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Rep. Joseph Ciresi

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Reform for charter reimbursement necessary in PA, testifiers say

(Mar 22, 2023) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

“Today’s hearing provided us with a great opportunity to examine how reimbursements for charter schools work, and how we can make sure we’re being proper stewards of taxpayer dollars,” said Rep. Joe Ciresi (D-Montgomery), who hosted Wednesday’s hearing. “We will always preserve school choice, but it has been more than 20 years since we last reformed our charter school law, and the testimony we heard today proved it’s now antiquated and negatively impacting school districts, students and taxpayers.” Read more

 

Ciresi introduces legislation to protect patients and medical personnel from retaliation

(Mar 21, 2023) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, March 21 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today introduced legislation, (H.B. 641) that would protect patients and medical personnel from health care facility retaliation for filing grievances and complaints. “When mistakes are made at a medical care facility, patients can suffer physically, emotionally and financially,” Ciresi said. “Patients and medical personnel should be able to report errors and unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation for speaking up.” House Bill 641 would protect patients and medical personnel who file grievances or complaints with the facility or its staff, entities charged with accrediting or evaluating health care facilities or a governmental entity. It would also protect people who initiate, participate in, or cooperate with investigations or administrative hearings related to facility quality of care, services or conditions. As part of the protection, the bill would establish a rebuttable presumption that discriminatory treatment against patients and medical personnel was retaliatory if done within a set time after the filing of a grievance or complaint. If a facility is found to have engaged in discrimination or retaliation, victims would be entitled to civil and criminal penalties, including fines and restitution, for lost wages, work benefits and legal costs. “When passed, my legislation will help guarantee the vital right of patients and medical personnel to report unsafe Read more

 

Ciresi brings $1.7 million for area transportation and infrastructure improvements: Funding will advance project to restore Reading-Philadelphia passenger rail service

(Mar 16, 2023) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, March 16 – As a longtime, successful advocate for transportation and infrastructure programs in the 146th Legislative District, State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced today that he has helped to secure 1.7 million in state grants for area transportation and infrastructure projects through the Commonwealth Financing Authority. “I am proud to have secured $1.7 million in grant funding for these significant and far-reaching projects, particularly the feasibility study that will help establish passenger service between Reading and Philadelphia,” Ciresi said. “This funding will improve our area through investments in projects to reduce traffic, make our streets safer, and increase access to residential, business and recreational areas.” The funding will be used for the following projects: $250,000 toward reconstructing and aligning Lightcap Road in Limerick Township to support the increase in traffic caused by development in the area. $200,000 for the restoration of First Avenue from Arch Street to the trailhead parking area in Royersford Borough to improve access to residences, businesses, and amenities; support the broader Royersford business climate; and ensure a safe and well-maintained connection to the Schuylkill River Trail and other connected trails. $1 million to replace outdated streetlights in Pottstown Borough with new, energy efficient LED lights and control systems, and to install crime prevention Read more

 

Ciresi presents $250K check to Pottstown Borough to install LED streetlights

(Mar 10, 2023) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, March 10 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, presented a check on Wednesday night at Pottstown Borough Council Committee of the Whole meeting, for a $250,000 PA Department of Community and Economic Development grant he secured for Pottstown’s LED streetlight conversion project. “Pottstown’s old streetlights made it difficult to drive or walk safely at night, as well drove up the Borough’s electric bills,” Ciresi said. “I secured this $250,000 grant to replace the old lights with new, energy efficient LED lights and control systems which will use less electricity and dramatically improve nighttime visibility and so improve safety in Pottstown Borough.” Pottstown Borough has 1,821 streetlights which were installed in the 1960s, consisting of high-pressure sodium and mercury vapor. This DCED grant has allowed Pottstown Borough to purchase 820 fixtures to convert streetlights to LED, which will be installed by the borough. "The upgrade of our streetlights to LED became possible due to the funding provided by DCED and the advocacy of Representative Ciresi,” Pottstown Borough Manager Justin Keller said. “We are grateful for their support as it allows us to reduce our carbon footprint and save on energy costs while improving safety in our neighborhoods. The LED streetlight upgrades are in line with our joint sustainability plan with the School District, emphasizing Read more

 

Ciresi, Haddock introduce legislation to expand property tax, rent relief

(Mar 09, 2023) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, March 9 – State Reps. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and Jim Haddock, D-Lackawanna/Luzerne, introduced this week H.B. 113, to expand the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program in Pennsylvania. “Pennsylvanians are struggling under high inflation to pay for basic necessities, especially housing,” Ciresi said. “I firmly believe that we must help our seniors and people with disabilities stay in the homes they’ve lived in for years for their own health and for community stability. Unfortunately, while inflation and cost of living has risen, PTRR’s income limits, rebate amounts and other provisions have not been updated to correspond with economic changes, so fewer people qualify for the program, and the rebates don’t provide the needed financial assistance.” “We must act now to expand PTRR as next year, thousands of seniors will lose eligibility because their Social Security cost-of-living adjustments will push them above the eligibility threshold,” Ciresi said. “It is time to make sure that our seniors can remain eligible, and that more individuals can seek assistance from this vital program.” The legislation would increase income limits for homeowners and renters to $50,000 and $25,000, respectively, recognizing the impact inflation has had since the last increase in 2006. In addition, the legislation would permanently reinstate a provision that would ensure individuals are not deemed ineligible for Read more

 

Ciresi highlights significant investment in property tax and rent relief in Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal

(Mar 09, 2023) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, March 7 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, reacted to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2023-24 budget unveiled today before a joint session of the General Assembly. “I was glad to hear a vision to invest in important and necessary priorities of property tax relief, mental health, school facilities, and public safety in Governor Shapiro’s first budget,” Ciresi said. “The call to expand the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, which I’ve proposed legislation to do , would be a significant investment in housing affordability, providing property tax and housing relief to more than half a million seniors and individuals with disabilities.” The budget proposed expanding the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program by raising income eligibility caps to $45,000 for both homeowners and renters, indexing eligibility caps to inflation, and increasing maximum rebates to $1,000. These changes, the first major update since 2006, would expand program eligibility to 173,000 individuals, and increase assistance to an additional 398,000 people. Ciresi said the proposed budget also includes an additional $671 million for basic and special education statewide, delivering an increase of $5.8 million to school districts in the 146 th District, including: Pottsgrove School District: $1.2 million. Pottstown School District: $2.9 million. Spring-Ford Area School District: $1.7 Read more

 

Help preserve historic homes | Opinion | bradfordera.com

(Feb 13, 2023) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

Preserving historic homes Read more

 

'Now is the time' to act on fair school funding advocates say (pottsmerc.com)

(Feb 13, 2023) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

'Now is the time' to act on fair school funding advocates say (pottsmerc.com) Read more

 

Ciresi announces funding for area fire, EMS companies

(Feb 07, 2023) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, Feb. 7 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced $ 137,987 in state funding to support fire and EMS services in the 146th Legislative District. The grants originate from the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, administered by the Office of State Fire Commissioner. The money can be used for facility upgrades, equipment, debt reduction, training and certification, education and public outreach, and recruitment and retention efforts. “On behalf of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, these grants recognize the importance that local fire and EMS companies play in critical public services,” Ciresi said. “These companies deserve all of the funding they can access at the state level, and I will always be proud to help them realize those opportunities.” Below are the companies in the 146 th District with their funding amounts. Friendship HLH&A Inc. $10,000 Goodwill Steam Fire Engine Co. No. 1 $25,000 Limerick Fire Department $28,028 North End Fire Co. $15,000 Philadelphia Steam Fire Engine Co. No. 1 $15,000 Ringing Hill Fire Co. $14,959 Royersford Fire Department $15,000 Sanatoga Fire Co. $15,000 For the full list of awards: 2022-23-Firefighter-Grant-Awards.pdf (pa.gov) . Read more

 

Connectivity and digital literacy key to children's futures

(Jan 19, 2023) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

digital literacy Read more

 

Ciresi announces more than $1 million in parks and conservation grants for Pottstown, Trappe area

(Jan 12, 2023) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, Jan. 12 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced today that more than $1 million in state grants have been awarded to the region for outdoor recreation and improvement. The grants are part of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ investment of $31.2 million in 88 projects through the Community Conservation Partnerships Program announced today. These projects are intended to help underserved and small communities and partnerships across the commonwealth with recreation and conservation efforts, improve water quality, and improve resiliency to climate change. Projects awarded grants include: Community and Watershed Forestry Grant: $440,000 for Pottstown School District TreeVitalize The grant will allow the Pottstown School District to plant approximately 563 trees at nine school district sites, including in and around parking lots and playgrounds. These tree plantings will contribute to the overall urban tree canopy of Pottstown and help reduce the urban heat island effect within the borough. In addition, installation of the trees will involve faculty and students, and interpretive signs will be installed to educate students, faculty and borough residents about the trees and the benefits of tree planting. State Parks and Outdoor Recreation Program: $239,300 for the Rehabilitation of Pottstown’s Chestnut Street Park Funding will support rehabilitation of Pottstown’s Read more

 

Ciresi, Pennycuick Announce $2.25M to create Boyertown Event Space and Festival Marketplace

(Jan 12, 2023) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

BOYERTOWN, PA. - Thanks to the hard work of a bi-partisan group of legislators and the advocacy of a host of Berks and Montgomery organizations, one of Southeastern Pennsylvania’s most historic downtowns will be home to a new event space and farmer’s market. A $2.25M Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant will match $2.4M in federal, county, and local investment to a marketplace and community event space in the heart of Boyertown. “Improvements will include a market building, stage and flagpole plaza, restrooms and event support space, landscaping, and ADA improvements serving the market and connecting it to the rest of downtown. The market recreates a significant Berks County building designed by noted Philadelphia Victorian architect Frank Furness,” said Nathaniel Guest, Executive Director of the applicant organization Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust. “This project requires a huge lift, much like all of the rest of the Colebrookdale’s work, and it is only possible through the work of many hands,” said Guest. “We are grateful beyond words to the elected officials across Pennsylvania whose faith and trust in our region resulted in this grant,” said Senator Tracy Pennycuick. “They include my colleagues Senators Martin, Argall, Gebhard, Muth, Schwank and Mensch, and Representatives Maloney, Jozwiak, Wentling, Hennessey, Zimmerman, Ciresi, Gillen, and Millard,” she said. Read more

 

Ciresi: $50,000 Equipment Grant for Western Montgomery Career and Technical Center

(Dec 21, 2022) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

ROYERSFORD, Dec. 21 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced that the Western Montgomery Career and Technical Center has been awarded the maximum grant of $50,000 by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the purchase of new equipment to help train students in skills required for high-demand occupations . “I know from my years in business and in the legislature, the foundation to a thriving economy is a highly trained workforce,” Ciresi said. “This state grant will help ensure that our young people at the Western Montgomery CTC are getting the in-demand skills that will make them sought after hires in today’s highly competitive economic climate. I applaud the state’s investment in the development of Montgomery County’s workforce.” Under PDE’s program, the Western Montgomery Career and Technical Center has received the maximum grant of $50,000. This grant must be matched dollar-for-dollar from local sources. Ciresi applauded the Wolf administration for making the development of career and technical centers and high schools a priority in its goal of developing a world-class 21 st century workforce. In the past eight years, the number of career and technical education students earning industry-recognized credentials has increased by 49.5% and the number of credentials earned by students enrolled in CTE programs has grown by 32.6%. There are more than Read more

 

Ciresi: Montgomery County organizations, local police awarded nearly $5.7M in state grants

(Dec 15, 2022) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, Dec. 15 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced that he helped secure nearly $5.7 million in public safety grants for Montgomery County awarded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. “Nothing is more important to me than making sure our residents are safe in their homes and on the streets of Montgomery County,” Ciresi said. “I am very glad I was able to help bring these state funds in to strengthen our local police departments, reduce gun violence, and support vulnerable, at-risk members of our communities. This money will make our communities safer, our families stronger, and provide a second chance to those who need it.” The following grants were awarded. Local Law Enforcement Support Grant Program: $130,000 to Lower Pottsgrove Township for retention bonuses and purchasing and installing stationary License Plate Readers. $403,761 to Pottstown Borough to replace pole cameras, and upgrade servers for the camera, record management, and other internal operating systems. These improvements are expected to help with investigations, deter crime, and help the Pottstown Police Department continue operating and providing necessary services. $44,507 to West Pottsgrove Township to upgrade their Records Management System, acquire a TREK assist police patrol bike and related equipment and Read more

 

Ciresi: Pottsgrove Manor receives $4,000 in state funding

(Dec 12, 2022) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

POTTSTOWN, Dec. 12 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced today that Pottsgrove Manor has been awarded $4,000 in Cultural and Historical Support grants from the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission. “As Pennsylvanians, we are justly proud of our commonwealth’s history as the cradle of American liberty,” Ciresi said. “This state funding will help support Pottsgrove Manor ’s mission to provide insights to the general public into 18 th century Pennsylvania and early Pottstown’s history.” Pottsgrove Manor is the historic home of ironmaster John Potts, the founder of Pottstown. The house was built in 1752 and today is a museum that offers tours, programs, workshops and exhibits offering insight into 18 th century history and the history of early Pottstown. The goal of the Cultural and Historical Support Grant program is to strgthen Pennsylvania’s museum community by supporting the general operations of eligible museums and official county historical societies that are not supported by other state agency funding programs. The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission is the official history agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Ciresi, Pennycuick announce $500,000 state grant to expand Pottstown’s American Keg Co.

(Dec 02, 2022) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

POTTSTOWN, Dec. 2 – As part of Pottstown’s continued economic revitalization, State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and Sen.-Elect Tracy Pennycuick, R-Berks, Montgomery, today announced that they have secured $500,000 in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) funding for the American Keg Co. in Pottstown to expand operations. The American Keg Co., the only domestic stainless steel keg manufacturer in the country, has been selling American-made kegs and producing stainless steel at its Pottstown factory since 2015. Looking to expand to supply larger craft breweries and traditional brewers, American Keg Co. will use the $500,000 to help with the purchase and installation of new equipment, including a new deep press and a mini service line, which would allow for the production scale needed. “This type of project is exactly what Pottstown needs to continue its economic and community revitalization,” Ciresi said. “That’s why I advocated for this state funding, which will help American Keg expand its manufacturing operations here in Pottstown, create local jobs, expand our tax base, and produce more products here at home.” When completed, this expansion will create 15-19 new Pennsylvania manufacturing jobs, increase local and state tax revenue, and result in a bigger Made-in-USA footprint in an industry dominated by imported products. “Manufacturing Read more

 

Webster, Ciresi announce $1M for Trappe Fire Co.

(Nov 07, 2022) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, Nov. 7 – State Reps. Joe Ciresi and Joe Webster, both D-Montgomery County, are congratulating Trappe Fire Co. for being awarded $1 million for the construction of a new fire department facility. Both Reps. Webster and Ciresi supported Trappe's funding request through letters of support to the Wolf administration to help deliver the funds, which originate from the Pennsylvania's Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program . "Our first responders deserve to have a facility that enables them to provide the level of service that Trappe and the surrounding community require," Webster said. "With this new building, Trappe Fire Company will make necessary improvements that I am happy to support." "This funding will go toward an important project to support the growing needs of the Trappe community and the region," Ciresi said. "As a state, we should give our dedicated and selfless first responders the tools they need to keep us safe. I'm proud to support this investment in our public safety infrastructure and help provide a modern base of operations for the Trappe Fire Company." The project will construct a new 15,000-plus-square-foot facility on West 5 th Avenue in Trappe to improve space, amenities, and the proper standards to effectively accommodate a functional and growing volunteer fire company in the years to come. Trappe's plan also includes continuing its regional Read more

 

Ciresi applauds $136,250 in state funds for Pottstown blight remediation

(Nov 03, 2022) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, Nov. 3 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced today that he secured $136,250 in Neighborhood Assistance Program tax credits to assist Genesis Housing Corp. in its investment in revitalizing blighted properties in Pottstown. “This $136,250 in state tax credits will help fight blight in Pottstown,” Ciresi said. “Not only will this money assist efforts to improve aesthetics and increase community supports, but it will also provide money for critical repairs to keep at-risk homeowners in their homes. This funding will improve the quality of life for area residents and keep Pottstown on the road to revitalization.” The investment will assist Genesis Housing Corporation’s rehabilitate projects in Pottstown: $80,000 to support GHC’s coordinated efforts with local organizations to address blighted properties and drive revitalization efforts to improve safety, housing and commercial development. Expected measurable outcomes will include exterior renovations (including housing rehab and façade grants), housing counseling services, improved community access to gardens and support for community improvement programs. GHC is partnering with Pottstown Community Action, Mosaic Community Land Trust and Hobart’s Run. $56,250 for GHC’s proposed Pottstown Homeowner Property Rehab program, which will provide rehab grants for owner-occupied single-family homes in Read more

 

Montgomery County House Dems Announce $3M in Funding for Mitzvah Circle

(Oct 31, 2022) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, Oct. 31 – Pennsylvania House Democrats in Montgomery County presented a check for $3 million to Mitzvah Circle Foundation to expand its critical services delivering immediate needs to vulnerable families. In partnership with more than 300 local organizations, MCF provides donated and purchased goods such as clothing, shoes, diapers, toiletries, period supplies, housewares and more – including many items not covered by food stamps or other safety net programs – to individuals and families in need. Families who can’t obtain these critical items become entrenched deeper in crisis. By providing a full array of life's essentials, MCF helps families to begin to break the cycle of crisis and poverty. “Mitzvah Circle is honored to receive this funding. It allows us to continue serving the most vulnerable families in Montgomery County,” said Fran Held, founder and director of MCF. The Montgomery County legislators, including Sens. Amanda Cappelletti, Maria Collett, Art Haywood, Vincent Hughes and Katie Muth, as well as Reps. Matt Bradford, Tim Briggs, Joe Ciresi, Mary Jo Daley, Pam DeLissio, Nancy Guenst, Liz Hanbidge, Steve Malagari, Napoleon Nelson, Ben Sanchez, Melissa Shusterman, Greg Vitali, and Joe Webster, worked with the Wolf administration to help deliver the funds, which originate from American Rescue Plan Act funding. “Mitzvah Circle reaches into every corner of Montgomery County, and it Read more

 

Montgomery County House Democrats Announce $5.75M for Child Advocacy Center

(Oct 28, 2022) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, Oct. 28 – Pennsylvania House Democrats in Montgomery County are congratulating the Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center of Montgomery County for being awarded $5.75 million to build its Child Advocacy and Training Center. In a joint letter to Gov. Tom Wolf, members of the Montgomery County House Democratic Delegation shared that “Child abuse is a growing public health crisis that requires urgent intervention and response. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this issue significantly, placing an intense strain on our community’s most vulnerable members. The child advocacy center model is an evidence-based approach that has been found to provide a faster healing process for the child, more fluid collaboration between all professionals, and more effective and streamlined investigations. By providing on-site medical and mental health services, the facility would also be removing barriers to make care more accessible and equitable, as well as improving overall physical and mental health outcomes for children and their caregivers.” The Montgomery County legislators, including Reps. Matt Bradford, Tim Briggs, Joe Ciresi, Mary Jo Daley, Pam DeLissio, Nancy Guenst, Liz Hanbidge, Steve Malagari, Napoleon Nelson, Ben Sanchez, Greg Vitali, and Joe Webster, worked with the Wolf administration to help deliver the funds, which originate from the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program . Read more

 

Reform for charter reimbursement necessary in PA, testifiers say
Mar 22, 2023

Ciresi introduces legislation to protect patients and medical personnel from retaliation
Mar 21, 2023

Ciresi brings $1.7 million for area transportation and infrastructure improvements: Funding will advance project to restore Reading-Philadelphia passenger rail service
Mar 16, 2023

Ciresi presents $250K check to Pottstown Borough to install LED streetlights
Mar 10, 2023

Ciresi, Haddock introduce legislation to expand property tax, rent relief
Mar 09, 2023

Ciresi highlights significant investment in property tax and rent relief in Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal
Mar 09, 2023

Help preserve historic homes | Opinion | bradfordera.com
Feb 13, 2023

'Now is the time' to act on fair school funding advocates say (pottsmerc.com)
Feb 13, 2023

Ciresi announces funding for area fire, EMS companies
Feb 07, 2023

Connectivity and digital literacy key to children's futures
Jan 19, 2023

Ciresi announces more than $1 million in parks and conservation grants for Pottstown, Trappe area
Jan 12, 2023

Ciresi, Pennycuick Announce $2.25M to create Boyertown Event Space and Festival Marketplace
Jan 12, 2023

Ciresi: $50,000 Equipment Grant for Western Montgomery Career and Technical Center
Dec 21, 2022

Ciresi: Montgomery County organizations, local police awarded nearly $5.7M in state grants
Dec 15, 2022

Ciresi: Pottsgrove Manor receives $4,000 in state funding
Dec 12, 2022

Ciresi, Pennycuick announce $500,000 state grant to expand Pottstown’s American Keg Co.
Dec 02, 2022

Webster, Ciresi announce $1M for Trappe Fire Co.
Nov 07, 2022

Ciresi applauds $136,250 in state funds for Pottstown blight remediation
Nov 03, 2022

Montgomery County House Dems Announce $3M in Funding for Mitzvah Circle
Oct 31, 2022

Montgomery County House Democrats Announce $5.75M for Child Advocacy Center
Oct 28, 2022