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
STATE GRANT PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture: Agricultural Hemp Promotion, Education and Export Promotion Matching Grant Program (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Nonprofit agricultural product promotion and marketing organizations. Use : Projects aimed at increasing sales, export or consumer awareness of Pennsylvania hemp products. Eligible projects may include regional or national promotion. Funds : Reimbursement grants up to 50% of project costs. The minimum matching grant is $1,000. A total of $253,000 will be available statewide. Application Deadline : March 5 More Information : See the February 13, 2021, PA Bulletin at Pennsylvania Bulletin (pacodeandbulletin.gov) . Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture: Federal Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (Funding Source: Federal Fund ing ) Who May Apply : State and local organizations, producer associations, academia, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders. Use : Projects that will increase visibility and competitiveness of the state’s horticultural specialty crops including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, culinary herbs and spices, medicinal plants and nursery crops. Funds : Requests may be made for a minimum of $20,000, provided the amount reasonably represents the cost of the intended project. Read more
HERMITAGE, Jan. 26 – A state grant of $22,346 from the Pennsylvania Department of Education will allow Sharpsville Area Senior High School to purchase a new gas-powered combination oven, state Rep. Mark Longietti announced today. Longietti, D-Mercer, said the grant to the Sharpsville Area School District will boost the high school’s production of appetizing, nutritious meals. “There is a direct link between nutrition and the cognitive skills that help students focus, concentrate and retain information, which are critical for academic success,” Longietti said. “But half the battle is getting kids to embrace those healthy choices, and that poses a constant challenge for school cafeteria staff. “With this funding, Sharpsville Area School District will be able to purchase a gas-powered combination oven, which will allow cafeteria staff to produce a wider variety of fresh meals with shorter cooking times, greater yields and the kind of aromas and textures that appeal to students. The new equipment will also yield greater energy efficiency and savings for the district.” The funding is part of a package of $875,000 in competitive grants awarded to 59 elementary, middle and high schools statewide. Funding for the food-service equipment grants is made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and awarded to schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program. Schools can use the Read more
HERMITAGE, Jan. 15 – More than $16.55 million in funding to Mercer County school districts and schools will ensure area students continue learning during the pandemic, state Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, announced today. Longietti said the funding to seven school districts and one charter school will help them meet new challenges created by the pandemic. “School districts face tough challenges under any circumstances, but as a result of the pandemic, districts, officials and educators have been confronted by a slew of new logistical and funding issues. The grants announced today are going to allow districts to allocate resources where they are most needed to keep students safe and engaged, and it will allow officials to do comprehensive planning needed for the year ahead. “I’m encouraging all districts to apply for the funding as soon as they are able. “I am also looking forward to my new role as Democratic chairman of the House Education Committee and the opportunity it will give me to help districts in Mercer County and throughout the state overcome the challenges facing them.” Longietti said districts will be able to apply for the following amounts: Farrell Area School District – $3.7 million. Greenville Area School District – $2.1 million. Hermitage Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 12 – State Rep. Mark Longietti announced today that he has been appointed Democratic chairman of the House Education Committee for the 2021-22 legislative session. Longietti, D-Mercer, said he is looking forward to his new role as an opportunity to help shape the future of Pennsylvania’s public education system and ensure that all families – regardless of economic status – have equal access to the opportunities it affords. “I am honored and excited to be appointed Democratic chairman of the House Education Committee,” Longietti said. “Quality public education can be a great equalizer and the gateway to economic success – but only if the strength and quality of that education is not dependent on a family’s ZIP code. One of my top priorities will be ensuring that the highest quality public education at all levels is within the reach of all Pennsylvania families.” Longietti said his passion for promoting quality education began early in life. “My mother taught at Sharpsville Area School District for 20 years and was an incredibly dedicated teacher and advocate of education,” Longietti said. “That inspired me to work as a school district solicitor, and over the course of 15 years, I counseled districts in Sharon, Sharpsville and Reynolds. The work fueled my passion for promoting education and gave me an in-depth understanding of the many challenges school districts face. Read more
HERMITAGE, Jan. 7 – Two area senior community centers will benefit from nearly $10,000 in funding from the state Department of Aging to help them continue operating during the pandemic, state Rep. Mark Longietti announced today. Longietti, D-Mercer, said funding of nearly $5,000 each to the Shenango Valley Senior Center and the Greenville Senior Community Center will provide critical relief to help allay the impact of the pandemic. “Our area senior centers play an incredibly important role for older adults in the community,” Longietti said. “In addition to nutritious meals and transportation, the centers are places where seniors can go to connect with the community, pursue new interests, volunteer their time, stay fit and get helpful financial and other advice. “As with nearly every other business or organization, however, these centers have felt the impact of the pandemic. Securing this funding will help them make it through this difficult period and will ensure that they are around to continue enriching seniors’ lives, both now and more fully, after the pandemic is over.” The grant is part of a package of $2 million in funding to the state’s 405 Agency on Aging-affiliated senior community centers. The funding – appropriated by the General Assembly from the Pennsylvania Lottery – may be used for COVID-19 mitigation, capital improvements and renovations, programs and Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 5 – State Rep. Mark Longietti was sworn in today at the state Capitol in Harrisburg to begin his eighth term representing the state’s 7th Legislative District. Longietti, D-Mercer, said that while his top priority is maximizing funding to the district to hasten economic recovery, he also will be working as the new Democratic chairman of the House Education Committee to ensure the next generation of Pennsylvanians does not fall behind. “When the pandemic arrived, it upended life as we know it, claiming loved ones and destroying jobs and small businesses,” Longietti said. “My main priority in the year ahead will be bringing funding back to the district to speed economic recovery for the business owners and working families who have suffered through no fault of their own. With more stimulus funding on the way, I will be working to make sure our district gets its fair share. “As the new Democratic chairman of the House Education Committee, I also will be working to ensure that when signs of economic life return, bringing new job opportunities, our next generation is equipped to step into those jobs. We accomplish that by providing kids the best possible start in life through early education and a high-quality k-12 experience and by making sure that higher education – whether it be college, trade school or career or technical education – is affordable and accessible Read more
HERMITAGE, Dec. 10 – More than 3,300 residents and business owners in Mercer County will gain access to high-speed internet, thanks to $6.23 million the Federal Communications Commission has awarded four companies serving the region, state Rep. Mark Longietti announced today. Longietti said the funding will bring high-speed connections to many in the region who have lacked access for years. “So many of us automatically turn to our computers to search for important information, shop, or simply touch base with relatives, but many homes and businesses in more rural areas still lack those connections the rest of us take for granted,” Longietti said. “Reliable, high-speed access is essential these days, especially as the pandemic has limited real-world interactions. Thanks to this funding, more residents and business owners will finally be receiving the high-speed service they need and deserve.” Longietti said the funding, which will provide access to 3,344 additional homes and businesses in Mercer County, includes the following: $4,317,810 to Windstream Services LLC to provide services to 1,835 locations. $1,453,539 to Connect Everyone LLC to provide service to 1,098 locations. $448,071 to Space Exploration Technologies Corp. to provide service to 352 locations. $13,852 to Armstrong Telephone Company – Northern Division to provide services to 59 locations. The funding is part of a package of Read more
HERMITAGE , Dec. 10 – State grants totaling $396,661 will enhance Mercer County services and supports for victims of domestic violence and child abuse, state Rep. Mark Longietti announced today. Longietti, D-Mercer, said the funding is from three separate grants awarded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, based on recommendations by advisory committees. "Mercer County social service workers, investigators and advocates are an incredibly dedicated and talented group, but skills and determination aren’t enough – they need funding and resources to do the investigations, examinations, advocacy and one-on-one support their jobs demand. This funding from the PCCD is going to fund those critical resources – staff, training, program resources – that speed justice, foster recovery and bring hope to victims.” Longietti said the grants include the following: Victims' Services Advisory Committee – federal funding to prevent violence against women AWARE Inc., Mercer County STOP Project 2021 – $125,000. Mercer County Commissioners, Victim Services Program – $224,718. Children's Advocacy Center Advisory Committee – state funding to improve advocacy on behalf of abused and at-risk children County Behavioral Health Commission Inc., Children's Advocacy Center Medical Exam Component – $46,943. PCCD initiates Read more
HERMITAGE, Dec. 8 – Tax credits of $11,000 under the Neighborhood Assistance Program will leverage investments to fight blight in Sharon, state Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, announced today. Longietti said the new tax credits will continue a promising program that was launched last year. “Blight has been a major obstacle to economic growth and development in Sharon,” Longietti said. “The ‘Lots to Love’ program has seen tremendous success in its first year and has been an effective strategy for stabilizing neighborhoods that have been marked by blight. This year’s tax credit award will build on the tax credit support that helped launch the program last year and allow more properties to be repurposed. “This is a 55% tax credit program, so the $11,000 in tax credits awarded to First National Bank of Pennsylvania will leverage a donation of $20,000 from First National Bank to Community Action Partnership. That funding will allow project participants to repurpose vacant properties which have been cleared of blighted structures and turn them into side lots for adjacent homeowners, community gardens, pocket parks and other beneficial uses. “Shenango Valley Chamber of Commerce and other participating groups have been providing terrific assistance, as well. I’m encouraged that our partnerships and these ongoing investments will bring the changes needed to attract businesses and Read more
Rep. Mark Longietti's 2021 Capitol Scenes calendar is available to download. Read more
HERMITAGE, Dec. 2 – A $4,000 state grant will help the Mercer County Historical Society continue in its mission of educating residents about the county’s unique past, state Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, announced today. Longietti said the grant – awarded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission under the Cultural and Historical Support Grant Program , will provide critical operational support at a time when COVID-19 restrictions have drained those resources. “Artifacts and documents tell the story of our rich past,” Longietti said. “They help us understand the obstacles our ancestors faced and the challenges they overcame. They also help connect us to our roots and teach us more about our identity. We have the historical society to thank for safeguarding and displaying these pieces of our past. “Unfortunately, the historical society, like so many other organizations statewide, have suffered financially because of COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings and events. This funding should go a long way toward helping them continue in their mission of keeping us connected to our history.” Longietti said the funding is part of a package of nearly $2 million in grants awarded to 155 museums and county historical societies statewide. The Cultural and Historical Support Grant Program is designed to strengthen Pennsylvania’s museum community by supporting the Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 20 – Local clubs and service organizations struggling to survive would receive a lifeline under a bill passed today that would permit them to use 100% of their Small Games of Chance revenue toward operating expenses for a limited time during the pandemic, state Rep. Mark Longietti announced. Longietti, D-Mercer, said he co-sponsored H.B. 777 – which passed the General Assembly unanimously and now heads to the governor’s desk – to help ensure the survival of these organizations that play such an important role in the community. “Many of these organizations are facing a fight to survive as the pandemic has driven up costs while drying up revenue sources,” Longietti said. “To compound the problem, these clubs are unable to access small business assistance programs because they are nonprofit organizations. “Over the years, clubs have used Small Games of Chance revenue to support dozens of local charitable and community causes, from Little League teams to food banks. Current law requires service clubs to return 60% of this gaming revenue to charitable causes while keeping 40% for themselves. Given the effects of the pandemic, which has left these organizations on the brink of folding, that income is not enough. “The bill passed today allows clubs to tap into that 60% of additional revenue and use it for operating expenses such as rent, utilities and payroll. Considering how much these organizations do Read more
HERMITAGE, Nov. 18 – The Mercer County Career Center is receiving a $39,025 grant to fund the purchase of training equipment, state Rep. Mark Longietti announced today. Longietti, D-Mercer, said the grant from the state Department of Education will help ensure training is tailored to current workforce demand. “To stay productive, business and industry rely heavily on having a well-trained pool of job applicants, and Mercer County Career Center has been meeting that demand in our region for nearly 50 years,” Longietti said. “The funding awarded today will ensure students continue to have state-of-the-art equipment as they learn so that they graduate with the confidence and skills they need to compete in a wide range of modern work settings.” The competitive grants are part of a statewide package of nearly $1.2 million to 32 career and technical centers and area vocational technical education schools and two school districts. The maximum grant under the program is $50,000 and each must be matched dollar-for-dollar from a local source, such as local school funds or contributions from business and industry partners. More information on the grants is available here . Read more
HERMITAGE, Nov. 16 – Grant funding of $37,847 will help several Mercer County schools obtain needed security equipment, state Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, announced today. Longietti said the funding awarded under the competitive 2020-21 Safe Schools Targeted Grants program includes a $15,246 grant to West Middlesex Area School District and a $22,601 grant to St. Michael School. “Mercer County is fortunate to have incredibly dedicated school officials who assess security and pinpoint needs while developing tailored safety plans,” Longietti said. “Officials at West Middlesex Area School District and St. Michael School have determined that additional security-related equipment is needed to complement existing safety measures. “The funding awarded today will provide the resources to move forward with those plans, help ease the burden on taxpayers, and bring peace of mind so teachers can focus on educating and inspiring, and students can feel secure to learn and thrive.” The grants, awarded by the state Department of Education, are part of a package of more than $9 million awarded statewide. The PDE’s Office for Safe Schools offers four types of safety grants: equipment grants of up to $25,000; program grants of up to $20,000; School Police Officer (SPO) grants of up to $40,000; and School Resource Officer (SRO) grants of up to $60,000. More information on the specific Read more
HERMITAGE, Nov. 12 – A $75,000 state grant will help the Greenville Area Public Library make critical building improvements that include a new roof, a new boiler and upgraded lighting, state Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, announced today. Longietti said the funding from the state Department of Education’s Keystone grant program comes at a critical time. “With the pandemic still preventing or postponing so many community activities, it’s more important than ever for residents to have a trusted, safe place to go for learning, accessing employment information, participating in educational and community programs, and just generally connecting to the outside world. “Greenville Area Library has been all of that and more to area residents for nearly 50 years, but improvements are needed – the current boiler has reached the end of its useful life, and the roof is leaking in public areas where books are shelved. Securing this funding is going to help ensure that the library continues providing a warm, secure, protective environment for community and staff alike.” Longietti said a Keystone grant approximately five years ago helped the library – which is located in an Act 47 “distressed community” – expand more than 1,500 square feet to accommodate growing demand. The grant is part of a package of $5.1 million in competitive grants to 18 public libraries statewide funded Read more
HERMITAGE, Oct. 22 – A plan being finalized to waive liquor license fees for the state’s bars, clubs and restaurants should give these key local businesses more capital to navigate the tremendous financial challenges they face, but a comprehensive relief package is also needed as soon as possible, state Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, announced today. “A plan to waive liquor license fees for the year ahead is a good start,” Longietti said. “A reprieve from fees means business owners will have extra capital to put to other pressing expenses, and any help right now is critically important. “While a fee waiver will help, though, it isn’t going to be enough to save businesses that are teetering on the verge of collapse,” Longietti said. “Shutdowns and restrictions from the pandemic have already destroyed some of our beloved area bars and restaurants and pushed others so far into the red, they may not survive. They need major assistance now in the form a comprehensive relief package. “The state still has more than $1 billion in CARES Act funding left, and a major priority should be to get part of that money into the hands of our local businesses. Their efforts have built our economy and enriched our community in a hundred different ways. Now, when time is of the essence, we have to get them a lifeline.” Longietti was among 133 lawmakers who voted earlier this week to override the 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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