Op/Ed: SB 106 is too radical, too extreme

(Oct 24, 2022)

This past summer, Republicans in the Pennsylvania House and Senate rammed through a bill with several proposed constitutional amendments that would limit personal rights instead of protecting them. Read more

 

Shusterman on SB 106: Too Radical, Too Extreme

(Oct 21, 2022)

This past summer, Republicans in the Pennsylvania House and Senate rammed through a bill with several proposed constitutional amendments that would limit personal rights instead of protecting them. One of the amendments included in SB 106 would change the state constitution to say there is no constitutional right to an abortion in Pennsylvania. I spoke in opposition of the bill on the House floor the night it passed. If this proposed amendment were to succeed, it would create a pathway in our commonwealth to ban all abortions without any exceptions. A constitutional amendment goes through a different process than regular legislation. For a constitutional amendment to pass, the state House and Senate must vote on it in two consecutive legislative sessions and then it is placed on the ballot for voters to decide. Constitutional amendments cannot be vetoed by the governor. SB 106 passed through the General Assembly in July. If Republicans maintain control of both the House and Senate next year, SB 106 will likely be voted on again next session and voters could see it on the ballot as early as May 2023. This proposed amendment is dangerous, extreme and it will destroy the lives of girls and women. It is the first step to denying people the right to control their own bodies. It turns back the clock on progress and would remove protections currently in place. Since the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, we have seen abortion bans go into effect across the country and Read more

 

GRANT MEMO: Nonprofit Security, Boating Facility, and Water/Sewer Funding Opportunities

(Oct 18, 2022)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry: PA Industry Partnership Grant (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Local workforce development boards, non-profit and non-governmental entities, community-based organizations, educational and post-secondary educational organizations, labor organizations, business associations, and economic development entities. Use : To identify workforce, education & training, and economic development needs, coordinate regional teams to support industry needs, identify public and community resources to address industry identified needs and increase collaboration among businesses within a targeted industry sector. Funds : Up to $250,000 per partnership. Application Deadline : October 28, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Workforce-Development/grants/Pages/default.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program (Funding Source: Nonprofit Security Grant Fund) Who May Apply : Non-profit organizations. Use : To support security enhancements designed to protect the safety and security of the users of a facility located in the Commonwealth that is owned or operated by the nonprofit organization. Funds : Awards between $5,000 and $150,000. Application Deadline : October 31, 2022 More Information : Click on Read more

 

E-Blast: My annual Veterans Breakfast was a success!

(Oct 17, 2022)

Thank you to the veterans and family members that attended my annual Veterans Breakfast at the Freedoms Foundation last week Read more

 

Shusterman to host free shredding event Oct. 29

(Oct 13, 2022)

PAOLI, Oct. 13 -- State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, invites residents to attend a free shredding event from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 29 at Penn State Great Valley, 30 E. Swedesford Road, Malvern, PA. “This event is a great opportunity for residents of the 157 th Legislative District to dispose of their unwanted documents,” said Shusterman. “Shredding documents is a great way to prevent becoming a victim of identity theft. I encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to protect yourself and keep your information out of the wrong hands.” There is a limit of three boxes for each household. There is no need to remove staples, paper clips or rubber bands. Newspapers, magazines and journals will not be accepted. Shusterman said the event will be held rain or shine and may end sooner than scheduled if the truck is full. Shredding is done on site, and all shredded paper will be recycled. Common types of unwanted items for shredding include credit card statements or applications, bank and investment statements, canceled checks, income tax information, insurance and health records, and retirement or pension fund information. For more information, residents may contact Shusterman’s office at 484-200-8260 or email RepShusterman@pahouse.net . Read more

 

E-BLAST: Victoria's Law, mail-in ballot tips, grant opportunities and more!

(Oct 07, 2022)

Thank you to everyone who stopped by for our office Open House in September. Read more

 

E-BLAST: Voting information and resources for you

(Oct 06, 2022)

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8. In Pennsylvania, you also have the option to vote early by mail. Read more

 

E-BLAST: District highlights, legislative updates, grants and more!

(Sep 29, 2022)

Veterans are invited to my Annual Veteran’s Breakfast at the Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge on Thursday, October 13 from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Read more

 

Shusterman invites veterans to attend her annual breakfast

(Sep 28, 2022)

PAOLI, Sept. 28 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, invites veterans of the 157 th Legislative District and their guests to join her for a nutritious appreciation breakfast from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 13 at Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, 1601 Valley Forge Road, Valley Forge, PA 19481. “I am pleased to be able to host my annual veterans’ breakfast again this year,” said Shusterman. “It is a wonderful opportunity for my staff and me to recognize and honor those who have sacrificed so much to protect our rights and freedoms.” Representatives from several veterans’ organizations will be available to answer questions residents may have and provide information about state resources available to those who have served. This breakfast is open to veterans living in Phoenixville Borough, Willistown, Easttown, Tredyffrin, Schuylkill and Upper Providence townships. Reservations are required; RSVP by Oct. 7 by calling 484-200-8260 or online here . Anyone with questions can contact Shusterman’s office at 484-200-8260. Read more

 

State Grant Programs Open For Application

(Sep 26, 2022)

Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Regional Policing Assistance Program Who May Apply: Applicants for the Regional Policing Assistance Program may be any municipality – a city, borough, township, home-rule municipality, or county. Applicants may also be a public or quasi-public body, or its representative, duly authorized to act on behalf of one or more municipalities. All applications must be accompanied by fully executed Articles of Agreement or an Intergovernmental Agreement that establishes a Regional Police Department. Use: Funding will support efforts in establishing or expanding regional police departments that would improve the following: uniformity and consistency of enforcement across municipalities; recruitment; distribution and deployment of police personnel; training and personnel efficiency; career enhancement opportunities; enhanced professionalism; and reduction of costs. Funds: A total of approximately $1,000,000 in federal funds is being announced to support this initiative. Applicants may apply for up to $150,000 for the formation of a new regional police department or up to $50,000 for the expansion of an existing regional police department by adding a chartered municipality(ies). Application Deadline: September 6, 2023 More information: PCCD Website Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Legal Read more

 

Shusterman urges colleagues to vote “NO” on the Animal Welfare Board bill

(Sep 15, 2022)

HARRISBURG, Sept. 15 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, is urging her colleagues in the legislature to vote “no” on S.B. 907. The bill would create a Domestic Animal Welfare Board to review existing laws and regulations related to the keeping and handling of animals and to make recommendations for legislative and regulatory changes. “While having a board oversee animal welfare may sound like a good thing, I fear that this board will be packed with members who represent the pet sale industry and not animal welfare experts,” said Shusterman. “We must do all we can to strengthen our animal protection legislation and letting those who support puppy mills have a say will weaken the animal protection laws we already have here in Pennsylvania. I urge my House colleagues to vote no on this legislation.” Senate Bill 907 is currently sitting in the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee. Read more

 

Violence Intervention and Prevention, Transportation, and Local Law Enforcement Funding Opportunities

(Sep 13, 2022)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Commonwealth Financing Authority: Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund (GEDTF) (Funding Source: Pennsylvania Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund) Who May Apply : Allegheny County Municipalities, Authorities (Redevelopment, Municipal or Industrial), Councils of Government, Non-Profit Organizations, Trusts and For Profit Organizations. Use : To support community and economic development projects in Allegheny County. Funds : Awards between $150,000 and $500,000. Application Deadline : September 23, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.alleghenycounty.us/economic-development/authorities/gedtf-fund.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Transportation: Traffic Signal Technologies Grant Program (Funding Source: Motor License Fund) Who May Apply : Municipalities. Use : To install and maintain traffic signal technologies. Funds : Varies by award. This is a reimbursement grant with no matching funds required. Application Deadline : September 30, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.dot.state.pa.us/public/Bureaus/BOMO/Portal/TST_INFO.pdf . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) Grant Program (Funding Source: American Rescue Plan Act Funds) Who May Apply Read more

 

Shusterman invites residents to her Sept. 14 Open House

(Sep 01, 2022)

PAOLI, Sept. 1– State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, said she is inviting residents of the 157 th Legislative District to join her and her staff for an open house from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14 at her district office, 42 E. Lancaster Ave., Unit A. “Getting to meet with constituents is an important part of being a state representative,” Shusterman said. “The best way to serve my district is to know what is important to them. We welcome everyone to stop by our open house and I look forward to hearing constituents’ thoughts on issues, which will help me better serve as their voice in Harrisburg.” Residents of all ages are invited to visit the office, meet Shusterman, get the latest news from Harrisburg, sign up for a SEPTA Senior Pass and check for unclaimed property. Shusterman and her staff will also be available to assist with any state-related matters. During the open house, the district office will collect new and gently used children’s books. The donated books will be given to the Paoli and Easttown libraries. For more information, call the office at (484) 200-8260 or email RepShusterman@pahouse.net . Read more

 

GRANT MEMO: Youth Agriculture, Urban Agriculture, and Watershed Cooperative Funding Opportunities

(Aug 30, 2022)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture: ?Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grant Program (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : An individual, partnership, association, firm, corporation, cooperatives or any other legal entity. Use : To support projects that grow agricultural infrastructure in urban food deserts to improve access to fresh, local food and provide opportunities for hands-on learning, community-building, and for people to become social entrepreneurs. Community gardens are eligible projects. Funds : $2,500 micro grants or up to $50,000 for collaboration grants. Application Deadline : September 16, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Funding/Farmbill/Pages/Urban-Ag-Grant.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture: ?Very Small Meat and Poultry Processor Reimbursement Grant Program (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : An individual, partnership, association, firm, corporation or any other legal entity. Use : To support the development and expansion of current or future very small meat and poultry processing operations. Funds : Grants are limited to no more than $100,000 per applicant. Application Deadline : September 26, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Funding/Farmbill/Pages/Very-Small-Meat-Processor-Grant.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture: ?Agriculture and Youth Grant Program Read more

 

Shusterman announces school funding for Phoenixville Area School District

(Aug 25, 2022)

HARRISBURG, Aug. 25 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, today announced the award of a new $250,000 Ready to Learn block grant for Phoenixville Area School District. She said the funding, for which she advocated, is in addition to record investments in basic and special education, mental health care, and safety initiatives provided for schools across Pennsylvania in the recently enacted state budget. “Phoenixville School District is set to receive this injection to help classroom learning and technology improvements directly,” Shusterman said. “Investments like the Ready to Learn program are designed to impact students where they learn and how they learn, with funds available for technology upgrades and other improvements to the classroom.” Shusterman also pointed out that school districts received the following state funds in this year’s budget: Phoenixville Area School District: $600,389 (11.1% increase from last year). Spring-Ford Area School District: $1,595,554 (15% increase from last year). Tredyffrin-Easttown School District: $589,067 (14.6% increase from last year). The budget increases education funding by almost $750 million ($525 million in Basic Education funding and $225 million in Level Up funding). The budget also invests $100 million in Special Education, $100 million in school safety and security, and $100 million in mental health resources for Read more

 

Rep. Shusterman Statement Regarding Requesting a Legislative Moratorium on Act 12 Section 1329 Public Sewer Sales

(Aug 22, 2022)

Over the past few months, I have heard from many Willistown residents who are affected by the recent sale of the Willistown sewer system to AQUA. Read more

 

E-BLAST: An Evening at the Arboretum is Aug. 23

(Aug 19, 2022)

I invite residents of the 157th Legislative District to join me from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23 at the Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens, 631 Berwyn Baptist Road in Devon for an informal discussion about the vital role greenspaces play in maintaining the well-being of neighborhoods. Read more

 

Shusterman announces state funding for Valley Forge Park

(Aug 17, 2022)

HARRISBURG, Aug. 17 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, today announced the award of $150,000 in state funding for Historic Philadelphia Inc., which will allow for programing to continue in Valley Forge Park. Every $1 spent on tourism brings $3 into Pennsylvania and its economy, said Shusterman, who serves on the state House Tourism and Recreational Development Committee. “Valley Forge Park is a real critical piece of America’s history in our backyard,” she said. “I’m happy to have help put forth this funding in the recently passed state budget, one that makes record investments in Pennsylvania’s schools, cultural landmarks, critical programs and services, and more.” Historic Philadelphia Inc. also helps provide programming at Independence Hall and at the Constitution Center, as well as for the Chinese Lantern Festival in Philadelphia. “This is not just a local investment,” she said. “We’re promoting regionwide strengthening in our tourism sector, continuing to link the cultural sites in our great southeastern Pennsylvania counties.” The park is also home to protected wildlife and an extensive system of trails. It hosts thousands of visitors per month. Read more

 

Rep. Shusterman's August 2022 Newsletter

(Aug 15, 2022)

We are just a few weeks away from fall. Ihope everyone is enjoying the last part ofsummer before the kids head back to school! Read more

 

Shusterman: The Phoenixville Area Senior Center secures $125K in state funding

(Aug 11, 2022)

PAOLI, Aug. 11 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, announced today that the Phoenixville Area Senior Center was awarded $125,000 in state funding. The grant, funded through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development , will pay for renovation and engineering costs associated with an electrical improvement project. “This grant will help the Phoenixville Area Senior Center use the upstairs part of their building through HVAC renovations,” said Shusterman. “This means the center will have more space to provide additional services. I’m glad to see our tax dollars invested in a community center helping seniors stay healthy, active and connected.” Founded in 1978, the Phoenixville Area Senior Center exists to serve, support and enhance the lives of all senior citizens, 55 years of age and older. It is located at 153 Church St. in Phoenixville and offers different programs and activities for residents in Chester and Montgomery counties. Those who need help applying for grants, or those with questions should contact Shusterman’s office at 484-200-8260 or RepShusterman@pahouse.net . Read more

 

Op/Ed: SB 106 is too radical, too extreme
Oct 24, 2022

Shusterman on SB 106: Too Radical, Too Extreme
Oct 21, 2022

GRANT MEMO: Nonprofit Security, Boating Facility, and Water/Sewer Funding Opportunities
Oct 18, 2022

E-Blast: My annual Veterans Breakfast was a success!
Oct 17, 2022

Shusterman to host free shredding event Oct. 29
Oct 13, 2022

E-BLAST: Victoria's Law, mail-in ballot tips, grant opportunities and more!
Oct 07, 2022

E-BLAST: Voting information and resources for you
Oct 06, 2022

E-BLAST: District highlights, legislative updates, grants and more!
Sep 29, 2022

Shusterman invites veterans to attend her annual breakfast
Sep 28, 2022

State Grant Programs Open For Application
Sep 26, 2022

Shusterman urges colleagues to vote “NO” on the Animal Welfare Board bill
Sep 15, 2022

Violence Intervention and Prevention, Transportation, and Local Law Enforcement Funding Opportunities
Sep 13, 2022

Shusterman invites residents to her Sept. 14 Open House
Sep 01, 2022

GRANT MEMO: Youth Agriculture, Urban Agriculture, and Watershed Cooperative Funding Opportunities
Aug 30, 2022

Shusterman announces school funding for Phoenixville Area School District
Aug 25, 2022

Rep. Shusterman Statement Regarding Requesting a Legislative Moratorium on Act 12 Section 1329 Public Sewer Sales
Aug 22, 2022

E-BLAST: An Evening at the Arboretum is Aug. 23
Aug 19, 2022

Shusterman announces state funding for Valley Forge Park
Aug 17, 2022

Rep. Shusterman's August 2022 Newsletter
Aug 15, 2022

Shusterman: The Phoenixville Area Senior Center secures $125K in state funding
Aug 11, 2022