Press Room

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Saving Neighborhood Libraries:

Chelsa led the fight to reverse the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh's decision to close several neighborhood branches, bringing together library patrons from around the City of Pittsburgh to speak out against closures, then helping to secure funding for the Carnegie system through table gaming revenues on the strict condition that all branches remain open. She continues to work to make library finances and operations more transparent and to make the Carnegie more accountable to the citizens it serves.

• KDKA: Politicians Speaking Out Over Library Closings
• Post-Gazette: State, local officials press Carnegie Library on closings
  

Transit Oriented Development:

Chelsa spearheaded a first-time collaboration of four South Pittsburgh neighborhoods along the 'T' light rail line to secure a Transit Revitalization Investment District (TRID) grant for economic development planning in the corridor.

• Post-Gazette: Grants to study development on S. Hills rail line
  

Route 51 Planning:

Route 51 remains a key regional roadway, but has suffered from age while homes and businesses along the corridor experience regular flooding from runoff. Chelsa has brought together a group of seven municipalities stretching from the Liberty Tunnels to the Elizabeth Bridge to craft a plan for a greener, more integrated 51 corridor.

• Pittsburgh Business Times:  Municipalities may team for Route 51 makeover

Distracted Drivers:

The House approved two important highway safety measures in the current session with Chelsa's support, including one idea she proposed during her first term.

• Post-Gazette: Action against distracted driving is necessary
  
• Post Gazette: Limit proposed on teens in car of teen drivers

 
Fighting Blight:
Chelsa has long been interested in urban redevelopment. One neighborhood in her district, Beechview, has a large group of dedicated community members looking to revitalize their business district. The first step was to get speculator and slumlord Bernardo Katz out of Beechivew. Chelsa has been diligently working with community members, and Katz has now disappeared to Brazil and been indicted.

• Tribune Review: URA Forecloses on Beechview Properties
• Tribune Review: URA loans made to Brazilian developer under scrutiny 
• Tribune Reveiw: Facing lawsuits, developer moves to Brazil

Drink Tax:
Since its inception, Chelsa has been opposed to the Drink Tax. While she remains dedicated to funding for mass transit, she does not believe the drink tax is the best option for Allegheny County.

• Post Gazette: Allegheny County Doesn't need drink tax

Handicapped Placards:

After discussing the issue with a constituent, Chelsa decided to introduce legislation to prevent the fraudulent use of disability parking placards. Chelsa understands how important the designated parking spots are to disable Pennsylvanians and would like to be sure that those spots are left open for the disabled.

• Tribune Review: Handicapped parking  imposters target of state bill
• KDKA:  Bill would require photo on Handicap placards
• WTAE: Pittsburgh Area Rep. Wants Stricter Rules on Handicapped Parking Placards
  

 
Miscellaneous:

• State Rep. Wagner has baby boy
  
• Pop City Media Changemakers
• Pittsburgh Comet
• Women Elected to State Office Make History