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

(2 hours ago)

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

 

March

(Apr 10, 2025)

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

 

Protecting Your Health Coverage; Teen Mental Health; Child Care Tax Credit – and more!

(Mar 28, 2025)

Protecting Your Health Coverage; Teen Mental Health; Child Care Tax Credit – and more! Read more

 

Venkat and Kuzma introduce bipartisan legislation to give pharmaceutical professionals greater representation on PA board

(Mar 26, 2025)

HARRISBURG, March 26 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat and Andrew Kuzma have introduced a bipartisan bill that would update the membership of the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy . The legislation ( H.B. 980 ) would add a second pharmacist working in hospitals and health systems and a pharmacy technician to the board, increasing professional representation from five to seven. “Adding these medical specialists to the state pharmacy board strengthens its pool of knowledge and widens its scope of perspectives. This translates into the implementation of more informed, inclusive and insightful oversight of pharmacy practice in Pennsylvania,” Venkat, D-Allegheny, said. “Thank you to Rep. Kuzma for partnering with me on this legislation that would give pharmacists across the Commonwealth more tools and resources to meet the needs of patients.” “By adding professional representation to the board, a wider variety of viewpoints can be weighed when making decisions and implementing policies,” Kuzma, R-Allegheny/Washington, added. “I’m pleased to join with Rep. Venkat on this matter. We are committed to bipartisan efforts to improve the lives of Pennsylvanians.” House Bill 980 amends the Pharmacy Act of 1961 and has been referred to the PA House Professional Licensure Committee. Read more

 

Venkat, Friel, Kosierowski, and Mehaffie introduce bipartisan legislation to hold health insurers accountable for denying reimbursement claims

(Mar 24, 2025)

HARRISBURG, March 24 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat, Paul Friel, Bridget M. Kosierowski and Tom Mehaffie have introduced a bipartisan bill that would hold health insurance companies accountable if they systematically fail to reimburse Pennsylvanians receiving medically necessary care. The legislation ( H.B. 966 ) would require health insurers to issue a public report on the frequency of rejected claims that are overturned on appeal and pay escalating fines if more than 50% of their claim denials are overturned on appeal. “A denial rate of over 50% suggests a disturbing pattern of systematically denying coverage for medically necessary care. Not only that, these entities are assuming Commonwealth residents will be deterred by the mountain of red tape necessary to file an appeal,” Venkat, D-Allegheny, said. “Collaborating with bipartisan colleagues on this legislation means more than holding insurers accountable. As an emergency physician, it’s my duty to help patients across the state receive coverage for which they have already paid to maintain and improve their health and well-being.” “An increasing number of people are aware that they can challenge denied health care claims through their insurer and, if necessary, the Insurance Department. However, the appeals process can be lengthy and complex, leading many to forgo it due to the administrative burden involved,” Friel, D-Chester, added. “The potential for Read more

 

Spring Shred this Saturday; How We Voted This Week; Students Shine in Sports & Music – and More!

(Mar 21, 2025)

Spring Shred this Saturday; How We Voted This Week; Students Shine in Sports & Music – and More! Read more

 

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

(Mar 19, 2025)

Below are multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Project Safe and Smart Technical Assistance Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to any community-based organization, non-profit, for-profit, or educational institution. The applicant must successfully demonstrate their history in providing technical assistance in child sexual abuse prevention programming. Use: To establish a collaboration with the Child Maltreatment Solutions Network (CMSN) at Pennsylvania State University (PSU), including CMSN Affiliate Dr. Kate Guastaferro from New York University (NYU), to provide additional support to the 15 awarded Project Safe and Smart grantees, ensuring the successful implementation of their projects. Funds: A total of $150,000 in state Endowment Act funding is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund one (1) grant over the 2-year project period. Application Deadline: April 18, 2025 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Criminal Justice Advisory Board (CJAB) Technical Assistance Initiative Who May Apply: Non-profit orgnaizations Use: To continue support of CJABs through the CJAB Specialists who serve as a resource to counties in assisting with CJAB projects. Funds: A combination of federal Byrne Justice Assistance Grant and state funds is being Read more

 

Legislators propose additional benefits for National Guard service

(Mar 17, 2025)

Service in the Pennsylvania National Guard could soon come with additional incentives for military families. Read more

 

Spring Shred; New Scholarship; Nominate Outstanding School Workers – and More!

(Mar 14, 2025)

Our Spring Shred is Coming Up! Our Spring Shred – coming up on Saturday, March 22 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. – is a great opportunity to safely dispose of financial statements, tax documents, and other unneeded papers that pose a risk of identity theft in the wrong hands. We can accept up to two boxes of paper per household. My staff and I will also be on site to assist with state services. Questions? Please call my office at (412) 348-8028. Around the District Read more

 

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

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

March
Apr 10, 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

Protecting Your Health Coverage; Teen Mental Health; Child Care Tax Credit – and more!
Mar 28, 2025

Venkat and Kuzma introduce bipartisan legislation to give pharmaceutical professionals greater representation on PA board
Mar 26, 2025

Venkat, Friel, Kosierowski, and Mehaffie introduce bipartisan legislation to hold health insurers accountable for denying reimbursement claims
Mar 24, 2025

Spring Shred this Saturday; How We Voted This Week; Students Shine in Sports & Music – and More!
Mar 21, 2025

Transportation, Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 19, 2025

Legislators propose additional benefits for National Guard service
Mar 17, 2025

Spring Shred; New Scholarship; Nominate Outstanding School Workers – and More!
Mar 14, 2025