Senator Pisciottano Introduces EDGE 2.0, Lauds Governor’s Energy Plan for PA

Senator Pisciottano Introduces EDGE 2.0, Lauds Governor’s Energy Plan for PA

Monroeville, PA, March 12, 2025 – State Sen. Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) today praised Governor Josh Shapiro’s ambitious Lightning Plan, an energy proposal which seeks to lower electricity costs for Pennsylvanians, build more energy projects, and ensure that the state has clean, reliable, and affordable energy for future generations. The plan is designed to address the urgent need for modernized energy infrastructure while driving economic growth and reducing the carbon footprint of the state’s energy production.

“I commend Governor Shapiro for this bold, responsible, forward-looking energy plan, and I share his commitment to affordable, clean, and reliable energy for every family, business, and community in Pennsylvania,” said Senator Pisciottano. “This plan will lower electricity costs, which is a top priority for our residents who are facing rising utility bills. We are excited to introduce a plan that strikes a vital balance between meeting the growing energy demands of our state, while also making sure we are protecting our environment for future generations. By focusing on both innovation and practical solutions, we are setting the stage for Pennsylvania to thrive in the energy sector and compete in the global economy.”

Governor Shapiro’s plan includes a range of initiatives aimed at modernizing Pennsylvania’s energy grid, expanding the use of renewable energy sources, and creating thousands of good-paying jobs in energy sectors across the state. These efforts are designed to protect consumers from rising energy costs while creating a sustainable, competitive energy market that benefits everyone in the Commonwealth.

In coordination with the Governor’s announcement, Senator Pisciottano introduced a key piece of the Lightning Plan which updates a 2022 effort to attract new investment by creating the Pennsylvania Economic Development for a Growing Economy (PA EDGE) Tax Credit Program. This collection of tax credit programs will encourage next-generation energy, fuel, and dairy development in the Commonwealth. In the last three years, the need for those investments has grown, but limitations in the original design of EDGE have prevented it from serving its intended purposes; not one entity was eligible for a tax credit through EDGE.

As the prime sponsor of EDGE 2.0, Senator Pisciottano says the updated effort will ensure businesses can now take advantage of the tax credits to create jobs, innovate, and grow our economy by unlocking billions of dollars in new economic development.

“By combining EDGE with the Governor’s plan to lower electricity costs and expand power generation, we are helping to create a thriving manufacturing sector that will support the energy jobs of tomorrow,” Pisciottano said. “The EDGE program provides essential tax incentives for businesses to invest in Pennsylvania, especially those that are involved in bringing new, reliable energy sources onto the grid and creating jobs at facilities to produce sustainable fuel. This plan will strengthen our energy infrastructure, reduce costs, and build a future where Pennsylvania is a leader in the energy economy.”

The Governor’s energy plan is a critical step forward in securing a sustainable, clean energy future for Pennsylvania while creating new jobs and opportunities for businesses across the state. Senator Pisciottano remains committed to supporting policies that strengthen Pennsylvania’s energy sector and ensures its continued growth and success.

More information about EDGE can be found here, and additional information about the Governor’s Lightning Plan can be found here.

Senator Pisciottano and Representative Markosek to Host Informational Real ID Event in Partnership with PennDOT

Senator Pisciottano and Representative Markosek to Host Informational Real ID Event in Partnership with PennDOT

Monroeville, PA, February 27, 2025 – State Sen. Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) and State Rep. Brandon Markosek (D-Allegheny) today announced an upcoming informational event about Real ID, co-hosted with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), in preparation for the upcoming federal enforcement date for Real ID-compliant identification. The event will take place on March 20, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Turtle Creek Borough Building and virtually.

Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Turtle Creek Borough Building
125 Monroeville Avenue
Turtle Creek, PA 15145

 

As the enforcement date for the Real ID implementation draws closer, Sen. Pisciottano and Rep. Markosek are committed to helping their constituents navigate the process and understand how to obtain the new ID, which will be required for boarding domestic flights and accessing certain federal facilities starting on May 7, 2025.

“This event is meant to provide our constituents with the information they need to make an informed decision about the Real ID,” said Sen. Pisciottano. “There is still confusion about the Real ID and what the upcoming enforcement date will mean for our constituents. Residents want to know what it is, if it is required, how they can obtain one, and what documents they need to obtain one, among other questions, and this is what we’re here for – Representative Markosek and I want to prepare our constituents with accurate information to decide for themselves.”

The state legislators said the informational event will feature a presentation by PennDOT experts, who will walk attendees through the steps to apply for a Real ID, the documents needed, and the benefits of this enhanced identification. There will also be a question-and-answer session to ensure that residents have the opportunity to get questions answered.

“This REAL ID informational event is a valuable opportunity for our community to get the facts they need about REAL ID requirements with the enforcement date quickly approaching,” said Rep. Markosek. “Through this collaboration with Senator Pisciottano and PennDOT, we’re helping folks understand their options and get their questions answered so that they feel confident in navigating the process.”

The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The Act aims to improve the security of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards by setting federal standards for issuance. The Real ID Act has been rolled out over the past several years, and all states, including Pennsylvania, are now required to offer Real ID-compliant identification. While Pennsylvania residents can still use their standard driver’s licenses for most everyday purposes, a Real ID will be necessary for activities like flying domestically and entering certain federal buildings.

As of May 7, 2025, federal agencies will begin enforcing the Real ID requirement for air travel and access to federal facilities. Without a Real ID or an acceptable alternative, such as a U.S. passport, residents will not be able to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities that require identification.

Sen. Pisciottano and Rep. Markosek said that in addition to the in-person location, a virtual option is being offered for constituents to attend who can’t make it to Turtle Creek on March 20th.

Constituents are encouraged to attend on March 20th to learn how they can prepare to obtain a Real ID ahead of the enforcement date. For more information, or to RSVP, constituents can visit https://pasenatornick.com/RealId/.

Pisciottano Announces Almost $1.5 Million for Transportation Improvement Projects

Pisciottano Announces Almost $1.5 Million for Transportation Improvement Projects

Monroeville, PA − February 24, 2025 – State Sen. Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) today announced that local communities will receive $1,485,000 in grants to support transportation improvement projects in the 45th Senate District. This funding will help improve infrastructure, enhance mobility, and strengthen local economies, benefitting residents and businesses alike.

“These investments are meant to improve the quality of life for residents in our communities,” said Sen. Pisciottano. “This funding will ensure that our roads and local transportation infrastructure is safer, more efficient, and better equipped to support the needs of our region.”

Senator Pisciottano thanked several state officials for their roles in bringing these funds back to the district, noting his partnerships with State Representatives Dan Miller, John Inglis, Matthew Gergely, Abigail Salisbury, and Brandon Markosek.

“It was a pleasure to work with these state representatives in Allegheny County,” Pisciottano said. “We all want to help our constituents and to bring funds back from Harrisburg for community improvements, and we were all happy to get this done.”

The following projects in the 45th District will benefit from the latest round of multimodal transportation grants:

Multimodal Transportation Fund

  • Castle Shannon – $225,000 to renovate the pedestrian bridge on Smith Road (with Rep. Miller)
  • Glassport – $250,000 to reconstruct 3 blocks of sidewalks on Monongahela Avenue (with Rep. Inglis)
  • Munhall – $385,000 to replace sidewalks on Main Street (with Rep. Gergely)
  • North Braddock – $225,000 to reconstruct Jones Avenue from Library Street to 6th Street (with Rep. Salisbury)
  • Wilmerding – $400,000 to reconstruct Card Avenue, Middle Avenue, and Patton Street (with Rep. Markosek)

“By investing in transportation, we are not just improving roads and bridges, we are investing in the future of our communities,” Sen. Pisciottano said. “I will continue to work with state and local officials to secure more resources to support these types of essential projects.”

The Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the Commonwealth. These grants are intended to support the development, rehabilitation, and enhancement of transportation assets to existing communities, streetscape, lighting, sidewalk enhancement, pedestrian safety, connectivity of transportation assets and transit-oriented development.

The grants were approved during a meeting today in the Capitol by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA), an independent agency of Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development, which is responsible for administering the Commonwealth’s economic stimulus packages.

Pisciottano Announces Over $1 Million for Local Firefighters, EMS

Pisciottano Announces Over $1 Million for Local Firefighters, EMS

Monroeville, PA February 12, 2025 – State Sen. Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) today announced $1,016,259 to support emergency service agencies in the 45th District through the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program (FCEMSGP).

“We have some amazing firefighters and EMS workers in our community, and it’s important we make sure they have access to the resources they need to protect us.” said Pisciottano.

The FCEMSGP is administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC) which makes grants available for volunteer and career fire companies, emergency medical services, and rescue squads. All fire departments, emergency medical services, and volunteer rescue squads are eligible to apply for this annual grant program.

“Firefighters and EMS workers often risk their own lives to protect our community,” said Pisciottano. “They deserve access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities to do their jobs safely.”

Eligible projects include facility upgrades, equipment, debt reduction, training and certification, education and public outreach, and recruitment and retention efforts. Additionally, fire companies were permitted to apply for construction savings accounts for the purposes of new facility construction.

The OSFC said that Grant Agreements have been sent out to companies and the signed agreements must be completed and returned to OSFC by May 30, 2025.

Pisciottano said he will continue advocating for more state funding from Harrisburg to better support local first responders so they are adequately prepared to keep communities in Allegheny County and across the Commonwealth safe.

A complete list of the $37.6 million awarded to 2,541 applicants across the state in this round of FCEMSGP funding is available here.

Senator Nick Pisciottano Announces Satellite Service Across District to Better Serve Constituents

Senator Nick Pisciottano Announces Satellite Service Across District to Better Serve Constituents

Monroeville, PA, February, 10, 2025 – State Sen. Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) today announced that in addition to full-time offices in Monroeville and McKeesport, constituents can now seek state assistance at several satellite locations throughout the district.

“My top priority is ensuring that my constituents have reliable access to the government services they need,” said Pisciottano. “My constituent service staff are available to assist residents with a number of issues at any of my district or satellite offices.”

Senator Pisciottano’s full-time district office locations and hours:

Monroeville District Office
Monday – Friday | 8:30am – 4:30pm
One Monroeville Center
3824 Northern Pike | Suite 1015
Monroeville, PA 15146
McKeesport District Office
Monday – Friday | 8:30am – 4:30pm
Public Safety Building
201 Lysle Boulevard | Suite 100
McKeesport, PA 15132

Pisciottano said his offices can help with an array of state issues and applications, including property tax and rent rebates, free senior bus passes, unclaimed property, and more.

Senator Pisciottano’s satellite office locations and hours:

Homestead Satellite Office
Monday – Friday | 9:00am – 4:00pm
Homestead Borough Building
221 East 7th Avenue | Homestead
Plum Satellite Office
Monday – Friday | 10:00am – 4:00pm
Plum Borough Community Library
445 Center New Texas Road | Plum
North Braddock Satellite Office
Every Monday | 9:00am – 3:00pm
North Braddock Borough Building
600 Anderson Street | North Braddock
Turtle Creek Satellite Office
Every Tuesday | 9:00am – 4:00pm
Turtle Creek Borough Building
125 Monroeville Avenue | Turtle Creek
Glassport Satellite Office
Every Wednesday | 9:00am – 4:00pm
Glassport Borough Building
12 Monongahela Avenue | Glassport
North Versailles Satellite Office
Every Wednesday | 9:00am – 4:00pm
North Versailles Municipal Building
1401 Greensburg Avenue | North Versailles
Whitehall Satellite Office
Every Wednesday | 10:00am – 4:00pm
Whitehall Public Library
100 Borough Park Drive | Whitehall
Forward Township Satellite Office
2nd Tuesday of Every Month | 9:00am – 12:00pm
Forward Township Municipal Building
1000 Golden Circle | Forward Township
Elizabeth Township Satellite Office
2nd Tuesday of Every Month | 1:30pm – 4:00pm
Elizabeth Township Municipal Building
522 Rock Run Road | Elizabeth Township
White Oak Satellite Office
3rd Tuesday of Every Month | 9:00am – 4:00pm
White Oak Borough Building
2280 Lincoln Way | White Oak
Brentwood Satellite Office
3rd Thursday of Every Month | 10:00am – 4:00pm
Brentwood Public Library
3501 Brownsville Road | Brentwood
Clairton Satellite Office
By Appointment – 412-380-2242
Produce Marketplace
519 St. Clair Avenue | Clairton
Pitcairn Satellite Office
By Appointment – 412-380-2242
Pitcairn Borough Building
609 Broadway Boulevard | Pitcairn

During his time in the State House, Pisciottano developed a reputation for providing top-notch service to constituents, and he said he plans to build on that as Senator by being available in even more locations than ever before.

From assistance with energy and prescription bills to PennDOT and unemployment issues, Pisciottano said his offices are open and available to help with any issue big or small.