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Venkat, Davidson, Khan, Kosierowski, Kuzma, Rigby, and Twardzik introduce bipartisan legislation to help Pennsylvanians overcome medical debt

(Jan 16, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 16 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat, Nate Davidson, Tarik Khan, Bridget M. Kosierowski, Andrew Kuzma, Jim Rigby and Tim Twardzik have introduced a bipartisan bill that would create the Pennsylvania Medical Debt Relief Program. The legislation ( H.B. 79 ) would target the medical debt of low-income Pennsylvania residents for relief. The Pennsylvania Medical Debt Relief Program would also improve the finances of health care institutions and providers, concentrated largely in rural Pennsylvania, that regularly carry debt that is less likely to be repaid. Furthermore, the legislation would enact provisions to ensure transparency in existing hospital charity care programs and provide assistance in applying for charity care to prevent the accumulation of new medical debt. “Medical debt has been dubbed a ‘uniquely American problem,’ so it’s my hope that our bill will help provide relief to as many Pennsylvanians as possible,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “I’m proud to partner with bipartisan colleagues on this legislation that reduces the burden of affording medical care and allows families to put more food on the table.” “This legislation is more than just a policy – it's a lifeline that restores dignity, empowers families, and ensures that health does not come at the cost of hardship. I’m proud to sponsor this bipartisan measure so that vulnerable Pennsylvanians can focus on their Read more

 

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

(Jan 15, 2025)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Education: Dual Credit Innovation Grant Program Who May Apply: Public institutions of higher education. Use: Funding may be used to offer college coursework to high school students enrolled in eligible school entities. Funds: $14 million in state funding was allocated through the 2024 School Code. Application Deadline: February 10, 2025 More information: PDE Website Department of Environmental Protection: Abandoned Mine Land and Abandoned Mine Draining Grant Program Who May Apply: An authority, incorporated nonprofit, political subdivision, or conservation district. Use: Funds may be used for abandoned mine land reclamation and abandoned mine drainage treatment or abatement. Funds: $75 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: April 25, 2025. Applicants must contact DEP ( ra-epamgrantprogram@pa.gov ) prior to applying for an initial project consultation. More information: DEP Website Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Integrated Health Solutions Who May Apply: Physical health care providers, hospitals, rural health centers, or federally qualified health clinics. Use: To promote full integration and collaboration in clinical practice between behavioral health care and primary physical health care. Funds: $3 million in funding is available from the Publicis Health Opioid Settlement. Application Deadline: January 24, 2025 More information: DDAP Website Read more

 

Venkat praises $85,000 state grant for career and technical education institute

(Jan 14, 2025)

ALLISON PARK, Jan. 14 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny, announced that an $85,000 state grant was awarded to A.W. Beattie Career Center to help local residents chart their own course through career and technical education programs. Specifically, the career center’s funds will go toward modernizing its Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and related programs with a new ambulance trainer package. “Pursuing a traditional college degree is not always the goal for young people, as many wish to serve their community by joining the ranks of emergency services or pursuing a trade,” Venkat said. “A.W. Beattie does tremendous work in helping to prepare high school students for these types of careers, and these monies will bolster their efforts to give students a more accurate example of the skills needed to succeed.” A.W. Beattie’s grant dollars are made possible by the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Competitive Equipment Grant program. A list of all the awardees is available here . Read more

 

Venkat, Matzie and Mehaffie introduce legislation to eliminate print statement fees

(Jan 14, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 14 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat, Rob Matzie and Tom Mehaffie have introduced legislation that would ban entities from assessing an additional fee to customers who request a print version of a financial statement. Such fees are as high as $5 per month, and H.B. 81 would also specify that any person or entity would still be allowed to create incentives for a consumer to select an alternative to a paper statement. “In effect, penalizing consumers for a peace of mind measure such as a paper statement runs contrary to keeping a readily accessible means to one’s financial data for a variety of necessary purposes,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “Our bill would help keep more dollars in the pockets of Pennsylvanians and reward entities for pursuing options more beneficial to the health and livelihood of the environment.” “No consumer should ever have to pay for a print copy of their bank or credit card statement. Tacking on fees for paper statements takes a simple business expense easily borne by the financial institution and shifts it unfairly onto consumers, where it can take a toll on those who are elderly, low-income, or simple lacking the needed access to technology,” said Matzie, D-Beaver. “By prohibiting these fees, our bill would ensure that any expenses remain with the party best able to bear them – the business that maintains the records.” “Charging fees for consumers who want Read more

 

Venkat and Mihalek introduce bipartisan food allergy safety bill

(Jan 13, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 13 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat and Natalie Mihalek have introduced legislation that would promote food allergy safety in multiple ways. House Bill 77 would mandate that menus in restaurants and food establishments contain a disclaimer regarding food allergies, posters to make servers aware of food allergies must be present in food preparation and staff areas, and establishment staff would be required to undergo food allergy safety training. “The last thing anyone should worry about while enjoying a meal with their family and friends is having a medical emergency brought on by a food allergy,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “Rep. Mihalek and I want to help ensure there are measures in place to keep Pennsylvanians protected from accidental food allergen exposures and their hazardous health effects.” “The scariest part is that someone with food allergies could do everything right, such as carrying EpiPens and asking questions, and still have a serious problem. A little information can go a long way in avoiding future catastrophes,” added Mihalek, R-Allegheny. “I’m happy to be working with Rep. Venkat on this bipartisan bill.” More than 33 million Americans have food allergies, and it is estimated that food allergies lead to 200 deaths per year. Over a 13-year period, nearly half of fatal food allergy reactions were caused by accidental food allergen exposure at a restaurant or other food Read more

 

Venkat and Marcell introduce legislation to ease restrictions on physician assistants; add PA to a health professional interstate compact

(Jan 09, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 9 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat and Kristin Marcell have introduced bills that would enhance licensure flexibility for physician assistants related to their supervising physicians and allow Pennsylvania to join an interstate medical compact. The legislative package, H.B. 75 and H.B. 76 , would amend the physician licensure acts in Pennsylvania to allow physician assistants to work with either classification of physician -- a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine -- without having to align with the physician’s license type. Current law requires that physician assistants and supervising physicians must be licensed by the same state board. “Something as innocuous as red tape can mean the difference between life and death for patients, and it’s my duty as a physician-legislator to eliminate such unnecessary barriers,” Venkat, D-Allegheny, said. “Representative Marcell and I are steadfast in our resolve to get these bills signed into law and safeguard the health of all Pennsylvanians.” “This legislation is a practical step toward reducing administrative burdens, allowing physician assistants and their supervising doctors to collaborate more effectively for the benefit of patients," Marcell, R-Bucks, added. "By streamlining licensing requirements, we can help healthcare professionals dedicate more time to delivering high-quality care and less time navigating unnecessary red Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jan 08, 2025)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Education: Parent Pathways Grant Who May Apply: Postsecondary institutions that award an associate degree or higher and private licensed schools. Use: To provide funding to institutions to directly support parenting students through tuition assistance, emergency funding, and wrap-around services. Funds: $1.6 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: February 3, 2025 More information: PDE Website Historical & Museum Commission: Keystone Historic Preservation Grant Program Who May Apply: Certified local governments, colleges and universities, conservancies, historic preservation organizations, historical societies, local governments, museums, religious institutions, and other historical organizations. Use: Applications may apply for one construction-related or planning-related grant (not both) for sites that are listed in or eligible to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Construction related grants are available for rehabilitation, preservation, and restoration activities for historic resources that are publicly accessible and under nonprofit or local government ownership. Planning related grants are available for planning and development initiatives that enhance historic preservation in communities. Please note, special consideration will be given to projects that promote the United States Semiquincentennial celebration in 2026 . Funds: Construction grants are available Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jan 02, 2025)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Recovery Housing for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and Other Drugs Who May Apply: Community-based organizations, community action agencies, or public health programs that focus on assisting individuals in accessing recovery housing. Use: Personnel services, consulting services, subcontract services, patient services, equipment, supplies, travel, and other costs associated with assisting individuals access recovery housing. Funds: DDAP expects to award five grants totaling $500,000 each. Application Deadline: January 10, 2025 More information: DDAP Website Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Integrated Health Solutions Who May Apply: Community-based organizations, community action agencies, or public health programs that focus on assisting individuals in accessing recovery housing. Use: Personnel services, consulting services, subcontract services, patient services, equipment, supplies, travel, and other costs associated with assisting individuals access recovery housing. Funds: DDAP expects to award five grants totaling $500,000 each. Application Deadline: January 10, 2025 More information: DDAP Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit Read more

 

Rep. Arvind Venkat's 2025 Capitol Scenes Calendar

(Jan 02, 2025)

Rep. Arvind Venkat's 2025 Capitol Scenes Calendar Read more

 

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

(Dec 17, 2024)

Below are multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Community and Economic Development: Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program Who May Apply: Community-based non-profit organizations with a history of at least 3 years operating experience, educational institutions, and non-profit economic development organizations with a history of at least 3 years operating experience. Use: Creation or support of a Business Assistance Service Center for the purpose of serving small, historically disadvantaged businesses. Funds: $20 million in funding was appropriated in the 2024/25 state budget. Application Deadline: January 22, 2025 More information: DCED Website Council on the Arts: Entry to Arts Organizations and Arts Programs (EAOAP) Who May Apply: Non-profit agencies with a history of at least two years of consistent arts programming in Pennsylvania and an annual average arts revenue over $200,000. Use: Entry track is the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts’ (PCA) point of entry for organizations or programs to the AOAP. Applicants must apply in Entry track until recommended for AOAP, which is based on panel review and assessment totals Funds: Grants totaling $5,000 will be awarded. Application Deadline: February 15, 2025 More information: Arts Website Council on the Arts: Arts Read more

 

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

(Dec 12, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Environmental Protection: WIIN 2107: Voluntary School and Childcare Lead testing and Reduction Grant Who May Apply: Childcare facilities and schools located in Pennsylvania with lead in drinking water sample results within 36 months of the application date showing water fixtures exceeding the remediation trigger level of 5 ppb (parts per billion). Use: Reduction activities may include purchasing and installing hydration stations, point-of-use devices designed to remove lead or replacement of faucets. The primary goal of this grant program is to reduce children's exposure to lead in drinking water. Funds: Funding under this grant has been appropriated under 1464(d) of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Funding provided will be up to $3,000 per hydration station per 100 students in one building. Up to $30,000 may be awarded per building/childcare facility or $100,000 per school district. Application Deadline: Applicants are strongly encouraged to schedule a pre-application meeting to discuss their lead reduction plans to ensure they meet applicable program criteria. Meetings can be scheduled by emailing RA-EPWIINLEAD@pa.gov . More information: DEP Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, Read more

 

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

(Dec 04, 2024)

Broadband Development Authority: Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program Who May Apply: Cooperative organizations, non-profit organizations, public-private partnerships, private companies, public or private utility companies, public utility districts, municipalities or units of local government, internet service providers registered through the FCC Use: Deploying and/or upgrading broadband network facilities, data collection, broadband mapping and broadband planning Funds: $1,161,778,242 in federal funding pursuant to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 is available. Application Deadline: January 21, 2025 More information: PBDA Website Department of Community and Economic Development: Local Share Account Philadelphia Who May Apply: Community Development Corporations, economic development organizations and redevelopment authorities, business improvement districts/neighborhood improvement districts, non-profit organizations with a 501(c) designation, the City of Philadelphia, the School District of Philadelphia. Any eligible organization must be located in Philadelphia. Use: Economic development projects, neighborhood revitalization projects, community improvement projects, projects in the public interest. Any eligible project must be located in Philadelphia. Funds: Grant amounts will vary based on the specific project requirements but are limited to a minimum request/award of $10,000 and a maximum Read more

 

Venkat: over $800,000 in state grants for school safety and mental health needs

(Dec 02, 2024)

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Dec. 2 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat announced that $803,064 in state grants was awarded to several school districts and schools throughout the 30th Legislative District to make them safer for students, teachers and staff and address behavioral health needs. A total of $672,864 in noncompetitive funds were allocated to the following public school districts, career education center, and charter school: North Allegheny School District: $250,133 Hampton Township School District: $147,525 Avonworth School District: $135,206 A.W. Beattie Career Center: $70,000 Pennsylvania Distance Learning Charter School: $70,000 Nazareth Prep High School also received a $75,000 competitive targeted grant, and a $55,200 grant of the same kind was presented to Eden Christian Academy. “The COVID-19 pandemic left an everlasting imprint on public education with remote learning and the rise in school shootings and related violence has compounded the stress and angst felt by students nationwide,” Venkat, D-Allegheny, said. “I’m proud to be a physician-legislator and am privileged to help secure these dollars and to assist keeping our kids healthy and safe inside and outside of the classroom.” Pennsylvania’s School Safety and Security Committee, under the banner of the PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency, made the funds possible. They help advance the SSSC’s goal of ensuring that all Pennsylvania students can learn Read more

 

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

(Nov 20, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency: Non-profit Security Grant Who May Apply: Non-profit organizations Use: Target hardening and physical security enhancements for sites that may be a target for a terrorist or extremist attack. Funds: $210 million in FEMA dollars has been made available nationally. PEMA will serve as the grantee and subgrant funds to recipients in Pennsylvania. Application Deadline: December 16, 2024 More information: PA Grants website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Developing Satellite Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) Who May Apply: A NCA accredited CAC who, in conjunction and partnership with another county MDIT, seeks to develop a satellite CAC location within that county. Use: Supporting the development of satellite location(s) in counties in the Commonwealth that may not have enough child abuse cases to sustain an independent CAC Funds: A total of approximately $1,200,000 in state Endowment Act funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund approximately 4 grants. Maximum awards of $300,000 are available for the three-year project period. Application Deadline: December 2, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Department of Agriculture: Agricultural Product Promotion, Education and Export Promotion matching Grant Program Who May Apply: Nonprofit organizations that Read more

 

Venkat applauds $20,000 state grant to reduce hunger at local university

(Nov 18, 2024)

MCCANDLESS, Nov. 18 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat announced that a $20,000 state grant was awarded to La Roche University in McCandless for multi-faceted efforts to connect students with food and food resources. The funds are made possible by the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Hunger-Free Campus Grant program, which helps schools address food insecurity on campus and includes expanding access to food options, creating awareness initiatives, and upgrading facilities. “Students are more excited to learn and better equipped to excel inside and outside of the classroom when they receive the nutrition needed to fuel and sustain themselves,” Venkat, D-Allegheny, said. “These dollars will help provide the ingredients they require every day and give them the energy they need to tackle the demands of their coursework.” All grant recipients are members of the Hunger-Free Campus Initiative , a coalition of PA institutions of higher education focused on addressing hunger and other basic needs for their students, creating opportunities for connection among student hunger advocates, providing resources and strategies for campuses, and supporting opportunities to apply for grants related to addressing food insecurity. The PA Hunger-Free Campus Initiative began in 2022 and is a focus of First Lady Lori Shapiro and part of her work to advocate for students and families to ensure they have the support they need to thrive and live Read more

 

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

(Nov 14, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Aging: Senior Community Center Grant Program Who May Apply: Senior community centers with an existing, contractual relationship with an Area Agency on Aging. Use: Funding opportunities are intended for enhancements to increase participation and programming, attract a new generation of older adults, and enable Senior Community Centers to provide a safe and healthy environment for their participants. Funds: $2 million in competitive grant funding is available. Application Deadline: December 13, 2024 More information: PA Grants website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program Who May Apply: County governments and non-profit agencies. Use: To support communities in their efforts to develop and strengthen effective responses to domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence through multidisciplinary collaboration. Funds: A total of $870,000 over the three-year project period in federal STOP Formula Grant funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund two grants with budgets not to exceed $145,000 per 12-month project period. Application Deadline: December 2, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Military and Veterans Affairs: Veterans’ Trust Fund Who May Apply: Non-profits serving veterans, veterans’ service organizations, Read more

 

Venkat: Over $333,000 in state conservation grants for local communities and over half a million dollars for Pittsburgh

(Nov 13, 2024)

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Nov. 13 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat announced that $333,200 in state conservations grants were awarded to two projects in Pennsylvania’s 30th Legislative District in McCandless and Franklin Park, along with over half a million related dollars for the city of Pittsburgh. “As a practicing emergency physician, I’m keenly aware of the importance exercise and green space are for our overall well-being, and these funds will help our community have fun and stay healthy at the same time. Growing recreational opportunities and taking care of our surroundings will make our communities more appealing to residents and visitors alike and do our part for the planet too,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “Thank you to all my state legislative partners for their work in procuring these grants.” Venkat and state Sen. Lindsey Williams, D-Allegheny, helped facilitate $288,400 in Community Conservation Partnership Program funds for rehabilitating North Park in McCandless Township. Work will include: Construction of a pedestrian walkway. Parking area and stormwater management. Installation of play equipment with required safety surfacing and fencing. ADA access. Landscaping. Other related site improvements. “North Park is a destination for so many people in our region, whether it’s to walk, bike, row, ice skate or celebrate with friends and family. This investment in keeping the park safe and accessible Read more

 

South Asians celebrate Diwali, Pennsylvania's newly proclaimed state holiday

(Nov 07, 2024)

Last week, South Asians and Hindus across Pennsylvania celebrated their first Diwali since Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a law making the festival of lights an official state holiday in Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Venkat, Williams and Fontana hail $1 million in community grants

(Nov 02, 2024)

“Our volunteer firefighters protect us every day. I am always proud to work with my colleague, Sen. Williams, and Gov. Shapiro to support their vital work,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “This grant will ensure the Peebles District Volunteer Fire Company in McCandless has the infrastructure it needs to continue their essential duties.” Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District

(Oct 29, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Mixed-Use Housing Development Pilot Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Economic Development Organizations, Redevelopment Authorities, Municipal Authorities, Industrial Development Authorities, For-Profit organizations. Use: Mixed-use site development, conversion projects, rehabilitation projects, a combination of the three afore-mentioned projects. Funds: $10 million in PA Sites funding has been allocated for this program. There is no limit on the amount of grant funding that may be awarded to an applicant. Application Deadline: December 6, 2024 More information: DCED Website Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Recovery Support Services (RSS) Who May Apply: Applicant must have at least two years of experience as of July 1, 2024, providing RSS and demonstrate the capacity to provide RSS to individuals in recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD) and other concurrent substance use disorder (SUD). Use: Expand or enhance RSS to individuals in recover from OUD and other concurrent SUD. Funds: Approximately six grants totaling $1,500,000 each will be awarded. Application Deadline: November 15, 2024 More information: DDAP Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic Read more

 

Venkat, Davidson, Khan, Kosierowski, Kuzma, Rigby, and Twardzik introduce bipartisan legislation to help Pennsylvanians overcome medical debt
Jan 16, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 15, 2025

Venkat praises $85,000 state grant for career and technical education institute
Jan 14, 2025

Venkat, Matzie and Mehaffie introduce legislation to eliminate print statement fees
Jan 14, 2025

Venkat and Mihalek introduce bipartisan food allergy safety bill
Jan 13, 2025

Venkat and Marcell introduce legislation to ease restrictions on physician assistants; add PA to a health professional interstate compact
Jan 09, 2025

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 08, 2025

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 02, 2025

Rep. Arvind Venkat's 2025 Capitol Scenes Calendar
Jan 02, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Dec 17, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Dec 12, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Dec 04, 2024

Venkat: over $800,000 in state grants for school safety and mental health needs
Dec 02, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Nov 20, 2024

Venkat applauds $20,000 state grant to reduce hunger at local university
Nov 18, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Nov 14, 2024

Venkat: Over $333,000 in state conservation grants for local communities and over half a million dollars for Pittsburgh
Nov 13, 2024

South Asians celebrate Diwali, Pennsylvania's newly proclaimed state holiday
Nov 07, 2024

Venkat, Williams and Fontana hail $1 million in community grants
Nov 02, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
Oct 29, 2024