HERMITAGE, June 11 – State Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, is hosting two free workshops this month to help residents learn more about the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program and assist them with the application process. “The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program has been around for 50 years and remains one of the most valuable programs the state offers,” Longietti said. “My two workshops this month will help residents learn more about the program, find answers to questions and even get help applying. “This week, the Department of Revenue announced that it was extending the application deadline to Dec. 31, but I encourage anyone interested – particularly those who may be newly eligible for the program – to get a jump on things by attending one of my sessions.” Both workshops will be held from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Dates and locations are: Thursday, June 17 at the Pymatuning Township Building, 256 Edgewood Drive Ext., Transfer, PA 16154. Wednesday, June 23 at the Greenville Municipal Building (Council Chamber Room), 125 Main St., Greenville PA 16125. Longietti said residents who would like help applying for a rebate must bring identification, proof of 2020 income and a statement of 2020 rent paid (or a receipt of 2020 taxes paid, if homeowners.) Walk-ins are welcome, and there is no need to pre-register. Anyone with questions Read more
HERMITAGE, June 10 – Grant funding of $120,000 will allow the city of Sharon to move forward with an innovative plan for repurposing vacant lots, state Rep. Mark Longietti, D- Mercer, announced today. Longietti said the funding – administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund – is going to build on efforts already underway to revitalize Sharon’s landscape. “This funding is wonderful news for the city of Sharon and complements last month’s funding of $150,000 the city received to help with demolition of 38 fire-damaged properties and preparation of those sites for redevelopment,” Longietti said. “Through that funding and other investments, Sharon has already committed significant resources to clearing blight. “The next step is repurposing those vacant lots before they become breeding grounds for vandalism or waste, and the Lots to Love program provides an innovative strategy for doing just that. Thanks to this new funding from the Housing Finance Agency, the program will now be fully funded, and Sharon can move forward with work that will transform those spaces into places of growth, revitalization and potential. It’s exciting news for Sharon’s future.” Longietti said funding for the grant comes from state realty transfer taxes. Read more
HERMITAGE, June 9 – Grant funding of $212,130 from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will help Mercer County residents struggling with substance abuse and provide offenders treatment-based alternatives to incarceration, state Rep. Mark Longietti announced today. Longietti, D-Mercer, said the funding includes two separate grants – $122,130 to the Mercer County Behavior Health Commission to implement the Say it Straight program and $90,000 to the Mercer County Commissioners to support the Mercer County Treatment Court. "Securing this funding will allow Mercer County to implement the Say it Straight program, to help residents recovering from substance use disorder stay on the right path,” Longietti said. “That support also helps them restore healthy relationships with their families and reestablish jobs and productive ties in the neighborhood – all of which strengthens our community. “The funding will also bolster an important asset of our county justice system – the Mercer County Treatment Court – which works to reduce recidivism rates by helping offenders remain free of drug and alcohol addiction. That benefits taxpayers by reducing the costs of incarceration and returns former offenders to the community as productive wage earners.” More information on PCCD is available at www.pccd.pa.gov . Read more
HERMITAGE, June 2 – A $32,762 grant from the Veterans’ Trust Fund will ensure Mercer County veterans and their families will not have to face food insecurity, state Rep. Mark Longietti announced today. Longietti, D-Mercer, said the funding to Community Food Warehouse of Mercer County under the Military Share Program will help the organization continue an important program that has expanded in recent years. “Our veterans have put aside various life opportunities and sacrificed precious time with loved ones to serve our nation. The least we can do is ensure that these proud patriots and their families never struggle to put food on the table. “The Community Food Warehouse of Mercer County has been successfully serving veterans and their families through a unique distribution system that takes place outside of distribution to the general public, preserving dignity and privacy for these military families. “The program recently exceeded its goals by tripling the number of households served. Securing this new grant will allow the organization to build on that success and continue giving back to those who occupy such a special place in our community.” Longietti said the CFWMC is a member of the Feeding America network of food banks, which conducted a national study indicating that approximately 20% of households served by these food banks has at least one member who served in the military. More Read more
HARRISBURG, May 25 – The borough of Greenville and the city of Sharon have been awarded state grants to fight blight, Sen. Michele Brooks and Rep. Mark Longietti announced today after a meeting of the Commonwealth Financing Authority. In the Greenville project, the borough will receive $212,220 to support the demolition and rehabilitation of seven structures along Main and Shenango streets. To advance the Sharon project, $150,000 was awarded to help with the strategic demolition of 38 fire-damaged properties and the preparation of these sites for redevelopment. “Funding for these two projects will help to increase the value and appeal of properties in the community, and can be a catalyst for new jobs, economic growth and a larger community renaissance,” Brooks said. “These grant funds will build on the community’s investment in these critical areas of our hometowns.” Longietti said: “Greenville has been making strides as it works to exit its status as a distressed community, and several downtown property owners have already committed resources for renovation. Blight is still an obstacle to additional redevelopment, however. The grant awarded today will fund blight remediation for seven downtown buildings and properties, helping the borough continue redefining and revitalizing itself. “Likewise, Sharon has been working to attack blight through a coordinated plan that identifies demolition of Read more
HERMITAGE, May 20 – The borough of Sharpsville was awarded $350,000 to fund home rehabilitation projects for low-income families, state Rep. Mark Longietti announced today. Longietti, D-Mercer, said the grant funding under the HOME Investments Partnership Program will allow the borough to rehabilitate 12 owner-occupied homes. “Aging homes present a host of problems that can make life dangerous and difficult for low-income families, and the pandemic has only made it more difficult for homeowners to find room in the budget for repair costs,” Longietti said. “Sharpsville has a large percentage of aging homes and has benefitted from HOME funding for nearly two decades. Securing this funding means the program will continue to help residents ensure a safe place for their families.” The grant is part of a package of more than $7 million to projects in 13 counties under the HOME program, which is administered by the state Department of Community and Economic Development. The program provides federal funding to help municipalities and local governments preserve and expand affordable housing for low-income Pennsylvanians. The funds can be used for a variety of critical housing needs, including market-oriented approaches that offer opportunities such as homeownership or rental activities to revitalize communities with new investment. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides DCED the funds through the Read more
HERMITAGE, April 21 – Grants totaling $934,589 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority will fund revitalization of an important Sharon thoroughfare and help preserve Buhl Park wetland areas, state Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, and state Sen. Michele Brooks, R-Crawford/Mercer/Erie/Warren, announced today. The lawmakers said the funding includes $729,589 to Sharon under the CFA Multimodal Transportation Fund Program for Phase 3 of the Sharon Revitalization Project. “The Irvine Avenue corridor is a critical gateway for visitors to Sharon, but the corridor has fallen into significant disrepair,” Longietti said. Funding for this project will address access and safety issues to improve travel for area residents, attract more consumers from neighboring Ohio and spur greater economic development for the resurging downtown area.” Brooks said: “Enhancing the Irvine Avenue corridor will help not only our local residents, but also our local businesses and commercial transportation. Working together with City Manager Robert Fiscus on this substantial transportation project helped make this forward-thinking initiative successful.” The project will include removing the current road surface, leveling and replacing the road surface, removing and replacing sidewalks with Americans with Disabilities Act compliant materials, and installing safe waiting areas for public transit and for bicycle racks. Read more
HARRISBURG, April 20 – Loved ones of patients who check themselves out of drug rehabilitation facilities against medical advice would have a chance to learn of those potentially ill-fated decisions while there is still time to intervene under legislation the House passed unanimously today, according to the bill’s co-prime sponsor, state Rep. Mark Longietti. House Bill 944 , co-authored by Longietti, D-Mercer, and state Rep. Eric Nelson, R-Westmoreland, would require inpatient rehabilitation facilities to notify a patient’s designated emergency contact – a move that is already considered best practice but is not mandatory under current law – when a patient leaves addiction treatment against medical advice. “The science shows that people in the throes of addiction have diminished capacity for good decision-making and are easily lured back to drugs by their dealers or enablers,” Longietti said. “And sadly, statistics show the notification gap has resulted in overdose deaths as well as victimization of vulnerable patients. “Requiring facilities to notify emergency contacts when patients discharge themselves against medical advice doesn’t guarantee a successful outcome, but it opens a window for lifesaving intervention by giving family members a chance to get their loved ones back to a safe place.” Longietti said the bill does not change anything about protected confidential information governed by Read more
HERMITAGE, April 16 – An investment of $1.23 million will allow the city of Hermitage to continue to advance the vision for a transformative town center project, state Sen. Michele Brooks, R-Crawford/Mercer/Erie/Warren, and Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, announced today. Awarded under the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s Multimodal Transportation Fund this morning, the funding provides a second round of infrastructure dollars for the planned Hermitage Town Center project at the Shenango Valley Mall site, the lawmakers said. “Securing this funding helps lay the groundwork for realizing our vision of a thriving regional hub for Hermitage that will attract business and commercial activity, create jobs, draw visitors, and provide new housing, recreational and entertainment options for our community,” Longietti said. “This project has the power to transform our region, and it’s truly exciting seeing the work beginning to take shape from the ground up.” The grant will fund excavation and paving work for new roads, curbs and sidewalks; installation of stormwater facilities; and the completion of landscaping and other improvements, the legislators explained. Brooks said, “This funding builds upon our other successful efforts to fulfill the future plans for the Hermitage Town Center, which will add to the vibrancy, quality of life and economic growth of Mercer County and the Read more
HERMITAGE, April 15 – State Rep. Mark Longietti is encouraging residents to bring unwanted documents to a free shredding event starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 24 at the Shenango Valley Senior Community Center, located at 220 N. Buhl Farm Drive in Hermitage. Longietti, D-Mercer, said the event – which will continue until noon or until the shred truck is full – provides a safe, convenient way for residents to guard against fraud and identity theft. "The spate of recent scams targeting cell phone and computer users has focused our attention lately on avoiding tech-based fraud, but we should not lose sight of the fact that criminals can find a trove of personal information in improperly discarded documents,” Longietti said. “Our shredding event is a perfect opportunity to dispose of old credit card or bank statements; unneeded tax, insurance or medical records; or any other documents with sensitive personal information. “Residents can bring up to three boxes or bags of paper, and with volunteers unloading and depositing the documents for on-site shredding, folks can remain in their vehicles throughout. It’s a simple, secure way to ensure sensitive personal information does not end up in the wrong hands.” Longietti is co-sponsoring the event with the Mercer County Area Agency on Aging, the Pennsylvania Link to Aging and Disability Resources, and the Better Business Read more
HERMITAGE, April 9 – Tax credit funding of $400,000 will help finance a project to bring an affordable student housing and multipurpose event facility to downtown Sharon, state Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, announced today. Longietti said that the award to JCL Development, which was made under the Community Revitalization Fund Program administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, will help JCL pay to repurpose a vacant warehouse into The Flats Center – a mixed-use facility that would provide affordable apartments and an athletic event center serving the Penn State-Shenango community. “News of today’s funding is truly exciting because it will help launch a project that promises to reinvigorate a vital area of our community that is finally starting to emerge from years of declining industrial activity and population loss,” Longietti said. “Downtown Sharon is seeing seeds of renewal, thanks to a dedicated redevelopment plan and the development of new retail and dining opportunities in the corridor. “A new student housing and event center for Penn State’s Shenango campus would build on that trend by bringing students, staff and visitors – a natural consumer base – to a campus that has been a community anchor for more than 50 years. It’s the perfect complement to the school’s recent efforts to attract more students to live on or near campus.” Longietti said that Read more
HARRISBURG, April 7 – State Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, is warning residents to be aware of a new scam targeting Pennsylvanians who receive benefits under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program. “Claimants under the state’s Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program need to remain on the alert for a recent scam,” Longietti said. “Criminals are impersonating Labor and Industry Department staff or officials and asking people to verify their identities via text messages and web forms. “The scammers are devious, and some requests closely resemble legitimate inquiries. It’s important to remember that the department uses only the ID.me network to verify identity. Any other attempts to solicit information using other methods are fraudulent, and claimants should not respond to them.” Longietti said claimants should report suspected fraud by calling the PA Fraud Hotline at 1-800-692-7469. Read more
HARRISBURG, April 6 – Legislation to open a potentially lifesaving window for drug rehabilitation patients in danger of relapse was unanimously approved today by the House Human Services Committee, according to state Rep. Mark Longietti, one of the bill’s prime sponsors. Longietti, D-Mercer, said H.B. 944 , which he introduced with state Rep. Eric Nelson, R-Westmoreland, would require inpatient rehabilitation facilities to notify a patient’s designated emergency contact when the patient leaves the facility against medical advice. “This bill is designed to save lives,” Longietti said. “I have heard far too many stories of drug rehabilitation patients who backslide and discharge themselves against medical advice. Before their family members are even aware this has happened, their loved one is picked up by their dealer or enabler and suffers a fatal relapse. “It is already best practice for inpatient facilities to notify designated emergency contacts, but not all facilities follow this practice. Our bill would write a requirement into law so that families would receive notice in time for potentially lifesaving intervention.” Longietti said the bill would mandate that the emergency contact be notified immediately and at the very latest within 12 hours after the patient leaves the facility. There would be exceptions for cases when the patient revoked consent to notify the emergency contact or when the facility knew or Read more
HERMITAGE, March 30 – Mercer County school districts and charter schools are receiving approximately $33.2 million in federal funding to ensure students enjoy a safe and successful return to the classroom, state Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, announced today. Longietti, who is Democratic chairman of the House Education Committee, said schools will be able to use the funding to address a broad range of needs, such as programs to remedy the loss of learning, resources to replenish depleted supplies and funding to ensure a safe school environment. “Some challenges posed by the pandemic – such as the need for additional educational supplies and building-related needs – are relatively obvious and easy to determine,” Longietti said. “Others – such as the loss of learning and other progress gaps or setbacks some students may have experienced – are more subtle. Fortunately, the funding will be allocated by dedicated school professionals who understand their districts’ needs and will ensure the resources go where they are most needed.” Longietti said the funding includes the following: Farrell Area School District – $6.5 million. Greenville Area School District – $4.2 million. Hermitage School District – $3.2 million. Keystone Education Center Charter School – $546,000. Reynolds School District – Read more
HERMITAGE, March 29 – Applications open today for the Neighborhood Assistance Program, and state Rep. Mark Longietti is encouraging Mercer County organizations with eligible projects to apply. Longietti, D-Mercer, said the program – which provides tax credits to businesses in exchange for investment in revitalization projects – can benefit companies and empower communities struggling to recover from the pandemic. “The Neighborhood Assistance Program is an excellent way for businesses to partner with local nonprofits and support community projects while benefiting their own bottom lines,” Longietti said. “Past projects have shown the power of these investments to change lives by creating affordable housing, job training, education, and other critical programs and resources for distressed and underserved communities. “Over the last two years, the Community Action Partnership of Mercer County, in conjunction with the city of Sharon, had successful applications to support the “Lots to Love” program, which repurposes formerly blighted properties. Two local businesses supported that project with donations of over $100,000 and received a 55% tax credit on their state taxes, reducing their out-of-pocket cost to $45,000. This powerful tool is revitalizing Sharon neighborhoods right now. “This year, with so many residents and local programs struggling to recover from the impacts of the Read more
HERMITAGE, March 15 – With the COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program now accepting applications in Mercer County, state Rep. Mark Longietti is encouraging bars, restaurants and other businesses in the hospitality industry to apply as soon as possible. “Few businesses have felt the impact of the pandemic more keenly than our local bars, restaurants and motels,” said Longietti, D-Mercer. “Despite their best efforts to keep serving the community while complying with COVID-19 safety measures, those restrictions have strained resources to the breaking point, and many businesses are struggling just to keep their doors open. “Now that the CHIRP program is open and accepting applications, I am urging all eligible businesses in the hospitality industry to apply. Mercer County has received nearly $1.3 million for distribution, which will be distributed as grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. It’s time to speed that relief to the mom-and-pop businesses that give so much back to our community. Today’s news that the state will be easing more restrictions effective April 4 – including permitting bar service and raising indoor dining capacity to 75 percent – is also a hopeful development for the industry. Longietti said businesses can apply here. To qualify, a business must: Have a North American Industry Classification System designation in the Accommodation subsector Read more
HERMITAGE, March 5 – Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – a unique, internationally recognized literacy program that gifts monthly books to children from birth to 5 – is coming to the 7th Legislative District, state Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, announced today. Longietti, who is Democratic chairman of the House Education Committee, said he worked with United Way of Mercer County and local foundations to bring the program to the area because of its proven literacy benefits. “I am thrilled about the local launch of Imagination Library here in our district because the program inspires a love for reading in children at the youngest ages, when it makes the greatest impression,” Longietti said. “By delivering a new book to the child’s home every month, the program gets kids excited about reading and strengthens family ties. Something magical happens when a parent, grandparent or other caregiver puts a child in their lap and reads to them. "Most important, the program helps build the skills linked to success later in life. Decades of research show early reading builds cognitive and communication skills, improves attention span and creativity, and promotes social and emotional development by opening kids’ minds to new worlds and situations, and teaching them coping and problem-solving skills." Longietti said Imagination Library negotiates wholesale pricing for the books Read more
GREENVILLE, March 3 – Residents in the Seventh Legislative District will be able to schedule appointments at state Rep. Mark Longietti’s Greenville satellite office on alternative Saturdays beginning March 13. Longietti, D-Mercer, said he is opening his office at 182 Main St. (Chamber of Commerce building) for some Saturday hours to provide greater convenience for residents unable to visit during the work week. “For many residents, more time spent at home because of COVID-19 restrictions does not necessarily translate to a less-complicated schedule,” Longietti said. “With the pandemic making life difficult in so many ways, my staff and I are trying to do what we can to assist folks who have limited weekday options. Residents found ‘Satellite Saturdays’ helpful in the fall, so we are bringing them back for the spring. “My satellite office staff can assist with a range of services, including helping residents file applications for property tax or rent rebates, heating assistance and other forms of assistance as new state programs become available. The office will be following COVID-19 safety protocols, and residents are asked to wear a mask while there.” Longietti said the satellite office will be open Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. by appointment only on the following dates: March 13 and 27. April 10 and 24. May 8 and 22. June 12 and 26. Read more
HERMITAGE, Feb. 11 – State Rep. Mark Longietti announced today that a new PennDOT Photo License Center has opened in Hermitage. Longietti, D-Mercer, said the new location at 1749 E. State Street, located in the AAA office, will bring a critical service closer to home and make it more accessible for residents. “It is truly exciting seeing a new photo license center come to Hermitage,” Longietti said. “I have been working with PennDOT Deputy Secretary Kurt Myers to ensure PennDOT understood the practical problems created by the lack of a conveniently located center, which had forced Shenango Valley residents to travel 15 miles or more to the only photo license center in Mercer County. “I’m heartened that PennDOT heard our concerns and responded. The new center, with its familiar location in the Shenango Valley’s commercial corridor, will be much more accessible for residents. It will also be a huge benefit for area seniors who will no longer have to drive the additional distance in inclement weather or struggle to arrange rides.” Longietti said the new Hermitage site will operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. The center will have one photo station. Customers in need of a photo must bring the provided camera card to obtain photo services. Read more
HERMITAGE, Feb. 8 – State Rep. Mark Longietti today questioned state officials at a House Policy Committee hearing regarding why the COVID-19 vaccine rollout is not proceeding more efficiently. Citing delays and frustration, Longietti, D-Mercer, urged the state to implement a centralized system that will bring greater efficiency and certainty to the rollout. “Today at the Policy Committee hearing on the vaccine rollout, I had a chance to question the state’s senior health adviser on why Pennsylvania is not doing a better job of administering the vaccine. “I related the extreme frustration that people are feeling trying to sign up for the vaccine and encountering dead ends, going on five or six websites – or waiting more than an hour online – only to find that they didn’t even get on the list. The situation reminds me of the story of the paralyzed man in the Gospel of John. He goes to the healing pool, but he never gets healed because he doesn’t have anyone to help him into the pool. “Our state needs to do better, and this means implementing a centralized registration system so folks who meet the qualifications can sign up, rather than being stuck in limbo with no assurance of help on the way. “I also demanded answers regarding why UPMC is not starting to vaccinate the community in Mercer County and whether they plan to reach out to the entire community or only Read more
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2213 Shenango Valley Freeway, Unit 2-EHermitage, PA 16148
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182 Main St. Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce BuildingGreenville, PA 16125
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202 Irvis Office BuildingPO Box 202007Harrisburg, PA 17120-2007
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