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Rep. Mark A. Longietti

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Longietti, Brooks: $225,000 in state grants will help connect Mercer County residents to recreational activities, amenities

(Sep 17, 2019) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

HERMITAGE – Sept. 17. Two state grants totaling $225,000 will help fund projects to construct and rehabilitate pedestrian trails in Hermitage and extend an existing bike trail to connect sections of Greenville to the athletic complex in neighboring West Salem Township, state Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, and state Sen. Michele Brooks, R-Crawford/Mercer/Erie/Warren, announced today. “I’m thrilled that we were successful in our efforts to obtain these grants,” Longietti said. “Quality of life for residents depends on having easy access to recreational facilities and other community amenities. The grants announced today will lay the groundwork for projects to extend existing trails and create new ones that will bring residents together and help them better enjoy all the activities our community has to offer.” Brooks agreed, saying, “I appreciate the opportunity to continue to work with the city of Hermitage and the local community in moving forward the Town Center project, which has the potential to be truly innovative and transformative.” Regarding the bike trail project, she added, “Like the Hermitage Town Square project and its goal to enhance interconnectivity, it is my hope that this funding will promote greater connectivity within the businesses of Greenville’s downtown area, the Thiel College campus, and the athletic fields and recreational areas in our beautiful community.” The Read more

 

Longietti Discusses Concerns Of Aging School Buildings

(Sep 06, 2019) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

Pa. state Rep. Mark Longietti participated in a public hearing in Philadelphia to discuss the health concerns aging school buildings are causing for students and teachers. He explained how bringing back a state program would help create a safe learning environment for children and ease the burden for property taxpayers. Read more

 

Longietti: Grant of nearly $30,000 to bolster South Pymatuning traffic safety

(Sep 04, 2019) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

HERMITAGE, Sept. 4 – A $29,785 grant will fund two traffic safety improvement projects in South Pymatuning Township, state Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, announced today. Longietti noted that the funding – which comes from fines collected under the state’s Automated Red Light Enforcement program – will support projects to install guiderails protecting motorists along Cascade Street and Shadow Drive and to erect safety signage warning motorists turning onto or merging from State Route 302/Tamarack Drive. “I’m delighted that we were successful in our efforts to obtain this funding,” Longietti said. “South Pymatuning is home to Dean Foods’ largest milk processing plant, and its 200 employees and multiple trucks make heavy use of State Route 302/Tamarack Drive, creating potentially dangerous traffic patterns entering and exiting the most heavily traveled portion of the township. “Funds from this grant will allow the township to erect signs warning motorists who are turning from Shadow Drive onto State Route 302/Tamarack Drive or merging from 302 onto Buckeye Drive that opposing traffic – including dairy trucks – is not required to stop at those intersections. The grant will also allow for installation of guiderails to protect motorists from steep embankments alongside nearby Shadow Drive and Cascade Street. Motorist safety is our No. 1 priority.” Longietti noted that the guiderail project will Read more

 

Longietti reappointed to Special Education Funding Commission

(Sep 03, 2019) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

HARRISBURG, Sept. 3 – Continuing his efforts to ensure that Pennsylvania’s special education students receive the resources they need to succeed, state Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, announced that he has been reappointed to sit on the House Special Education Funding Commission as it reconvenes this year to review its funding formula. First established in 2012, the commission developed a formula for determining how special education funding is distributed to school districts throughout the commonwealth. Longietti noted that the formula – which took effect for the 2014-15 fiscal year – dramatically changed how funding decisions were made. “Before the commission was established, funding for special education students was based on bare assumptions and general estimates that often failed to reflect real-world numbers and needs,” Longietti said. “The formula developed by the commission and later adopted into law factors in the actual number of students needing services in each district, the different levels of services needed, and the amount of funding needed relative to regular education students. “The result is a better way to allocate funding that treats districts fairly, eliminates guesswork, trims waste, and delivers services where they are actually needed. But like any formula that is based on real-world circumstances, the numbers, categories and criteria may need to be adjusted to keep pace with changing times and Read more

 

Longietti, Brooks partner with community to secure $2.5 million in funding for Hermitage

(Aug 01, 2019) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

HERMITAGE, Aug. 1 – After working with the local community to help advance an exciting new collaboration in Hermitage, Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, and Sen. Michele Brooks, R-Crawford/Mercer/Erie/Warren, announced the awarding of a $2.5 million state grant to Hermitage from the highly competitive Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. The goal of the project is to implement a comprehensive strategy to revitalize the Shenango Valley Mall area, providing retail, commercial, recreational and housing opportunities for local families and visitors. “I am so very pleased and optimistic at the news of this grant,” Brooks said. “With this vital funding, a proactive public–private partnership will be able to move forward, from the drawing board to reality, in creating a ‘Town Center-style’ development for today and future generations.” Longietti agreed, saying, “"Establishing a Town Center where citizens from throughout the region can gather, recreate and enjoy retail, entertainment and culinary amenities is a key part of advancing our local economy. I am pleased that we were able to secure the necessary public funding to help implement this visionary project." Longietti pointed out that similarly styled developments have been successful in cities such as Pittsburgh and Cleveland and help communities attract the next generation of workers and residents. Brooks said the project will combine public and Read more

 

Longietti: $1 million available in DEP grants for small businesses and farmers

(Jul 26, 2019) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

The state Department of Environmental Protection is offering $1 million in Small Business Advantage grants for projects that foster energy efficiency, pollution prevention and natural resource protection, state Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, announced. Read more

 

Longietti: More than $35,000 in grants will bring fresh fruits, vegetables to area elementary school menus

(Jul 16, 2019) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

SHARON, July 16 – Mercer County elementary school students will benefit from more fresh fruits and vegetables on the menu, thanks to two grants to the Sharon City School District totaling $35,306, state Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, announced. Longietti said the funding – which comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program – includes $17,538 to C.M. Musser Elementary School and $17,768 to West Hill Elementary School. “I’m thrilled that we were successful in helping to secure this funding,” Longietti said. “There are so many benefits associated with proper nutrition in school. Studies consistently show that students with healthier diets are better able to concentrate and retain information and that they perform better academically, particularly in subjects like math and reading. “Supplementing the menu with fruits and vegetables is also a great way to boost kids’ immune systems and fight against infection, which is so important in a school setting, where close contact means it’s easy for germs to spread.” The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program began in Pennsylvania in 2004 and is now in every state. Funding priority is given to the schools with the highest rates of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals. The program’s goal is to expand the variety of fruits and vegetables in schools by increasing consumption among students with the hope of Read more

 

Longietti: $18,000 to fund Mercer County rental assistance program

(Jul 12, 2019) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

HERMITAGE, July 12 – Funding of $18,000 through the through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement fund will help the Community Counseling Center of Mercer County provide housing assistance to residents in need, state Rep. Mark Longietti, D- Mercer, announced. “Affordable housing is fundamental to restoring dignity and normal lives to those who may be struggling with mental health issues and other problems,” Longietti said. “I’m so pleased that we were successful in our efforts to help secure this funding, because it will help so many deserving residents and families undergoing counseling and struggling to resume productive lives. By helping them rebuild their lives, we’re also helping them give back to the community and contribute to the economy, so these programs benefit everyone.” The PHARE fund is managed by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. Funding comes from three main sources: a portion of the impact fees collected from natural gas companies operating in Pennsylvania to address the housing shortage caused by the impact of drilling, a portion of the realty transfer tax, and money from the National Housing Trust Fund. More information is available by visiting https://www.phfa.org/legislation/act105.aspx Read more

 

Longietti to host Senior & Health Education Fair July 18

(Jul 12, 2019) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

HERMITAGE, July 12 – State Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, will host his 13th annual Senior & Health Education Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, July 18 at the Sharon American Legion, 1395 E. State St. The free event will feature approximately 50 exhibitors, health screenings, and valuable information on state programs benefitting seniors. “I’m extremely pleased to be hosting another event for our area’s seniors,” Longietti said. “Pennsylvania offers a wealth of services and programs for older adults, but not everyone understands just how much the state has to offer. The fair is a great chance for residents to learn about new and existing programs, obtain applications and brochures, and talk to staff, who will be on-hand to answer questions. “In addition, seniors will be able to browse dozens of community exhibitors offering products and services on health, nutrition, fitness, finance, housing, and other services. It’s a great event because every year, our area seniors leave the fair with a better understanding of how they can make the most of their golden years.” Longietti added that seniors will also find free health screenings, farmers’ market coupons, refreshments and door prizes. Residents interested in learning more should contact Longietti’s Hermitage office at 724-981-4655. Read more

 

Longietti: $3,000 grant to fund school programs, public outreach on backyard water conservation

(Jun 28, 2019) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

HARRISBURG, June 28 – A $3,000 mini grant from the state Department of Environmental Protection will fund in-school programs and public outreach on backyard water conservation,” state Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, announced today. “Programs that teach residents how to conserve backyard water bring tangible results, even on an individual level, by helping to protect the environment, save money and improve growing conditions,” Longietti said. “Another important benefit of these programs is that they bring the ever-important subject of environmental conservation into the classroom. We’re educating our next generation on the importance of being wise stewards of the land and teaching them to think in terms of solving ongoing environmental challenges.” The grant to the Mercer County Conservation District is one of a package of Environmental Education mini grants awarded by DEP to encourage environmental awareness in students and adults. The grant program focuses on projects that educate and empower disadvantaged communities to participate in environmental and public health issues; teach the public about emissions reduction, energy conservation, and renewable energy; and educate local officials, business owners and homeowners about ways of reducing pollution and monitoring and improving water quality. Enacted in 1993, the Environmental Education Act mandates that 5% of all pollution fines and penalties collected annually by Read more

 

Longietti lauds final passage of budget bill, citing ‘strategic investments’

(Jun 27, 2019) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

HARRISBURG, June 27 – State Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, lauded today’s final passage of the state’s $34 billion spending plan, saying he believed that, although not perfect, H.B. 790 makes sensible investments in the commonwealth’s future. “I’m encouraged that this year’s budget is responsible, that it holds the line on taxes, and that it puts about $300 million into the state’s Rainy Day Fund,” Longietti said. “Most importantly, I voted for this budget because it makes strategic investments that are important to the people of Mercer County and across the commonwealth. “I’m especially pleased that the new budget adds $160 million for basic education funding, which will help our local school districts; a $50 million increase in special education funding; and a $25 million increase for early childhood education. Early education programs like Pre-K Counts are critically important because they provide kids with the fundamentals they need for the best possible start in life, which is key to success later on. “I’m also encouraged by a 2% increase for higher education and a $10 million increased commitment for career and technical education programs, which provide an important pipeline for young job seekers entering the workforce. “Another important aspect of the budget is that it funds programs to support our seniors, those with intellectual disabilities and the most vulnerable Read more

 

Longietti votes 'yes' on budget

(Jun 25, 2019) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

HARRISBURG, June 25 – State Rep Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, cast a vote in support of Pennsylvania’s budget bill, H.B. 790, saying that he believes the budget makes sound investments in the commonwealth’s future. “I’m encouraged that we passed a budget that is on time, does not raise taxes, and puts approximately $300 million in the Rainy Day Fund. Most importantly, I believe the budget makes strategic investments to move Pennsylvania forward by investing in our children and job seekers, while also ensuring that our seniors and the most vulnerable among us are protected. “I’m especially pleased that the new budget adds $160 million for basic education funding for our school children; a $50 million increase in special education funding; a $25 million increase for early childhood education, a 2% increase for higher education; and a $10 million increased commitment for Career and Technical Education. “The budget also invests in one of our most important industries by providing resources to assist farmers with business development, disaster response and best management practices. “Any budget is a compromise, and although the bill is not perfect, I believe it spends our resources responsibly and accomplishes a lot of good on behalf of the commonwealth’s citizens.” Read more

 

Longietti to host opioid safety awareness program June 21

(Jun 17, 2019) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

HARRISBURG, June 18 – State Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, will host a free safety awareness program, “Controlling the Opioid Epidemic in our Aging and Disabled Populations,” from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, June 21 at the Greenville Senior Center in Riverside Park, 45 Alan Ave., Greenville. The program will feature a presentation by Special Agent Alan McGill of the Office of Attorney General, followed by a question-and-answer session. “It’s critically important to address opioid abuse among our seniors and individuals with disabilities who are among the less-recognized victims of this epidemic,” Longietti said. “The numbers show that even as opioid abuse decreased in younger groups from 2002 to 2014, it nearly doubled among those over 50. “The statistics also show that in 2016, one in three patients with a Medicare prescription drug plan received an opioid prescription. But the same Medicare programs that pay for these prescriptions often don’t provide coverage for drug addiction treatment. It’s my hope that this event will offer help and hope for seniors and their family members who are seeking answers.” Longietti said those interested in attending are encouraged to R.S.V.P. by contacting Carmella Ansinger at cansinger@pahouse.net or by calling 724-588-1005. Registration will be held before the event, at 12:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Read more

 

Longietti: Nearly $600,000 in grants will fund Mercer County victims’ services, substance abuse treatment programs

(Jun 17, 2019) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

HARRISBURG, June 17 – Grants totaling $599,257 will fund Mercer County programs to help victims of domestic violence and child abuse, as well as those struggling with addiction, state Rep. Mark Longietti, D- Mercer, announced. The funding comes from grants administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. “I’m extremely pleased that our efforts to help secure this funding were successful,” said Longietti, who is a member of the At Risk Children and Families Caucus. “Our community’s strength lies not only in the achievements of our most successful residents, but in our ability to protect the most vulnerable among us. The funding approved by PCCD will give those whose lives have been turned upside down by violent crime, abuse or addiction a chance at a new future.” Longietti said three separate grants will fund the following projects: $349,969 to Aware Inc., to fund the Mercer Aware Supplemental Victim Services Project. The funding will support Aware in its mission of eliminating domestic violence and sexual abuse in Mercer County. $100,000 to Aware Inc. to fund the Mercer Aware Child Sexual Assault Project. The funding will allow Aware to improve systems response from the agency’s collaborating partners by hiring a youth advocate to support child/teen victims of sexual violence and a criminal investigator to investigate child sexual violence cases. $149,288 to the Mercer County Read more

 

Longietti: Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program deadline extended

(Jun 11, 2019) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

HARRISBURG, June 11 – Residents have more time to apply for a rebate on property taxes or rent paid in 2018, as the deadline to apply for the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program has been extended from June 30 to Dec. 31, state Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, announced today. “The program is a terrific way for qualifying residents to recoup a portion of their prior year’s housing expenses, and last year, nearly 572,000 applicants did just that,” Longietti said. “It’s helpful that the deadline has been extended, but I’m urging residents who meet the eligibility requirements to apply sooner, rather than later. Rebates take about six to eight weeks to process and are mailed out in the order claims are received and processed.” Longietti noted the program applies to residents who are 65 or older, widows or widowers 50 or older, and individuals with disabilities who are 18 or older. The income limit is $35,000 annually for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters. Half of Social Security benefits are excluded when calculating income. Those eligible may qualify for a standard rebate of $650, although supplement rebates for some qualifying homeowners can boost that amount to $975. Spouses, personal representatives, or estates may file claims on behalf of deceased claimants who lived at least one day in 2018 and meet all the other requirements. Longietti said that his district office has applications, and any Read more

 

Longietti: Grant will fund expansion of afterschool program for area elementary school students

(Jun 05, 2019) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

HARRISBURG, June 5 – A $375,000 grant will allow United Way of Mercer County to expand a popular afterschool program to reach area elementary school students in four school districts, state Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, and the United Way of Mercer County announced today. Longietti said the federally funded grant – part of a package of 21st Century Community Learning Center grants administered by the state Department of Education – will provide important academic and other opportunities for elementary students in the Farrell, Hermitage, Sharpsville, and Sharon City school districts, including Artman, Farrell, Ionta, Musser, Case, Sharpsville, and West Hill elementary schools. “I’m delighted that we were able to help secure this funding, which will allow United Way of Mercer County to expand its popular afterschool middle school program to include grade school students,” Longietti said. “Programs like these, which reinforce core concepts and broaden learning opportunities, are especially helpful because they can level the playing field for students facing obstacles and ensure every kid gets the best possible start, which can make a huge difference later on.” Lori Schaller, project director for United Way of Mercer County’s 21 st Century Learning Center Program, echoed Longietti’s sentiments. “The 21st Century Community Learning Center grant provides a unique opportunity to offer dynamic learning Read more

 

Longietti: State grants of nearly $20,000 to fund area school breakfast programs

(May 16, 2019) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

HARRISBURG, May 16 – State grants totaling $19,161 will fund breakfast programs for four schools in the 7 th Legislative District, state Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, announced. Longietti said the funding – part of the governor’s School Breakfast Initiative – should boost student performance. “There’s a clear link between nutrition and academic achievement, and that’s especially true when it comes to breakfast,” Longietti said. “Studies have shown that kids who eat breakfast before class are two times more likely to perform well on tests than those who don’t. I’m especially pleased that we were able to help secure this funding, which will go a long way toward ensuring our kids perform at their best.” Longietti said the following Mercer County schools will receive grants: Case Avenue Elementary School – $4,860 Sharon Senior High School – $4,958 West Hill Elementary School – $4,976 C.M. Musser Elementary School – $4,367 Launched two years ago, the School Breakfast Initiative provides schools funding to implement breakfast programs using alternative serving methods such as “grab-and-go” or breakfast in the classroom. Schools can also expand an existing program to include an alternative serving method. Read more

 

Longietti: Grant will help Sharon trucking business go green

(May 08, 2019) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

HARRISBURG, May 8 – A Mercer County small business is receiving a $7,000 matching grant to help it operate in a more environmentally friendly manner, state Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, announced today. The funding to Sharon’s Chadderton Trucking Inc. – awarded under the state Department of Environmental Protection’s Small Business Advantage Program – will allow the company to purchase an auxiliary power unit. These systems reduce the amount of diesel fuel a truck burns – and resulting emissions – by providing power for climate control and electrical devices without idling. “I’m extremely pleased that we were able to help procure this funding for Chadderton Trucking,” Longietti said. “Companies that take steps to ‘go green’ are not only benefiting the environment by reducing our carbon footprint, they’re helping their own bottom line. The equipment funded by this grant will increase fuel savings while reducing fuel emissions and maintenance costs. Chadderton Trucking has been an important employer in the local trucking and transportation sector for the past 90 years, and this grant will enhance its ability to compete and thrive.” The Small Business Advantage Program provides 50 percent matching grants, up to a maximum of $9,500, to enable Pennsylvania small business to purchase energy-efficient or pollution-prevention equipment or to implement waste-reduction processes. Since Read more

 

Longietti: Bill would ensure Pa. schools have at least one certified librarian

(May 08, 2019) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

HARRISBURG, May 8 – A bill introduced today by state Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, would ensure that public schools throughout the state have at least one certified librarian per building. Longietti said he introduced H.B. 1355 – part of a package of student-centered bills known as "Beyond Safe Schools" – to ensure that students have the skills they need to compete and thrive in the Information Age. “Research and critical thinking skills are more important now than ever before, as our society is bombarded by often-misleading information from online and social media news outlets,” Longietti said. “Librarians fulfill an essential need by teaching these skills, which help students navigate large amounts of material and distill out reliable information. “Unfortunately, current law does not require school districts to employ a librarian, and the number of certified school librarians has declined. Some school districts have no certified librarian at all, while 115 school districts have one certified librarian serving the entire district. My bill would restore these positions to ensure that our students get these essential research and critical-thinking skills at a time when they need them the most.” The “Beyond Safe Schools: Safe and Supportive Schools” package aims to save lives and save money, deliver better graduation rates, reduce suspensions and expulsions and lead to more successful outcomes for Read more

 

Longietti announces more than $181,000 in fire grants

(May 03, 2019) Rep. Mark A. Longietti

HARRISBURG, May 3 – State Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, announced the award of $181,457 in state grants to 14 fire companies in the 7 th Legislative District. “Our firefighters risk their lives for us every day, and in addition to combating a wide range of hazards, they also contend with financial challenges that can impact services,” Longietti said. “These grants, which will fund equipment, training and other vital resources, will help defray costs and maximize firefighter safety so these professionals and volunteers can continue their life-saving work.” Longietti said the grants are as follows: Clark Volunteer Fire Department – $12,667 Farrell Volunteer Fire Department Inc. – $13,326 Greenville Fire Department – $13,656 Greenville Volunteer Fire Company – $12,172 Hermitage Volunteer Fire Department Inc. – $14,811 Patagonia Volunteer Fire Department – $12,502 Sharon Fire Department – $14,481 Sharpsville Volunteer Fire Department – $13,656 Shenango Township Volunteer Fire Department – $12,172 South Pymatuning Township Volunteer Fire Association – $11,677 Transfer Volunteer Fire Department – $13,491 West Middlesex Volunteer Fire Department – $13,162 West Salem Fire Department – $12,007 Wheatland Volunteer Fire Department – $11,677 The grants are provided by Pennsylvania's Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program, which Read more

 

Longietti, Brooks: $225,000 in state grants will help connect Mercer County residents to recreational activities, amenities
Sep 17, 2019

Longietti Discusses Concerns Of Aging School Buildings
Sep 06, 2019

Longietti: Grant of nearly $30,000 to bolster South Pymatuning traffic safety
Sep 04, 2019

Longietti reappointed to Special Education Funding Commission
Sep 03, 2019

Longietti, Brooks partner with community to secure $2.5 million in funding for Hermitage
Aug 01, 2019

Longietti: $1 million available in DEP grants for small businesses and farmers
Jul 26, 2019

Longietti: More than $35,000 in grants will bring fresh fruits, vegetables to area elementary school menus
Jul 16, 2019

Longietti: $18,000 to fund Mercer County rental assistance program
Jul 12, 2019

Longietti to host Senior & Health Education Fair July 18
Jul 12, 2019

Longietti: $3,000 grant to fund school programs, public outreach on backyard water conservation
Jun 28, 2019

Longietti lauds final passage of budget bill, citing ‘strategic investments’
Jun 27, 2019

Longietti votes 'yes' on budget
Jun 25, 2019

Longietti to host opioid safety awareness program June 21
Jun 17, 2019

Longietti: Nearly $600,000 in grants will fund Mercer County victims’ services, substance abuse treatment programs
Jun 17, 2019

Longietti: Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program deadline extended
Jun 11, 2019

Longietti: Grant will fund expansion of afterschool program for area elementary school students
Jun 05, 2019

Longietti: State grants of nearly $20,000 to fund area school breakfast programs
May 16, 2019

Longietti: Grant will help Sharon trucking business go green
May 08, 2019

Longietti: Bill would ensure Pa. schools have at least one certified librarian
May 08, 2019

Longietti announces more than $181,000 in fire grants
May 03, 2019