District 19 News: State Rep. Abney

Hello, Northsiders! A happy spring to all, and I hope everyone who celebrated had a safe and enjoyable Ramadan, Purim and Easter. I’m eager to share with you some of the important work I’ve been doing in Harrisburg and important news for the Commonwealth.

With the Pennsylvania House Appropriations Committee’s state budget hearings concluded, I’m excited to move into regular session and go from budget conversations to budget negotiations!

I stood with fellow social workers and spotlighted the integral work they do every day while in Harrisburg. My legislation to bring Pennsylvania into the fold of the Social Work Licensure Compact is one measure I and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle must bring to the governor’s desk, and it’s one that will help provide these unsung heroes with financial stability for themselves and their families and benefit the state as a whole.

I’m a husband to an amazing Black woman and two amazing Black sons and was honored to advocate for the rights of Black and brown mothers and birthing individuals throughout the Commonwealth as well. I’m also a proud member of the Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus and am committed to amplifying this conversation and to help ensure equitable care.

Back at home, I joined my Pennsylvania House Democratic colleagues for a Policy Committee hearing on affordable housing. I asked officials about community plans for housing development and the efforts to help tenants avoid eviction. Affordable housing must be accessible to all, and I thank my colleague Rep. Abigail Salisbury for hosting the event.

We reconvened the following day to discuss the benefits of unions to employers and employees at a hearing hosted by Rep. Nick Pisciottano. Employee morale and job satisfaction are but two contributing factors that translate into higher sales and a significant stimulus to the local economy when both sides foster a strong professional relationship.

Carnegie Science Center was also awarded a $100,000 Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Boating Facility grant to complete a feasibility study and produce design/engineering plans for a boating facility and related infrastructure along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. I’m proud to support this initiative for residents and visitors alike to experience and explore the natural beauty of the three rivers by boat.

In state news, I’m extremely pleased that Governor Josh Shapiro recently announced the formation of the Pennsylvania Election Threats Task Force. Law enforcement officers and election officials at multiple levels will focus on stamping out voter intimidation, election disinformation and related matters. It is my firm belief that free and fair elections reflect the will of the people and must always be protected.

The Shapiro administration recently secured $20 million in federal funding to provide schools, libraries, nonprofits and related institutions with laptops and other internet-accessible equipment, as well. These dollars will go a long way toward enabling connectivity across the digital highway for neighbors statewide.

I look forward to talking to all of you again next month!