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Longietti receives ‘Legislative Excellence in Caring’ award from early education commission

(May 10, 2022) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

HARRISBURG, May 10 – State Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, was honored today by the Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission for his legislative support and advocacy on behalf of improving early childhood education and child care in the commonwealth. Longietti – who co-chairs the bipartisan, bicameral Pennsylvania Legislative Early Childhood Education Caucus and is Democratic chairman of the state House Education Committee – said he was honored to be recognized by the commission because he is a strong supporter of the group’s work. “I will treasure this award because I am a such big fan of the work this commission does to ensure Pennsylvania’s kids receive the best possible start in life through quality child care and early learning programs,” Longietti said. “These are some of the best investments we can make in state government, and the commission’s voices are essential to making them happen.” In presenting the award on behalf of the commission, former Pennsylvania Gov. Mark Schweiker called Longietti an “outstanding champion for children and families,” saying he was instrumental in securing funding for the state’s Pre-K Counts Program, bringing the Nurse-Family Partnership to Mercer County and working with United Way to launch the county’s chapter of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Praising Longietti as a “reliable and stout advocate with stakeholders across Read more

 

Longietti honored by University of Pittsburgh Occupational Therapy Department

(Apr 26, 2022) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

HARRISBURG, April 26 – The University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Occupational Therapy today presented State Rep. Mark Longietti with the school’s Award of Appreciation, which recognizes individuals who have demonstrated meaningful engagement with the University’s OT students. Longietti – who was nominated based on his service as a guest lecturer for the university’s Master in OT Program – said he was deeply honored by the award. “Receiving this recognition from the University of Pittsburgh’s Occupational Therapy Department is a special honor because the folks presenting it are models of dedication to their field,” Longietti said. “The passion and devotion to the work these educators show every day inspires students to take that with them into the field, and it makes a world of difference to their patients. “I have felt humbled to play a role in helping teach these students about the legislative process and the importance of becoming engaged in policies affecting their profession.” In presenting the award, professor and Department Chair Elizabeth Skidmore noted that Longietti has been consistently engaged with students in creditable and valuable ways during the past five years, has regularly made time for in-person lectures on the complexity of government, and has taken information from hearings and meetings with those in the profession to the House chamber to Read more

 

Longietti: PHEAA board votes to raise maximum student aid grant amount

(Apr 22, 2022) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

HERMITAGE, April 22 – Eligible Pennsylvania college students may see an increase in financial aid grant funding after the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency board voted to raise the maximum amount available under the PA State Grant Program from $5,000 to $5,750, state Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, announced today. Longietti, who is a member of the PHEAA board, said he voted for the increase because it is a sound financial investment that will pay off for the state economy. “These are challenging times for everyone, but for young adults just starting out in life, the weight of student debt can be crushing,” Longietti said. “The grant program makes it possible for low- and middle-income students to pursue their career goals and allows them to graduate with less debt and more disposable income to invest back into the economy. “Supplementing the program at a time when household budgets are strained only makes sense. It’s a move that will encourage more students to stay in state, study here and raise families here.” Longietti said the proposed funding formula for 2022-23 also would allow an additional 9,000 students to benefit from the grant system. The increase depends on the state legislature’s approval of a proposed $350 million appropriation for the PA State Grant Program, which represents a 12.8% increase over the current year. Read more

 

Longietti: $9 million loan secured to improve Greenville water service

(Apr 20, 2022) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

HERMITAGE, April 20 – Better water service is on tap for Greenville residents, thanks to a $9 million low-interest loan from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, state Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, announced today. Longietti said the loan to Greenville Water Authority will fund a project to replace and relocate the Hadley Road Booster Pump Station and replace approximately 25,600 linear feet of leaded-joint, cast-iron pipe with polyvinyl chloride mains and 272 service connections, including 32 known/suspected lead service lines. “The new pump station and service lines will improve the delivery and safety of drinking water for Greenville," Longietti said. “The Hadley Road Booster Pump Station was built during the early 1900s and is long overdue for replacement. The new station, which will be installed near UPMC Horizon Hospital, will be more efficient and better at reducing unwanted disinfection byproducts in the water. The installation of a new, permanent generator at the site will ensure a continuous, reliable water supply to customers. “The new service lines will replace the existing cast-iron pipes and lead joints that had a history of leaks and water main breaks and will give residents better peace of mind in knowing that their drinking water is free of contaminants.” Longietti said the project will also include replacing fire hydrants, service lines, interconnections to side streets and Read more

 

Longietti: Area child care providers receiving more than $2.2 million to stabilize operations

(Apr 11, 2022) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

HERMITAGE, April 11 – Area child care providers are receiving more than $2.2 million in federal funding to help them reopen their doors and return to full capacity, state Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, announced today. Longietti said the funding under the American Rescue Plan Act will provide grants to 24 area providers ranging from approximately $5,000 to more than $290,000. “Pandemic-related shutdowns and declining enrollments have had a devastating impact on child care providers in our community, and it’s an issue that is not only hurting these business owners and their families, but also complicating plans for working parents trying to return to the workplace. “This funding – which providers can use for operating expenses, personnel and program costs, equipment and supplies, and reimbursement for past COVID-19-related expenses – will help stabilize operations for these businesses that play such a key role for our community.” According to the state Department of Human Services, which administers the funding, providers will receive the funding in six monthly installments and must use it within nine months after their applications were approved. Centers also must report to DHS on how the funding is spent. A list of the approved funding to the 24 providers is available here . The American Rescue Plan Act provided $24 billion to states nationwide to stabilize the child care sector. The local grants Read more

 

Policy Committe Hearing: Charter schools raise property taxes

(Apr 04, 2022) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

“The Special Education Funding Commission established a formula to pay for special education students based upon their level of need, but that formula was never applied to charter schools, which means we end up paying more for less,” said Rep. Mark Longietti, Democratic chair of the House Education Committee. Read more

 

Longietti: Area hospitals receiving more than $1.6 million for recruitment, retention, critical resources

(Mar 24, 2022) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

HERMITAGE, March 24 – Two hospitals in the 7th Legislative District are receiving nearly $1.65 million in federal funding to help address staffing shortages and replenish resources drained by the pandemic, state Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, announced today. Longietti said the money, which comes from $225 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding, includes $962,517 to Sharon Regional Health System and $684,982 to UPMC Horizon. “During the worst of the pandemic, our community’s frontline health care workers worked around the clock to save lives, despite incredibly stressful conditions,” Longietti said. “The funding coming to our community hospitals should help ease the strain by funding recruitment and retention efforts and the purchase of additional critical resources.” The money is part of Act 2 of 2022, legislation that appropriated $225 million to support the following health care areas: $100 million to be distributed to acute care, critical access and children’s hospitals licensed by the Department of Health on a per-bed basis. The funding will be used strictly for recruitment and retention payments to direct care staff. $110 million to be distributed on a per-bed basis to high-Medical Assistance hospitals, designated Critical Access Hospitals, and inpatient and residential behavioral health facilities for recruitment and retention payments to key staff. $15 million Read more

 

Longietti, Sainato announce $45,000 digital literacy grant

(Mar 18, 2022) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

HARRISBURG, March 18 – A $45,000 grant from the state Department of Labor and Industry will help job seekers in Mercer and Lawrence counties develop important tech skills, state Reps. Mark Longietti and Chris Sainato announced today. The lawmakers said West Central Job Partnership will use the Digital Literacy and Workforce Development Grant to teach job seekers how to search for jobs online and use digital platforms, making them more attractive to prospective employers. “Digital literacy – the ability to find, use and communicate information using digital technology – is a critical skill in the modern workforce,” said Longietti, D-Mercer. “Knowing how to navigate online platforms is key to searching for good jobs – and often key to getting good jobs, as more and more businesses that rely on the internet to remain competitive are demanding a digitally literate workforce. The training funded by this grant will help job seekers develop those skills.” Sainato, D-Lawrence, said, “The grant is going to fund eight eight-week, in-person sessions of intensive training to help people with low levels of digital literacy improve those tech skills. Although the program will actively recruit some people – such as residents without a secondary diploma/GED and folks coming from re-entry programs – the classes will be open to everyone and should open doors to greater opportunities.” The Read more

 

Longietti hosting free state program workshops

(Mar 16, 2022) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

HERMITAGE, March 16 – State Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, is hosting a series of free workshops in March, April and May to help eligible residents apply for the state Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program, and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. “Although residents can apply online for state programs offering water or heating assistance or rebates on 2021 property taxes or rent, some folks may have questions about whether they qualify, and others may prefer to complete the application with assistance from my staff,” Longietti said. “My series of free workshops can provide that help and make the process as easy as possible.” The sessions – all held from noon to 3 p.m. and open to the public – are scheduled for the following dates and locations: Saturdays, March 26, April 9, and April 23 (appointments preferred): Greenville Satellite Office, 182 Main St., Chamber of Commerce Building, Greenville, 16125. Wednesday, April 27 (walk-ins welcome): Greenville Municipal Building, Council Chamber Room, 125 Main St., Greenville, 16125. Wednesday, May 18 (walk-ins welcome): Pymatuning Township Building, 256 Edgewood Drive Ext., Transfer, 16154. (PTRR/LIHWAP assistance only; LIHEAP deadline is May 6.) Longietti said the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program benefits eligible Read more

 

Longietti, Brooks: $223,000 awarded for Hermitage stream restoration project

(Mar 15, 2022) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

HERMITAGE, March 15 – New funding of $223,000 will help the city of Hermitage complete a project to restore a section of the Bobby Run stream, state Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, and state Sen. Michele Brooks, R-Crawford/Mercer/Erie/Warren, announced today. The lawmakers said the funding from the Department of Community and Economic Development will allow the city to address erosion and sediment runoff that have deposited high levels of phosphorus into a section of the stream located several hundred feet west of the PA Route 18 and 518 intersection. “This section of Bobby Run Stream has been plagued by erosion and designated impaired by the state Department of Environmental Protection because of high phosphorous levels entering as runoff,” Longietti said. “The sediments have damaged water quality and endangered the ecosystem. “The city has already begun efforts to slow erosion and stabilize the stream bank, but more work has been needed. The new grant will help the city complete the project by funding more substantial efforts – including installation of plantings, rock clusters, and other structures – that should slow the pollutant loading and restore nearly 750 feet of the stream located upstream of the Longview Road bridge.” Brooks said, “I appreciate the incredible amount of time and effort everyone contributed to help this project come to fruition. I am confident that it will Read more

 

Longietti, Brooks: More than $162,000 awarded for improvements to Community Library of the Shenango Valley

(Mar 09, 2022) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

HERMITAGE, March 9 – The Community Library of the Shenango Valley will be receiving important upgrades thanks to a newly awarded $162,113 state grant, state Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, and state Sen. Michele Brooks, R-Crawford/Mercer/Erie/Warren, announced today. The lawmakers said the funding – awarded by the state Department of Education under the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund – will fund needed renovations and improvements. “Our library is such a rich resource, welcoming residents throughout the entire region for educational programs, storytelling and exhibits, community events, and so much more,” Longietti said. “But like all aging buildings – especially those receiving heavy year-round use – repairs and upgrades are essential. “The funding awarded today will allow the library to make critical structural, security-related and energy-saving improvements that will ensure residents stay safe and comfortable while saving taxpayer dollars on operation.” Brooks said, “Our libraries are an important part of our communities and a welcoming space where community members can access not only books, but resources, programming, broadband and more. This funding for much-needed infrastructure upgrades will maximize comfort and safety for library patrons so that they can continue to connect with valuable resources and each other.” The grant will fund half the Read more

 

Longietti speaks at state Capitol to support Pennsylvanians with rare diseases

(Feb 28, 2022) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

HARRISBURG, Feb. 28 – State Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, joined patients, families, advocates, health care professionals and fellow lawmakers at the state Capitol today to highlight the needs of approximately 1.2 million Pennsylvanians living with a rare disease and to encourage participation in a patient survey launched by the Pennsylvania Rare Disease Advisory Council. Longietti, who was a prime sponsor of the legislation establishing the council in 2017, said the survey will provide PARDAC with critical information to guide its efforts and establish priorities into the future. “One out of every 12 Pennsylvanians lives with a rare disease, and two-thirds of those patients are children,” Longietti said. “Today, we heard from 13-year-old Charlotte McMackin, who shared her experience living with KIF1A Associated Neurological Disorder. There are rare disease patients like Charlotte in every county of the state, including Mercer County, and they all face unique challenges because they lack access to the same level of diagnosis, care and treatment available to patients with more common diseases. “The council is launching a needs-assessment survey seeking input from patients. I urge anyone with a rare disease to visit www.pardac.org and take the survey. The information will provide critical guidance in helping the council carry out its No. 1 mission, which is to improve the lives of Pennsylvanians with these rare diseases.” Read more

 

Longietti lauds state investment in Mercer County farms

(Feb 24, 2022) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

HERMITAGE, Feb. 24 – State Rep. Mark Longietti today praised the state’s purchase of development rights to three Mercer County farms, including a 91-acre crop and livestock farm located in the 7th Legislative District. Longietti, D-Mercer, said the nearly $263,400 investment – which includes $231,142 in state funds and $32,229 in county dollars – eases the pressure on farmers and preserves the land for future agricultural use. “By purchasing the development rights to this property and other farms like it, the state is protecting this fertile land, relieving the pressure on the farmers committed to keeping it, and ensuring that it will remain in productive hands, feeding our community, for years to come,” Longietti said. “It’s more than a purchase of rights; it’s a statement of faith in our talented farmers and an investment in one of our most important industries.” The purchases are part of a $6.4 million investment of state and county dollars to protect nearly 2,000 acres on 26 farms in 12 counties. More information, including a list of the farms, is available here . Read more

 

Longietti announces more than $217,000 in fire, EMS grants

(Feb 11, 2022) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

HERMITAGE, Feb. 11 – State Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, announced that 15 fire and EMS companies in the 7th Legislative District have been awarded $217,235 in state grants. “First responders in our community step up and answer the call tirelessly, carrying out critical public safety duties despite constant funding challenges that strain resources and complicate their work,” Longietti said. “It’s my hope that by helping companies with the cost of equipment, training, building repairs and other immediate needs, this funding will keep these frontline heroes safe and make their jobs just a bit easier.” Longietti said the following fire and EMS companies will receive grants in these amounts: Clark Volunteer Fire Department – $15,000. Farrell Volunteer Fire Department Inc. – $14,651. Greenville Fire Department – $15,000. Greenville Fire Department (EMS) – $8,325. Greenville Volunteer Fire Company – $15,000. Hermitage Volunteer Fire Dept. Inc . – $15,000. Patagonia Volunteer Fire Dept . – $15,000. Sharon Fire Department – $15,000. Sharpsville Volunteer Fire Department – $15,000. Shenango Township Volunteer Fire Department – $15,000. South Pymatuning Township Volunteer Fire Association – $15,000. Transfer Volunteer Fire Department – $15,000. West Middlesex Volunteer Read more

 

Longietti announces he will not seek ninth term

(Feb 08, 2022) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

HARRISBURG, Feb. 8 – State Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, announced today that he will not seek a ninth term in office. Longietti has served the 7th Legislative District since 2007 and will serve out the balance of his term, which ends Nov. 30. “It has been the honor of my lifetime to represent the people of the Shenango Valley and surrounding communities, and I am grateful for the tremendous support and confidence I have received over the years from my fellow citizens,” Longietti said. “Now, it is time to turn to the next chapter of my life and new ways in which I hope to give back to my community.” In nearly 16 years in office, Longietti never missed a voting session day in Harrisburg, and he has participated in hundreds of policy hearings across the state to make sure Mercer County has had a voice in proposed legislation. At home, he was a regular at community events and worked out of his Hermitage office to make sure residents throughout the district received the assistance they needed. “I am proud of the great work my staff has provided to countless constituents to help cut through bureaucratic red tape, solve problems and make their lives a bit easier,” Longietti said. During his time in the legislature, Longietti has been a strong advocate for public education and for increasing educational opportunities for all citizens. He has served on the House Education Committee for more than 12 years and is currently Read more

 

Longietti, Sainato: $150,000 grant will provide real-world career planning

(Feb 01, 2022) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

HARRISBURG, Feb. 1 – Students searching for the right career path in Mercer and Lawrence counties will be gaining real-world experience to shape their decisions, thanks to $150,000 in grant funding, state Reps. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, and Chris Sainato, D-Lawrence, announced today. The lawmakers said that the Business-Education Partnership Grant to West Central Career Connections, serving Mercer and Lawrence counties, will fund students’ visits to jobsites and other real-world connections to help guide their career choices. “Securing this funding is going to allow students, parents and educators to connect directly with local businesses in key, high-demand areas, so students can see firsthand how their own interests and skills translate to the workforce,” Longietti said. “That real-world experience will be incredibly valuable in helping them shape academic and career plans.” Sainato said, “Choosing a career path is one of life’s most important decisions, and students need relevant, accurate information to inform those decisions. The funding awarded today will allow students to visit workplaces, ask questions, and gain insights into where they belong in the working world.” Business-Education Partnership grants from the Department of Labor and Industry are funded at 100% through federal money made available from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act. The Read more

 

Longietti: Nearly $340,000 awarded to fund Hermitage transportation, housing projects

(Jan 24, 2022) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

HERMITAGE, Jan. 24 – The city of Hermitage has been awarded $337,249 to fund transportation and housing rehabilitation projects, state Rep. Mark Longietti announced today. Longietti, D-Mercer, said the funding from the Department of Community and Economic Development will help finance two separate projects. “Securing this funding is going to help Hermitage address some important resident needs,” Longietti said. “Some of the money will fund roadway repaving and stormwater improvements on Concord Road, Trace Street, Meadowbrook Road and Shadyside Drive, in Hermitage. Additional grant money will fund a project to rehabilitate about seven single-family, owner-occupied homes.” The funding comes from the Community Development Block Grant Program and is part of a package of more than $2.1 million awarded to projects statewide. More about the funding is available here. Read more

 

Longietti: Mercer County schools awarded $120K for school resource officers

(Jan 21, 2022) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

HERMITAGE, Jan. 21 – The Hermitage and Sharpsville Area school districts were each awarded $60,000 to fund continuing school resource officer positions, state Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, announced today. Longietti, who is Democratic chairman of the House Education Committee, said both grants were awarded under the 2021-22 Safe Schools Targeted Grants program, which is administered by the state Department of Education “No student or school staffer should ever have to worry about safety in the classroom, the halls, or any other school setting,” Longietti said. “The grants awarded today will allow the Hermitage and Sharpsville Area school districts to continue school resource officer positions, which help both districts maintain the kind of productive, secure environment that promotes confidence and learning.” The grants are part of a package of $8 million in competitive grants awarded statewide. More information on the specific awardees and amounts is available here . Read more

 

Longietti: $600,000 awarded to help maintain owner-occupied housing in Hermitage

(Jan 10, 2022) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

HERMITAGE, Jan. 10 – Hermitage homeowners will have help with needed home repairs thanks to $600,000 in new grant funding, state Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, announced today. Longietti said the funding to the city, awarded under the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, will provide key help for residents maintaining older properties. “Home maintenance can place a big strain on household budgets, especially in the case of older homes,” Longietti said. “Securing this funding is going to help ensure residents have the resources they need to maintain safe, secure premises for themselves and their loved ones while also protecting the value of their largest investment.” The grant is part of a package of more than $8.2 million to support affordable housing in 15 counties. More about the funding is available here. Read more

 

State Rep. Mark Longietti's 2022 Capitol Scenes calendar

(Dec 28, 2021) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

State Rep. Mark Longietti's 2022 Capitol Scenes calendar Read more

 

Longietti receives ‘Legislative Excellence in Caring’ award from early education commission
May 10, 2022

Longietti honored by University of Pittsburgh Occupational Therapy Department
Apr 26, 2022

Longietti: PHEAA board votes to raise maximum student aid grant amount
Apr 22, 2022

Longietti: $9 million loan secured to improve Greenville water service
Apr 20, 2022

Longietti: Area child care providers receiving more than $2.2 million to stabilize operations
Apr 11, 2022

Policy Committe Hearing: Charter schools raise property taxes
Apr 04, 2022

Longietti: Area hospitals receiving more than $1.6 million for recruitment, retention, critical resources
Mar 24, 2022

Longietti, Sainato announce $45,000 digital literacy grant
Mar 18, 2022

Longietti hosting free state program workshops
Mar 16, 2022

Longietti, Brooks: $223,000 awarded for Hermitage stream restoration project
Mar 15, 2022

Longietti, Brooks: More than $162,000 awarded for improvements to Community Library of the Shenango Valley
Mar 09, 2022

Longietti speaks at state Capitol to support Pennsylvanians with rare diseases
Feb 28, 2022

Longietti lauds state investment in Mercer County farms
Feb 24, 2022

Longietti announces more than $217,000 in fire, EMS grants
Feb 11, 2022

Longietti announces he will not seek ninth term
Feb 08, 2022

Longietti, Sainato: $150,000 grant will provide real-world career planning
Feb 01, 2022

Longietti: Nearly $340,000 awarded to fund Hermitage transportation, housing projects
Jan 24, 2022

Longietti: Mercer County schools awarded $120K for school resource officers
Jan 21, 2022

Longietti: $600,000 awarded to help maintain owner-occupied housing in Hermitage
Jan 10, 2022

State Rep. Mark Longietti's 2022 Capitol Scenes calendar
Dec 28, 2021