July 17, 2025
Sens. Pisciottano & Kim with Reps. Madsen, Inglis, & Davidson Introduce FORGES to Reignite PA Manufacturing
Harrisburg, PA, July 17, 2025 – State Senators Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) and Patty Kim (D-Dauphin), along with State Representatives David Madsen (D-Dauphin), John Inglis (D-Allegheny), and Nate Davidson (D-Cumberland, Dauphin), today announced the introduction of companion legislation designed to strengthen Pennsylvania’s steel industry, protect and create jobs, and reestablish the Commonwealth’s leadership in American manufacturing. Senate Bill 949 and House Bill 1749, titled Fueling Opportunities for the Revitalization, Growth, and Efficiency of Steel (FORGES), aim to support domestic steel production and protect one of the state’s most critical industries from global economic pressures.
Steel production has played a defining role in shaping the nation’s infrastructure, economy, and cultural identity. At its peak in the early 20th century, Pittsburgh and Southwestern Pennsylvania produced over half of the nation’s steel, helping to build America’s cities and power its military during World War II. For more than a century, the steel industry has been a major driver of Pennsylvania’s economy and the foundation of the American middle class.
That legacy remains, but in recent decades, foreign competition, unfair trade practices, and outdated infrastructure have led to a steady decline in domestic steel production. The FORGES legislation is designed to reverse that by reinvesting in steel communities, boosting domestic production, and equipping Pennsylvania’s steel manufacturers with the resources needed to compete in the global market.
“Pennsylvania’s steel built this country’s cities, powered its military victories, and created the union jobs that built the American middle class,” said Senator Pisciottano. “It’s time we recommit to that tradition and invest in the future of steelmaking in our state.”
The FORGES legislation includes two major components:
- Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Pennsylvania-Made Steel: This exemption will incentivize production in Pennsylvania-based facilities and generate increased demand for high-quality steel made in the Commonwealth.
- FORGES Tax Credit Program: Businesses that invest in steelmaking facilities in Pennsylvania will be eligible for tax credits, with enhanced incentives for those that incorporate the latest technologies and processes to increase efficiency and sustainability.
The legislators emphasized that revitalizing steel production is about economic development, protecting Pennsylvania’s workforce, and preserving the legacy of steel towns across the Commonwealth.
“Since the 1860s, the steel that built America has run through Steelton. From the Golden Gate Bridge to the fleets that won two World Wars to the power plants that fuel our homes, the steel leaving its rolls has been critical to our nation’s growth. It remains a critical asset that should be used to its full potential,” said Senator Kim. “Unfortunately, underinvestment has limited the plant from reaching its full operational potential when our nation stands at a critical juncture. The state just announced over $90 billion in AI development and energy projects, the electrical grid is desperate for increased production, and national defense is more important than ever with developments in the Middle East. There is no reason the Steelton mill should not be running around the clock producing the materials needed to support every one of these endeavors, like it has for over 150 years.”
“I will continue to fight for Pennsylvania’s steel industry and stand by the hundreds of steelworkers in my district,” said Representative Madsen. “It’s time for the state to step up and create meaningful incentives to revitalize this vital industry while protecting jobs, creating new ones, and keeping our communities strong.”
The legislation is garnering support from union leaders who see it as a much-needed boost for an industry that has long served as the foundation of many Pennsylvania communities, with the potential to preserve and create good-paying jobs for workers.
“I think it’s very important, the steel industry is still a huge part of our economy in western Pennsylvania” said Bernie Hall, Director of USW District 10, based in North Versailles. “This is legislation that actually has teeth behind it.” Hall added that the Steelworkers union is hopeful that other state legislators will sign onto the FORGES bill and that it will reach Governor Josh Shapiro’s desk.
Senator Pisciottano, Senator Kim, and Representative Madsen reaffirmed their commitment to working alongside legislative colleagues, industry leaders, and labor unions to advance the FORGES legislation and craft a comprehensive economic package that positions Pennsylvania at the center of modern steelmaking.
July 2, 2025
Come with me on this episode of “Nick in Your Neighborhood” as I visit Lea’s Floral Shop in East McKeesport, a family-owned business that’s been rooted in the community since 1959. From heartfelt sympathy arrangements to breathtaking wedding bouquets and everyday celebrations, I explore how Mary and her children rose to the occasion to continue their family legacy with exceptional service, same-day delivery, and a personal touch that makes every visit special. Join me to see why Lea’s Floral Shop is the neighborhood florist that truly stems from the heart!
July 1, 2025
Harrisburg, PA, July 1, 2025 – Following the US Senate’s passage of President Trump’s massive budget and policy bill, Sen. Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) released the following statement:
“I am outraged by the legislation passed today by the US Senate. As your State Senator, I am deeply concerned by the effects this bill will have on our neighbors and our community. I worry about the grandparents, working families, and people with disabilities who will struggle even more than they already are to put food on the table. I worry about the hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians who will lose their health insurance. The bill benefits almost no one, guts the social safety net that millions of the most vulnerable Americans rely on to make ends meet, and balloons the national debt—all in exchange for tax cuts for Donald Trump and his 1% cronies.
This bill calls for catastrophic cuts to Medicaid (known as Medical Assistance in Pennsylvania) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), forcing billions of dollars of costs onto states, including Pennsylvania. It introduces miles of new red tape into these programs, which will add additional bureaucracy and cause massive administrative hurdles and long delays, even for those who still qualify. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania does not have the financial power to protect its residents from these draconian cuts and cannot prevent single mothers, grandparents, people with disabilities, and many others from losing vital supports to healthcare and food that they desperately need.
3 million people in Pennsylvania receive Medical Assistance; nearly half are children, and over 700,000 are older adults and people with disabilities. More than 300,000 Pennsylvanians stand to lose Medical Assistance coverage, including over 25,000 in Allegheny County alone. Hospitals, particularly rural hospitals, that depend on reimbursement through Medical Assistance would face unsustainable levels of uncompensated care, threatening access to emergency and critical services for all rural Pennsylvanians, no matter what health insurance they have.
Nearly 2 million people in Pennsylvania benefit from SNAP; again, more than half of those are older adults and children. Between additional administrative burdens and cuts to the program, the federal government is shifting more than $1 billion of costs onto Pennsylvania—a price that we cannot bear. The benefits of SNAP go far beyond feeding our children and grandparents. These cuts threaten the entire food system in Pennsylvania, from the grocery stores, particularly small businesses and grocers that serve low-income communities, to processors and farmers.
As Chair of the Senate Finance Committee and a CPA, I cannot overlook the massive fiscal impact of this legislation either. Washington Republicans are touting the cost-savings of these measures, but the legislation would add at least $3.3 trillion to the national debt over the next decade. The increased administrative demands will grow state bureaucracy. It threatens the future of infrastructure and manufacturing projects. It does nothing to address the affordability crisis squeezing working families and only exacerbates economic inequality to the benefit of billionaires.
My job is to fight for you in Harrisburg, but when a piece of legislation threatens to destroy the social and economic fabric of our county, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the communities I represent, I cannot stay silent.”
June 25, 2025
Allegheny County, PA, June 25, 2025 – Sen. Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) today announced the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) has approved funding for several Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund (PHARE) projects in Allegheny County, providing support for affordable housing initiatives in the region.
“Access to safe, affordable housing is fundamental to building strong communities,” said Sen. Pisciottano. “These PHARE awards will help more families across Allegheny County find stability and security by investing in the creation and rehabilitation of quality housing options. I’m proud to support these efforts to strengthen neighborhoods and improve lives.”
The funding for this round of PHARE projects comes from two dedicated revenue sources: Marcellus Shale Impact Fees and the state’s Realty Transfer Taxes. These funds are distributed to support housing initiatives in counties across Pennsylvania, including projects aimed at reducing homelessness, supporting housing for seniors and veterans, and preserving existing affordable units.
PHARE was established by Act 105 of 2010 to serve as a vehicle for leveraging both public and private resources to address housing needs throughout the Commonwealth. The program has grown into a key component of Pennsylvania’s strategy to expand access to affordable housing and enhance the quality of life in local communities.
“By reinvesting these dollars back into our neighborhoods, we’re helping people secure housing and creating jobs, improving public safety, and driving local economic development,” Sen. Pisciottano added.
The newly approved PHARE projects in Allegheny County will support a wide range of efforts including new construction, home repairs, rental assistance, and supportive housing services. Specific project details can be found here.
For more information on PHARE or PHFA, visit http://www.phfa.org.
June 23, 2025
June 18, 2025
Allegheny County, PA, June 18, 2025 – State Sen. Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) today issued the following statement in response to the announcement that Nippon Steel Corporation finalized its acquisition of U.S. Steel:
“Throughout the process of Nippon Steel’s acquisition of U.S. Steel, I have been focused on protecting the union jobs at the Mon Valley Works and ensuring the Mon Valley communities were not left behind.
Nippon’s planned investments have the potential to jump-start an exciting new era in our region’s long history of manufacturing. I look forward to working with Nippon and U.S. Steel to ensure that the benefits of this potential renaissance reach every worker, neighborhood, and resident in the Mon Valley.
My proposed FORGES legislation would create state-level incentives to supplement Nippon’s planned investments to revitalize and grow the steel industry in the Mon Valley and across the Commonwealth. A rising tide lifts all boats, and my job is to ensure that the benefits of a revitalized steel industry are felt not just in boardrooms but also dining rooms across the Mon Valley in the years to come.
I will continue to have conversations with community members, workers, and elected officials at every level of government – from local steelworkers and mayors to Governor Josh Shapiro, Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, County Executive Sara Innamorato, and our federal officials – to ensure that this is a story of success we tell for many years in the future.
Many have been deeply involved in these discussions over the past 18 months, but I especially want to highlight the work of Mayors Chris Kelly, Rich Lattanzi, Cletus Lee, Delia Lennon-Winstead, and Rob Falce. I also want to thank Governor Shapiro, Lieutenant Governor Davis, and Senators McCormick and Fetterman for their leadership in Washington.
Growing up in the Mon Valley, I have heard throughout my life about the ways that our community was decimated by the decline of steel in our region—that the best days were behind us. My hope is that this new era for US Steel can be a new era for all of us in the Mon Valley. I remain committed to making that hope a reality, pushing to revitalize manufacturing and economic opportunity in our region, and continuing to work with our neighbors, industry and labor partners, and elected officials at all levels to ensure that the benefits are felt throughout our community.”
June 12, 2025
PITTSBURGH, PA − June 12, 2025 − Today, Senate Democratic Policy Committee Chair Nick Miller held a second hearing to continue the dialogue on what is needed to safeguard Pennsylvania’s infrastructure and economy through a skilled and dependable workforce.
“Today’s hearing provided an opportunity for more stakeholders to share their insights on the challenges that workers encounter today,” said Senator Miller. “I am appreciative of the testimonies shared from union members and the organizations that represent a large portion of the workforce. It is crucial to guarantee that employers do not create an uneven playing field for workers.”
“Senate Democrats stand united and clear: We are fighting tooth and nail for the rights of Pennsylvania’s workers and their families,” said Senator Costa. “It was an honor today to hear from labor leaders who testified to the urgency of reforms that level the playing field and allow workers to get ahead. I look forward to taking what was said during today’s hearing and working with my colleagues in the House and the Senate to deliver economic justice for every Pennsylvanian.”
“This hearing is an opportunity to ensure that our workforce is treated with the dignity they deserve,” said Senator Pisciottano. “Protecting the rights and safety of workers is not just good policy, it is essential for building a resilient economy and infrastructure. Every Pennsylvanian deserves the right to a safe workplace, fair wages, and the freedom to organize without fear of retaliation. I’m proud to stand with labor and my colleagues in the fight for fair, comprehensive worker protections.”
“Today’s hearing underscored that the legislature needs to strengthen worker rights and protections—because a right that cannot be enforced is just a suggestion,” said Senator Williams. “Our testifiers made plain that they need meaningful enforcement mechanisms and whistleblower protections against retaliation in order stand up for themselves and their coworkers against corporate greed. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues to get legislation passed that provides these tools. Laws that are weak in protecting workers hurt all of us.”
John Schultz from Laborers Local 373 stated strong prevailing wage laws protect local wages and strengthen local economies.
“Unfortunately, there are some flaws in the state enforcement and application of these laws,” Schultz said. “Worker misclassification, right-to-know and RACP process that awards state funded to projects that directly undermine the intent of prevailing wage laws.”
Prior to today’s hearing, the Senate Democratic caucus’ reform legislation to prevent and address misclassification, sponsored by Sens. Kane, Tartaglione, and L. Williams as Senate Bill 72, was advanced unanimously from the state Senate Labor and Industry Committee this week.
Ron Meischter from Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters emphasized workers misclassification is a serious issue, but it is also affecting everyday people.
“Misclassifying workers increases medical costs due to unfunded liability at hospitals,” said Meischter. “When a misclassified worker is hurt on a project and they go to the hospital, they can’t claim its workers’ compensation because they’re not covered under it, and they don’t have their own medical benefits. So, it becomes an unpaid bill and leaves providers asking the government and asking insurers for help.”
Geoff Foringer said Pennsylvania legislature must amend the PA Prevailing Wage Act to include offsite custom fabrication for public works projects, strengthen oversight and enforcement against worker misclassification, and provide clear definitions and guidelines to prevent contractors from undercutting their competitors with labor standards.
“This is not just a labor issue. It is a taxpayer issue. It is a fairness issue,” said Foringer. “And it is a matter of ensuring the quality and safety of public construction. Let us protect skilled workers. Let us uphold fair competition. And let us make sure our laws reflect the realities of the modern construction industry.”
Todd Farally, from Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 19, urged Pennsylvania Senate to support the inclusion of custom fabrication under the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act.
“For over 60 years, a significant portion of labor—custom fabrication work completed offsite—has been excluded from these protections,” said Farally. “This omission has left thousands of skilled workers fabricating project-specific components like HVAC duct systems, plumbing assemblies, electrical units, and more, without the prevailing wage they deserve. These components are specifically designed and manufactured for individual projects, with unique job numbers and detailed time documentation linking the work directly to public projects. Yet, the workers fabricating these critical parts are not protected under the Act.”
Mike Varholla, IBEW Local 5, stated that a study commissioned by the Department of Labor found 10% to 30% of employers have misclassified some of their workers.
“A typical construction worker is classified as an independent contractor can lose up to $20,000 a year in income and benefits,” said Varholla. “They do not qualify for overtime pay; they are no longer able eligible to participate in unemployment insurance or worker’s compensation if they get hurt on the job.”
Brittney Rodas from UFCW Local 1776, testified to the importance of representing the meatpacking and food processing workers that includes supporting legislation such as SB 406, sponsored by Senator Tartaglione, and Senator Schwank that directly addresses workplace safety in Pennsylvania’s meatpacking and food processing industries.
“In Pennsylvania, our injury rates mirror these national trends. And behind these numbers are real people, many of them immigrants, people of color, and individuals for whom English is not their first language,” said Rodas. “These workers perform physically demanding labor in fast-paced environments to serve our communities. These essential workers are relying on us to improve their working conditions, the same we rely on them to provide food for our families every day.”
Testifiers for today’s hearing included:
- John Schultz, President & Business Agent – Laborers Local 373
- Ron Meischker, Director of Industry & Labor Compliance – Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters
- Geoff Foringer, Business Representative – Sheet Metal Workers Local #12
- Todd Farally, Political and Legislative Director – Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 19
- Mike Varholla, President – IBEW Local 5
- Brittney Rodas, Legislative and Political Representative – UFCW Local 1776
Senator Nick Miller was elected Policy Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus in December 2024. Today’s hearing was his seventh as Chair.
Footage of the hearing, as well as the written testimony of the panel, is available at PASenatorMiller.com/Policy. Photographs and downloadable video are available upon request.
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats commitment to protecting our commonwealth’s healthcare needs and other legislative priorities at www.pasenate.com.
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Testimony
June 12, 2025
Step inside Patti’s Pasticceria in White Oak, a woman-owned bakery built on generations of family, flavor, and tradition. From Grandma Fiasco’s kitchen to a full-service bakery and coffee shop, Patti built a community gathering place where every cake, cookie, and cup of coffee is served under a motto that means “Family Always.” I got to discover the story, taste the passion, and experience the love baked into every treat during this visit. Tune in with me for some sweet moments and get ready to “Mangia! Mangia!”
June 11, 2025
Harrisburg, PA, June 11, 2025 – State Senator Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) today announced the unanimous confirmation of former State Senator Jim Brewster to serve on the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (LCB). Brewster’s nomination was unanimously advanced out of the Senate Law and Justice Committee on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, and received unanimous confirmation by the full Senate later that day.
“It is an honor to vote today to confirm my predecessor and friend for this new role and responsibility,” said Senator Pisciottano. “Jim has dedicated his life to public service, and I can think of no one more qualified or more deserving of this position. His deep understanding of state government, his strong leadership, and his lifelong commitment to the Commonwealth will greatly benefit the LCB.”
Brewster represented the 45th Senatorial District from 2010 to 2024, before Senator Pisciottano was elected to the seat last year. During his 14-year tenure in the Senate, Brewster was known for his advocacy on behalf of working families and for his deep understanding of public policy. He served as chairman of the Senate Law & Justice Committee, where he played a key role in shaping state alcohol policies. He also served as chairman of the Game and Fisheries Committee, vice chair of the Legislative Budget & Finance Committee, and a member of the Appropriations, Banking and Insurance, Education, Local Government, Policy, and Transportation Committees.
Before entering the Senate, Brewster built a successful career in the private sector as Vice President of Operations at Mellon Bank. He began his public service in 1995 as a McKeesport City Councilman, eventually serving seven years as council president before being elected mayor of the City of McKeesport in 2004.
“It is an honor to continue the legacy of leadership and integrity that Senator Brewster brought to our district, Allegheny County, and the Commonwealth,” Senator Pisciottano added. “I look forward to seeing the positive impact he will make in this new role.”
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board is responsible for regulating the state’s beverage alcohol industry, managing the operations of 575 Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores, and licensing 20,000 alcohol producers, retailers, and handlers. The LCB also works to reduce and prevent dangerous and underage drinking through collaborations with schools, community groups, and licensees. More on Pennsylvania’s Liquor Control Board can be found here.
June 9, 2025
