 drugs that treat obesity can also help patients avoid serious and costly diseases like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and potentially others,” said Venkat, a physician and legislator who is a member of the House Health and Human Services committees. “For the state, healthier outcomes for Medicaid patients translate to significant cost savings.“The challenge is that these medications are costly to the state now, while the savings from lower disease rates won’t be realized until future years. By implementing a subscription model, our bill would help the state significantly reduce upfront costs without limiting the number of patients who can receive needed treatment for obesity.” Read more

 

Fighting unfair finance charges; protecting health professionals; welcoming an astronaut to the Capitol – and more!

(May 09, 2025)

Check out my latest e-newsletter to read about our bills to fight unfair finance charges and protect health professionals; welcoming an astronaut to the Capitol – and more! Read more

 

PA House passes groundbreaking legislation to eliminate paper statement fees

(May 06, 2025)

“Far too many Pennsylvanians – especially seniors, those on fixed incomes, and people without reliable internet – rely on paper statements to manage their finances,” said Venkat, the prime sponsor of the bill. “Charging a fee just to access basic account information and manage one’s finances is an unnecessary expense for consumers. This legislation puts an end to that.” Read more

 

Storm-impacted SNAP recipients may claim replacement benefits

(May 03, 2025)

The PA Department of Human Services is alerting SNAP recipients who lost food as a result of the recent storms and power outages that they may be eligible for replacement benefits. Read more

 

Storm recovery; local students shine in robotics and the arts; new state consumer protection resources – and more!

(May 02, 2025)

Power Recovery Efforts Continue throughout Community Utility workers continue efforts to restore power from the severe storm that swept through our region Tuesday evening. Please visit my Facebook page here for periodic updates on progress. Read more

 

2025 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program voucher information

(May 01, 2025)

2025 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program voucher information Read more

 

Opioid overdose awareness bill passes PA House, supporting first responders statewide, upcoming events, and more!

(Apr 25, 2025)

My legislation, in partnership with state Rep. Jamie Flick, that would create and disseminate materials integral to recognizing the signs of an opioid overdose and inform Pennsylvanians how to save the lives of their fellow citizens passed the PA House. Read more

 

Venkat, Flick’s bipartisan legislation to raise awareness on opioid overdoses and save lives passes House with a near unanimous vote

(Apr 22, 2025)

HARRISBURG, April 22 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat and Jamie Flick’s bipartisan bill that would create and disseminate materials integral to recognizing the signs of an opioid overdose and inform Pennsylvanians how to save the lives of their fellow citizens passed the Pennsylvania House 195-8 today. House Bill 269 would require PA’s Department of Health to develop a poster explaining: the signs of an opioid-related overdose. what to do in the event of an opioid-related overdose. where to find an opioid antagonist such as Naloxone. where to find additional resources and information. The poster would be made available online to download for private use and displayed in public places to increase awareness of how to recognize and respond to opioid-related overdoses. “The adage that ‘a little knowledge goes a long way’ may not be put into practice more profoundly than when it comes to saving someone’s life,” Venkat, D-Allegheny, said. “Our legislation does exactly that and seeks to limit the future harm of a deadly and still ongoing opioid epidemic. “Rep. Flick has been a great partner on this legislation, and I want to thank him and my House colleagues for their support. I also want to thank the Stop the Judgment Project , led by neighbors of mine in Franklin Park. I remain committed to doing everything in my power to honor the memory of those who have lost their lives in the opioid epidemic Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Apr 22, 2025)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Environmental Protection: Watershed Planning and Restoration Grant Who May Apply: Incorporated watershed associations, counties or municipalities, county conservation districts, council of governments or other authorized organizations including nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and municipal authorities. Use: Examples of eligible projects include existing WIP revision or updates and design and construction of BMPs, including riparian forest buffers, streambank fencing, agricultural erosion and sediment control and nutrient and manure management practices; animal waste storage systems, animal concentration area/animal heavy use area protection and barnyard runoff controls; design and construction of stormwater control measures; AMD treatment systems and other projects that will reduce nonpoint source pollution in watersheds where streams are impaired. Funds: Funds are provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and authorized through Section 319(h) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Application Deadline: June 20, 2025 More information: DEP Website Department of Environmental Protection: Growing Greener Plus Grant Who May Apply: Counties Use: To update a county’s Act 167 plan. Funds: Funding was included in the Fiscal Year 2024-25 state budget and grants will range from $40,000 to $60,000 depending on the county’s Read more

 

Time to speak out; focus on Black maternal health; welcoming a new House colleague; upcoming events – and more!

(Apr 17, 2025)

Check out my latest e-newsletter to read about Black maternal health; our new House colleague; new student champions; upcoming events – and more! Read more

 

Time to Speak Out

(Apr 17, 2025)

This weekend, I again had the opportunity to meet constituents in Hampton Township. The consistent emotion I heard was Fear: Fear of the Loss of Due Process and Individual Rights Fear of Defiance of the Courts by the Administration Fear of Attacks on Immigrants and Visa-Holders, Including Ones Here Legally or Under Court-Ordered Protection Fear of Dangerous and Ill-Founded Unilateral Economic Decision Making That Has No Basis in Reality and Raises Costs for All of Us Fear of Non-Governmental Organizations, such as Universities, Health Care Institutions, and Law Firms, Capitulating to Blatantly Unconstitutional Demands Fear of Funding or Administrative Cuts, Again Unilaterally, That Threaten Vital Services to the Elderly, Children, the Disabled, the Working Poor, and Countless Other Vulnerable Populations Fear of the Apathy Shown By Many of Our Elected Officials To Speak Up and Assert Their Constitutional Prerogatives To Check the Executive Branch Fear of the Courts Shying Away From Definitive Decisions and Taking Steps to Enforce Them I agree, and though my elected position is relatively low in rank, I believe I have an obligation to speak up and urge others to do the same. There have been many moments of choosing in American History. As a legislator, physician, husband, father, and citizen, I believe this is one of those moments. I urge all of my fellow Pennsylvanians and Americans to raise their voices, peacefully, but loudly, and Read more

 

Beverly’s PGH illustrates need for help in PA communities

(Apr 16, 2025)

“I want to thank the Black Maternal Health Caucus for the work they are doing in improving the health of not only Black moms but of all moms in the state,” said state Rep. Arvind Venkat, who co-hosted the event and represents portions of Allegheny County. “As a physician, I have seen this crisis pretty close at hand and can share stories of patients who unfortunately we have allowed to let fall through the gaps. This work and the Momnibus is really how we move the ball forward and make a difference.“We’re seeing challenges to how we deliver health care around the country, and further threats that may be coming out of D.C.,” Venkat added. Read more

 

Progress on Medical Debt; Standing Up for Reproductive Rights & Commonsense Gun Reform; Tax Resources – and More!

(Apr 11, 2025)

Check out my latest e-news to read about progress on relieving medical debt; standing up for reproductive rights and commonsense gun reform; helpful tax resources; student champs -- and more! Read more

 

Venkat's medical debt relief bill amended, now focused on financial-aid access instead

(Apr 10, 2025)

A state House bill that originally sought to relieve some Pennsylvanians’ medical debt now has a different goal: making it easier for those in need to access health care financial-aid programs. Read more

 

Venkat legislation with bipartisan co-sponsors to help Pennsylvanians avoid medical debt advances out of committee unanimously

(Apr 09, 2025)

HARRISBURG, April 9 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat, Nate Davidson, Tarik Khan, Bridget M. Kosierowski, Andrew Kuzma, Jim Rigby and Tim Twardzik’s bill that would aid Commonwealth residents with avoiding medical debt was voted out of the Pennsylvania House Health Committee unanimously today. House Bill 79, originally introduced as a measure to create the PA Medical Debt Relief Program, was amended to focus on consistent transparency for hospital-based financial assistance policies and programs. “Countless individuals receive outstanding care through Pennsylvania hospitals every day, but too often, patients do not know if they might be eligible for existing hospital-based financial assistance programs -- resulting in medical debt. With this legislation, we can ensure all Pennsylvanians who might be eligible can understand how to access hospital-based financial assistance,” Venkat, D-Allegheny, said. “I want to thank my co-prime sponsors for their continued support and look forward to moving this bill through the legislature to increase health care affordability in the Commonwealth.” In H.B. 79’s updated form, the PA Department of Health would develop standardized financial assistance forms. These forms, based on input from hospitals and the general public, would reflect an individual hospital’s financial assistance programs. Additionally, they would be shared with patients upon admittance and discharge at all Read more

 

Fighting for Transit Funding; Celebrating Our Student Champs; Getting a REAL ID; Scam Alert – and More!

(Apr 04, 2025)

Check out my latest e-newsletter to read about how we're working to ensure full access to a life-saving drug, secure needed transit funding, celebrating our student champs -- and more! Read more

 

Venkat, Cerrato, Giral, Kosierowski, Marcell, Mihalek, Shaffer, & Warner introduce bipartisan legislation to update statutes on the use of epinephrine to treat serious allergic reactions and anaphylaxis

(Apr 02, 2025)

HARRISBURG, April 2 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat, Melissa Cerrato, Jose Giral, Bridget M. Kosierowski, Kristin Marcell, Natalie Mihalek, Jeremy Shaffer and Ryan Warner have introduced two bipartisan bills that would ensure all Food and Drug Administration-approved formulations of epinephrine – used to treat serious allergic reactions and anaphylaxis – can be administered in Pennsylvania schools and other settings as currently codified in state law. The legislative package (H.B.s 1043 and 1044 ) would replace “epinephrine auto-injector” with “epinephrine delivery system” in current statutes related to the use of epinephrine under state law. In August 2024, the FDA approved a nasal formulation of epinephrine for treatment of serious allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, necessitating an update of current state law. “A quick and decisive response often means the difference between life and death for patients suffering from an allergic reaction, and epinephrine is the definitive treatment for this serious or even life-threatening condition. By making a simple change in statutory terminology, other FDA-approved formulations of epinephrine will be recognized under Pennsylvania law and ensure that we can rapidly treat serious allergic reactions or anaphylaxis in schools and other settings across the Commonwealth,” Venkat, D-Allegheny, said. “I’m so grateful to all my legislative partners for their collaboration Read more

 

Transportation, Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Apr 01, 2025)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Transportation: Automated Red Light Enforcement Transportation Enhancements Grant Program (ARLE Program) Who May Apply: Local governments, planning organizations, or Commonwealth agencies. Use: Eligible uses include, but are not limited to, roadway safety, mobility, and capacity upgrades, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, local technical assistance program projects, and traffic signal improvements. Funds: PennDOT anticipates $32 million available with the intent of funding worthwhile projects that can be completed at a relatively low cost. Application Deadline: A pre-application scoping form is required to be submitted by April 30, 2025. Feedback will be provided by May 31, 2025. The application period will be open from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025. More information: PennDOT Website Department of Community and Economic Development: COVID-19 ARPA Digital Connectivity Technology Program Who May Apply: Public-facing institutions, to include but not limited to, libraries, schools, municipalities, workforce training organizations, not-for-profit organizations, and other community anchor institutions located in areas where affordability has been identified as a barrier to broadband adoption and use. Use: The acquisition of digital connectivity technology that facilitates broadband internet access and promotes digital literacy and skills training. These devices will be Read more

 

Venkat, Williams: House passes bipartisan bill to extend Military Family Education benefits
1 day ago

Venkat: House passes bipartisan bill to help patients avoid medical debt
May 13, 2025

Venkat, Cutler to introduce bill that would reduce state costs, ensure Medicaid patient access to GLP-1 medications
May 12, 2025

Fighting unfair finance charges; protecting health professionals; welcoming an astronaut to the Capitol – and more!
May 09, 2025

PA House passes groundbreaking legislation to eliminate paper statement fees
May 06, 2025

Storm-impacted SNAP recipients may claim replacement benefits
May 03, 2025

Storm recovery; local students shine in robotics and the arts; new state consumer protection resources – and more!
May 02, 2025

2025 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program voucher information
May 01, 2025

Opioid overdose awareness bill passes PA House, supporting first responders statewide, upcoming events, and more!
Apr 25, 2025

Venkat, Flick’s bipartisan legislation to raise awareness on opioid overdoses and save lives passes House with a near unanimous vote
Apr 22, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Apr 22, 2025

Time to speak out; focus on Black maternal health; welcoming a new House colleague; upcoming events – and more!
Apr 17, 2025

Time to Speak Out
Apr 17, 2025

Beverly’s PGH illustrates need for help in PA communities
Apr 16, 2025

Progress on Medical Debt; Standing Up for Reproductive Rights & Commonsense Gun Reform; Tax Resources – and More!
Apr 11, 2025

Venkat's medical debt relief bill amended, now focused on financial-aid access instead
Apr 10, 2025

Venkat legislation with bipartisan co-sponsors to help Pennsylvanians avoid medical debt advances out of committee unanimously
Apr 09, 2025

Fighting for Transit Funding; Celebrating Our Student Champs; Getting a REAL ID; Scam Alert – and More!
Apr 04, 2025

Venkat, Cerrato, Giral, Kosierowski, Marcell, Mihalek, Shaffer, & Warner introduce bipartisan legislation to update statutes on the use of epinephrine to treat serious allergic reactions and anaphylaxis
Apr 02, 2025

Transportation, Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Apr 01, 2025