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Venkat: over $1.8 million in community grants awarded

(Oct 22, 2024) Rep. Arvind Venkat

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Oct. 22 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny, announced that a total of more than $1.8 million in state grants was awarded to several local institutions. Venkat and state Sen. Devlin Robinson, R-Allegheny, helped facilitate The Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program’s allocation of $1 million to the Avonworth School District for roof replacement work at Avonworth Middle/High School. In addition, $841,100 in Local Share Account funds was awarded to the following four projects: Ohio Township -- $500,000 for the expansion of AHN Site Park. Ben Avon Heights Borough -- $181,100 for pedestrian, curb and roadway improvements along Canterbury Road. Franklin Park Borough -- $100,000 for purchasing a bucket truck. Franklin Park Borough -- $60,000 for roof replacement work on two buildings in Blueberry Hill. “Securing these dollars means giving communities the tools and resources they need to keep neighbors safe and stay on top of local priorities, as well,” Venkat said, “It is my honor and privilege to do all I can in my role to best serve the good people of the 30th Legislative District.” PSFIG provides grants to public school districts and area career and technical schools for eligible facility improvement projects. The LSA supports projects in the public interest within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and is made possible by gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Read more

 

Venkat and Williams praise over $1.1 million in community grants

(Oct 22, 2024) Rep. Arvind Venkat

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Oct. 22 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat and state Sen. Lindsey Williams announced that a total of $1.12 million in state grants was awarded to several local institutions. “Ensuring the safety and well-being of neighbors young and old and keeping our communities proactive in addressing issues as they arise is vital,” Venkat, D-Allegheny, said, “Thank you to Senator Lindsey Williams for her collaboration in securing these crucial dollars.” “Funding our EMS agencies so they have the equipment that they need to provide high-quality services to our communities is a top priority for me,” Williams, D-Allegheny, added, “I’m incredibly grateful for the work that McCandless Franklin Park Ambulance Authority does to keep this community safe and healthy every day, and I’m proud to partner with them and local municipal leaders and elected officials to secure funding that will help them continue that work.” Venkat, Williams and state Rep. Rob Mercuri, R-Allegheny, helped facilitate The Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program’s allocation of $700,000 to Hampton Township School District for roof replacement work at Hampton Township Middle School. In addition, $426,485 in Local Share Account funds was presented to the following three projects: McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority-$200,000 for purchasing a new ambulance. McCandless Township-$166,000 for repairing Read more

 

Governor Shapiro Signs Bipartisan Bill into Law Recognizing Diwali as an Official State Holiday in Pennsylvania

(Oct 22, 2024) Rep. Arvind Venkat

Yesterday, Governor Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 402(opens in a new tab) into law — officially recognizing Diwali as a state holiday in Pennsylvania while attending a Diwali, Tihar, and Bandi Chhor Diwas celebration hosted by the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Asian American & Pacific Islander Affairs in the atrium of the Keystone Building in downtown Harrisburg. Read more

 

Rural Pennsylvania impacted the most by medical debt

(Oct 21, 2024) Rep. Arvind Venkat

Medical debt is an issue that disproportionately impacts rural Pennsylvanians. Efforts to reduce medical debt have been thwarted by legislators representing those communities. Read more

 

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

(Oct 16, 2024) Rep. Arvind Venkat

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Global Access Program (GAP) Who May Apply: Pennsylvania companies that meet specific criteria (criteria available at link below) Use: Valid uses include: overseas and domestic trade show participation, overseas trade mission participation, foreign market sales trip, subscription to US DOC services, translation/interpreter fees, website internationalization, shipping sample products, and compliance testing. Funds: $800,000 in grant funding is available. Companies are eligible to receive up to $10,000 grants. Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted until funding is depleted. More information: DCED website Department of Environmental Protection: Orphan Well Plugging Grant Program Who May Apply: Qualified well pluggers Use: Funds are to be used to plug orphaned gas wells. Funds: Grants of $40,000 are available for plugging wells 3,000 feet deep or less. Grants of up to $70,000 are available for plugging wells deeper than 3,000 feet. Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted until funding is depleted. More information: DEP website Department of Education: It’s On Us PA Who May Apply: Post-secondary institutions, including public and private two-year and four-year colleges and universities. Use: Funding is intended to be used to implement strategies Read more

 

Let’s address youth mental health issues before they reach a crisis point

(Oct 11, 2024) Rep. Arvind Venkat

As an emergency physician, I have seen firsthand the devastating impact of untreated mental health conditions. For far too many young people, the first time they access mental health care is in a moment of crisis – often in the ER, when their symptoms have already escalated beyond what community care could have addressed. Read more

 

Senator Lindsey M. Williams, Reps. Emily Kinkead, Arvind Venkat Announce $650,000 in Grant Funding for Northland Public Library

(Oct 10, 2024) Rep. Arvind Venkat

Senator Lindsey M. Williams (D-Allegheny) and Reps. Emily Kinkead (D-20) Arvind Venkat (D-30) announced that Northland Public Library will receive a $650,000 Multipurpose Community Facilities Program grant. Northland is currently undergoing a major renovation project to upgrade their entire facility and improve accessibility for all patrons while adding much needed space for work, study, and gathering. Read more

 

Bill to designate Diwali as an official Pa. holiday passes General Assembly

(Oct 09, 2024) Rep. Arvind Venkat

HARRISBURG, Oct. 9 – Legislation that would make Diwali an official holiday in Pennsylvania passed the General Assembly with a bipartisan majority today and will soon become law. Senate Bill 402 was introduced by state Sens. Greg Rothman, R-Cumberland/Dauphin/Perry, and Nikil Saval, D-Phila., and would not require school, government or employer closings. “Thousands of Pennsylvanians celebrate Diwali each year, as a time of reflection and gathering,” Rothman said. “Recognizing Diwali as an official state holiday upholds and celebrates our commonwealth’s rich cultural diversity.” “Wherever we’re from and whatever our background, all of us deserve to have our cultures recognized and honored. As the number of Asian Americans grows steadily here in Pennsylvania and across the country, our commonwealth’s official recognition of Diwali sends a clear message of inclusion,” Saval added. “I am so proud to have worked with my colleagues in the state legislature to put Pennsylvania at the forefront by acknowledging Diwali’s deep cultural significance and inviting all people to reflect on the endless struggle of light over darkness.” State Rep. Arvind Venkat’s companion legislation, House Bill 436 , passed the Pennsylvania House in April of last year. “Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by over a billion Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists worldwide, including hundreds Read more

 

Venkat’s legislation to ease restrictions on physician assistants passes PA House unanimously

(Oct 02, 2024) Rep. Arvind Venkat

HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat’s bills that would enhance licensure flexibility for physician assistants related to their supervising physicians passed the Pennsylvania House unanimously today. House Bills 2294 and 2295 would amend the physician licensure acts in Pennsylvania and 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 medicine board. “Medical professionals want to help as many patients as possible, and my commonsense bills eliminate a circumstantial barrier to performing their sworn duty,” Venkat, D-Allegheny, said. “I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their affirmative votes and their personal investments in the health and livelihood of patients and health professionals alike.” Both bills now move to the state Senate for consideration. Read more

 

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

(Oct 01, 2024) Rep. Arvind Venkat

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS 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 organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: DCED Website Department of Transportation: Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) Who May Apply: Municipalities, councils of government, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, ports and rail freight entities. Use: To improve transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit revitalization. Funds: The MTF requires a 30% match of the amount award. Awards are available for projects with a minimum cost of $100,000 and no more than $3,000,000. Application Deadline: November 5, 2024 More information: PennDOT website Office of the State Fire Commissioner: Unconventional Gas Well Fund Who May Apply: Volunteer and career fire, EMS, and rescue companies in counties where unconventional gas well drilling is permitted and counties that directly border permitted counties and respond to related emergencies. Use: Funds may be used for certification, equipment, and Read more

 

Venkat legislation to regulate use of artificial intelligence in processing health insurance claims discussed in committee

(Oct 01, 2024) Rep. Arvind Venkat

HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat’s bill that would provide greater oversight to the implementation of artificial intelligence by health insurance companies when determining the appropriateness of claims was the subject of an informational hearing today in the Pennsylvania House Insurance Committee. “The rapid growth in the use of artificial intelligence in the health industry may help improve the efficiency of processing insurance claims, but streamlining this process may deprive people of the human connection essential in doctor-patient relationships,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “My bill would not only keep that bond intact, but it would ensure that the deciding determination of claims is in the hands of qualified medical professionals and out of the hands of software programmed to make that call.” House Bill 1663 would place several requirements regarding AI that insurers must follow. They are: Disclosing to clinicians, subscribers and the public that claims evaluations use AI algorithms. Defining “algorithms used in claims review” as clinical review criteria and, therefore, ensuring they are subject to existing laws and regulations that such criteria is grounded in clinical evidence. Requiring specialized health care professionals who review claims for health insurance companies and rely on initial AI algorithms for such reviews to individually open each clinical record or clinical Read more

 

Venkat’s legislation for prompt processing of Medical Assistance applications and long-term care facility reimbursement discussed in committee

(Sep 30, 2024) Rep. Arvind Venkat

HARRISBURG, Sept. 30 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat’s bill that would establish timelines for Medical Assistance applications to be approved or renewed for eligible individuals transitioning to long-term care facilities and compensate those facilities for all services provided during the application processing period was the subject of an informational hearing today in the Pennsylvania House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee. As proposed, H.B. 2320 would require the state Department of Human Services and county assistance offices meet said benchmarks. Long-term care facilities could receive part of the funds owed to them faster and request a status update on pending application(s). The department could also end reimbursement to facilities if a person’s Medical Assistance request is denied and claw back any previous interim payments in such circumstances. “Long-term care facilities are vital pillars of the health community in more ways than one. This includes maintaining quality and quantity of care as an individual’s eligibility for Medical Assistance is determined,” Venkat, D-Allegheny, said. “We must, however, compensate these institutions in a timely manner so they can continue to perform their great work. My bill holds state and county offices accountable, in terms of MA application turnaround, and benefits patient and provider alike.” House Bill 2320 will be the subject of further deliberation in the Read more

 

Grants, Sept. 25

(Sep 25, 2024) Rep. Arvind Venkat

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) Please note, the NAP is broken down into 5 programs (The Neighborhood Assistance Program, the Special Program Priorities, the Charitable Food Program, the Neighborhood Partnership Program, and the Enterprise Zone Program). Please visit the DCED website for specifics on each program. Who May Apply: Nonprofit organizations Use: The goals of the Programs are to promote community participation and collaborations among the residents, nonprofits and businesses while producing outcomes by assisting a distressed area or the low-income population in a neighborhood. Eligible neighborhood nonprofits apply for tax credits based on pending contributions from for-profit companies. Funds: The total available NAP tax credit amount has increased from $36 million to $72 million. Application Deadline: October 25, 2024 More information: DCED Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Continuing County Adult Probation and Parole Grant Program Who May Apply: Counties Use: The primary purpose of the CCAPPG funds is to provide funding from the Commonwealth for costs incurred by the county for the supervision of adult offenders. Funds: PCCD is announcing a total of $16,150,000 in state Continuing County Adult Probation and Parole Grant funds. PCCD expects to fund up to 65 county adult probation Read more

 

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

(Sep 17, 2024) Rep. Arvind Venkat

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Office of the State Fire Commissioner: Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program Who May Apply: All fire companies, emergency medical services, and volunteer rescue squads Use: Eligible projects include but are not limited to facility renovations, equipment purchases, debt reduction, training, education, and recruitment and retention. Funds: Awards may range from $2,500 to $20,000 for fire/rescue companies and $2,500 to $15,000 for EMS companies. Application Deadline: October 20, 2024 More information: OSFC Website Drug and Alcohol Programs: Substance Use Disorder Drop-In Centers Who May Apply: Applicant must have at least two years of experience as of July 1, 2024, in providing SUD prevention, intervention, harm reduction, treatment, or recovery support services, drop-in center services or relevant services and shall have the capacity to provide SUD drop-in center services to individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) and other concurrent SUD. Use: DDAP will provide funds from the Opioid Settlement to drop-in centers or other human service organizations looking to expand their community-driven harm reduction support services to increase overdose prevention and linkage to SUD treatment and recovery support services. The goal is to provide hope, support, and resources to assist those on their road to recovery Funds: DDAP expects to award approximately 14 grants totaling $1,875,000 each. Application Read more

 

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

(Sep 10, 2024) Rep. Arvind Venkat

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Main Street Matters Who May Apply: Units of local government, redevelopment and/or housing authorities, nonprofits, economic development organizations, housing corporations, community development corporations, business improvement districts, neighborhood improvement districts, downtown improvement districts, and similar organizations incorporated as authorities. Use: A flexible tool for use in community and economic development for a variety of uses including planning activities, façade grant programs, business improvement grant programs, accessible housing programs, and district development grants. Funds: $20 million was allocated for this program in the 2024/25 budget. Individual grant awards vary depending on the type of grant. Application Deadline: November 15, 2024 More information: DCED Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Violence Intervention and Prevention Program Who May Apply: Community-based organizations (i.e., active, registered 501(c)(3)s), institutions of higher education, municipalities, counties, and district attorneys. Use: Reducing community violence through, among other things, increasing access to support services and behavioral health, providing health services and intervention strategies, providing mentoring and other intervention models, and fostering and promoting communication between schools, the community, and law enforcement. Read more

 

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

(Sep 04, 2024) Rep. Arvind Venkat

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Local Share Account Statewide Who May Apply: Counties, municipalities, municipal authorities, economic development agencies, redevelopment authorities, land banks, or councils of government. Non-profits may partner with an eligible applicant to apply on their behalf. Use: Projects in the public interest. Projects that improve the quality of life of citizens in the community. Eligible projects must be owned and maintained by an eligible applicant or a nonprofit organization. See program guidelines for specific eligible uses of funds. Funds: The PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects in the public interest. Grant requests must be at a minimum $25,000 and no more than $1,000,000. Application Deadline: November 30, 2024 More information: DCED Website Department of Education: Hunger-Free Campus Grants Who May Apply: Institutes of Higher Education. Use: Funding may be used to ensure students have access to healthy, nutritious food. Funds: Institutions with 3,000 or fewer students are eligible for $20,000 awards. Institutions with 3,001 to 7,000 students are eligible for $40,000 awards. Institutions with greater than 7,000 students are eligible for $60,000 awards. Application Deadline: September 23, 2024 More information: PDE website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR Read more

 

Rep. Venkat's Summer 2024 Newsletter

(Aug 27, 2024) Rep. Arvind Venkat

With fall approaching, I wanted to update you on theprogress we have made in the State House this summerand how I’m working for you in Harrisburg – and righthere at home – to improve life in our district. Read more

 

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

(Aug 26, 2024) Rep. Arvind Venkat

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Endowment Act – Treatment and Training Who May Apply: Eligibility of these funds is open to any for-profit entity, non-profit entity, an entity affiliated with a CAC or MDIT (e.g., public agency or hospital), or unit of local government. Schools (including colleges and universities) are considered governmental units and are eligible to apply. Use: To support the training of medical and mental healthcare providers who treat children and adult survivors of child sexual abuse. Funds: A total of $200,000 in Endowment Act funding is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund approximately four projects with budgets not to exceed $50,000 over the 2-year project period. Application Deadline: October 4, 2024 More information: PCCD Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Agriculture: Farm Vitality Planning Grant Who May Apply: Farmers, prospective farmers, and others may apply. Use: Strategic business planning to expand or diversify farms or support transition of ownership. Funds: $500,000 in funding is available. Grants shall not exceed $7,500. Application Deadline: Applications will be received until funds are exhausted. More information: Pennsylvania Bulletin Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Recruitment Incentives for Law Enforcement Who May Apply: Local law enforcement agencies, campus or university police, railroad or street Read more

 

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

(Aug 22, 2024) Rep. Arvind Venkat

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County: Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund Who May Apply: Municipalities, authorities, councils of government, non-profits and for-profit businesses in Allegheny County. Use: Economic development projects, infrastructure development projects, job training, community improvement projects, public safety projects, and public interest projects. Funds: Project budgets must be between $150,000 and $500,000. Application Deadline: August 30, 2024 More information: RAAC Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2024-25 Advanced Law Enforcement Training Initiative Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to non-profit organizations with experience in facilitating and hosting in-person law enforcement trainings in Pennsylvania. Use: To support advanced comprehensive evidence-based training courses for law enforcement. Funds: A total of $80,000 in Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund one grant with a budget not to exceed $80,000 over the one-year project period. Application Deadline: August 29, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Project Safe and Smart 2025 Who May Apply: Community-based organizations that can successfully demonstrate their reach and partnership with K-12 school entities. Preference will be given to applicants that demonstrate that they Read more

 

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

(Aug 13, 2024) Rep. Arvind Venkat

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: School Safety and Mental Health Grants Who May Apply: Eligible school entities as defined under 24 P.S. §13-1314.1-B of the PA Public School Code. Use: Funding may be used to assist schools with physical safety and/or behavioral health needs. Funds: $100 million is available to be distributed via a formula that stipulates school districts are to receive $100,000 base average and an additional amount based on their 22/23 Adjusted Average Daily Membership. Other eligible school entities are to receive $70,000. Application Deadline: September 26, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Targeted School Safety Grants for Nonpublic Schools Who May Apply: Nonpublic schools as defined under Section 924.3-A of the PA Public School Code, municipalities, law enforcement agencies, or approved vendors. Use: Funding may be used to assist schools with physical safety and/or behavioral health needs. Funds: A total of $19,665,000 in state school safety and security funds is being announced to support this initiative. Application Deadline: September 26, 2024 More information: PCCD Website PennDOT: Rail Freight Assistance Program/Rail Transportation Assistance Program Who May Apply: Railroad company, transportation organization, municipality, municipal authority, user Read more

 

Venkat: over $1.8 million in community grants awarded
Oct 22, 2024

Venkat and Williams praise over $1.1 million in community grants
Oct 22, 2024

Governor Shapiro Signs Bipartisan Bill into Law Recognizing Diwali as an Official State Holiday in Pennsylvania
Oct 22, 2024

Rural Pennsylvania impacted the most by medical debt
Oct 21, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Oct 16, 2024

Let’s address youth mental health issues before they reach a crisis point
Oct 11, 2024

Senator Lindsey M. Williams, Reps. Emily Kinkead, Arvind Venkat Announce $650,000 in Grant Funding for Northland Public Library
Oct 10, 2024

Bill to designate Diwali as an official Pa. holiday passes General Assembly
Oct 09, 2024

Venkat’s legislation to ease restrictions on physician assistants passes PA House unanimously
Oct 02, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Oct 01, 2024

Venkat legislation to regulate use of artificial intelligence in processing health insurance claims discussed in committee
Oct 01, 2024

Venkat’s legislation for prompt processing of Medical Assistance applications and long-term care facility reimbursement discussed in committee
Sep 30, 2024

Grants, Sept. 25
Sep 25, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Sep 17, 2024

Grants: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Sep 10, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Sep 04, 2024

Rep. Venkat's Summer 2024 Newsletter
Aug 27, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Aug 26, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Aug 22, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
Aug 13, 2024