BRADDOCK, March 28 – New state funding of $156,838 from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will allow a District 34 community outreach group to develop and administer youth anti-violence programs, state Rep. Abigail Salisbury announced today. Salisbury, D-Allegheny, said the funding awarded under PCCD’s Violence Intervention and Prevention Program will support the Bible Center Church Oasis Project’s out-of-school-time program to further develop and deliver an evidence-based violence prevention program. “The Oasis Project is deeply involved in the community and has a long and successful history of running programs that empower residents and help families and youth,” Salisbury said. “The new funding will allow them to continue developing and operating anti-violence programs with lessons that engage kids and young adolescents and help them build the social and emotional skills they need to navigate life safely and successfully.” Salisbury said the funding will support social and emotional learning and Too Good for Violence lessons for more than 280 area students ages 5-13 each year. The Violence Intervention and Prevention Program supports grants and technical assistance to address community violence, with a focus on preventing and intervening with gun and group-related violence. More about the funding is available here: Read more
PITTSBURGH, March 28 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced that a state Violence Intervention and Prevention grant has been awarded to an organization in his legislative district for educational efforts focused on preventing and decreasing violence. The Homeless Children’s Education Fund will receive $638,201 to support its Mobile Learning program, which provides tutoring for students not currently at a shelter or housing agency, as well as its Teen CEO program, which provides workforce development for older youth transitioning into adulthood. Additional dollars will also be used to support the design and build of Winnie’s STEAM Machine, HCEF’s second mobile learning classroom, to be used in the Mobile Learning program, which will provide science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics learning to vulnerable populations to address learning gaps. “Keeping area students in a classroom, in-person or mobile, is essential to preparing them for the next phase of their lives and focused on making the best possible life,” Abney said. “This grant is all about helping set them up for success and providing invaluable knowledge they can utilize now and years down the road.” The VIP grant program is facilitated by the PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency . Since the program began in 2021, 256 projects across the Commonwealth have been approved for a combined total of approximately $185 million in grant Read more
PITTSBURGH, March 28 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, announced that a state grant has been awarded for safer and streamlined travel throughout Pittsburgh. Hullett Development Triangle LP received a $452,424 Multimodal Transportation Fund grant for sidewalk improvements around the Hullett Triangle Building. “Making these needed remedies to pathways used by residents and visitors alike on a daily basis is integral to connecting them with places of employment, health facilities, housing, shopping destinations, and much more,” Powell said. “This grant will help keep neighbors safe and translate into crucial dollars to help fuel the local economy.” MTF grants are facilitated by the Commonwealth Financing Authority and help to provide a reliable system of transportation to residents statewide. Monies may be used for the development, rehabilitation and enhancement of transportation assets to existing communities, streetscape, lighting, sidewalk enhancement, pedestrian safety, connectivity of transportation assets and transit-oriented development. Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Intermediate Punishment Treatment Program Who May Apply: Counties Use: Funds for the proposed program must be used to support restrictive conditions that are imposed as part of a county probation sentence and may be used for needed drug and alcohol-related services, and mental health treatment and supportive services for eligible individuals Funds: Funding is contingent upon the availability of funds in the FY 2024-25 budget. Application Deadline: May 1, 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 railway police, airport authority police, and county park police. Use: Funding is explicitly to support Act 120 training and recruitment activities for law enforcement officers that will take place between Oct. 19, 2023 and June 30, 2025. Funds: $14 million in Read more
“With gun violence spiking since 2020 and increasing by 46% in 2021, this funding will assist three organizations in the 24th Legislative District with addressing the gun violence epidemic,” Mayes said. “Through these grants, Kingsley Association, Three Rivers Youth, and East End Cooperative Ministry may provide more programs that engages youth with high risk factors for experiencing substance use and violence. With nearly one-third of Pittsburgh’s homicide victims being teens in 2021, it is only common sense that we must prevent these travesties through these proactive programs and passing bills that prevent gun violence.” Read more
Legislation would ensure essential documents for formerly incarcerated people Read more
HARRISBURG, March 27 – State Reps. Shelby Labs, R-Bucks, and Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, have introduced the Victims of Violence Relocation Act. Under the legislation ( H.B. 2162 ), eligible violent crime survivors would be entitled to relocation assistance and extend the timeframe for requesting such assistance from 90 to 180 days after the crime occurred. The legislators said this would allow survivors more time to access necessary support and ensure they can utilize federal documentation to validate their need for relocation. “Increasing protections for all victims as they heal is vital,” said Labs. “This bipartisan legislation improves on the steps taken by Act 148 of 2018 and makes sure that more of Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable can be supported and protected. I want to thank Representative Powell for partnering with me to introduce this crucial bill that protects victims of violent crime across the Commonwealth.” “I’m proud to partner with Representative Labs to introduce this critical legislation that will ensure survivors of violent crime have the needed agency to navigate their recovery journey,” Powell added. “My heart breaks for these victims, and it’s imperative that we take steps to alleviate unnecessary burdens to help them address their trauma.” The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence said one in three women, one in four men and nearly half of LGBTQ+ Read more
Today, Sen. Jim Brewster and Rep. Matthew Gergely announced a $1.8 million Multimodal Transportation grant for the City of McKeesport. Read more
“With McCandless ranked as largely below average for walkability and most errands requiring a car, these funds will make McCandless more accessible for pedestrians,” Venkat said. “In 2022, more than 7,500 pedestrians died in the U.S., the highest since 1981. These investments in McCandless will ensure that we enhance our community’s walkability, as well as safeguard lives.” Read more
“I introduced this legislation after speaking with my constituent Kathy Briden of Franklin Park, whose son Matthew tragically died after accidentally being exposed to peanuts while eating at a restaurant in Allegheny County,” Venkat said. “Nearly 50% of deaths caused by food allergies occur at restaurants and retail food establishments. These deaths are preventable. House Bill 1869 would help ensure food safety at restaurants, protecting millions of Pennsylvanians with food allergies.” Read more
“As Pittsburgh ranks in the top five largest U.S. cities for those who commute by walking, these investments make necessary strides toward repairing our city’s sidewalks,” Mayes said. “This reconstruction will ensure that all residents may access Pittsburgh, making it one of the best investments in our urban infrastructure.” Read more
PITTSBURGH, March 26 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced that a total of $1,024,147 in state grants has been awarded to help make navigating Pittsburgh a safer and easier prospect for those on foot and bicycles alike. The Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County received a $950,000 Multimodal Transportation Fund grant to aid pedestrian access to PNC Park. The City of Pittsburgh was also allotted a $74,147 MTF grant for a cycle lane/trail paving project to connect Second Avenue to its existing transportation network. “Connecting residents and visitors to all corners of the city helps ensure their personal and financial livelihood and translates into substantial funds for making Pittsburgh even better,” Abney said. “Not only that, these dollars are key to the local economic health and key to enjoying the sports legacy established right here in the City of Champions.” MTF grants are facilitated by the Commonwealth Financing Authority and help to provide a reliable system of transportation to residents statewide. Monies may be used for the development, rehabilitation and enhancement of transportation assets to existing communities, streetscape, lighting, sidewalk enhancement, pedestrian safety, connectivity of transportation assets and transit-oriented development. Read more
Treasurer Stacy Garrity and state Rep. Lindsay Powell (D-21) announced today that more than $200,000 in unclaimed property is being returned to residents and businesses in Pittsburgh following recent events hosted by Rep. Powell. Read more
“I’m pleased to see investments in enhancing roadways, but also ones that give residents other transportation options and prioritize pedestrian safety,” state Rep. Anita Kulik said. “These projects are practical steps towards creating communities that are more vibrant and accessible.” Read more
“Sidewalks are essential infrastructure that connect communities and promote physical activity,” state Rep. Dan Deasy said. “The new grants will help to improve safety and accessibility so that residents can navigate their neighborhoods with ease.” Read more
“As the state representative for the 33rd Legislative District, I prioritize investments that put the safety of communities first, and that is why I advocated for more than $1.25 million for our infrastructure,” Steele said. “With Pennsylvania having some of the oldest infrastructure in the country, the 33rd Legislative District would benefit from enhancements to our infrastructure, which include upgrading a traffic signal, constructing a roundabout, and installing sidewalks. These investments will make the townships of Harrison and O’Hara, and Sharpsburg Borough, safer and more accessible.” Read more
BRADDOCK, March 26 – Major transportation improvements are coming to Wilkinsburg and Swissvale, thanks to nearly $1.63 million in new grant funding from the Commonwealth Financing Authority, state Rep. Abigail Salisbury announced today. Salisbury, D-Allegheny, said three separate grants awarded under the CFA’s Multimodal Transportation Fund will support improvements for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists in both boroughs. “Safe, hassle-free transportation is a big quality-of-life issue and one that requires smart investments – whether they’re to upgrade existing roads and sidewalks or construct new routes that make it easier for folks to get around the community. The new funding will allow us to move forward on projects that will improve access and road quality for Wilkinsburg residents and add streetscaping to a busy route in Swissvale. I want to thank CFA and our local partners who helped us bring this funding home.” Salisbury said the funding includes: $643,268 to Wilkinsburg Borough to reconstruct Laketon Road and Graham Boulevard. $586,750 to Swissvale Borough for streetscape improvements along Monongahela Avenue. $397,310 to Action Housing Inc. to construct pedestrian and transportation improvements around Penn Lincoln Apartments in Wilkinsburg. The MTF provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available for Read more
The School Counseling Services Act (H.B. 1665) would require schools to implement comprehensive counseling services that provide support to all students. It would also direct school counselors to spend at least 80% of their time providing direct and indirect services to students. Read more
Bill would enhance rescue capabilities in western PA Read more
PITTSBURGH, March 20 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, said he is thrilled that the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament is making its seventh appearance in the Steel City and will be a strong stimulus to the local economy. The 19th Legislative District’s PPG Paints Arena will host first and second round March Madness action for the fifth time from March 21 to March 23 . The influx of foot traffic and subsequent patronage at the wide array of area businesses is a prospect he said he looks forward to seeing come to fruition. “I’m so proud to represent such diverse communities in Pittsburgh and look forward to seeing visitors from all corners of the country return or experience all the city has to offer for the first time,” Abney said. “Not only will they have lots of fun and make new memories, their collective stay will provide a vital boost to the economic cycle that keeps the city of Three Rivers moving onward and upward.” Not only that, Duquesne University, also in the district Abney represents, has punched their tournament ticket for the first time in nearly 50 years. They play Brigham Young University in the first round. Read more
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