February 4, 2025
Harrisburg, PA, February 4, 2025 – State Sen. Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) today said that Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2025-26 state budget plan is a solid spending framework that builds on two years of progress and paves the way for a stronger economy and safer communities for Pennsylvania.
Gov. Shapiro presented his $51.47 billion General Fund spending plan to a joint session of the General Assembly this morning at the state Capitol. The plan does not include a call for state tax increases.
Today’s budget proposal emphasizes affordability, job growth, public safety, education funding, and infrastructure enhancements.
Pisciottano commended the governor for prioritizing the Commonwealth’s continued economic growth by fostering a thriving workforce through development, skills training, and education, by creating an environment for small businesses to succeed by leveraging public capital to generate private sector investments, and by introducing a forward-looking energy plan focused on increasing production, creating jobs, cutting costs, and holding down electric bills.
Pisciottano was also encouraged by the proposed investments in public education, including school repairs, mental health, free breakfast, student teacher stipends, and special education.
A board member for Pittsburgh Regional Transit, the second-largest public transit agency in Pennsylvania, Pisciottano said he was pleased to see the governor prioritizing transportation investments in his budget address. Pennsylvania can attract businesses and grow its economy by modernizing the public transit systems and investing in roads and bridges to make them safer.
Pisciottano’s statement follows:
“Groceries, housing, utilities, and childcare costs have hurt families, and this budget will put money back in the pockets of Pennsylvanians while investing in stronger communities.”
“I will work with the administration to fill out the framework of the budget with the details to help communities thrive and keep our neighbors safe and healthy.”
“I am happy to see the governor taking the opportunity to continue addressing the long-term and systemic neglect of our public education system, a system that has been declared unconstitutional in its inequity.”
“At the same time, I applaud the governor for investing in our police through the expansion and continued improvements to training and equipping our troopers.”
“The governor’s proposed budget does not include a call for additional taxes, which is a win for all taxpayers.”
“From lowering costs and raising the minimum wage, to equitably funding public schools and supporting first-time home buyers, the budget should lift Pennsylvanians of all ages in all regions. It is a thoughtful and balanced approach to governing, and I’m looking forward to filling in the details over the next several months.”
“I’m eager to work with Governor Shapiro and my colleagues in the General Assembly, on both sides of the aisle, to ensure that we enact a solid spending plan that meets the needs of Pennsylvanians and builds on our economic successes, without raising taxes.”
For more details on Pennsylvania’s budget, visit www.pasenate.com/budget.
January 28, 2025
Harrisburg, PA, January 28, 2025 – State Sen. Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) today announced $1,900,875 in grants for economic development in the 45th Senatorial District.
“These grants will help local leaders complete a variety of projects to improve our neighborhoods,” Pisciottano said. “I was happy to support these projects and bring these funds back to Allegheny County to help our communities in a variety of ways from parks and recreation to community centers to bridge rehabilitation and much more.”
Senator Pisciottano thanked former Senator Jim Brewster and several state officials for their roles in bringing these funds back to the district, noting his partnership with State Representatives Jessica Benham, Matthew Gergely, John Inglis, Andrew Kuzma, Brandon Markosek, Joe McAndrew, Dan Miller, and Abigail Salisbury.
“I was grateful to be able to work with Senator Brewster and these incredible state representatives in Allegheny County,” Pisciottano said. “We all have the goals to help our constituents and bring funds back from Harrisburg to boost our communities, and it is a pleasure to work with these lawmakers to do just that.”
Projects in Senator Pisciottano’s district receiving funding include:
Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund
- Churchview Farm in Baldwin received $100,000 for construction of a teaching kitchen (with Rep. Inglis)
- Braddock Carnegie Library Association received $140,000 for historic renovations (with Rep. Salisbury)
- Brentwood received $50,000 for athletic field ADA accessible restrooms (with Rep. Benham)
- Castle Shannon received $50,000 for Fountain Street stairs and retaining wall (with Rep. Miller)
- Clairton received $140,000 for Community Park ADA accessible restrooms (with Rep. Gergely)
- East McKeesport received $150,000 for Community Center improvements (with Rep. Markosek)
- Elizabeth Township received $205,000 for the Boston Road improvement project (with Rep. Kuzma)
- Glassport received $50,000 for municipal building renovations (with Rep. Inglis)
- Liberty received $50,000 for community building improvements (with Rep. Gergely)
- Save Sports Arts & Video Education in McKeesport received $50,000 for building and grounds improvements (with Rep. Gergely)
- North Braddock received $50,000 for Hawkins Avenue Bridge rehabilitation (with Rep. Salisbury)
- North Versailles received $85,000 for Community Center improvements (with Rep. Markosek)
- Port Vue received $50,000 for VFD parking lot installation (with Rep. Gergely)
- Versailles received $50,000 for sewer rehabilitation (with Rep. Gergely)
- Wall received $50,000 for demolition of 6 structures (with Rep. Markosek)
- West Mifflin Sanitary Sewer & Stormwater Authority received $50,000 for Pleasant Hills Pump Station upgrades (with Reps. Inglis and Gergely)
- Whitaker received $50,000 for public works facility demo and site preparation (with Rep. Gergely)
- Mission: Agape in White Oak received $50,000 for custom healthy food box deliveries to low-income families (with Rep. Gergely)
- Whitehall received $100,000 for tennis court refurbishment (with Rep. Inglis)
- Wilmerding received $50,000 for demolition (with Rep. Markosek)
Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program
- Plum received $250,000 for Plum Creek Park Improvements (with Reps. Markosek and McAndrew)
Watershed Restoration and Protection Program
- Plum received $80,875 for stormwater improvements (with Reps. Markosek and McAndrew)
Grants were awarded to 22 projects in Senator Pisciottano’s district, with 20 projects receiving awards from the Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund (GEDTF), 1 project receiving an award from the Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program (GTRP), and 1 project receiving an award from the Watershed Restoration and Protection Program (WRPP).
The GEDTF, administered by the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County (RAAC), provides financial assistance to awardees to carry out important economic development projects. Eligible applicants include municipalities, authorities, councils of government, non-profit organizations, trusts, and for-profit businesses.
The GTRP, administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) and authorized under Act 13 of 2012, awards grants for the development, rehabilitation and improvement of public parks, recreation areas, greenways, trails, and river conservation.
The WRPP, another program authorized under Act 13 of 2012 and administered by the CFA, awards grants for the construction, improvement, expansion, repair, maintenance or rehabilitation of new or existing watershed protection Best Management Practices (BMPs).
More about RAAC funding is available online, and more information about CFA programs and funding is available here.
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January 23, 2025
Allegheny County, PA − January 23, 2025 – Senator Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) today applauded the announcement of a total of $16,944,691 in funding for organizations in Allegheny County, including $9,511,747 for agencies serving the 45th District, from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) for anti-violence community organizations.
“I am happy to support these grants to organizations in Allegheny County working to make our communities safer,” said Pisciottano. “It is important for the Commonwealth to make these smart public investments by funding proven strategies to reduce crime, lower recidivism, and support our youth.”
The awards were made by PCCD’s School Safety and Security Committee through the Building Opportunity Through Out-of-School Time (BOOST) Grants and the Violence Intervention & Prevention (VIP) Grants.
Pisciottano said the grants provide funding for structured programming opportunities for at-risk school-age youth and violence intervention and prevention initiatives.
Awardees in Allegheny County and serving the 45th Senate District include:
- Allegheny Youth Development – $139,520 in BOOST funding to expand its SEL programming and overall service capacity to improve the lives of children.
- Early Excellence Project – $235,446 in BOOST funding to expand the High Impact Tutoring Program to out-of-school time (OST) settings.
- Hopebound Ministries, Inc. (dba Mooncrest Neighborhood Programs) – $79,000 in BOOST funding to support a free 10-week summer camp program and a free after-school program serving children in an underserved neighborhood.
- Learning Disabilities Association of Pennsylvania – $60,000 in BOOST funding to provide high-quality reading instruction to at-risk youth within communities with higher needs.
- Melting Pot Ministries – $250,000 in BOOST funding to provide out-of-school time (OST) services to at-risk youth.
- North Hills Affordable Housing (dba HEARTH) – $250,000 in BOOST funding to expand its on-site out-of-school time programming for children and youth in its transitional housing program.
- SLB Radio Productions Inc. – $192,410 in BOOST funding to provide a full day, 5 days/week, 6-week OST program for at-risk teens.
- Steel City Squash, Inc. – $250,000 in BOOST funding to expand its out-of-school time programming that utilizes education, athletics, and mentorship to empower under-resourced youth to achieve academic, athletic, and personal success.
- Volunteers of America of Pennyslvania – $208,184 in BOOST funding to enhance its OST program.
- Youth Opporunities Development – $138,225 in BOOST funding to provide daily, year-round afterschool and summer programming for underserved youth in Clairton, PA.
- Pennsylvania Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs – $1,500,000 in BOOST funding to expand statewide OST services for school-aged at-risk youth.
- Pennsylvania State Alliance of YMCAs – $1,500,000 in BOOST funding to provide safe, supervised and structured programming for over 15,800 at-risk youth at 14 Pennsylvania YMCA Associations throughout the Commonwealth.
- 1Hood Media – $620,000 in VIP funding to expand and enhance their We Keep Us Safe (WKUS) media literacy and violence prevention program for young adults.
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh – $900,000 in VIP funding to provide evidence-based youth mentoring programs at five schools in Pittsburgh’s Eastern suburbs.
- Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania – $950,000 in VIP funding to provide no-cost, virtual and in-person mental healthcare, and counseling services.
- Café Momentum Pittsburgh – $914,300 in VIP funding to provide justice-impacted youth with paid, comprehensive workforce development internships.
- Carnegie Library of Homestead – $582,666 in VIP funding to expand and enhance their Youth Development and Restorative Justice Program.
- Foundation of HOPE – $949,253 in VIP funding to expand their reentry program and their collaboration with the Greater Pittsburgh Area MAD DADS initiative to enable returning citizens to be financially compensated for participating in street outreach and violence prevention programs.
- Homewood Children’s Village – $950,000 in VIP funding to support its Holistic Anti-Violence Education Network (HAVEN) program.
- The Legacy Arts Project – $434,840 in VIP funding to implement the expansion of Drums Not Guns, a culturally enriching program to reduce gun violence and participation in gang activity.
- University of Pittsburgh – $949,856 in VIP funding to support expansion of the Empowering Teens to Thrive (ET3) hospital-based violence intervention program and community-based mentorship program for youth injured or impacted by community violence.
- Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh – $500,000 in VIP funding to expand the efforts of the Legal Advocacy Department’s work with high-risk intimate partner violence (IPV) victims in danger of firearm violence.
- Youth Enrichment Services, Inc. – $950,000 in VIP funding to enhance its youth-led peer engagement and violence prevention programming.
- Phase 4 Learning Center, Inc. – $949,991 in VIP funding to expand its P4: 247 CommUNITY program, which provides culturally sensitive, trauma-informed mentoring and counseling interventions.
- Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) – $950,000 to connect recently released individuals with gun-related offenses to transitional paid employment, peer support, and community resources to reduce recidivism.
- Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association – $591,000 to enhance its statewide programs that combat and reduce community violence, domestic violence, and intimate partner violence.
- Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence – $950,000 to address gun violence among those also experiencing domestic violence through the expansion of its community-led strategies to intervene in and respond to domestic violence (DV).
More information about the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency and the grants it awards can be found at www.pccd.pa.gov.
January 20, 2025
Sunday, January 19, 2025 – Senator Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) today released the following statement on the passing of State Representative Matthew R. Gergely:
“It is with profound sadness that Molly and I share our prayers and deepest condolences with the Gergely Family on the passing of my friend and colleague, Representative Matthew R. Gergely.
Matt’s unwavering commitment to the City of McKeesport, the Monongahela Valley communities he represented, and the people of Pennsylvania is a lasting example to all community leaders and elected officials. Above all else, he was focused on helping ordinary people lead better lives and ensuring the next generation have opportunities to succeed.
I had the privilege to work with Matt as a friend and colleague for the last two years and saw firsthand his devotion to making his community better. His time in Harrisburg was one of the most impactful of any new legislator. I will miss his quick wit and the sly smile he delivered at the end of a joke.
Our hearts go out to his wife and two sons as they grieve the loss of a husband and father who frequently spoke fondly of the deep love he held for his family. Matt’s mark on the world will continue to endure in our memories of his service to his community and dedication to his family.”
January 15, 2025
Also Appointed to Four Additional Standing Committees
Monroeville, PA, January 15, 2025 – State Sen. Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) today announced he has been appointed as the Democratic Chair of the PA Senate Finance Committee.
“This appointment is an honor and privilege,” said Pisciottano. “Leading the Finance Committee will offer a critical role in driving a strong economy and ensuring Pennsylvania remains competitive with other states while fighting for low and fair taxes for working families.”
The Senate Finance Committee has the primary role of reviewing legislation affecting Pennsylvania’s tax codes, including any future tax increases or cuts. The committee has oversight of the PA Department of Revenue, PA Department of Treasury, PA Auditor General, and the state’s retirement boards.
Pisciottano brings a wealth of experience to this new role as a certified public accountant and auditor who worked for some of the largest and most well-known companies in the world for nearly a decade prior to his public service career. As one of the few CPAs in the state legislature, Pisciottano has a unique set of skills to advance legislation that protects taxpayers and provide rigorous oversight over various state agencies.
Pisciottano was also appointed to three additional Senate standing committees: Labor & Industry, Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure, Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness, and Game & Fisheries. During his prior service in the state House, Pisciottano was an active member of the Labor and Consumer Protection committees and had two bills that originated in each of those committees signed into law by Governor Shapiro last year.
“Serving on these additional key committees will allow me to continue my work in Harrisburg and in Allegheny County to protect workers, assist small businesses, resolve unemployment compensation issues, help local volunteer fire departments, and support our veterans,” Pisciottano said. “I am proud to have a voice at the table for issues that are important to my district so I can ensure that the needs of my constituents are met.”
Residents can visit his website for more information about the newly sworn-in Senator and to get assistance with a variety of state issues at PASenatorNick.com.
January 15, 2025
Monroeville, PA, January 15, 2024 – State Sen. Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) today announced an $85,000 grant for the Steel Center for Career and Technical Education in Allegheny County from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).
“Investing in career and technical schools is an investment in Pennsylvania’s future,” said Pisciottano. “These grant awards will provide students with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing job market, while also addressing the growing demand for skilled workers across sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and technology.”
PDE awarded Competitive Equipment Grants to school districts and career and technical centers with eight or more PDE-approved Career Technical Education programs. Funds can be used to update or purchase new equipment to prepare students for the workplace.
Pisciottano said this competitive grant program will help career and technical schools continue to provide high-quality training in key industries.
The Steel Center will use its $85,000 grant to modernize its Homeland Security Law Enforcement, Firefighting, and related programs with a new ambulance trainer package.
January 13, 2025
Monroeville, PA, January 13, 2024 – State Sen. Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) today announced $3,228,569 in funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) to benefit organizations combatting violence.
“I am pleased to see these awards come to Allegheny County to support the 45th District,” said Pisciottano. “These grants are intended to protect our communities, support victims of crime, and strengthen our justice system. From supporting law enforcement officers to advocating for victims of assault, it’s critical that Pennsylvania make these investments for community safety.”
The PCCD met in December to approve funding from several state and federal programs. Award totals and recipients are below:
Federal STOP Violence Against Women Act Funds award:
$75,000 – SisTers PGH Corp. – Project T Housing Support
Federal Victims of Crime Funds, Rights and Services Act Funds awards:
$53,147 – Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh – Assisting Victims of IPV in Criminal Court
$80,395 – Pittsburgh Action Against Rape – RASA and VOJO Services to Sexual Violence Victims
$855,638 – Center for Victims – RASA/VOJO January 2025 – December 2025
$18,583 – Crisis Center North, Inc. – Continued Magisterial Services
$15,164 – Alle-Kiski Area Hope Center – HOPE RASA Services
State Medical Marijuana Enforcement Act Funds awards:
$248,166 – Duquesne City – Medical Marijuana Enforcement
$249,700 – Plum Borough – Medical Marijuana Enforcement Training
Federal Project Safe Neighborhood Funds awards:
$37,068 – Allegheny County Chief Executive Officer – Allegheny County Police PSN 4
$26,520 – Brothers and Sisters Emerging – Project Safe Neighborhood
$16,521 – City of Clairton – Clairton Police Department
$18,623 – Neighborhood Resilience Project – Project Safe Neighborhoods
$32,361 – The Pittsburgh Contingency, Inc. – South Pittsburgh Coalition for Peace
$26,521 – Youth Enrichment Services, Inc. – Belonging In and Beyond the Burgh (BIBB)
State Endowment Act – Treatment Training Funds award:
$50,000 – Duquesne University – Training of Pediatric Sexual Assault Nurses
State Children’s Advocacy Center Funds award:
$47,000 – A Child’s Place – ACP Allegheny and Regional 2025
Continuing County Adult Probation and Parole Grant Funds award:
$1,378,162 – Allegheny County Chief Executive Officer – Continuing Adult Prob/Parole Grant 2024-25
January 7, 2025
Takes oath of office in Harrisburg ceremony today
Harrisburg, PA – January 7, 2024 – State Senator Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) was sworn in today in the Pennsylvania Capitol to begin his first term in the Senate serving constituents in Allegheny County.
“It was the honor of a lifetime to be sworn in as a member of the Pennsylvania Senate. My team and I have already been working hard since my term started on December 1st to ensure that residents of the 45th Senatorial District have access to the best possible representation,” said Pisciottano. “My staff has been assisting constituents with filing property tax and rent rebates before the December 31st deadline and providing other government services, while I have been working on legislation aimed at protecting the budgets of families across Pennsylvania.”
Senator Pisciottano highlighted his work with several of his former colleagues from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on a bipartisan bill to crack down on deceptive practices by prohibiting businesses from charging consumers extra for paper statements.
Pisciottano said there are urgent issues that need to be addressed by lawmakers and the governor this session, noting struggles posed by inflation and the ongoing need to provide more equal public education funding. All of this against the backdrop of a divided government, which the Senator acknowledges creates the opportunity to work with the other side of the aisle to support residents across Pennsylvania with the relief they need and deserve.
Sen. Pisciottano was first elected to the House in 2020 and again in 2022, serving two terms as the State Representative and leading the 16-member Allegheny County Delegation during the 2023-2024 session before his election to the Senate in November 2024. As a certified public accountant and auditor with an extensive background in finance and economics, Sen. Pisciottano uses his experience in the private sector to advance public policy in Harrisburg and improve the quality of life of Pennsylvanians. During his tenure in the PA House, Pisciottano passed multiple bills which all received bipartisan support and he developed a reputation as a consensus builder – a record of collaboration he plans to continue in the Senate.
“It is an honor and privilege to serve the citizens in the 37 communities of the 45th Senatorial District,” Pisciottano said. “I will continue to pursue a broad agenda that is focused on families, job creation, economic development, education support and safety, and help for those in need.”
Sen. Pisciottano’s offices are open to serve constituents and residents are encouraged to reach out for help with any issue big or small:
Monroeville District office: 412-380-2242
McKeesport District office: 412-664-5200
Email: PASenatorNick@PASenate.com
To learn more about Sen. Pisciottano, constituents can visit his official online office at www.PASenatorNick.com.
Those interested can also stay In the Know with news from the district and Harrisburg, as well as notifications about upcoming community events and more, by signing up for the Senator’s regular email updates at www.PASenatorNick.com.
January 7, 2025
December 12, 2024
West Mifflin, PA, December 12, 2024 – State Sen. Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) today joined Lt. Gov. Austin Davis and fellow Allegheny County leaders at the site of the former Century III Mall for a press conference to tout the state’s investments into the community’s redevelopment efforts and the progress made on the demolition of the massive former shopping center.
“I have been working for years to address the Century III site, and this $1 million grant will ensure our efforts to revitalize the region continue,” said Sen. Pisciottano. “This demolition is a start, but we have a lot of work ahead of us.”
The $1 million award secured by Sen. Pisciottano comes from the Commonwealth’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects.
Sen. Pisciottano noted that demolishing and then redeveloping the site is a massive and expensive undertaking but feels confident of its success if state and local officials can continue to work together.
Once one of the largest malls in the world, Century III’s interior closed in 2019 with the final closure taking place in 2020.
“It has always been my intention to see this site revitalized and transformed back into one of the driving forces of economic activity for our community,” Sen. Pisciottano said. “My plan is to continue to coordinate discussions as demolition progresses and of course to advocate for even more resources for our redevelopment efforts.”
Sen. Pisciottano thanked several officials for their roles in helping to bring these funds back to the region, noting his partnerships with Gov. Josh Shapiro, Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, State Rep. John Inglis, State Rep. Matt Gergely, former State Sen. Jim Brewster, West Mifflin Mayor Chris Kelly, West Mifflin Borough Council, and Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato.
