HARRISBURG, Sept. 17 – State Rep. Gerald Mullery, D-Luzerne, recently introduced legislation that would increase the amount of money municipalities can spend on burial ground maintenance to prevent neglect and overgrowth. “Cemeteries are meant to be a beautiful and peaceful place to lay our loved ones to rest, but unfortunately some burial grounds end up overrun with plants, weeds and crumbling tombstones because they lack the necessary care that those interred within deserve,” Mullery said. “Under my legislation, municipalities would be able to increase the amount of money they can spend on burial ground maintenance to ensure the lands are well kept for Pennsylvanians past, present and future.” Current Pennsylvania law designates that when burial grounds are neglected to the point of becoming a nuisance, residents living within a 5-mile radius of the property may petition the court to have care duties transferred to the local municipality. “This law, which is severely outdated, directs municipalities to spend no more than $30 on maintenance costs per calendar year. When this law was enacted in 1923, $30 may have been sufficient. Unfortunately, in 2021, $30 is simply not enough.” Under H.B. 1841 , state law would be updated and the $30 spending limit on burial ground maintenance for municipalities would be increased to $5,000. Mullery said his legislation has been referred to the House Local Government Committee for further Read more
“We have known from the start of the pandemic there are myriad dangerous issues that continue to impact the health and safety of these critical workers,” Mullery said. “My bill would ensure that the workers who process and package our food are protected, which in turns protects all of us who purchase those goods at the supermarket.” Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 7 – State Rep. Gerald Mullery, D-Luzerne, has been named to the “Pennsylvania Labor Power 100” by City and State PA , a news organization which covers state and local government and political affairs in Pennsylvania. “I'm honored to be included on a list of those at the forefront of Pennsylvania's organized labor movement. It is truly humbling to be mentioned alongside other leaders and advocates for Pennsylvania workers," Mullery said. “We all understand a strong and healthy labor workforce is vital to our state and local economies and the health of our commonwealth." Mullery is listed in the 53 rd spot on the list and has been recognized as a "powerful Democratic voice on the House Labor and Industry Committee." Appointed minority chair at the start of the 2021-22 legislative session, Mullery has sponsored legislation to give additional protections and support to meat processing plant workers and promoted efforts to streamline and modernize Pennsylvania’s unemployment compensation system which could not handle the influx of applications during the height of the of the COVID-19 pandemic last year. Read more
NANTICOKE, July 20 – State Rep. Gerald Mullery, D-Luzerne, today announced $3,531,383 in grant money has been awarded to several critical community and economic development projects within the 119 th Legislative District. The funding was approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority through the Luzerne County Local Share Account program. “The past year and a half has created numerous challenges for our school districts and our communities to overcome, and this crucial funding will allow our municipalities and local organizations to undertake important projects that will revitalize and strengthen the local economy and improve the health and safety of those who live and visit our great area,” Mullery said. Mullery said the grants include: 2019 LSA Grants: Plymouth Borough - $366,666 to repair stormwater infrastructure and install streetscape and pedestrian safety improvements on Main Street. Nuangola Borough - $115,753 to improve approximately 0.5 miles of roadway along Nuangola Avenue. Rice Township - $200,000 to repair 15 municipal roadways. Wright Township - $182,412 to resurface deteriorating roads and improve stormwater drainage problems in Maplewood development. Dennison Township - $64,500 to renovate two restrooms in the municipal building to make them ADA compliant. Newport Township - $250,000 for the acquisition Read more
NANTICOKE, July 15 – State Rep. Gerald Mullery, D-Luzerne, welcomed House Minority Leader Joanna McClinton to Northeastern Pennsylvania on Thursday. McClinton was in the region as part of her factfinding tour of communities throughout the state. “I’m very grateful to spend time in the 119 th District today and seeing firsthand how the Commonwealth’s investments are helping meet local needs and how additional support will bring about development to this important region,” said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. McClinton visited the L.S. Bowl-A-Rama site in Nanticoke. The 122,000 square-foot structure running the entire length of East Washington Street between South Prospect and South Walnut streets has been vacant since 2007. The former silk mill has been a longstanding eyesore in the community and, despite changing ownership on multiple occasions, has yet to be razed. “We are on the verge of securing significant state funding to assist the city of Nanticoke in demolishing this eyesore,” Mullery said. “I wanted Leader McClinton to see the hurdles cities like Nanticoke face in acquiring and eliminating blighted properties so they could rehabilitate these sites and attract new developers who will contribute to the tax base.” Nanticoke Mayor Kevin Coughlin said he was honored to host Leader McClinton. “This property has become the Read more
NANTICOKE, June 30 – State Rep. Gerald Mullery, D-Luzerne, announced a total of $324,891 in grants have been awarded to local volunteer fire and emergency medical services companies. “Our first responders continue each and every day to answer the call during emergency situations, putting their lives on the line to save ours, even as a global pandemic was further stretching already depleted crews and resources,” Mullery said. “Many of these companies are also facing financial hardships because COVID-19 prevented critical annual fundraising from taking place. These funds will go a long way to ensure these volunteer fire and EMS companies are able to continue to serve our communities and keep us safe.” Mullery said the annual Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program, which is overseen by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner, provides funding for volunteer and career fire companies, emergency medical services, and rescue squads. The grants were awarded to the following fire and EMS companies in the 119 th District: AK Mowery Hose Co. 3: $11,520. Askam Fire Co. No. 6: $12,054. Breslau Hose Co. No. 5 : $12,589. Dennison Township Volunteer Fire Co. 1 : $11,520. Fearnots Volunteer Fire Co. : $12,589. Franklin Hose Co. No. 4 : $12,054. Freeland Fire Department. : $14,193. Read more
HARRISBURG, May 25 – State Rep. Gerald Mullery, D-Luzerne, today announced a state grant totaling $298,870 was awarded to Newport Township for its ongoing effort to fight blighted properties. “Removing blighted properties is a win-win for our communities,” Mullery said. “It not only makes neighborhoods beautiful for residents to enjoy, but also makes these communities more attractive to tourists and visitors. I am pleased to see this project get the funding it needs, so these unsafe eyesores can be demolished.” “ Prior to the pandemic starting, Newport Township was working hard with Representative Mullery’s office to make blight a priority. We were worried that the pandemic was going to hinder our progress until today. These funds will go a long way to combat blight in Glen Lyon and throughout Newport Township,“ said Joe Hillan, Newport Township manager. The funding comes from the Blight Remediation program and will be used to remove 18 blighted properties that are either currently on the Luzerne County Repository list or with owners who are willing to cooperate with the removal process with the understanding they will retain ownership. The funding will be used for demolition, engineering, legal and administrative costs. The Blight Remediation program was created under the Commonwealth Financing Authority in 2019. It is a reimbursable grant Read more
HARRISBURG, May 25 – Thousands of Pennsylvanians experiencing issues applying for and receiving unemployment benefits will continue to deal with unnecessary delays and roadblocks even after the new unemployment compensation system launches in two weeks, House Labor and Industry Committee Democratic Chairman Gerald Mullery, D-Luzerne, told listeners at a news event following yesterday morning’s committee hearing. “Right now, there are still many roadblocks that will remain and cause delays for filers, such as the waiting week that makes people ineligible for benefits during their first week of unemployment -- and the process of determining credit weeks, which regularly causes delays in benefits being paid and confusion amongst both employers and claimants,” Mullery said. “Right now, my bill, House Bill 549, would eliminate the waiting week and streamline the income verification process leading to a more effective and efficient system. Despite near universal agreement of these facts, the chances of this bill being brought up for a vote in committee remains remote. “It has become quite clear since the start of this legislative session the majority party is more concerned with appeasing the Chamber of Commerce and special interest groups, as opposed to the thousands of hardworking and frustrated Pennsylvanians who have been waiting for their benefits so food can be put on the table and bills can be paid. Democrats and Republicans Read more
Despite recent updates to the state's unemployment compensation process, many people are still struggling to file claims and receive their benefits. Mullery says his House Bill 549 would make the claims process more effective and efficient and says it's time to put partisan politics aside and fix the system. Read more
NANTICOKE, May 6 – State Rep. Gerald Mullery, D-Luzerne, will be holding a free paper shredding event to help residents safely dispose of their unwanted and personal documents. The event will be held 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 29 at Greater Nanticoke High School, 425 Kosciuzsko St., Nanticoke. “Shredding documents is a great way to protect personal information from getting into the hands of thieves and fraudsters,” Mullery said. "I'm pleased that my staff and I can again provide this public service as previous shredding events before the pandemic have been well attended." Mullery said this will be a drive-thru shredding event. Residents are asked to place items in the back of their vehicles to be removed by a member or staff and then wait in their vehicles for the boxes or bags to be returned. Common types of unwanted documents for shredding include credit card statements, credit card applications, bank and investment statements, canceled checks, income tax information, insurance and health records, and retirement or pension fund information. This event is only for residential documents. Business documents will not be accepted. Documents will be shredded on site. For more information, residents may call Mullery's Nanticoke office at 570-740-7031. Read more
On this episode of 119 Seconds with Jerry, Pa. state Rep. Gerald Mullery continues to highlight how the PA Rescue Plan would benefit Luzerne County residents with investments in hazard pay for frontline workers, paid sick and family leave, and remediation of toxic school buildings. Read more
At a Harrisburg news conference, Pa. state Rep. Gerald Mullery offers his support for the Meatpacking and Food Processing Protection Act. Mullery says this legislation would bring added safety and protections to our meatpacking and food processing workers while also ensuring our food supply remains safe. Read more
On this episode of 119 Seconds with Jerry, Pa. state Rep. Gerald Mullery discusses how the PA Rescue Plan will invest millions of federal dollars in our healthcare infrastructure, including expanded telehealth capabilities and more direct care workers for our seniors. Read more
NANTICOKE, April 21 – State Rep. Gerald Mullery, D-Luzerne, today announced over $1.4 million in state funding has been awarded for several infrastructure and rehabilitation projects in the 119 th Legislative District. “This is critical funding for several projects to make our region more attractive for businesses, residents and visitors,” Mullery said. “Whether its infrastructure investment for commerce and industry or widening roads for bicycle safe travel lanes, these funds will help make our communities better places to live and work.” Mullery said the following local projects are receiving state funding through several programs from the Commonwealth Finance Authority: Multimodal Transportation Fund: Nanticoke City - $750,000 for HUD Inc. doing business as Emerald Anthracite II to extend existing rail siding that will open thousands of acres for industrial development with rail access to the Canadian Pacific main line. Wright Township - $685,984 to widen Park Road, a heavily traveled roadway, and create a new bike lane, add curbs and a sidewalk, make stormwater improvements, remove trees and resurface the road and install pavement markings. The Commonwealth Financing Authority was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development to administer Read more
WEST HAZLETON, April 16 – One million dollars in state funding today was awarded to West Hazleton for critical safety and traffic flow improvements along a busy stretch of road, announced state Rep. Gerald Mullery. “Safe and reliable transportation is critical for our day-to-day lives and to keep our local and state economies thriving,” said Mullery, D-Luzerne. “I will always support funding to keep our roads safe for residents, drivers, and visitors.” Mullery said the funds will be used to reconstruct 1,970 linear feet on Rotary Drive in the Valmont Industrial Park. The construction will address safety and traffic flow concerns while maintaining access for existing industries’ current employees and customers. The approved project was one of 43 announced statewide Friday through PennDOT’s Multimodal Transportation Fund, which addresses improvements in highway, bridge, rail, pedestrian trails and bike trails. PennDOT evaluated the applications and made selections based on criteria such as safety benefits, regional economic conditions, the technical and financial feasibility, job creation, energy efficiency and operational sustainability. Read more
HARRISBURG, April 8 – The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry will be launching a new, streamlined unemployment compensation system on June 8, according to state Rep. Gerald Mullery, D-Luzerne. “Our current decades-old system caused unnecessary and consistent frustration for thousands of Pennsylvanians this past year. Through no fault of their own, people struggled to pay their bills and provide for their families because of our antiquated unemployment compensation system,” Mullery said. “Modernizing our system will streamline the process and ensure the efficient and prompt payment of benefits. “ The Department of Labor & Industry said the programs that will transition to the new system include: Unemployment Compensation. Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation. Extended Benefits. Shared Work or Short-Time Compensation. Trade Readjustment Allowances. The new UC system will have a different look and feel than the current system and is better aligned with the user interface of modern websites, making it more intuitive to use. It will also provide access to more information and self-serve options and reduce the need for claimants to contact the UC service center. Mullery added, “This is a significant step to updating our unemployment compensation system, but Read more
HARRISBURG, April 1 – Under legislation introduced this week by state Rep. Gerald Mullery, D-Luzerne, public utilities and municipal authorities would be required to repair and restore roadways to the same or better condition as when they started underground work. “Every day, Pennsylvania drivers are traveling on roads that remain unpaved or in desperate need of repairs, which can cause serious and dangerous damage to their vehicles,” Mullery said. “If a public utility or municipal authority conducts underground work under roadways, they should have the responsibility to repair the road when the underground work is complete.” Mullery said currently there are no established criteria regarding repaving or repairing road surfaces and once underground work is completed, roads often remain unpaved or in disrepair for extended periods of time. “Under my bill, Pennsylvania neighborhoods and drivers would avoid any unnecessary costs for road repair work and preventable damage to their vehicles,” he said. To help alleviate the problem, Mullery’s legislation would create the Utility Fair Share Roadway Repair Act and require contractors to restore a roadway to the same or better condition as when the work started. Any work would have to meet the satisfaction of either the secretary of Transportation or the municipal public works director, depending if the work was completed on a state or municipal road. Mullery’s bill, Read more
WHITE HAVEN, March 31 – Following media reports of Luzerne County Council considering relocation of the county tourism and visitors’ bureau to Wilkes-Barre city’s yet developed Central Railroad Station, state Rep. Gerald Mullery, D-Luzerne, today sent the councilmembers a letter recommending the White Haven Community Library & Visitor Center as an alternate option. Mullery noted the White Haven property, originally constructed in 1889 as an engine repair shop for the former Lehigh Valley Railroad, has been deemed eligible for inclusion in the National Registry of Historic Buildings and has been dramatically transformed into a viable multi-purpose library and heritage visitor center. “Additionally, not only does the White Haven Area Community Library and Visitor Center have the space needed for this essential county service, but it is ideally located. The site is two miles from I-80; nine miles from I-81; and five miles from the Pennsylvania Turnpike. All 3 highways have available signage to attract motorists,” he wrote. Mullery cited commonwealth data indicating nearly 1 million people visited Hickory Run, Lehigh Gorge, and Nescopeck State Parks over the past two years and said White Haven Borough is considered the entrance community for all three parks. “The Luzerne County tourism and visitors’ bureau should be where tourists and visitors are, and I Read more
A letter to the Wilkes-Barre City Council requesting they consider White Haven as the new location for the county tourism and visitor bureau. Read more
HARRISBURG, March 29 – Responding to the Capitol insurrection in January and the signing of new restrictions on voting rights last week in Georgia, House Democrats are taking action to protect American democracy. Today, a website was launched that summarizes policy proposals to defend democracy as well as links to more information and the ability for people to quickly email their elected officials, noting their support of the bills. The House Democratic Caucus has been working on these proposals since a House Democratic Policy Committee Hearing in January, when members were briefed by legal scholars, hate crimes experts and members of Congress on the language of false conspiracy and election fraud being used to undermine democracy. That same language has shifted from encouraging outright attack to what many perceive as insidiously undermining basic voting rights. “We cannot allow the outrage and disgust of the American people watching an armed invasion of our government to be subverted by a slick rebranding into attacks on our right to fair and free elections” Policy Committee Chairman Ryan Bizzarro said. Members of the House Democratic Caucus have introduced dozens of measures to expand voting rights, preserve election security, protect access to mail-in ballots and polling places, and to clarify and consolidate the often-outdated Election Code. Bizzarro said the site – www.pahouse.com/policy/defendingdemocracy -- will serve as a great Read more
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