American Rescue Plan

U.S. House Majority Leader, Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) highlighted Pittsburgh fast work to repair the Fern Hollow Bridge this year as an example of the broad funding commitments Democrats in Congress have made over the past year to tackle a variety of problems, including infrastructure repairs, microchip manufacturing, climate change and health care costs.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: Physicians in Pennsylvania can’t advertise their ability to prescribe marijuana, but marijuana certification businesses are making millions of dollars connecting patients to physicians; the State Small Business Credit Initiative Program will soon be distributing $584 million to businesses in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware; and Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s president and CEO is retiring after two decades at the helm. Today’s guests include: Ed Mahon, investigative reporter with Spotlight PA; Steve D’Ettorre, state deputy secretary of technology and innovation; and J. Kevin McMahon, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

A portion of American Rescue Act dollars sent to Pittsburgh will be used to replace lead lines.

The change started April 1.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: Virologist Paul Duprex explains what we know so far about COVID-19 reinfections; PWSA CEO Will Pickering discusses the agency’s new stormwater fee and uses for the revenue; and a look at how municipalities are using American Rescue Plan funds.

Pennsylvania households collectively owe more than $50 million in overdue water bills, according to the state’s Department of Human Services.

Legislators and advocates have said they are eager for the program to get up and running.

Human service providers have been calling for the funds for months.

Allegheny County Council gave final approval Tuesday for next year’s county budget. The operating budget represents a roughly 3% increase over pre-pandemic spending levels, although property taxes will not go up thanks to federal coronavirus relief.

Many Pennsylvanians insured through the marketplace exchange will have more options in 2022.