HARRISBURG, Oct. 21 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced today that the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority has approved a $3.71 million grant to fund the Pottstown Borough Authority’s 2021 Lead Service Replacement Project. The project will replace lead lines in older homes, eliminating exposure to lead materials. “I am very glad that PENNVEST has made this investment in the future of Pottstown Borough as this funding will ensure that my constituents will have a modern and safe infrastructure for years to come for something as fundamental as drinking water,” Ciresi said. “This work to eliminate lead and other harmful contaminants from drinking water is crucial to the health and well-being of our residents, children, and future generations.” The funds will be used to fund a project to replace approximately 8,400 linear feet of lead service lines and 700 linear feet of water service curb stops throughout Pottstown Borough. The authority has already contracted work in 2019 and 2021 to replace some of the existing lead service lines throughout the borough to provide safe drinking water to the residents of the area. The 2021 Lead Service Replacement Project will complete this effort in the remaining sections of the borough that are designated as being in critical condition. “This grant provides the funds necessary to continue the efforts of the Pottstown Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 19 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, introduced legislation today to establish a grant program for the 2021-22 school year that would allow schools to purchase face masks, other additional personal protective equipment, and cleaning and sanitizing supplies, as well as allow them to make modifications necessary to ensure appropriate social distancing. “There are over 3,000 people hospitalized with COVID-19 right now and we’ve lost too many over the course of this pandemic,” Ciresi said. “We’ve got to remain vigilant and do everything we can to make sure our schools are safe spaces for our children. That’s why I’ve introduced this legislation, which would help schools provide effective, high-quality masks for their students and staff, as well as any other PPE or supplies they need to hinder the transmission of the virus and create a safe environment for learning.” Ciresi’s legislation is similar to Act 30 of 2020, which created grants for schools to purchase PPE and cleaning supplies in the previous school year but has since expired. Funding would be available to help both public and nonpublic schools. Read more
POTTSTOWN, Oct. 13 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced that he spoke with PennDOT following last week’s closure of their Photo License Center in Pottstown and urged them to promptly find and open a new location in the Pottstown area. “The Pottstown Photo License Center provided access to important photo services to many of my constituents,” Ciresi said. “I spoke with PennDOT and emphasized the importance of opening a new location to resume convenient access to these services as quickly as possible. PennDOT was receptive and assured me that they are actively working to find and reopen a new location in the area.” The Pottstown Photo License Center was located at Commonwealth Auto Tags at 377 E. High St. PennDOT announced that they terminated their contract with Commonwealth Auto Tags for cause, closing the Pottstown Photo License Center effective close of business on Oct. 4. The closure does not affect other services provided by Commonwealth Auto Tags. Until a new Photo License Center is opened, Pottstown-area residents can use the following centers in the region for photo license services: Harleysville Photo License Center (Montgomery County) Harley Commons, 345 Main Street, Harleysville, PA 19438 Hours: Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri. & Sat. 8:30-4:15; Thurs. 8:30-6:00. Malvern/Frazer Driver License Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 21 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, introduced H.B. 1895 today to exempt injured and decorated veterans from vehicle registration fees. In serving the 146th legislative district, Ciresi has been particularly concerned that returning veterans receive assistance from the state in recognition of the sacrifices they’ve made serving their country. “While state law currently provides some veterans with a discounted rate for vehicle registration by only charging a processing fee, in recognition of their service I believe our injured and decorated veterans deserve to be fully excused from paying vehicle registration fees,” Ciresi said. Ciresi said, “That is why I’ve introduced legislation, with bipartisan support, which totally waives these fees for veterans who were injured or captured while serving their country, or who have received the Congressional Medal of Honor or the Purple Heart.” Current law charges a $10 processing fee instead of a registration fee for veterans who’ve lost a limb or eye or became partially paralyzed while serving in the armed forces; were captured by the enemy in an armed conflict; or were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Ciresi’s legislation eliminates the processing fee and expands eligibility to also include all recipients of the Purple Heart. According to Ciresi, this exemption would not only help eligible veterans directly, but also their Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 17 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, introduced legislation yesterday to allow BYOB restaurants to collaborate with local limited wineries to sell wine to diners. Ciresi, who has made the promotion and protection of small businesses a cornerstone of his role as state representative for the 146th District, said his legislation will benefit BYOB establishments, small Pennsylvania wineries and Pennsylvania dining patrons. “Our small local restaurants are a foundation of our communities and provide a wonderful place for people to come together,” Ciresi said. “Sometimes diners will go out to a restaurant and not realize it is BYOB. Though the restaurant might wish to provide wine to its patrons, it can’t afford to purchase a liquor license which costs thousands of dollars. “My legislation would allow a BYOB restaurant to collaborate with a local limited winery to sell wine so customers could enjoy wine with their meal in the restaurant. My goal is to support our small local restaurants, which are still trying to recover from the financial impact of the pandemic, and our growing Pennsylvania winery industry, as well as to enhance our diners’ patronage of local restaurants.” The legislation would permit limited wineries to apply for and obtain an off-premise catering permit they could use to partner with community restaurants to benefit both local businesses. Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 8 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced today that the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency approved Montgomery County’s request for $149,875 in federal State Opioid Response Grant funds to provide Medication Assisted Treatment for the inmate population to combat the opioid crisis. The grant funds will be used to enhance the current MAT program through continuation of medication for inmates with a valid prescription; induction on medication for inmates without a valid prescription; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for participants of the MAT program; education about the MAT program; aftercare services and connections to community providers; and increased collaboration between county agencies, including Adult Probation/Parole, the courts, and community-based partners. Funds will support supplies and operating expenses and consultants for MAT and CBT. “This funding will help our inmate population suffering from the opioid crisis that plagues the prison system and provide continuation of treatment, so our parolees get a drug-free lease on life,” Ciresi said. “True rehabilitation cannot happen if someone is addicted to narcotics and a parolee’s ‘fresh start’ will be severely handicapped by a relapse. This federal funding will provide a lifeline to our inmate population both inside and outside the prison system.” Read more
HARRISBURG, Aug. 26 – Taking a stand for 5,000 households he represents in Limerick Township , Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, submitted a public comment opposing the proposed rate increase by Aqua Pennsylvania Wastewater Inc., saying that the utility’s large and abrupt rate increase would amount to a doubling of rates for most of the township’s wastewater customers and would impose significant financial hardship on many. The proposed rate increase is the first opportunity Aqua Pennsylvania has had to raise the rates as fees had been frozen for the first three years as part of the agreement between Limerick Township and Aqua Pennsylvania at the time of sale in 2018. In his public comment, Ciresi noted that when Aqua Pennsylvania purchased the sewer system from Limerick Township in 2018, the president of the utility had called the Limerick sewer system “compliant and well-maintained.” In his public comment, Ciresi questioned how a well-maintained sewer system would require a doubling of service rates. “It is unimaginable that the cost of providing sewer service — through an already well-maintained system — to Limerick Township residents has more than doubled in those three years,” he said. As a public servant representing a vulnerable population hit hard by the pandemic, Ciresi has taken a stand against the proposed rate increase. Read more
“The basis of good government — responsibility, efficiency and accountability — requires that we have an elected representative who represents the public interest and who can be called to account for how taxpayer money is being spent. My bill would ensure that happens.” Read more
HARRISBURG, Aug. 9 – Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has awarded a $12,900,000 contract to Allan Meyers, LP, of Worcester, Montgomery County, to repair and resurface 17 state roadways in Montgomery County, including five important roads in and near the 146 th District. “Good roads are the backbone of a strong community — they connect us to our workplaces, to our schools, to our houses of worship and to each other,” Ciresi said. “Ensuring a well-maintained infrastructure is an important responsibility of government. This state-funded project will make it easier for my constituents to have safer and more pleasant commutes on important roadways in my district.” The contract will repair and resurface the following roads in the 146 th District: Ridge Pike/Main Street from Route 29 (Second Avenue) to 578 feet west of Limerick Center Road in Trappe and Collegeville boroughs, and Limerick and Upper Providence townships. High Street/West Ridge Pike between Old Township Line Road and Keim Street in Pottstown Borough, and Limerick and Lower Pottsgrove townships. Route 73 (Skippack Pike) between Route 29 (Gravel Pike) and Green Hill Road in Worcester and Perkiomen townships and Skippack Borough. Route 29 (Collegeville Avenue/Second Avenue) between the U.S. 422 Read more
HARRISBURG, July 29 – Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced his office found and recovered a total of $147,122.63 in unclaimed property from 81 claims for the year 2020, ranking his office No. 2 and No. 3 in the legislature for total amount and submitted claims, respectively, according to the Pennsylvania Treasury. “I am very proud of the work my office has done to proactively search for and locate unclaimed property for residents in our community,” Ciresi said. “These 81 claimants now are in possession of the $147,122.63 that is rightfully theirs thanks to the efforts of my office. This service is offered free of charge to all my constituents, so please contact my office if you think you have unclaimed property.” According to the Pennsylvania Treasury, 1 in 10 Pennsylvanians has unclaimed property waiting for them. The Pennsylvania Treasury holds almost $4 billion in unclaimed property, including dormant bank and retirement accounts, stocks, uncashed checks, and military medals. Constituents can search online at the Treasury website for unclaimed property, or contact Ciresi’s office at (484) 200-8265 or https://pahouse.com/Ciresi/Contact . Ciresi’s office can help complete and submit unclaimed property paperwork for processing by the Pennsylvania Treasury. Read more
HARRISBURG, July 16 – Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, applauded the award of $770,000 in COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program (CHIRP) funding to 19 businesses in the 146 th district. “I am very glad that this critical funding has been awarded, as I repeatedly sponsored legislation to provide life-supporting financial aid to help our struggling restaurants and local businesses during the pandemic,” Ciresi said. “Our restaurants and bars bore the brunt of the pandemic’s economic devastation when they closed down to protect their patrons’ and employees’ health. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude and the financial support necessary to get back on their feet after a brutal year. This CHIRP funding will help them do that.” The funding was distributed to the following businesses: Sly Fox Hospitality Group (Pottstown Borough) - $40,000. Pottstown Center King Buffet, Inc. (Pottstown Borough) - $50,000. S&B Event Concepts and Catering (Perkiomen Township) - $30,000. Limerick Airport Hotel, Inc. (Limerick Township) - $50,000. iCreate Cafe (Pottstown Borough) - $30,000. Trappe Tavern, Inc. (Trappe Borough) - $40,000. Aye Caramba Taco, Inc. (Pottstown Borough) - $35,000. KDC Enterprises (Lower Pottsgrove Township) - $35,000. Latitude Hotels Group Read more
Weekly email also features county updates and local traffic updates. Read more
Plus a reminder about fireworks, news on a bill I just introduced, and Route 422 traffic updates. Read more
“Now more than ever, we need schools and teachers to be educated on how the pandemic may have further impacted ACEs in their students and how they can better assist students in handling this unforeseen and widespread traumatic experience.” Read more
"Investing in infrastructure is not only a basic responsibility of government, but an imperative to be ready for the future," Ciresi, D-Montgomery, said. "We need the NIB to address a significant backlog of maintenance needs in everything from roads and bridges to water mains, and to create a modern, state-of-the-art infrastructure for the 21st century without needing to raise taxes – accommodating our growing population, creating jobs and driving innovation." Read more
“We should have done better. Just know that I will continue working tirelessly for students, for infrastructure and transit, for health care and reduced property tax burdens. The fight continues.” Read more
Weekly email includes other legislative updates, the latest on Route 422 road work, and a salute to our COVID-19 progress. Read more
Schools like the Pottstown School District need more funding so they can survive events like the pandemic. Read more
He says the biggest fight is for equitable school funding to make sure his school districts have the money they need to invest in our children and save taxpayers money on local property taxes. In addition, he’s fighting hard for public transportation and a study to restore Reading-Philadelphia passenger train service. Read more
Pa. state Rep. Joe Ciresi introduces Julia Smith, a student at Pottstown School District, to talk about how her school district is underfunded. Read more
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