By State Rep. Abney

Hello, Northsiders! I hope everyone who celebrated had a safe and enjoyable Mother’s Day and Memorial Day. I’m eager to share with you some of the important work I’ve been doing in Harrisburg and here at home.

I’m excited to collaborate with state Rep. Danielle Friel Otten in the Pennsylvania House on bills that seek to help fulfill a key element of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal and invest in a green Pennsylvania. My legislation (H.B. 2275) would establish the Pennsylvania Climate Emission Reduction Program, which would mandate that large carbon-emitting entities pay their fair share to engage in that activity. Of the total revenues collected, 70% would be returned to Pennsylvanian electricity consumers in the form of a rebate. The remaining 30%, acquired from out-of-state users, would go toward projects focused on reducing air pollution and benefiting environmental justice communities.

Combined with Rep. Friel Otten’s Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Sustainability Standard bill (H.B. 2277), this legislation would provide a much-needed bridge to a more renewable future, foster economic growth, and move us closer toward environmental justice. I also want to thank state Sens. Carolyn Comitta and Steve Santarsiero for their companion bills in the state Senate.

My Allegheny County colleague state Rep. Lindsay Powell and I authored an op-ed on H.B. 2195 published by TribLive.com. House Bill 2195 is our bill to establish a state version of the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The federal ACP, providing $30 monthly rebates to help qualifying households pay for the Internet, is at an end and hasn’t been renewed by Congress. Our bill, co-sponsored by state Rep. Roni Green, would reinstitute the program in Pennsylvania specifically to assist households with children aged 5-18.

Many residents depend on Internet access, whether to help their kids keep up with schoolwork, access telehealth with their doctors, or to work from the comfort and convenience of home a day or two during the week. This bill, combined with the recent announcement that $1.16 billion in broadband, equity, access, and deployment federal funding for broadband infrastructure has been approved, would help keep everyone connected, and we’re committed to keep this connection in place for as many Pennsylvanians as possible.

I also took part in several events to honor the legacy of K. Leroy Irvis, my predecessor as representative of Pennsylvania’s 19th Legislative District and the first Black Speaker of the House. I led a Pennsylvania House Democratic Policy Committee hearing on voting rights statewide while in Harrisburg. Efforts to give everyone a seat at the table and craft and enact meaningful legislation for all Pennsylvanians must continue to grow stronger, along with ensuring everyone can vote in free and fair elections.

Here at home, I want to thank everyone who attended and made their voices heard at our recent community budget briefing. My fellow representatives and I hope to transform your thoughts and opinions into funds that benefit and support all walks of life here in the Commonwealth.

I am excited by the recent announcement that the NFL Draft will be coming to the Steel City in 2026. Along with having the Steelers right in District 19’s backyard, this prospect will bring hundreds of thousands of people to our city, bring awareness to its beauty, and translate into a sizable boost to the local economy!

Finally, I want to take a second to mark Juneteenth and pledge that I will continue to advocate and work toward a more inclusive Pennsylvania.

I look forward to talking with you all again in July!