Mixed Use Projects Coming To Our District!

More than $1.2 million in funding for a wide range of critical housing projects in Allegheny County was approved by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) recently.

I was able to secure tax credits for some exciting projects in our district, including one in Squirrel Hill and another in Penn Hills.

On Forward Avenue in Squirrel Hill, the Flats on Forward project will move forward with $1,250,000 in tax credits. They’re working on a six-story building which will contain 37 one-bedroom, and six two-bedroom units for general occupancy. They’ll also include six accessible units.

Emerald Hills Retirement Residence in Penn Hills will use tax credits of $1.2 million and $949,081 in PHARE Funds for construction of a building of 52 units for those 62 years of age of above. The project is on Saltzburg Road, and will also include eight market rate unites, and six fully accessible units.

I can’t wait to watch these projects come to fruition, and I’ll continue to share updates on their progress.

Council of State Government, Eastern Regional Conference

Pittsburgh was the venue for this year’s Council of State Government Eastern Regional Conference this year, and I was honored to host such a wonderful group of legislators, staff and advocates from this area.  The program was loaded with programs and lectures on topics including these and other policy issues: agriculture and rural development, military and veterans affairs, fiscal, health, Canada-U.S. relations, energy and environment, education, transportation, and more.

Election Reform

I recently read about the problems with Pennsylvania’s absentee ballot process. Our rules are so strict regarding absentee ballots, that the rate of our ballot rejections is 11 times higher than the national average.
Read more about that study here.

These rules are keeping folks from exercising their right to vote.

I am a long-time supporter of “no-excuse” absentee balloting, and I’ll keep up that fight when we return to Harrisburg in the fall. I also support measures to allow citizens to register to vote on the day of an election.

Free Financial Counseling

CLP Carrick is one of the places where you can schedule a Free Financial Counseling Session with Pittsburgh Financial Empowerment Center.  Contact them to schedule your session.

Early Education is Critical

Did you know that the first five years of life are critical to a child’s development and future success in school and life?

Ninety percent of their brains will be developed in that time.

As a parent, you are their first and most important teacher. You can help your child’s brain develop during these critical early years.

Click here or more information.

General Assistance

Back in June, the Senate Democratic Caucus and I fought hard against a bill that eliminated the General Assistance program, but we lost. The program, which provided $200 in cash assistance for folks who had fallen between the cracks of other programs, went away on August 1.

I’m working on legislative solutions to bring assistance back, but in the meantime, if you or someone you know was receiving General Assistance, please contact PA 211 to get information on the services that are available in your area.

In the 43rd

My tours of the 43rd senatorial district continue, and I’m trying to reach every corner. If you have suggestions for where I should go next, please let me know on my website or social media.

Keep tuning in every other Wednesday to see a new episode!

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