HARRISBURG, April 4 – As an advocate for customer protections in Pennsylvania, state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery), announced today he has introduced legislation (H.B. 2186) that would help people avoid falling victim to gift card scams. Read more
PennDOT Update, Housing Resources and AI in Education Read more
ROYERSFORD, Feb. 24 – Nearly $400,000 in state funding for transportation safety projects is coming to the 146th Legislative District through the disbursement of Multimodal Transportation Fund dollars by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, according to state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery. “I am proud to have helped secure this critical funding for our district,” Ciresi said. “This money will make it safer to walk down Pottstown’s sidewalks and will enrich our local economy by drawing residents to a new development in Royersford Borough. These projects align with my focus as state representative: to increase public safety and to make our communities attractive places in which to reside for commuters and local professionals.” The projects and funding are as follows: $225,000 for streetscape improvements to Main Street and Walnut Street to support a new development located in Royersford Borough, Montgomery County. $139,997 to rehabilitate sidewalks and install street lighting along Beech Street in Pottstown Borough, Montgomery County. The Commonwealth Financing Authority was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development to administer Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages. For more information about the program, visit here . Read more
We’ve got to get serious about cyber charter school reform. Don’t just take my word for it. This week, Republican Auditor General Timothy DeFoor released a blockbuster report that called for comprehensive charter school reform. And you know what, the report says the same things I’ve said for YEARS about cyber charter schools and makes the same calls for reform that I’ve tried to enact through legislative initiatives: A single statewide tuition rate for cyber charter schools that’s more related to the actual cost of cyber education. Additional oversight of cyber charter schools by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Limits on excessive cyber charter school fund balances. Despite all that I know about how cyber charter schools rip off Pennsylvania taxpayers, my blood still boiled when I read this audit of five PA cyber charter schools showing that from 2020 to 2023 the schools legally increased their revenues by $425 million and reserves by 144%. And what did the schools do with this extra taxpayer money? While our kids struggled in underfunded traditional public schools, these cyber charter schools legally used taxpayer dollars on staff bonuses, gift cards, vehicle payments and fuel stipends. While our seniors fought to pay property taxes so they could stay in their homes, one of the audited schools, Commonwealth Charter Academy, spent $196 million to purchase and/or renovate 21 buildings. What does a Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 11 – A longtime proponent for community safety and first responders, state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced local fire and EMS companies have been awarded $161,876 in grants through the state’s Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program. “Our fire and emergency responders are with us in our time of greatest need, but they have been struggling to respond to emergencies with limited resources and fewer recruits,” Ciresi said. “These funds are critical so they can continue to provide the life-saving services they do, day in, day out. I continue to advocate for funding to support our fire and emergency responders so that our communities remain safe.” Local fire and EMS companies that were awarded grants include: Friendship HLH&A Inc – Royersford – $15,000. Goodwill Steam Fire Engine Co No 1 – Pottstown – $31,106.84. Limerick Fire Department – Limerick – $40,000. North End Fire Company Num 1 of Pottstown – Pottstown – $15,000. Philadelphia Steam Fire Engine Co 1 – Pottstown – $15,461.31. Ringing Hill Fire Company – Pottstown – $15,461.31. Royersford Fire Department – Royersford – $14,815.77. Sanatoga Fire Co – Pottstown – $15,030.95. The Fire Company and Emergency Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, reacted to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2025-26 budget unveiled today before a joint session of the General Assembly. “This budget proposal from Governor Shapiro continues the significant progress we’ve made in bringing state funding to our long-underfunded school districts.” Ciresi said. “Building on the historic investments in our public schools and steps to reform our broken charter school law that we achieved in the previous budget, this proposal would continue that work on education funding and cyber charter reform. The result will be lower property taxes, more resources for our public schools, and a fairer education system for all students and taxpayers.” Ciresi said the proposed budget includes an additional $641 million in education funding, mostly directed to school districts like Pottstown and Pottsgrove that have been identified as most in need of additional state aid. The proposal also includes $265 million in savings for school districts by setting a statewide cyber charter school tuition rate of $8,000 per student per year, aligning these payments of tax dollars from school districts with the actual expenses of providing an online education. This was a key component of comprehensive cyber charter reform legislation proposed by Ciresi last session. The combined education funding increases and cost savings from cyber charter reform would mean an Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 3 – Bipartisan legislation (H.B. 201) introduced by state Reps. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and Kristin Marcell, R-Bucks, which would allow intermediate units to own facilities for instructional space overwhelmingly passed the House today (155-47). Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 28 – Bipartisan legislation ( H.B. 201 ) introduced by state Reps. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and Kristin Marcell, R-Bucks, which would allow intermediate units to own facilities for instructional space was reported out of the House Education Committee and is now headed to the full House for a vote. Last session, the legislation, introduced as H.B. 1526, passed the House and was sent to the Senate for consideration. However, the Senate did not act on it. IUs are regional educational service agencies that were created by the legislature in 1970. They provide special education, professional development and technical assistance services to public school districts and non-public/private schools. They also serve as liaisons between school districts and the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Every year, more than 175,000 students and 50,000 educators receive services and training from IUs. Currently, IUs are only permitted to own office space and warehouse facilities, not facilities used for instructional space. This limitation does not apply to school districts, area career and technical schools, or charter schools, even though many IUs operate classrooms and other instructional spaces. As a result, all of their instructional facilities must be leased, burdening IUs with rental costs that sometimes greatly exceed what it would cost the IU to purchase and own the facility themselves. “As a former school board member, I know that Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 28– State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, is pleased to announce he secured $53,000 in state grant funding for the Schuylkill River Trail Grosstown Road crossing in West Pottsgrove Township through the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program. Provco Pinegood Stowe, LLC has received $53,000 to install a new crosswalk and rectangular rapid flashing beacons at the crossing of Grosstown Road and the Schuylkill River Trail, providing a safer crossing for pedestrians and cyclists. Ciresi said the improvements will make access to the trail safer and more welcoming for current and additional trail users. “We are fortunate to have the Schuylkill River Trail, a key part of our natural and historic heritage, in our area,” Ciresi said. “Improvements proposed as part of this project would improve the experience for current trail users and support the growing popularity of this major trail. Upgrading the crossing of Grosstown Road and the Schuylkill River Trail will improve the quality of life for many residents, providing better access to safe and healthy outdoor recreation, while leaving a lasting legacy for generations to use.” Act 13 of 2012 established the Marcellus Legacy Fund and allocates funds to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects using the Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Education: Dual Credit Innovation Grant Program Who May Apply: Public institutions of higher education. Use: Funding may be used to offer college coursework to high school students enrolled in eligible school entities. Funds: $14 million in state funding was allocated through the 2024 School Code. Application Deadline: February 10, 2025 More information: PDE Website Department of Environmental Protection: Abandoned Mine Land and Abandoned Mine Draining Grant Program Who May Apply: An authority, incorporated nonprofit, political subdivision, or conservation district. Use: Funds may be used for abandoned mine land reclamation and abandoned mine drainage treatment or abatement. Funds: $75 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: April 25, 2025. Applicants must contact DEP ( ra-epamgrantprogram@pa.gov ) prior to applying for an initial project consultation. More information: DEP Website Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Integrated Health Solutions Who May Apply: Physical health care providers, hospitals, rural health centers, or federally qualified health clinics. Use: T o promote full integration and collaboration in clinical practice between behavioral health care and primary physical health care. Funds: $3 million in funding is available from the Publicis Health Opioid Settlement. Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 15 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi today announced that three community projects have been approved for $152,400 in state funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Neighborhood Assistance Program. NAP helps low-income individuals and improves distressed areas in PA communities through the provision of tax credits to businesses that contribute to nonprofit organizations’ efforts to revitalize communities. “This state funding will provide critical support to some of our communities’ most vulnerable, from financially distressed individuals struggling to meet basic needs to low-income families requiring rehab grants to stay in their homes to at-risk students needing math and reading support so they can do well in school,” Ciresi, D-Montgomery, said. “This money will make sure our neighborhoods are healthy and flourishing by ensuring that some of the most vulnerable have the help they need to succeed.” The applicants receiving grant money and the NAP subprograms providing the funding are the following: Neighborhood Assistance Program, which supports affordable housing, community services, crime prevention, education, job training and neighborhood assistance: TriCounty Community Network – Pottstown, Montgomery County – $3,900. Funding will support emergency basic needs including transportation support, utility assistance, family assistance and housing Read more
Hello neighbor, In this email update, you will find information about the start of a new legislative session in Harrisburg, the upcoming implementation date for REAL ID, and road work schedules for Armand Hammer Boulevard, Route 422, and other area roads. I hope you find this useful. Start of a New Legislative Session Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 13 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi today announced that $115,314 in competitive grant funding was awarded to Pottstown School District and Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to help augment their career and technical education programs. The schools were awarded the following grants: Pottstown School District – $30,314 Western Montgomery CTC – $85,000 The Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center serves students from the Spring-Ford Area, Pottsgrove, and Upper Perkiomen school districts. “I’m thrilled that the Education Department has recognized and decided to support the Pottstown and Western Montgomery CTC students’ potential through these grant awards,” Ciresi said. “This money will help enhance the career and technical education programs in the Pottstown School District and at Western Montgomery, providing students with the skills and knowledge to obtain high-priority occupations through a combination of classes and hands-on learning experiences. Thanks to this money, students will leave school even more prepared to apply what they learned at school to real-world problems.” Under the program, grants of up to $85,000 are awarded to school entities to update or purchase equipment used in the training of students in Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 7 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi was sworn in to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today, beginning a new term serving the 146th Legislative District, and was named as majority chair of the House Communications & Technology Committee. “This session I am going to build on my work in the House to fully and fairly fund education, achieve property tax relief for seniors and the middle class, make higher education more affordable and continue to work to restore passenger train service to western Montgomery County,” said Ciresi, D-Montgomery. “I know there is a lot of work to be done to meet these goals in these challenging times. By working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, I hope to see this new session as a productive one. “I am proud that in my second term that three pieces of legislation I introduced were signed into law and I brought home $13.8 million in state grant money to the district. In this term, I aim to introduce, support and pass legislation that will build up our educational system, spur our local economies, reduce property taxes and improve our quality of life.” Ciresi’s legislation that was enacted into law was: Act 64 of 2024 to simplify the process of claiming unclaimed property as an heir. Act 29 of 2024 to prohibit companies from charging early termination fees to a deceased person’s family or estate when canceling certain service contracts. Act 60 of 2024 Read more
Below are multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Community and Economic Development: Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program Who May Apply: Community-based non-profit organizations with a history of at least 3 years operating experience, educational institutions, and non-profit economic development organizations with a history of at least 3 years operating experience. Use: Creation or support of a Business Assistance Service Center for the purpose of serving small, historically disadvantaged businesses. Funds: $20 million in funding was appropriated in the 2024/25 state budget. Application Deadline: January 22, 2025 More information: DCED Website Council on the Arts: Entry to Arts Organizations and Arts Programs (EAOAP) Who May Apply: Non-profit agencies with a history of at least two years of consistent arts programming in Pennsylvania and an annual average arts revenue over $200,000. Use: Entry track is the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts’ (PCA) point of entry for organizations or programs to the AOAP. Applicants must apply in Entry track until recommended for AOAP, which is based on panel review and assessment totals Funds: Grants totaling $5,000 will be awarded. Application Deadline: February 15, 2025 More information: Arts Website Council on the Arts: Arts Read more
Dec 4 grants Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 1– State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and state Sen. Tracy Pennycuick, R-Montgomery/Berks, announced today that they secured $2.5 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grants for projects in Montgomery County. “This $2.5 million in capital funding for Pottstown and Limerick will improve the quality of life in our district by restoring and expanding business operations to a disused historic building in Pottstown, improving transportation infrastructure in Limerick, and building up our area’s pharmaceutical and sustainable energy sectors,” Ciresi said. “This money will create jobs in our district, strengthening our district’s reputation as a thriving economic area.” “I am thrilled to see that these projects were approved. This funding will have a significant impact on our regional economy by creating high-paying jobs and expanding our local transportation network to allow for a more efficient movement of people and goods,” Pennycuick said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with my fellow legislator, Rep. Ciresi, to secure these grants for our constituents.” The grants awarded are: Downtown Pottstown Job Retention and Creation Initiative Montco Tech Center, LLC Pottstown Borough $500,000 RACP funds will be used for construction to renovate the old Harp Taxi Building, a Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 23 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced that he secured $855,333 in state government grants for projects in the 146 th legislative district. “These grants will help meet the important needs of our first responders, invest in our local school facilities, and help beautify downtown Pottstown, contributing to its ongoing revitalization,” Ciresi said. “This is a prime example of taxpayer money being brought back home to improve the quality of life here in a variety of different ways.” The following grants are from Statewide Local Share Account funding. It comes from the PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, which provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects in the public interest in Pennsylvania: $150,270 Lower Pottsgrove Township Municipal Radio System The funds will be used to purchase a radio system for the municipality, which will include the purchase of 45 mobile radios, the purchase and installation of a VHF repeater and professional services costs. $90,000 Pottstown Downtown Streetscape Plan The funds will be used to help develop a comprehensive plan to improve Pottstown’s streetscape, including strategies to beautify vacant storefronts, design outdoor areas for recreation and social gatherings, and give the walking corridor a safe and welcoming atmosphere. The project will Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 21 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi’s legislation (H.B. 116) that would increase consumer protections by requiring companies to provide a notification before each automatic renewal, to be transparent about renewal terms, and to allow subscribers to cancel subscription services online if they initially subscribed over the Internet unanimously passed the House today. “The situation too many consumers face today is that their online contracts often automatically renew without them being notified or even aware,” said Ciresi, D-Montgomery. “Making matters worse is that some subscription services require consumers to jump through hoops just to cancel their subscription, such as by forcing them to call or speak to an online representative before they can end the service. “My legislation, ‘Click to Cancel,’ would make consumers aware of their active subscriptions and their renewal terms and empower them to easily cancel their subscriptions. This bill would require that subscriptions be transparent and easy to understand.” Ciresi’s legislation would amend the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law by requiring businesses which offer automatic renewals to: Provide renewal terms, cancellation policy and how to cancel. Allow a customer who signs up online to be allowed to cancel online. Any material changes in the automatic renewal must be provided in a clear and Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 17 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today introduced H.B. 2636 that would create a license plate celebrating the arts in Pennsylvania. “From Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens to the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, artistic attractions exist in every corner of our great state,” Ciresi said. “To allow Pennsylvanians to show their pride in the arts and spread awareness of their role in our lives, I’ve introduced legislation to allow individuals to purchase a special arts license plate.” According to Ciresi, the creative sector is fourth largest economic sector in Pennsylvania, contributing billions to the state’s economy and employing many Pennsylvanians. Many communities have turned to the arts as a means for new identity and revitalization. Tourists come from around the world to visit Pennsylvania’s world-class artistic institutions, while the arts offer entertainment and enrichment for Pennsylvanians of all classes and backgrounds. “I want supporters of the arts in Pennsylvania to be able to proudly purchase and display these plates, as a show of support for our vibrant arts culture,” Ciresi said. “Proceeds from the purchases of this license plate would support the arts in Pennsylvania, going to the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts to add to the grants they award to fund artistic endeavors throughout the state.” As proposed by H.B. 2636, the arts license plate would Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 15 – The Pottstown School District will be granted over $350,000 in federal funding as part of Cohort 12 of the 21st Century Community Learning Center Grants, state Rep. Joe Ciresi announced today. The funds, one in a series of 21st Century Community Learning Center grants administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), would help establish and/or support community learning centers that provide academic, artistic and cultural enrichment opportunities for students and their families. “This new funding will help ensure students in the Pottstown School District have access to a wide range of programs and services they need, providing academic, artistic and cultural enrichment opportunities for students that will help them succeed in school and in life,” Ciresi said. The funded program must occur during non-school hours or periods when schools are not in session to help them meet state and local standards in core academic subjects. Centers must also offer students a broad array of activities that can complement their regular academic programs and literacy and other educational services to families. Other 21st Century CCLC grant recipients in Cohort 12 that were announced earlier this year can be found here . Read more
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Park Towne Plaza301 N. Lewis RoadSuite 140CRoyersford, PA 19468-1531
P*: (833) 821-1732P: (484) 200-8265
F*: (484) 200-8275
Hours of Operation - 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
TriCounty Active Adult Center288 Moser RoadPottstown, PA 19464-5018
Hours of Operation - Open Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Montgomery County Community CollegeNorth Hall Room 11916 E High StreetPottstown, PA, PA 19464
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325 Main CapitolP.O. Box 202146Harrisburg, PA 17120-2146
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