Senator Pisciottano Issues Statement Following Governor Shapiro’s Budget Address

February 2, 2026

Harrisburg, PA – State Senator Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) today said that Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2026-27 state budget plan presents a responsible framework that builds on progress and addresses affordability, education, infrastructure, and economic competitiveness for Pennsylvania.

Governor Shapiro delivered his budget address to a joint session of the General Assembly this morning at the state Capitol, outlining a $53.2 billion General Fund spending plan that does not include a call for tax increases.

Today’s budget proposal emphasizes affordability for working families, job growth, education funding, and infrastructure investments.

Senator Pisciottano highlighted investments in economic development and workforce training to support business growth, job creation, and long-term competitiveness. These initiatives strengthen Pennsylvania’s ability to attract and retain employers, expand internship and career opportunities for students, and prepare large-scale sites for economic development.

Pisciottano was also encouraged by the Governor’s continued commitment to public education. The proposal increases funding for classroom instruction and restores support for school and community facility improvements. Under the Governor’s plan, schools in Senator Pisciottano’s district are expected to receive an additional $15 million in funding, helping to close inequities and ensure students have access to the resources they need to succeed.

The Senator further noted the importance of transportation funding, emphasizing that investments in roads, bridges, and public transit are essential to connecting workers to jobs, improving safety, and supporting long-term economic growth.

Senator Pisciottano’s statement follows:

“Pennsylvania families want a government that focuses on providing good schools, safe communities, reliable infrastructure, and an economy that works for working people. Governor Shapiro’s proposed budget lays out a roadmap to build on the progress we’ve made and keep Pennsylvania moving forward.

 

“I’m looking forward to working with colleagues in both parties to deliver a budget that is responsible, transparent, and centered on results. That means committing to fully and fairly funding public education, strengthening workforce development, and investing in transportation and infrastructure that connect people to jobs and keep our region competitive.

 

“I’m encouraged by the Governor’s focus on affordability and opportunity, and I’m ready to work to turn these priorities into a bipartisan budget that delivers for Pennsylvanians.”

More details on Pennsylvania’s budget can be found here.

Senator Pisciottano Encourages Middle School Students to Enter First Greater Pittsburgh Regional Civics Bee

January 23, 2026

McKeesport, PA – State Senator Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny), in partnership with the Mon Metro Chamber of Commerce and State Representative Abigail Salisbury (D-Allegheny), is inviting middle school students across the region to participate in the first Greater Pittsburgh Regional Civics Bee.

The regional competition encourages 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students to explore civic engagement and share ideas about how they can make a difference in their communities. Students who advance from the regional competition may be eligible to move on to the state level, with the opportunity to ultimately compete in the National Civics Bee.

The competition will be hosted by the Mon Metro Chamber of Commerce and Civically, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to empowering residents with the tools to participate meaningfully in their communities, with a focus on civic engagement, literacy, and equity.

“This competition gives students a chance to think critically about their communities, understand how government works, and see how their ideas and voices can make a difference,” said Senator Pisciottano. ”I’m proud to partner with the Mon Metro Chamber and Representative Salisbury to get more students involved.”

Dr. Lisa-Franklin Robinson, Executive Director of the Mon Metro Chamber of Commerce, noted the Civics Bee is designed to give students the tools and confidence to engage meaningfully in their communities.

“I believe it’s our responsibility to instruct, inspire, and equip our youth to lead, carrying our communities into a future marked by freedom and flourishing,” said Dr. Lisa Franklin-Robinson. “We must nurture critical thinking and problem-solving, and the Civics Bee is a powerful way to begin that preparation.”

Middle school students are invited to participate by submitting a short essay responding to a prompt. Top essayists will advance to a live quiz competition, testing their knowledge of civics, government, and community engagement.

Representative Salisbury emphasized the value of giving students an early opportunity to engage with civic challenges.

“Contests that challenge students to think about their communities from a problem-solving perspective help students understand how government works and how the institutions around them shape the world,” Representative Salisbury said. “I encourage all of our district’s students to consider participating.”

Essay Topic: How can you make a difference in your community?
Submission deadline: February 3, 2026 by 11:59 p.m.

The Greater Pittsburgh Regional Civics Bee promotes civic knowledge, critical thinking, and youth leadership, and offers recognition and prizes for top performers.

More information on registration and rules is available here.

Senators Costa and Pisciottano Announce $10 Million PENNVEST Investment to Replace Lead Water Lines Across Allegheny County

January 22, 2026

Allegheny County, PA – State Senators Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) and Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) today announced the approval of $10 million in funding through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) to support Phase 4 of the Wilkinsburg-Penn Joint Water Authority’s Lead Service Line Replacement Project.

The investment will allow the Authority to replace approximately 1,000 residential lead service lines with new copper lines, improving drinking water quality and public health for communities throughout Allegheny County. Construction is expected to begin in May 2026, with completion anticipated by July 2027.

“This investment is about protecting families and ensuring that everyone has access to safe, clean drinking water,” said Senator Costa. “By replacing lead service lines, we’re making a long-term commitment to public health, infrastructure reliability, and affordability for the communities we serve.”

The project will benefit residents across Wilkinsburg, Braddock, Braddock Hills, Chalfant, Churchill, East Pittsburgh, Edgewood, Forest Hills, Rankin, Swissvale, Trafford, Turtle Creek, Wilmerding, Wilkins Township, North Versailles Township, Monroeville, Penn Hills, and the City of Pittsburgh.

Senator Pisciottano emphasized the importance of state investments in aging infrastructure.

“Many of our communities are still dealing with water systems that are decades old,” Senator Pisciottano said. “This PENNVEST funding helps modernize critical infrastructure while keeping costs manageable for ratepayers, and it moves us closer to removing the risk of lead exposure.”

The $10 million PENNVEST package includes approximately $6.13 million in low-interest loans and $3.87 million in grant funding, significantly reducing the financial burden on customers while ensuring compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Rule. Without this assistance, user rates would have increased substantially.

The Wilkinsburg-Penn Joint Water Authority currently serves more than 37,000 residential customers and continues to work toward replacing all remaining lead service lines within its system.

The senators emphasized that the investment represents a meaningful commitment to public health, environmental protection, and the long-term stability of the region’s water infrastructure, ensuring safer drinking water and more reliable service for families across Allegheny County.

Senator Pisciottano Announces Over $8.7 Million for Local Infrastructure and Transportation Projects

January 20, 2026

Monroeville, PA, January 20, 2026– State Senator Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) today announced $8,747,839 in awards through programs administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA), including Small Water and Sewer (SWS) grants and Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) grants.

“These investments address essential infrastructure needs, including roads, water, and sewer systems that communities depend on every day,” said Senator Pisciottano. “By securing this funding, we’re helping municipalities make critical improvements that protect public health, improve safety, and strengthen our region for the long term.”

The Small Water and Sewer Program provides funding to municipalities and authorities for the repair, replacement, and improvement of drinking water, sanitary sewer, and stormwater systems. The program helps communities address aging infrastructure, reduce environmental and public health risks, and maintain reliable utility service for residents and businesses.

$3,653,068 million in SWS Program awards in Senator Pisciottano’s district:

• $483,225 to Duquesne: Lead/Copper Waterline Replacement, Phase II (with Rep. Goughnour)
• $418,540 to Glassport: Storm & Sanitary Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project (with Rep. Inglis)
• $402,050 to Turtle Creek: Stormwater Separation Project (with Rep. Markosek)
• $396,898 to Liberty: Elizabeth Street Storm Sewer Project (with Rep. Goughnour)
• $350,000 to Baldwin Borough: Rear Leona Drive Sanitary Sewer Improvements (Doyle Road Portion) (with Rep. Inglis)
• $300,000 to Monroeville: Monroeville Stormwater Rehabilitation and Flood Reduction (with Rep. Markosek)
• $300,000 to Plum: Holiday Park Stormwater Phase 4 (with Rep. McAndrew)
• $200,000 to White Oak: Storm Sewer Cleaning and Televising (with Rep. Goughnour)
• $170,000 to Munhall: Storm Sewer Improvements (with Rep. Goughnour)
• $133,250 to North Versailles Township Sanitary Authority: Sewer Replacement Project (with Rep. Markosek)
• $106,250 to McKeesport: CCTV Sewer Camera Work (with Rep. Goughnour)
• $100,000 to South Versailles: Sanitary Sewer System Repairs (with Rep. Goughnour)
• $96,988 to Port Vue: Glenn Avenue Embankment Restoration (with Rep. Goughnour)
• $78,200 to Whitaker: MS4 Storm Inlet Debris Controls (with Rep. Goughnour)
• $62,417 to North Versailles Township Sanitary Authority: Old 5th Avenue Stormwater Rehabilitation (with Rep. Markosek)
• $55,250 to West Elizabeth Sanitary Authority: Ferry Street Lift Station SCADA Integration (with Rep. Kuzma)

Funding was also awarded through the Multimodal Transportation Fund which supports projects that improve transportation safety and connectivity for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. Funding is used for roadway improvements, streetscapes, traffic safety measures, and trail enhancements that promote accessibility, support economic activity, and strengthen local transportation networks.

$5,094,771 million in MTF awards in Senator Pisciottano’s district:

• $650,000 to East Pittsburgh: Street Reconstruction and Roadway Safety Project (with Rep. Salisbury)
• $750,000 to Dravosburg: Euclid Avenue Enhancement & Pedestrian Safety (with Rep. Inglis)
• $500,000 to Braddock: Braddock Avenue Enhancement (with Rep. Salisbury)
• $400,000 to West Mifflin: Noble Drive Improvement Project (with Rep. Inglis)
• $367,268 to Duquesne: Street Reconstruction (with Rep. Goughnour)
• $350,000 to Homestead: Street Reconstruction Project (with Rep. Goughnour)
• $350,000 to Wilmerding: Street Reconstruction Project (with Rep. Markosek)
• $350,000 to Versailles: Worthington Street and Vine Street Road Rehabilitation (with Rep. Goughnour)
• $300,000 to Pitcairn: Broadway Improvements (with Rep. Markosek)
• $300,000 to Regional Trail Corporation: Landslide Remediation on the Great Allegheny Passage Trail in West Mifflin (with Rep. Inglis)
• $252,503 to Elizabeth Borough: South 3rd Avenue Stairway Project (with Rep. Kuzma)
• $250,000 to East McKeesport: Stormwater and Street Reconstruction Project (with Rep. Markosek)
• $200,000 to Pitcairn: Hillside Avenue Road Slide Remediation (with Rep. Markosek)
• $75,000 to Port Vue: Portsmouth Streetscape Enhancement (with Rep. Goughnour)

Senator Pisciottano credited Representatives Dan Goughnour, John Inglis, Andrew Kuzma, Brandon Markosek, Joe McAndrew, and Abigail Salisbury for their efforts to help secure these funds.

“It’s a privilege to work alongside my colleagues in the House to bring state resources home,” Senator Pisciottano added. “These shared efforts help direct funding to local priorities and produce meaningful improvements for our communities.”

More about the Small water and Sewer Program can be found here, and more information about the Multimodal Transportation Fund can be found here.

Pisciottano Bill Taps Pennsylvania’s Energy Expertise to Build the Next Generation of Power

January 15, 2026

Legislation creates regulatory certainty for geothermal development while supporting job growth and energy innovation

Monroeville, PA, January 15, 2026– State Senator Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) today has introduced Senate Bill 1131, legislation to establish a regulatory framework to support the development of next-generation geothermal energy in Pennsylvania. The bill is a companion to the bipartisan House Bill 2076, introduced by Representative Arvind Venkat (D-Allegheny), Representative Craig Williams (R-Chester/Delaware), and Representative Elizabeth Fiedler (D-Philadelphia) in the House of Representatives, and reflects a cross-party effort to position Pennsylvania as a leader in emerging energy technologies.

Pennsylvania is already a national leader in electricity production and the second-largest natural gas producer in the country. With a highly skilled energy workforce and decades of experience in advanced drilling techniques, the Commonwealth is uniquely positioned to expand into next-generation geothermal energy, including Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS). These systems use similar drilling methods as oil and gas operations but harness heat deep beneath the Earth’s surface to generate reliable, always-on clean energy.

“Pennsylvania’s energy future depends on innovation,” said Senator Pisciottano. “Geothermal energy has the potential to provide locally sourced heat and electricity while creating new opportunities for workers who have powered our energy economy for generations. This legislation creates the regulatory certainty needed to attract investment and responsibly grow this emerging industry.”

Historically, geothermal energy production has been limited to regions with naturally high subsurface temperatures, such as areas near volcanoes or hot springs. Advances in drilling and subsurface technologies pioneered through unconventional gas development now make it possible to access geothermal resources in states like Pennsylvania.

Senate Bill 1131 would create the foundational rules needed for responsible geothermal development by:

• Authorizing the Department of Environmental Protection to regulate geothermal injection wells and create a permitting process;
• Defining “geothermal resources” broadly to encompass all geothermal technologies;
• Establishing subsurface ownership rights for geothermal resources; and
• Allowing abandoned oil and gas wells to be repurposed for geothermal use.

Several other states, including Texas, West Virginia, and Washington, have already enacted similar frameworks to encourage geothermal investment. Without comparable regulatory certainty, Pennsylvania risks falling behind in a fast-growing energy sector.

“A thriving, job-creating economy is built on bold investments in the future,” Senator Pisciottano added. “Geothermal energy can lower costs for consumers, strengthen energy independence, and create good-paying jobs, especially for workers transitioning from the oil and gas industry.”

Senator Pisciottano encouraged colleagues to support the bipartisan effort to modernize Pennsylvania’s energy laws and unlock the Commonwealth’s geothermal potential.

Pisciottano and Markosek Announce $900,000 Investment to Support Monroeville Convention Center and Regional Economy

December 22, 2025

Monroeville, PA, December 22, 2025 – State Senator Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) and State Representative Brandon Markosek (D-Allegheny) announced $896,430 in Local Share Account (LSA) grant funding to support major capital improvements at the Monroeville Convention Center, ensuring the facility remains open and economically viable for years to come.

“The Monroeville Convention Center is a major regional asset and an important economic engine,” Senator Pisciottano said. “These investments ensure the facility can continue operating safely and competitively, while supporting local businesses, hotels, and restaurants that benefit from the visitors it brings into the region.”

The funding, administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA), includes two awards:

• $606,600 to Monroeville Convention Center for the installation of a rubber roofing system
• $289,830 to Monroeville Convention Center for a parking lot paving project

Together, these investments address critical infrastructure needs at the 100,000-square-foot facility, which hosts large-scale events that attract visitors from across the region and beyond, generating significant economic activity for Monroeville and surrounding communities.

Representative Markosek emphasized the importance of maintaining the center’s infrastructure to preserve its role in the regional economy.

“These improvements are essential to keeping the Monroeville Convention Center safe, open and competitive for the long term,” Representative Markosek said. “By addressing critical needs like roof and parking lot repairs, we’re protecting jobs, supporting local businesses, and making sure the center can continue serving the community and attracting visitors.”

The convention center’s aging roof will be replaced with a fully adhered EPDM rubber roofing system, installed over the existing roof, along with repairs to the high roof areas. This upgrade will enhance safety, extend the life of the building, and protect the facility from future damage.

In addition, the parking lot paving project will address safety concerns. The existing lot has become uneven and deteriorated, with cracks and potholes throughout. The project will mill and repave the surface and install new curbing, significantly improving accessibility and safety for visitors, vendors, and staff.

“The Convention Center is an important public facility for Monroeville, and these projects address long-standing maintenance needs that can’t be put off,” said Monroeville Mayor Nick Gresock. “Replacing the roof and improving the parking lot are essential investments in safety and reliability that ensure the building remains functional, accessible, and ready to serve the community.”

“The Monroeville Convention Center is a cornerstone of our local and regional economy,” said Monroeville Councilman and Mayor-elect Dennis Biondo. “These awards ensure the center can continue attracting major events, supporting local businesses, and bringing visitors into Monroeville who spend money at our hotels, restaurants, and shops. These improvements protect an asset that plays a critical role in the economic vitality of the entire region.”

Senator Pisciottano and Representative Markosek also acknowledged Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa for his support of the project and his role in advancing the funding.

The LSA program provides funding for projects that serve the public interest, including major facility improvements. LSA funding is designed to deliver long-term community and economic benefit, with projects required to be owned and maintained by an eligible applicant or nonprofit organization. More about funding through the Local Share Account program is available here.

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Pisciottano Announces $5 Million in Community Improvement and Recreation Projects

December 18, 2025

Monroeville, PA, December 18, 2025 – State Senator Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) today announced $5,170,952 in state grant awards through programs administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA), including Local Share Account (LSA) grants and Act 13 Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program (GTRP) grants.

“These investments reflect the priorities I hear from communities, including safer infrastructure, accessible public spaces, and facilities that serve residents now and into the future,” Senator Pisciottano said. “This funding allows us to move forward with projects that improve how people live, work, and interact in their communities.”

The LSA program provides funding for projects that serve the public interest by supporting community needs, including municipal infrastructure, public safety improvements, facility renovations, stormwater management, and other capital projects. LSA funding is designed to deliver long-term community benefit, with projects required to be owned and maintained by an eligible applicant or nonprofit organization.

LSA projects in Senator Pisciottano’s district receiving funding include:

• $650,000 to Plum for the Center Beach stormwater improvement project (with Reps. Markosek & McAndrew)
• $425,000 to West Mifflin for the Community & Recreation Center (with Reps. Goughnour & Inglis)
• $417,000 to Baldwin Borough for lighting installation at the baseball field at Baldwin Borough Park (with Rep. Inglis)
• $400,000 to East Pittsburgh for infrastructure improvements at RIDC’s Keystone Commons (with Rep. Salisbury)
• $312,300 to Port Vue for borough facility upgrades (with Rep. Goughnour)
• $250,000 to Clairton Municipal Authority for the replacement of the Dry Run Sewer Interceptor (with Rep. Goughnour)
• $250,000 to McKeesport for municipal buildings improvement project (with Rep. Goughnour)
• $225,000 to West Mifflin Sanitary Sewer & Stormwater Authority for storm sewer installation and concrete restoration on Outlook Drive (with Reps. Goughnour & Inglis)
• $200,000 to Homestead for borough building roof and ceiling repairs (with Rep. Goughnour)
• $200,000 to East McKeesport for street reconstruction (with Rep. Markosek)
• $200,000 to Eastern Area Prehospital Services in Turtle Creek for a new operations facility (with Rep. Markosek)
• $198,110 to Forward Township for Saddler’s Hollow Road repairs (with Rep. Kuzma)
• $150,000 to Elizabeth Township for building renovations at the Workingmens Mutual Beneficiary Union (with Rep. Kuzma)
• $150,000 to Braddock Water Authority for the replacement of lead water lines (with Rep. Salisbury)
• $117,000 to Buena Vista Volunteer Fire Department for recreational facility renovations (with Rep. Kuzma)
• $115,910 to Turtle Creek for street repairs (with Rep. Markosek)
• $106,651 to Tri-COG Land Bank for the acquisition and demolition of abandoned and blighted properties in Clairton, Homestead, McKeesport, South Versailles, West Homestead (with Rep. Goughnour)
• $100,000 to Whitehall for upgrades to the Whitehall Public Library (with Rep. Inglis)
• $100,000 to Elizabeth Township for the construction of a multi-purpose athletic field (with Rep. Kuzma)
• $93,637 to Wilmerding for municipal building renovations (with Rep. Markosek)
• $78,037 to North Versailles for the purchase of police vehicles (with Rep. Markosek)
• $76,883 to Homestead for road repair equipment (with Rep. Goughnour)
• $65,043 to East McKeesport for the purchase of a police vehicle (with Rep. Markosek)
• $62,060 to Dravosburg for restroom installation at the public works building (with Rep. Inglis)
• $60,800 to Elizabeth Township for the purchase of a skid steer (with Rep. Kuzma)
• $56,993 to Baldwin Township for Armstrong Park improvements (with Rep. Miller)
• $55,810 to Whitaker for police tasers and EMS AEDs (with Rep. Goughnour)
• $29,968 to East Pittsburgh for the purchase of a skid steer (with Rep. Salisbury)
• $24,750 to West Elizabeth for borough building renovations (with Rep. Kuzma)

Funding was also awarded through the GTRP, which is supported by impact fees paid by natural gas drilling operations. The program funds projects that develop, expand, and rehabilitate greenways, trails, parks, and recreational facilities, promoting outdoor access, connectivity, and environmental stewardship.

“The investments in these projects will help communities reclaim access to their riverfronts and expand recreational opportunities,” Senator Pisciottano said.

GTRP projects in Senator Pisciottano’s district receiving funding include:

•  $100,000 to VC Waterfront Development for the West Homestead Barge & Marina (with Rep. Goughnour)
• $75,000 to Homestead for ADA accessible fishing pier (with Rep. Goughnour)

Senator Pisciottano acknowledged the efforts of State Representatives Dan Goughnour, John Inglis, Andrew Kuzma, Brandon Markosek, Joe McAndrew, Dan Miller, and Abigail Salisbury for their partnership and collaboration in helping to secure these funds.

“I’m grateful to partner with my colleagues in the House to advocate for these projects and ensure our communities receive the resources they need,” Pisciottano added. “By working together across districts and chambers, we’re able to bring meaningful investments back to our region.”

More about LSA funding is available here, and more information about Act 13 CFA programs, including GTRP, can be found here.