It was a busy week in Harrisburg, highlighted by Gov. Wolf’s signing into law of two police reform measures, as well as my letter to the auditor general calling for an investigation into PPP approvals for charter schools (creating likely “double-dipping” of public funds). Read more
“Pennsylvania taxpayers deserve to know that their tax dollars are spent responsibly and that the funding of a government program is used for its intended purpose. It is therefore important to determine how charter schools were able to justify and obtain these forgivable loans, and whether taxpayer funds from all sources are being used for their legally intended purposes by recipient charter schools and management organizations.” Read more
“The coronavirus outbreak created so much uncertainty, not only for individuals and families, but for businesses across the Commonwealth,” Ciresi said. “Because of so many businesses being closed for so long and now operating at reduced capacity, paying the annual registration fee can be difficult. This legislation provides relief by pushing back the payment until their financial situation improves.” Read more
In support of H.R. 798, Pa. Rep. Joe Ciresi spoke of his own experiences with food allergies, from childhood through adulthood, and thanked the Pennsylvania House for unanimously passing a resolution to recognize Food Allergy Awareness Week in the commonwealth. Read more
“This extraordinary decision was a shameful abuse of legislative power,” Ciresi said. “While all bills deserve to be properly debated and discussed, and potentially improved through amendments, this is especially true for amendments to the constitution itself. To push through a bill of this magnitude without a public hearing or discussion, while refusing to even consider amendments that my colleagues worked hard to draft, is unacceptable.” Read more
“Bringing back the train is critical to reviving the downtowns of Pottstown and Royersford, creating new jobs, increasing property values, and improving quality of life. Everyone – not just train passengers – stands to benefit from these positive impacts. I am proud to continue to work with stakeholders on this important priority, and look forward to seeing further developments as we continue to move forward.” Read more
As always, more information is available on my legislative website and on my legislative Facebook and Twitter accounts. Please feel free to contact me at my Royersford District Office at (484) 200-8265. Read more
I wish you a relaxing and safe Independence Day weekend as we celebrate America’s birthday. Despite the many challenges of the first half of 2020, I know we will persevere and come out better on the other side. Thank you for the sacrifices you have made. Read more
Amid COVID-19 concerns, Pa. state Rep. Joe Ciresi took part in a House Democratic Policy Committee discussion about ways to reopen schools safely ahead of the upcoming school year. Read more
I wanted to highlight some assistance that is available to individuals and small businesses who are struggling financially because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic slowdowns. Read more
“Week after week, year after year, most workers contributed to the Unemployment Trust Fund through payroll deductions,” Ciresi said. “Yet the failures of this system have left too many without income during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when they need these benefits more than ever.” Read more
Applications are expected to be available June 30 for a new program aimed at providing critical funding to local businesses hurt by the coronavirus. The first round of the $225 million COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance grant program is expected to open for applications on Tuesday, June 30 and will remain open for 10 business days. Additionally, applications will continue to be accepted after 10 business days to be considered for future rounds of funding. Those rounds will be announced soon. This program will award grants ranging from $5,000 - $50,000 to small businesses economically impacted by the coronavirus, and money is specifically set aside for businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged people. For an application preparation checklist, criteria for eligibility and consideration, and a full list of participating Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), please click below to go to the COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance website. https://pabusinessgrants.com/ Read more
Email features updates from PennDOT and SEPTA, plus info on a grant for a local senior center. Read more
Ciresi was an early cosponsor of the bill, supported it in the Local Government Committee and authored an amendment that ensures the most recent evaluating manual would be used to properly assess the value of manufactured homes. Read more
“Today’s unanimous votes are a significant first step toward addressing social justice issues that have driven a divide between law enforcement and the community,” Ciresi said. “To bridge that gap, we have much work still to do. This legislation marks the beginning of necessary work we all must do – as a commonwealth and as fellow human beings – to rebuild trust and fulfill our obligation to equal justice under the law.” Read more
Funding secured through the grant will allow the Tri-County Area Active Adult Center to repair and seal its parking lot, in addition to maintenance, re-painting and grading work. Ciresi said the project will create a safer and more resilient surface and improve convenience for the more-than 200 older adults who visit the center daily. Read more
“How much in uncompensated care is the Pottstown Hospital providing, to justify its non-profit status? Our constituents deserve more than talking points from a hospital spokesman. It’s a shame.” Read more
“My bill would make sure that local boards and commissions can continue to conduct public business in any situation, be it the COVID-19 pandemic or anything that might happen in the future.” Read more
Plus updates from the office, a local traffic update, and hunting licenses now available. Read more
MONTGOMERY COUNTY Pa., June 17 –State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today condemned PennDOT’s decision to revoke two Green Light-Go grants that were awarded to projects in his district. “These grants were awarded to projects in our district as part of the 2017 Green Light-Go grant cycle. With significant work and resources already invested in these projects, there’s no reason that we should not be able to move forward with construction,” Ciresi said. “Both of these projects would have significantly improved safety and traffic flow at key regional arteries. PennDOT backing out of its commitments presents a major challenge to our involved municipalities and I urge the department to reverse this decision and restore funding.” The grants are concerning the two following projects: $232,000 would have been used on Linfield-Trappe Road/Township Line Road for a Traffic Signal Modernization project in Limerick and Upper Providence townships. The project was days away from having a bid awarded. $252,800 would have been used to make improvements at the intersections of Main Street and Route 113 and at the Trappe Center in Trappe Borough. Design work on the project was nearing completion. Ciresi said PennDOT noted a funding shortfall caused by the pandemic. For more information, contact Ciresi’s office at 484-200-8265. 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. Joseph Ciresi.
Thank you. Your feedback has been sent.
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
Hours of Operation - Open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Room 125-A East WingP.O. Box 202146Harrisburg, PA 17120-2146
P*: (717) 783-4086
F*: (717) 705-1891