District 19 News: State Rep. Abney

Hello, Northsiders! I’m eager to share with you some of the important work I’ve been doing in Harrisburg and back here at home. I also want to share an important resource for the winter season.

Gov. Josh Shapiro’s signature on the Fiscal and School code bills will help neighbors burdened with multiple hardships across Pennsylvania through the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, Fresh Food Financing Initiative and more. Not only that, the finalized budget provides for a $567 million increase in funding for education and invests an additional $3 million in Pennsylvania’s workforce. Adding my affirmative vote to enact these laws means I’m focused on investing in the future of young neighbors and an educated, trained workforce that increases economic opportunities for all Pennsylvanians.

Back here at home, I was grateful to join Lt. Governor Austin Davis and PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll to announce $132 million for bridge repairs in Allegheny County. Pittsburgh is the City of Bridges, and these spans are crucial to the flow of commerce and overall local economic health. Also, they’re key to connecting citizens and communities and vice versa. Thank you to the Shapiro- Davis administration for their continued commitment to the prosperity of the region.

Speaking of funds, the 19th Legislative District received a total of almost $1.8 million in grants to support multiple community non-profit arts and cultural institutions. Part of those funds include grants of $95,000 each going to Carnegie Science Center, The Andy Warhol Museum and Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Arts and culture are such a huge part of the Steel City’s identity, and I’m proud to help champion artists from all backgrounds. Their contributions to the local economy and city pride cannot be overstated!

The district also received over $870,000 in Commonwealth Financing Authority grants. Humane Animal Rescue League was awarded $100,000 to expand their community veterinary clinic, Charles Street Area Corporation obtained $105,000 to build a parklet and acquire land for affordable housing, $125,000 was awarded to the National Aviary for rose garden and pathway improvement projects, and $250,000 went to Riverlife to reconstruct Allegheny Landing. Thank you to all my state Senate and House colleagues for their assistance in procuring these integral investments.

Finally, I want to remind everyone about the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The program is available to help qualified residents with their heating bills in the form of a cash grant. Households in immediate danger of being without heat can also qualify for a crisis grant. The cash grant is a one-time payment sent directly to the utility company/fuel provider to be credited on your bill. These grants range from $300 to $1,000 based on household size, income and fuel type and do not need to be repaid. Please visit dhs.pa.gov and click on “LIHEAP” for more information. You can apply to the program by using compass.state.pa.us.

Be safe, stay warm, and I’ll talk to all of you again next month!