By Rep. Abney

Hello, Northsiders! 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 announce that I was elected the new chair of the House Allegheny County Democratic Delegation! I previously served as city vice chair on the delegation.

I’m grateful to my colleagues for giving me the honor to serve as chair and elevate the priorities of our delegation both in Harrisburg and across our region. With so much uncertainty facing our country and state, our region will need to display strong leadership focused on improving the quality of life for our residents. I look forward to working with our government partners and other stakeholders alike to promote an agenda that is realistic, relevant and impactful.

House Bill 2378 has also been signed into law as Act 118 of 2024!

Act 118 excludes redeemed saving bonds and their accrued interest from Pennsylvania seniors’ income when determining their eligibility for Pennsylvania’s prescription assistance programs: the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly and PACE Needs Enhancement Tier, otherwise known as PACE and PACENET.

Keeping prescription coverage in place for our seniors ensures they continue to receive the medications they need to maintain and improve their health and well-being. In addition, excluding savings bond assets will keep more money in their pockets for other necessities.

Act 118 is my first law on the books as a state representative, and I want to thank Gov. Josh Shapiro and all my fellow legislators for supporting this great investment in older Pennsylvanians.

Multiple Northside institutions were awarded a variety of state grants as well. Some of the biggest allotments include $1.5 million to renovate and update the Allegheny YMCA, $500,000 to redesign and renovate the former Horace Mann School, $500,000 to construct seven or eight affordable, energy-efficient and for-sale homes in the Perry South neighborhood, and $500,000 to construct a veterinary hospital, habitat, programming and office space at the National Aviary.

Investing in housing projects for the people of Pittsburgh and in additional endeavors means that the Steel City will continue to be a welcoming place to neighbors and visitors alike. A big thank you to state Sen. Wayne Fontana for his collaboration with me in acquiring the funding.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Kwanzaa to all who celebrate, and I’ll talk to everyone again in 2025!