By Rep. Abney

Hello, Northsiders! I would like to share with you a recap of this year’s state budget hearings in Harrisburg and talk a little bit about some of the questions I raised with the heads of state departments and agencies.

Week one of budget hearings kicked off with the Pennsylvania departments of Community & Economic Development and Transportation, and I asked about issues including blight removal and action planning, the economic impact of the 2026 NFL Draft coming to Pittsburgh, helping trade unions with diversification, and public transportation’s effect on our environment.

I also asked Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and community college officials about affordability and what their schools are doing to better serve student athletes across campuses. Supporting our students means investing in their success and investing in what future generations can contribute to our Commonwealth.

During week two, I talked to the heads of the state departments of Labor & Industry and Aging about what the effects would be on the state unemployment compensation system if federal employees lose their jobs and the Shared Housing and Resource Exchange program’s benefits for seniors.

I inquired about the state Auditor General’s recent report on cyber charter schools and how their funding oversight lacks parity with that provided by the Department of Education for brick-and-mortar school districts, as well. Taxpayers not only deserve transparency when it comes to seeing where their hard-earned dollars are going, but they also deserve to save as many of those dollars as possible based on school needs. In addition, the Pittsburgh School District would save $17 million if cyber charter reforms in Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal are enacted!

The final week of budget hearings entailed discussions with the departments of Corrections and Human Services on wages for working incarcerated individuals and the state’s Homeless Assistance Programs. I also asked the Auditor General’s office about addressing vacancies in state government departments under his jurisdiction.

Additionally, I spoke with Pennie (Pennsylvania’s Affordable Care Act Marketplace) about the benefits of its Affordability Assistance Program and the Department of Insurance about what it’s doing to ensure mental health coverage for Pennsylvanians. Everyone deserves the right to make the best life possible for themselves and their families. Mental health is just as important as physical health, so we must do all we can to safeguard both for our neighbors.

Back at home, a state grant of nearly $650,000 went to modernizing the traffic signal at the intersection of East General Robinson Street and Sandusky Street and for pedestrian safety improvements on the North Shore. Thank you to state Sen. Wayne Fontana for his help in securing these dollars.

I hope everyone who celebrates has a safe and Happy Easter and Passover, and I’ll talk to you all again in May!