Harrisburg, PA – State Fire Commissioner Bruce Trego announced today that the Office of State Fire Commissioner (OSFC) opened registration on July 6 for state grants aimed at providing direct financial relief to fire, rescue and emergency medical service (EMS) companies negatively impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. “Fire, rescue and EMS companies throughout the state have struggled since the state began taking action to curtail the spread of COVID-19,” said Trego. “Increased operational tempo, and an inability to raise funds through community events have hit these organizations hard. The financial lifeline these grants provide will help hundreds of companies keep their lights on.” Of the $50 million in funding set aside for this new program, $44 million will be made available to fire and rescue companies and the remaining $6 million will go to EMS companies. Grant funding must be used for operational and equipment expenses. Additional guidance, including detailed registration instructions are available online at OSFC’s website . The registration period for this grant program ends August 7, 2020 at 4:00 P.M. Read more
HARRISBURG, May 4 – On Monday, state Rep. Brandon Markosek’s H.B. 2408 that would exempt cash payments disbursed by the CARES Act from state and local taxation was unanimously passed by the state House of Representatives. “COVID-19 has been harsh for all residents in one form or another. Unfortunately, many struggled financially due to a sudden loss of income, which is why the CARES Act was passed. This funding was exempt from federal taxation with hopes that it would maximize the impact of the distributed funding. This bill does the same exact thing at the state level,” Markosek said. Congress recently voted and passed the CARES Act, which was put in place to help residents and businesses stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. Included in the coronavirus response were provisions to provide cash payments to people making less than $99,000 and couples making less than $198,000. These funds are exempt from federal taxation. Markosek’s bill seeks to ensure the funds are exempt from state and local taxation, too. “I’m grateful to know that even in our darkest moments, my colleagues and I are willing and able to set aside political differences and vote on bills that can truly make a difference in the commonwealth,” Markosek said. H.B. 2408 now heads to the state Senate for consideration. Read more
HARRISBURG, April 9 – Looking to maximize relief and minimize the financial burden associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, state Rep. Brandon Markosek, D-Allegheny, on Thursday introduced legislation that would exempt the cash payments disbursed by the CARES Act from state and local taxation. “This is much-needed money for many families in Pennsylvania who have lost their source of income due to COVID-19 state emergency,” Markosek said. “The funding from the CARES Act is meant to help state residents – not add to their struggles. My bill seeks to ensure the CARES Act remains a positive legislative measure for Pennsylvanians at the state level.” Congress recently voted and passed the CARES Act, which was put in place to help residents and businesses stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. Included in the coronavirus response were provisions to provide cash payments to people making less than $99,000 and couples making less than $198,000. These funds are exempt from federal taxation. Markosek’s bill seeks to ensure the funds are exempt from state and local taxation, too. “It’s our responsibility to minimize the negative impact felt by Pennsylvanians due to the ongoing health crisis, so it’s my hope that my colleagues will see the benefit of this legislation and move it through the state House,” Markosek said. State Sen. Jim Brewster, D-Allegheny, has Read more
A total of $606,508 in state funding was awarded to four school districts in the 25th Legislative District for the implementation of school safety initiatives, announced state Rep. Brandon Markosek, D-Allegheny. Read more
Please use the form below to sign up for email updates. By completing this form you are acknowledging your request to receive periodic email updates.
By completing this form, you are verifying your request to opt in for email updates.
Thank you. Your email signup has been sent. You should start getting emails within 24 hours.
Please use the form below to email Rep. Brandon Markosek.
Thank you. Your feedback has been sent.
Commerce Building4232 Northern PikeSuite 303Monroeville, PA 15146-2732
P*: (412) 856-8284
Hours of Operation - 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on weekdays
104 Irvis Office BuildingP.O. Box 202025Harrisburg, PA 17120-2025
P*: (717) 772-4511
F*: (717) 705-1886