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Ciresi introduces legislation to prevent gift card scams

Ciresi introduces legislation to provide for sustainable community safe houses

(Feb 01, 2022)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 1 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, introduced H.B. 2321, which would provide grant money to build sustainable community safe houses so that residents would have shelter in case of natural disaster. “This past year, many families in our communities have been left without shelter in the wake of serious storms like Ida,” Ciresi said. “Our residents need to have somewhere to go when their homes have been damaged by floods, wind or other types of natural disasters that we’re increasingly seeing in Pennsylvania.” If passed, H.B. 2321 would allow counties, municipalities and councils of governments to apply for grants to develop and maintain community buildings powered by and storing green energy. Grants of up to $250,000 would be issued to create emergency systems and centers, sustainably and reliably backed up by renewable energy, that would be there for our communities in their time of need. Money for these grants would be appropriated to the already existing State Sustainable Energy Fund to help get these projects off the ground. As they would be powered by renewable energy backup systems, Ciresi said these sustainable community safe houses would remain operational even when the power in the community goes out. Volunteers would be able to plug in refrigerators and fans, residents could charge their cell phones, and all sorts of other needs could continue to be met. Read more

 

Ciresi announces $647.8K in grants for Limerick Community Park and Schuylkill River Trail

(Dec 30, 2021)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 30 – A passionate advocate for the development of outdoor recreation and trails, state Rep. Joe Ciresi announced today that Limerick Township was awarded $250,000 to develop Limerick Community Park and Montgomery County $397,800 to extend the Schuylkill River Trail in Pottsgrove Township and Pottstown Borough. The Community Conservation Partnership Program grants are from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). “I’m glad to see that the vital work of community improvements will be possible thanks to this state investment in the 146 th District,” Ciresi said. “These grants will enhance the quality of life in our communities for residents and increase the economic potential of this area by making the possibility of living here even more attractive to potential residents.” Limerick Township has been awarded $250,000 for the development of Limerick Community Park. The funding will help construct softball fields, a pedestrian walkway, a parking area and stormwater management measures, install equipment with required safety surfacing and provide ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements. This funding award follows a $225,000 DCNR grant for improvements to Limerick Community Park, which Ciresi announced in September 2020. Montgomery County has been awarded $397,800 for the development Read more

 

Fall 2021 Newsletter

(Dec 29, 2021)

Fall 2021 NL Read more

 

Ciresi announces $37,290 PennDOT grant for Limerick Township

(Dec 23, 2021)

The money will be used to install pedestrian signal improvements comprising of LED Hand-Man Countdown pedestrian signal heads, controller assembly modifications to accommodate the Hand-Man Countdown pedestrian signals, pavement marking adjustments on Tenth Street and revised location of an ADA ramp. Read more

 

Ciresi announces $100K in grants for area career and technical education programs

(Dec 21, 2021)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 21 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced today that competitive Career and Technical Education Equipment Grant Program awards were given in the amount of $50,000 to the Pottstown School District and $50,000 to Western Montgomery CTC from the Pennsylvania Department of Education to purchase new equipment aligned to training students in high-demand occupations . “I’m very glad that Montgomery County’s career and technical education programs are receiving this needed financial support to help our students get the critical skills and training they need to enter into meaningful, family-sustaining careers,” Ciresi said. “This is a win-win for the county as our students will have access to first-class equipment and experiences, which in turn will make Montgomery County even more attractive to companies seeking to locate to an area where there are highly skilled workers.” Each grant must be matched dollar for dollar from a local source, which could include local school funds or contributions from business and industry partners. Since 2015, the number of career and technical education students earning industry-recognized credentials has increased by 38.7 percent and the number of credentials earned by students enrolled in CTE programs has grown by 33.6 percent. Read more

 

Ciresi announces $320,400 grant to redevelop Pottstown’s former PNC Bank building

(Dec 20, 2021)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 20 – A forceful advocate for economic development in the 146 th District, state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, was instrumental in securing a Keystone Communities Program grant of $320,400 for renovations to the former PNC Bank building in Pottstown. Ciresi, who has successfully secured funding for other Pottstown redevelopment projects, praised the grant to renovate the former PNC bank building. “ The instrumental redevelopment of this 7,550-square-foot building, which has lain vacant for over 15 years in the middle of Pottstown’s downtown business district, will be a significant boost to the town’s ongoing revitalization,” Ciresi said. “With the return of this site to economically productive use, this redevelopment project will provide significant benefits for the borough and regional community and continue the momentum that Pottstown is experiencing.” The Keystone Communities Program is designed to encourage the creation of partnerships between the public and private sectors that jointly support local initiatives such as the growth and stability of neighborhoods and communities; social and economic diversity; and a strong and secure quality of life. The program allows communities to tailor the assistance to meet the needs of its specific revitalization effort. Since January 2015, the Wolf administration has Read more

 

Ciresi applauds Wolf Administration’s $17M investment in PA tourism industry

(Dec 14, 2021)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 14 – An advocate for the Pennsylvania tourism industry, state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, applauded the Wolf Administration’s dedication of $17,086,197 in American Rescue Plan Act funding to kickstart the recovery of the tourism industry in Pennsylvania in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. “As a member of the House Tourism & Recreational Development Committee, I’ve been pushing for the state to invest in Pennsylvania’s tourism industry, as too many marketing opportunities were going to waste,” Ciresi said. “This money will provide opportunities to promote Pennsylvania’s destinations to diverse audiences, and so increase the numbers of people interested in visiting--and perhaps moving to--our beautiful state. This grant money will help the tourism industry build back better, supporting the wide range of jobs and businesses that benefit from tourism. I applaud Gov. Wolf’s decision to make this strategic investment in Pennsylvania’s future.” Pennsylvania’s travel and tourism industry supports over 490,000 jobs and generates $4.3 billion in annual tax revenue. Over 200 million people visit Pennsylvania each year, creating an economic impact of $46 billion. After consulting with tourism stakeholders across the state and colleagues around the nation, the Pennsylvania Tourism Office at the Department of Community and Economic Development will invest the $17,086,197 in the Read more

 

Ciresi introduces legislation to establish a state disaster relief program

(Dec 07, 2021)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 7 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, introduced legislation to establish a State Emergency Supplemental Grant Program for disaster relief. As representative of the 146th Legislative District, Ciresi has been particularly concerned how Hurricane Ida had devastated the commonwealth, causing over $100 million in public infrastructure damage and destroying hundreds of homes and businesses, leaving many Pennsylvanians struggling to pay for the damages. Currently, Pennsylvania residents rely on the Federal Emergency Management Agency for financial assistance to help cover the cost of storm damage. Unfortunately, FEMA often can only cover a portion of the costs associated with damage deemed eligible for aid. In cases when only a state disaster declaration has been issued, Pennsylvania residents are not eligible for FEMA aid. “With each passing year, we are seeing increasingly dangerous weather,” Ciresi said. “We need to put a safety net in place to protect and support Pennsylvanians when natural disaster strikes. That’s why I’ve introduced legislation to establish a State Emergency Supplemental Grant Program, which would provide individuals who have maximized their federal assistance grants from FEMA with supplemental grants from the state to cover recovery costs. In addition, when there is only a state disaster declaration, affected individuals and businesses would still be eligible for financial assistance to Read more

 

Ciresi announces $1M in redevelopment funding for Royersford Borough

(Dec 06, 2021)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 6 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, was instrumental in securing a $1 million state grant for Royersford Borough’s Riverfront at Royersford LLC redevelopment project. Ciresi said the funding, awarded through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, will help realize the plans for the Riverfront at Royersford LLC, a mixed-use development that will include living, restaurant and entertainment venues and retail opportunities. “I’m very proud that I was able to secure this $1 million redevelopment grant that will help bring back social life and economic opportunity to this stretch of Schuylkill riverfront,” Ciresi said. “This state grant money will help transform what was once industrial brownfields into a vital economic, leisure and residential hub for the 146 th District. The Riverfront at Royersford will be a pioneer of mixed-use development in southeastern Pennsylvania, while expanding amenities and opportunities for all area residents.” “We are extremely thankful to Representative Ciresi for his unwavering advocacy of this project and to the borough council, mayor and staff for being excellent public partners in this process,” said Richard Lewis, president & CEO of The Lewis Group. "This team has repeatedly proven its commitment to the continued revitalization of Royersford through careful collaboration and action to mitigate barriers to Read more

 

Ciresi announces $753.8K in state grants for Trappe and Royersford multimodal projects

(Nov 19, 2021)

HARRISBURG, Nov. 19 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced today that Trappe was awarded $423,833 to install sidewalks and pedestrian crossings and the Riverfront at Royersford LLC was provided $330,000 to construct a trail along the Schuylkill River by the Commonwealth Financing Authority though the Multimodal Transportation Fund Program. “This grant will help improve quality of life by improving pedestrian infrastructure in Trappe and creating multiuse trails in Royersford,” Ciresi said. “This money will help improve pedestrian and bicyclists’ safety and so encourage physical activity, healthier lifestyles, and walkable communities in our area.” Trappe will use the grant to install sidewalks and pedestrian crossings along Main Street as part of Phase II of the Downtown Trappe Pedestrian Improvements project. Phase II includes replacing the walkway along the historic Augustus Church, installing new sidewalk in the western part of downtown Trappe, and upgrade several of Main Street’s crosswalks for pedestrian safety. Ciresi had announced $250,000 in Commonwealth Financing Authority funding for Trappe sidewalk improvements earlier this year. Riverfront of Royersford LLC will use the grant to construct an eight-foot-wide walking trail with adequate lighting for both pedestrian and bicycle traffic along a ¾ mile stretch running parallel with the Schuylkill River. This Read more

 

Ciresi announces relocation of closed Pottstown Photo Center

(Nov 18, 2021)

POTTSTOWN, Nov. 18 – After urging PennDOT to quickly relocate the closed Pottstown Photo Center, state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced today that a new location has been found at 204 Shoemaker Road, Pottstown, PA 19464, which is less than 2 miles from the previous location. The new location is anticipated to open the week of Dec. 13. “The Pottstown Photo License Center provides access to important photo services to many of my constituents,” Ciresi said. “I’m very glad PennDOT understood the importance of opening a local new facility to resume convenient access to these services as quickly as possible and appreciate their quick resolution of this issue.” The previous Pottstown Photo License Center abruptly closed Oct. 4. Ciresi remained in contact with PennDOT after the closure and advocated for a quick reopening of a Pottstown-area center. Until the 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 St., Harleysville, PA 19438 Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 8:30 a.m.-4:15 p.m.; Thursday 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Norristown Driver License Center (Montgomery County) 1700 Markley St., Suite 30, Norristown, PA 19401 Hours: Tuesday thru Saturday 8:30 a.m.-4:15 p.m. Read more

 

Ciresi and Guzman applaud bipartisan infrastructure bill’s passenger rail funding

(Nov 10, 2021)

Ciresi and Guzman said they both view the restoration of a passenger rail service as the best way to alleviate this critical infrastructure issue and increase southeastern Pennsylvania’s economic growth. Read more

 

Ciresi announces $93,750 in funding to Pottstown community organizations

(Nov 09, 2021)

HARRISBURG, Nov. 9 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced today that Pottstown organization Genesis Housing Corp. was awarded $75,000 to improve blighted areas and Children Advocacy Center of Montgomery County $18,750 to help open a new child advocacy center through the Neighborhood Assistance Program. “This state funding from NAP will continue the efforts to remediate Pottstown’s blighted properties and provide greater safety to its children suffering from child abuse,” Ciresi said. “At a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing public health disparities, the innovative NAP will support Pottstown’s ongoing revitalization and provide a critical lifeline to residents through public-private partnerships that will lead to community improvements and a better quality of life.” The funding to Genesis Housing Corp. will be used to address neighborhood revitalization and blight remediation through smaller-scale improvement projects and façade funding, including exterior renovations, housing counseling services, improved community gardens, accessible community arts programs, and other social justice and community improvement programs. Genesis Housing Corp. serves as the coordinator of a partnership for this effort including Pottstown Community Action, Habitat for Humanity, Mosaic Community Land Trust, and Hobart’s Run. The Children Advocacy Center of Read more

 

Veterans Breakfast

(Oct 29, 2021)

Veteran Breakfast Read more

 

Veterans Discount ID Card & Homeowner FraudSleuth Sign-Up Event

(Oct 29, 2021)

Veterans Discount ID Card & Homeowner FraudSleuth Sign-Up Event Read more

 

Drive-Through Shredding Event

(Oct 29, 2021)

Drive-Through Shredding Event Read more

 

Royersford Borough receives $18,000 grant for Active Transportation Plan

(Oct 26, 2021)

ROYERSFORD, OCT. 26 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced $18,000 in funding has been awarded to Royersford Borough as a WalkWorks grant, a program of the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Downtown Center. Ciresi was instrumental in securing the grant to help the borough develop an Active Transportation Plan, creating a comprehensive vision for pedestrian and cycling infrastructure throughout the borough. “It is important to integrate public health, transportation and recreation for our residents, and I am thrilled to see this grant awarded in our region,” Ciresi said. “I look forward to continuing to work with borough officials and the state to improve our transportation infrastructure, with the ultimate goal of community engagement with the outdoors.” The state’s WalkWorks program is designed to increase physical activity and provide methods of transportation to recreational spaces. This funding will support the creation of a local framework following the Pennsylvania Statewide Active Transportation Plan and develop objectives and recommendations for improving walking and biking in the community. “Increasing outdoor recreational and physical activities has proven to lower health risks such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes and make people healthier,” Ciresi said. “The work this grant will support realizes the link Read more

 

Ciresi announces $3.7 million grant to replace Pottstown lead service lines

(Oct 21, 2021)

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

 

Ciresi introduces legislation to fund PPE in schools, ensure safe in-person instruction

(Oct 19, 2021)

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

 

Ciresi introduces legislation to provide for sustainable community safe houses
Feb 01, 2022

Right to Know Requests Reveal Cyber Charter Waste, Lack of Oversight; Advocates, Lawmakers to Call for Immediate Reforms
Jan 25, 2022

Ciresi announces $647.8K in grants for Limerick Community Park and Schuylkill River Trail
Dec 30, 2021

Fall 2021 Newsletter
Dec 29, 2021

Ciresi announces $37,290 PennDOT grant for Limerick Township
Dec 23, 2021

Ciresi announces $100K in grants for area career and technical education programs
Dec 21, 2021

Ciresi announces $320,400 grant to redevelop Pottstown’s former PNC Bank building
Dec 20, 2021

Ciresi applauds Wolf Administration’s $17M investment in PA tourism industry
Dec 14, 2021

Ciresi introduces legislation to establish a state disaster relief program
Dec 07, 2021

Ciresi announces $1M in redevelopment funding for Royersford Borough
Dec 06, 2021

Ciresi announces $753.8K in state grants for Trappe and Royersford multimodal projects
Nov 19, 2021

Ciresi announces relocation of closed Pottstown Photo Center
Nov 18, 2021

Ciresi and Guzman applaud bipartisan infrastructure bill’s passenger rail funding
Nov 10, 2021

Ciresi announces $93,750 in funding to Pottstown community organizations
Nov 09, 2021

Veterans Breakfast
Oct 29, 2021

Veterans Discount ID Card & Homeowner FraudSleuth Sign-Up Event
Oct 29, 2021

Drive-Through Shredding Event
Oct 29, 2021

Royersford Borough receives $18,000 grant for Active Transportation Plan
Oct 26, 2021

Ciresi announces $3.7 million grant to replace Pottstown lead service lines
Oct 21, 2021

Ciresi introduces legislation to fund PPE in schools, ensure safe in-person instruction
Oct 19, 2021