Nick in Your Neighborhood: Chapon’s Greenhouse
Chapon’s Greenhouse
For this episode of “Nick in Your Neighborhood,” I visit Chapon’s Greenhouse, a vibrant hub for plant lovers and garden enthusiasts. This garden center and nursery is known for its wide selection of flowers, houseplants, fertilizers, pottery, and much more! Chapon’s combines expert knowledge with a personal touch to make every visit special. Visit this deeply rooted community asset to discover how it’s helping our neighborhood bloom.
Learn more about the Chapon’s Greenhouse at https://chaponsgreenhouse.com/.
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Fiedler and Pisciottano Introduce Pay the Price You See – Junk Fee Transparency Legislation to Protect Consumers
HARRISBURG, April 14, 2025 – State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler (D-Phila) and Senator Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) today introduced legislation in the House and Senate to create price transparency for consumers in the commonwealth. The Pay the Price you See legislation, HB1216 and SB640, would require platforms for event tickets, lodging, and food delivery to list the full, final price of their products upfront, allowing consumers to make informed decisions.
Junk fees are the unexpected, mandatory fees added to the price of a good or service at checkout, often associated with online purchases for items like concert tickets. These fees can add up to 30% more to the original price, and they cost the average American family more than $3,000 per year.
“At a time when costs are rising nationwide, Pennsylvanians deserve the ability to see real prices upfront, so they can make informed decisions that work for their budgets,” Fiedler said. “Baseball season is back, and families like mine will be heading to the ballpark. We should all be able to make plans and have fun—whether it’s seeing a Phillies game or booking a vacation—without the fear of corporations slapping hidden fees on tickets.
This concept is common-sense legislation that would protect Pennsylvania consumers against these “bait and switch” pricing practices, while allowing small businesses to compete with the artificially lowered prices used by dominant, national corporations.
“As prices continue to rise it’s vital for consumers to have clear and accurate information upfront about the fees they are paying,” said Pisciottano. “Hidden and junk fees at the backend of transactions are hurting families and this is a reasonable consumer protection that creates needed price transparency. We don’t accept hidden fees in the bread aisle at grocery store, we shouldn’t stand for them elsewhere. Why is it so hard for companies to tell us the actual prices of items they’re selling?”
The legislation was authored by then-Rep. Pisciottano and passed the House with significant bipartisan support. It was also supported by stakeholders including Live Nation, the Federal Consumer Protection Bureau, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
On the federal level, the FTC enacted a similar rule around fee transparency in 2024. The FTC has since been supportive of state efforts to enact bans on junk fees, including supporting existing laws in California and Minnesota.
Senator Pisciottano Announces $462,045 Grant for Munhall Main Street Streetscape Improvements
Monroeville, PA, April 8, 2025 – State Sen. Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) today announced a $462,045 grant awarded to Munhall Borough for continued streetscape improvements along the Main Street Business District. The funding, provided through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s (DCED) Main Street Matters program, builds on a previous $385,000 Multimodal Transportation Fund award announced by Sen. Pisciottano earlier this year for Munhall to replace sidewalks.
“This investment in Munhall’s Main Street will enhance the look, feel, and functionality of the Borough’s business district, encouraging economic growth and making our community an even better place to live, work, and visit,” said Senator Pisciottano. “Streetscape improvements may seem small, but they have a huge impact on safety, accessibility, and community pride.”
The Main Street Matters program provides critical tools to communities to build healthier, more vibrant, and welcoming environments. Eligible improvements under this initiative can include upgraded sidewalks, lighting, landscaping, signage, accessibility enhancements, and other public infrastructure upgrades – improvements that can help attract new businesses and support existing ones.
Senator Pisciottano extended his gratitude to Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis for his ongoing advocacy and support for investment in communities like Munhall.
“I want to thank Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis for being a champion of programs that make a real difference in our neighborhoods,” Pisciottano added. “Together, we’re building stronger, more connected communities across Pennsylvania.”
The grant will help ensure Munhall’s Main Street Business District remains a cornerstone of the Borough’s identity and a driver of local revitalization efforts.
Learn more about DCED’s Main Street Matters program here.
Nick in Your Neighborhood: Glassport Lanes
Glassport Lanes
Glassport Lanes offers a unique experience with duckpin bowling, a fun and challenging alternative to traditional bowling. The owner is proud to say that Glassport Lanes remains as the only public rubber band duckpin bowling facility in the country! Visit this gem in Glassport for a fun and challenging experience for players of all skill levels.
Joint Democratic Policy Roundtable Discussion: Supporting Emergency Services and Fire Responders
Bridget Hartman – Celebrating a Lifetime of Service
April 3 – Joint Senate and House Democratic Policy Committees Roundtable on Supporting Emergency Services and Fire Responders
BALDWIN, PA − April 1, 2025 − On Thursday April 3 at 10:00 AM EST, Senate Democratic Policy Committee Chair Nick Miller and House Democratic Policy Committee Chair Ryan Bizzarro will host a joint Senate and House Policy Committee discussion in Pittsburgh, with Senator Nick Pisciottano, Representative Emily Kinkead, Representative John Inglis.
This roundtable discussion will review and examine the lessons learned from recent regionalization efforts for local volunteer fire departments and explore the future needs and next steps.
WHAT: Supporting Emergency Services and Fire Responders
WHO: Senator Nick Miller (Senate Policy Chair), Senator Nick Pisciottano, Representative Ryan Bizzarro (House Policy Chair), Representative Emily Kinkead, Representative John Inglis along with the following participants:
- Thomas Cook, Fire Commissioner – Pennsylvania Office of State Fire Commissioner
- Joe Kreil, Assistant Fire Chief – Baldwin Fire & Rescue
- David Depretis – Mayor, Baldwin Borough
- Local Government Representatives and Volunteer Firefighters
WHEN: Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 10:00 AM EST
WHERE: Baldwin Borough Building, 3344 Churchview Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15227-4306
For those who cannot attend in person, the hearing will be streamed live at PASenatorMiller.com/Policy.
Members of the press are encouraged to RSVP to Gail Vivar at 201-870-2378 and Gail.Vivar@pasenate.com.
Senator Pisciottano Announces $7 Million in RACP Grants for Local Development Projects
Monroeville, PA, March 28, 2025 – State Sen. Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) today announced $6,980,756 of state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grants to support major infrastructure and community projects in Allegheny County. The funding will help drive economic growth and improve public resources through key investments in healthcare, education, and municipal services.
“These grants will provide much-needed financial support for projects that will benefit residents for years to come,” said Senator Pisciottano. “Investing in healthcare, education, and local government infrastructure is essential for strengthening our communities, and I am proud to help bring these funds back to our district.”
The RACP awards, authorized today by the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County (RAAC), provide for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects. Eligible grantees include local governments and counties, public authorities, Local Development Districts, and industrial development agencies.
Projects in the 45th District:
Mele & Mele & Sons, Duquesne – $2,300,000 – Mele headquarters in Duquesne City Center will complete work featuring a series of targeted site preparation activities to enable construction of new residential and commercial properties, along with public spaces.
Forbes Regional Hospital, Monroeville – $1,000,000 – Forbes Hospital Emergency Department will renovate and expand the existing ED while it is operational (with Rep. Markosek).
Clairton City School District – $500,000 – Clairton City School District will renovate the stadium, including replacing the grass field with an artificial turf field with storm water management, replacing the track with a paved walking surface, and installing new fencing, LED lighting, bleachers, and a modular press box.
Elizabeth Forward School District – $1,880,756 – a new gymnasium will be constructed at Elizabeth Forward High School (with Rep. Kuzma).
River Materials, McKeesport – $300,000 – the transloading expansion project includes renovating 3.82 acres of land at 211 Center Street in McKeesport and replacing the rood, HVAC, and exterior finishes.
Lysle Avenue Parking Garage, McKeesport – $750,000 – concrete restoration of the garage.
Brentwood Borough – $250,000 – new municipal building (with Rep. Benham).
Senator Pisciottano credited collaboration with fellow legislators in securing these grants, emphasizing the importance of state investment in local projects.
“I want to thank Reps. Markosek, Kuzma, and Benham who worked with me to make these projects a reality,” Pisciottano added. “By securing this funding, we are ensuring that our residents have access to top-tier healthcare, modernized educational facilities, and efficient government services.”
RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act, have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity. RACP projects are state-funded projects that cannot obtain primary funding under other state programs.
Learn more the RACP program in Pennsylvania here.
Senator Nick Pisciottano Announces Partnership with VFW & American Legion to Support Veterans
Monroeville, PA, March 28, 2025 – State Sen. Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) today announced a partnership with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion Department of Pennsylvania to enhance essential support services for veterans in his district.
This initiative will provide veterans and their families with crucial assistance, including help navigating survivor benefits, access to veteran-related resources, and support for service-related concerns.
“These partnerships are about honoring our commitment to those who have served,” said Senator Pisciottano. “Too often, veterans face unnecessary barriers in accessing the benefits they have earned through their service. By working together with the VFW and the American Legion, we are taking a proactive approach to ensure that our veterans have the support they need.”
Through this collaboration, representatives from the VFW and the American Legion will be available by appointment to help veterans in navigating the Veterans Administration (VA) benefits process, including assistance with accessing survivor benefits and other critical assistance.
“The VFW is excited to partner with Senator Pisciottano to provide the much-needed veteran and survivor benefits and resources to the constituents of the Senator’s district,” said VFW Pennsylvania Department Service Officer, Jessica King.
Senator Pisciottano said that these organizations will provide direct, in-person support by appointment at designated locations across his district:
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Plum Borough Library |
Senator’s McKeesport Office |
Clairton Municipal Building |
“The American Legion has worked with Nick Pisciottano’s office for many years now and looks forward to helping veterans and their families obtain well-earned VA Benefits,” said American Legion Department Service Officer, Stephen Schott.
“This initiative is about making sure no veteran falls through the cracks,” Senator Pisciottano added. “Our service members and their families have sacrificed so much, and we are dedicated to supporting them in every way we can.”
For more information and to schedule an appointment for assistance, contact Senator Pisciottano’s office at 412-664-5200.