By Rep. Aerion Abney

Hello, Northsiders! I’m eager to share with you some of the important work I’ve been doing in Harrisburg and here at home.

One piece of legislation I’ve introduced recently is set to be signed into law. House Bill 2378 would exclude saving bonds and their accrued interest from Pennsylvania seniors’ income when determining their eligibility for Pennsylvania’s prescription assistance programs: the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly and PACE Needs Enhancement Tier, otherwise known as PACE and PACENET.

Older Pennsylvanians don’t deserve to lose access to the medications they need to maintain and improve their health and well-being just because they exercised some savvy financial foresight. Prescription costs continue to rise, and my bill would keep significant dollars in seniors’ pockets to use on other necessities.

House Bill 2378 will be my first bill as a state representative to become law, so I’m excited to reach this milestone soon!

Gov. Josh Shapiro signed Executive Order 2024-03, the state’s first comprehensive Housing Action Plan to help ensure everyone in Pennsylvania has access to safe and affordable housing. The plan is data-driven and contains provisions that assess and determine housing needs at all geographical levels, identify all the components necessary to achieve the plan’s goal, evaluate the effectiveness of Pennsylvania’s current housing programs, and recommend ways to improve housing outcomes over the next five years.

The governor’s executive order will continue to shrink the housing gap and provide the needed steps to secure a roof over the heads of our neighbors and their families. Everyone deserves a safe and secure place to call home, and I continue to do everything in my power to make it a reality.

Pittsburgh Public Schools received a total of $9.1 million in state grants for HVAC improvements, asbestos and lead remediation, and to make related necessary repairs. Our students deserve the opportunity to excel in and out of the classroom to reach their highest possible potential.

The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh was also awarded grants of $600,000 and $300,000 to restore parts of Allegheny Landing and renovate the future site of the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh’s Annex, respectively. These dollars will go a long way to preserving the infrastructure and cultural identity of the Steel City.

Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t encourage everyone to get out and rock the vote. Make a plan and ensure your voice is heard on Nov. 5!

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving, and I’ll talk to everyone again in December!