District 19 News: State Rep. Abney

Hello, Northsiders. I hope everyone had a fun and safe Fourth of July! I’m eager to share with you some of the important work I’ve been doing in Harrisburg and here at home.

Most importantly, our state budget passed the House in the first week of July!

I’m excited that increased budget funds, in the amount of $9.4 million, were awarded to the Pittsburgh School District for basic and special education. These dollars will help ensure there are a sufficient number of teachers and give students the tools they need to succeed at a high academic level. I also want to highlight the $46 million allocation for the universal free breakfast program in public school systems and the $100 million for school-based mental health grants.

Speaking of mental health resources, the budget’s $19.5 million in funds for mental health services statewide will be critical to connecting residents across the commonwealth with resources essential to their recovery and well-being.

The budget also includes $50 million for the Whole-Home Repairs Program and an expansion of the Property Tax/ Rent Rebate (PTRR) Program. PTRR will become available to an additional 175,000 individuals, and the maximum program benefit will rise to $1,000. Both measures will help keep residents in the homes where they’ve laid down strong roots.

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I’m proud to have added my input to a budget that works on behalf of all Pennsylvanians!

I’m proud that my affirmative vote on H.B. 1500 helped it pass the House as well. The bill would raise the Pennsylvania minimum wage to $15 per hour by the beginning of 2026 and would be the state’s first minimum wage increase in 16 years. The time has more than come to pay a livable and sustaining wage to the hard-working residents of Pennsylvania.

I also introduced H.B. 1429 and provided its details and benefits during testimony before my colleagues on the House Finance Committee. My legislation would expand the Neighborhood Assistance Program — proven to create jobs, bolster state and local sales tax revenue, reduce social inequity and do much more. It is my hope that communities across the commonwealth can become more desirable for people to want to live, work, play and raise a family.

Back at home, Allegheny County received a total of $115,000 in grants from the state’s Veterans’ Trust Fund. These funds will help provide all the individuals who have faithfully and bravely served our country with education, housing and health resources, among other benefits. Their day-to-day efforts make it possible for the rest of us to pursue a multitude of opportunities, which they equally deserve upon transitioning to civilian life.

Enjoy the last full month of summer and I’ll talk to you soon!