COVID-19 support for PA business

(Apr 02, 2020)

COVID-19 SUPPORT FOR PA BUSINESSES FEDERAL Contacts: Visit: https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/find/?type=SBA%20District%20Office&pageNumber=1 to find your local Small Business Administration (SBA) District Office Programs: Coronavirus Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources Information Visit: https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) – Loan Program and Forgiveness to help eligible businesses cover the costs of payroll, health care benefits, rent, mortgage interest, and utilities during COVID-19. Loan has a maturity of 2 years and interest rate of 1.0%. Open to small businesses, restaurants, hotels, tribal businesses, non-profits, independent contractors, and gig economy workers. Contact your local lender to see if they participate in this program! Loan period: February 15, 2020 through June 30, 2020. Visit: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/paycheck-protection-program-ppp . Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Advance Loan – Loans up to $2 million for small businesses (3.75% interest rate) and private, nonprofit organizations (2.75% interest rate) suffering as a result of COVID-19. Loans for fix debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills. Advance of up Read more

 

Burns proposes ‘American Made’ legislation to create thousands of jobs, reduce reliance on foreign supply chains

(Mar 31, 2020)

Lawmaker crafting bills to bring manufacturing back to U.S.A. Read more

 

Pennsylvanians’ reproductive rights under attack amid pandemic

(Mar 30, 2020)

Lawmaker urges Wolf to defend families’ rights from cynical attacks Read more

 

Burns supports $30 million in emergency grants for fire, EMS companies during coronavirus crisis

(Mar 27, 2020)

Bill would provide one-time grants to support their efforts Read more

 

Kim reminds Pennsylvanians that hate and discrimination will not be tolerated during the COVID-19 public health crisis

(Mar 26, 2020)

HARRISBURG, MARCH 26 – State Rep. Patty Kim, D-Dauphin, today said she is joining with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission to push back on hate crimes and advocate for tolerance during the coronavirus, COVID-19 global pandemic. “I want to thank the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission and its executive director, Chad Lassiter, for standing behind our Asian-American community," Kim said. "We want to remind Pennsylvanians that it is unacceptable to tolerate racial slurs, xenophobic attacks and harassment, especially during this global pandemic. It’s wrong to shift blame or accuse Asian-Americans for this crisis. Pathogens do not discriminate. I stand ready to help and protect anyone who is being discriminated against during the COVID-19 crisis. Moving forward, do not hesitate to contact my office for direct assistance and to report these instances of abuse and harassment. We stand united together in our fight against hate.” “In response to the many calls received by both the PHRC and the office of Representative Kim, we want you to know that we are taking those communications and responding as quickly as possible,” said Lassiter. “We are setting up a rapid response system that will allow us to address acts of discrimination in this emergency that are initiated based on the COVID-19 pandemic. PHRC is pleased to be working with Representative Kim and other partners to address unacceptable Read more

 

Matzie: House unanimously passes COVID-19 response bills

(Mar 25, 2020)

AMBRIDGE, March 25 – The House today unanimously passed several COVID-19 response bills, including measures that would temporarily remove the 180-day instruction requirement for all schools and push back Pennsylvania’s primary election to June 2, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced. “This is new ground for all of us,” said Matzie, who supported both bills. “There are certain actions the governor can take by himself, but others that need legislative authority. We’re doing our best to address those in a safe, timely, bipartisan manner.” Matzie said the amended S.B. 751 – which authorizes the secretary of Education to close all schools until the COVID-19 epidemic is over and increase the number of allowable flexible instruction days , among other emergency school code changes – provides much-needed flexibility for school administrators until things return to normal. “This will not be a lost school year. Seniors will graduate, kids will learn, employees will be paid and normalcy will return when it’s safe. We’ve given our districts the flexibility they need to navigate through this crisis. The changes will help give clarity to students, faculty, support staff and administration. “From a policy perspective, it’s the right thing to do. But as a parent of a graduating senior, I fully understand and Read more

 

Burns: State loans now available for small businesses

(Mar 25, 2020)

Loans up to $100,000 carry zero-percent interest for three years Read more

 

Schweyer responds to governor and Health secretary’s Stay At Home Order for Lehigh County

(Mar 25, 2020)

ALLENTOWN, March 25 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, today issued the following response to Gov. Tom Wolf and PA Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine’s Stay At Home order issued to Lehigh County. “This was a difficult but necessary decision and I support both Governor Wolf and Health Secretary Levine’s action,” Schweyer said. “As more cases are being reported in more counties, everyone needs to do their part to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It is very important that residents stay calm, stay home and stay safe.” The Stay At Home order now includes 10 counties: Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Erie, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton and Philadelphia. The amended order for Lehigh and Northampton counties takes effect at 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 25 and will continue until April 6. Schweyer said that all county residents should be aware of what is deemed essential for leaving one’s home. The full Stay At Home Order is available to view here . Schweyer also said to be sure to follow his social media pages on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates on the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more

 

Kenyatta, Shusterman demand protections for gig economy workers in final federal COVID-19 recovery bill

(Mar 25, 2020)

HARRISBURG, March 25 – As a historic $2 trillion COVID-19 financial response legislation package struck a deal in Congress early Wednesday morning, state Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta and Melissa Shusterman today introduced a resolution urging federal lawmakers to ensure unemployment compensation for the nation’s 57 million independent contractors and “gig” economy workers (or app based independent contractors) is included in the final financial aid legislation aimed at helping workers during the coronavirus crisis. “These employees comprise over a third of the country’s working population and remain among the most critically under-protected workers, with many not qualifying for unemployment benefits. During this pandemic, they were left with the terrible ultimatum of continuing to work to make ends meet or do their part in reducing spreading the virus by staying home. Many have chosen the latter, resulting in loss of income at alarming rates and the prospect of recouping those losses is uncertain,” Kenyatta, D-Phila., said. “We’re demanding that all independent contractors are protected in any final package.” Shusterman, D-Chester, concurred with Kenyatta’s assertion saying, “It is important that we help this sector of our work population navigate this crisis with immediate relief and action.” Kenyatta said that a copy of the resolution would also be sent to President Donald Trump and Vice Read more

 

COVID-19 Helpful Resources

(Mar 18, 2020)

In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic affecting Pennsylvania, we wanted to provide you with the following resources and information to help you and your family in the days ahead. Please note that this webpage will be updated as needed with additional information and resources. State Services and Resources The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has created a COVID-19 guide to assist everyone. It includes information on social distancing, mental health resources, unemployment, food assistance, changes from PennDOT and resources for small business: https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/ For individuals : https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForIndividuals For families : https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForFamilies For businesses : https://dced.pa.gov/resources COVID Support for PA Businesses : The following provides information and and links to federal, state, local and private resources. https://www.pahouse.com/News/?id=113388 **Self-employed, independent contractors, gig economy workers: Apply here for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits .** https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForBusinessesUtilities Information from the PA Dept. of Labor and Industry on the federal CARES Act: https://www.uc.pa.gov/COVID-19/CARES-Act/Pages/default.aspx The following link provides you with Read more

 

PUC, Utility and Internet Companies Actions to Assist Consumers During Covid-19 Pandemic

(Mar 14, 2020)

Most recent information and updates from companies and providers that are enacting extraordinary measures to ensure continuity of service delivery for customers. Read more

 

Bizzarro lauds Wolf’s closure of Pa. Schools

(Mar 13, 2020)

ERIE, March 13 – State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, released the following statement commending Gov. Tom Wolf for closing Pennsylvania’s K-12 schools: “Each school district across the state faces a different level of threat and challenges. I applaud Governor Wolf for recognizing the threat that COVID-19 poses to public health and safety and for taking action that prioritizes Pennsylvania’s children, teachers and school staff. “Earlier today, I circulated a co-sponsorship memo for legislation that would allow school districts to request a waiver for the 180 days of school mandate. Hearing the governor include in his announcement today that school districts will not be penalized for not meeting the requirement is a sigh of relief for all Pennsylvania districts. “I still plan to pursue support for my legislation calling for districts to work in concert with the Department of Education so that requests to adjust the mandated school days can be handled quickly. Enacting this legislation will ensure that this pandemic and any future disruptions do not tie the hands of our educators and impact Pennsylvania children’s educational experience.” Read more

 

Kenyatta to introduce legislation halting student loan repayments in response to COVID-19

(Mar 13, 2020)

PHILADELPHIA, March 13 – With Pennsylvanians impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak , state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., is currently drafting legislation that would defer student loan repayments to PHEAA for up to 60 days. “ With all the workplace closures happening in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, many commonwealth residents are grappling to pay their necessary bills because of the sudden loss of income,” Kenyatta said. “Borrowers, especially, are unable to make payments on their student loans.” Kenyatta, who represents the 181 st Legislative District, said Pennsylvania bears the second highest average debt per student at $35,759 per student. A total of $53.7 billion collectively looms over the state’s borrowers. “We’re in the midst of an incredibly stressful time and the legislation I’m drafting aims to provide some financial relief during this pandemic,” he said. Read more

 

Burns secures $250,000 grant for Westmont Hilltop High School

(Mar 12, 2020)

Money will help fund recreational opportunities, save taxpayer dollars Read more

 

Conklin: $115,000 in funding awarded to Jewish center at Penn State

(Mar 12, 2020)

HARRISBURG, March 12 – Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life at Pennsylvania State University has been awarded a $115,852 state grant to use toward a variety of security and safety enhancements, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced. Conklin, D-Centre, said the funds were awarded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency at its quarterly commission meeting through its Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program following the passage of Act 83 of 2019 . The act directs the agency to administer grants to nonprofit organizations that have been or are likely to be targets for hate crimes. Priority consideration for funding was given to organizations that indicated they – or their membership – were victims of a hate crime or had a credible hate-crime threat, Conklin added. “These community centers must remain safe spaces for students and the community to gather and connect with others, and I’m pleased that PCCD is providing Hillel the vital support to keep their center safe and secure,” said Conklin. PCCD is the state’s lead agency for criminal justice policy issues, providing support services to law enforcement agencies, victims of crime and communities. More information on PCCD can be found at the following site: www.pccd.pa.gov . Read more

 

Neilson continues fight for state grants to keep local community safe

(Mar 11, 2020)

PHILADELPHIA, March 11 – State Rep. Ed Neilson announced today that the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency has awarded $52,890 in grants to two nonprofit organizations in his district that serve populations who are often targeted by hate crimes. These grant dollars are the first awarded by the commission as part of a new grant program it is administering, after legislation to create the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program was signed into law last year “Any program that increases safety measures for our most vulnerable neighbors – like people who are often targeted because of their religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or disability – is one I’m proud to support,” Neilson said. “I’m grateful that Federation Housing Inc. and Congregation Ahavas Torah Rhawnhurst Torah Center have received this funding, especially considering the many organizations that applied, and I know that they will put this funding to use to keep the people they serve safe.” Federation Housing Inc., which provides affordable housing to low- and moderate-income seniors, was awarded a $27,890 grant, and Congregation Ahavas Torah Rhawnhurst Torah Center, a synagogue in Northeast Philadelphia, was awarded a $25,000 grant. The grants awarded to the two organizations were among 805 total applications submitted for grant funding through the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program. Of those 805 Read more

 

Isaacson announces $73K Pa. Commission on Crime and Delinquency grant for nonprofit that serves people often targeted by hate crimes

(Mar 11, 2020)

PHILADELPHIA, March 11 – State Rep. Mary Isaacson announced today that the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency has awarded a $73,150 grant to a nonprofit organization in her district that serves populations who are often targeted by hate crimes. The grant, awarded to Friends of B’Nai Abraham, won in the first round of grants awarded by the commission as part of the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program, which was created through legislation signed into law last year. “I am committed to working toward a world where people are not victims of hate crimes due to their race, religion, ethnicity or because of who they love,” Isaacson said. “But, while we’re working to make our communities more accepting, we must also protect the most vulnerable among us. I’m so glad that this grant has been awarded to Friends of Historic B’Nai Abraham to help them make their community safer.” B’nai Abraham is a nonprofit that strives to continue the traditions of their founders who followed the Orthodox understanding of Jewish rituals and Jewish life. Their warm and welcoming community is dedicated to reaching out — to inviting Jews of all backgrounds to gather with them for study, prayer and friendship. The grant application submitted by the Friends of Historic B’Nai Abraham was one of 805 total applications submitted for grant funding through the Nonprofit Read more

 

Rabb announces $49K Pa. Commission on Crime and Delinquency grant for nonprofit that serves people who are often targets of hate crimes

(Mar 11, 2020)

PHILADELPHIA, March 11 – State Rep. Chris Rabb announced today that Germantown Jewish Centre has received a $49,810 grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to improve the safety and security of its facilities. “All people – people of all faiths, ethnicities, genders, races, sexual orientations and abilities – should be safe from violence wherever they gather,” Rabb said. “Our diversity is what makes our communities stronger and more interesting. Unfortunately, there is still a lot of work to be done toward fostering appreciation for people who are different from ourselves, and while that work is in progress, this grant award will help the people of Germantown Jewish Centre to ensure their safety and security when they gather for fellowship or other activities.” The grant award Rabb announced today is one of 113 approved for nonprofit organizations around the state in the first round of grants ever awarded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency through its Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program, which was created after H.B. 859 was signed into law last year. The law established the new grant fund program, and directs the commission to administer grants to Pennsylvania-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that principally serve people, groups or institutions that are included within a single bias motivation category for single bias hate crime incidents as Read more

 

Costa-Frankel: Nonprofit security grant program announces more than $500k for local orgs

(Mar 11, 2020)

This program was the joint effort of Senator Costa and Rep. Frankel following meetings with community and faith leaders following the tragic violence in Squirrel Hill in October of 2018. Read more

 

Burns honors Cambria County man with memorial bridge

(Mar 10, 2020)

Carrolltown man was killed in Vietnam Read more

 

COVID-19 support for PA business
Apr 02, 2020

Burns proposes ‘American Made’ legislation to create thousands of jobs, reduce reliance on foreign supply chains
Mar 31, 2020

Pennsylvanians’ reproductive rights under attack amid pandemic
Mar 30, 2020

Burns supports $30 million in emergency grants for fire, EMS companies during coronavirus crisis
Mar 27, 2020

Kim reminds Pennsylvanians that hate and discrimination will not be tolerated during the COVID-19 public health crisis
Mar 26, 2020

Matzie: House unanimously passes COVID-19 response bills
Mar 25, 2020

Burns: State loans now available for small businesses
Mar 25, 2020

Schweyer responds to governor and Health secretary’s Stay At Home Order for Lehigh County
Mar 25, 2020

Kenyatta, Shusterman demand protections for gig economy workers in final federal COVID-19 recovery bill
Mar 25, 2020

COVID-19 Helpful Resources
Mar 18, 2020

PUC, Utility and Internet Companies Actions to Assist Consumers During Covid-19 Pandemic
Mar 14, 2020

Bizzarro lauds Wolf’s closure of Pa. Schools
Mar 13, 2020

Kenyatta to introduce legislation halting student loan repayments in response to COVID-19
Mar 13, 2020

Burns secures $250,000 grant for Westmont Hilltop High School
Mar 12, 2020

Conklin: $115,000 in funding awarded to Jewish center at Penn State
Mar 12, 2020

Neilson continues fight for state grants to keep local community safe
Mar 11, 2020

Isaacson announces $73K Pa. Commission on Crime and Delinquency grant for nonprofit that serves people often targeted by hate crimes
Mar 11, 2020

Rabb announces $49K Pa. Commission on Crime and Delinquency grant for nonprofit that serves people who are often targets of hate crimes
Mar 11, 2020

Costa-Frankel: Nonprofit security grant program announces more than $500k for local orgs
Mar 11, 2020

Burns honors Cambria County man with memorial bridge
Mar 10, 2020