HARRISBURG, Sept. 29 – State Reps. Danilo Burgos, D-Phila, and Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, today sent a letter to President Joe Biden requesting to waive the maritime shipment restrictions stated in the Jones Act to help restore power in Puerto Rico. In the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona, the island is struggling to get the necessary loads of fuel to move forward. The Jones Act requires that ships transporting goods between United States ports be made in America and owned by American companies. The lawmakers, who lead the Pennsylvania Latino Caucus, emphasized that this Act, also known as Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is narrowing the survival chances of victims of Fiona. “The Jones Act is one of the core factors limiting the recovery of the island against the backdrop of Hurricane Fiona. A clock is ticking for all the people impacted by this natural disaster,” Burgos said. “We urge President Biden to ease the burden for Puerto Ricans, regardless of political or statehood status, and manage this situation with the same urgency that would involve any of the 50 states in the country. This is a matter of survival and empathy.” Guzman explained that the island-wide power outrage has left an estimated 320,232 homes and business without power, relying on generators on a daily basis, which has worsened the living conditions of residents of the Caribbean Island. “As of today, according to LUMA Energy which operates Puerto Rico’s Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 23 – State Reps. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Luzerne, and Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, introduced legislation on Friday that would bring more accountability to the process of hospital closures to ensure that Pennsylvanians can receive uninterrupted care and that hospital systems must honor their duty to their patients, staff, and the communities they serve. The legislation is a companion to State Sen. Carolyn Comitta’s S.B. 1324 , introduced earlier this month. “When hospitals and health care facilities close or drastically reduce services with little or no notice, their patients, doctors, nurses, and staff suffer,” Pashinski said. “We’re witnessing this firsthand in Luzerne County with the sudden announcement that First Hospital intends to close by October without any apparent plans in place to provide for continuity of care or help their staff transition. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would be a significant step toward ensuring health care facilities planning to close provide local communities and government agencies the time, information, and opportunity they need to adequately address these significant impacts and plan for related challenges.” “Pennsylvania law needs to improve how it handles for-profit health systems, especially during shutdowns,” O’Mara said. “We need more time to study to find out the impact that closures have on communities, as well as on what Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 21 – State Reps. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, Donna Bullock, D-Phila., and Christopher Rabb, D-Phila., have introduced H.R. 229 , recognizing September 2022 as “Transcontinental Underground Railroad Month” in Pennsylvania. Sappey had introduced resolutions commemorating the month in previous legislative sessions and this year was joined by colleagues Bullock and Rabb. The language of the document was drafted with support from the Legislative Black Caucus and the House Equity Committee. “The Underground Railroad is a significant freedom movement in American history and an integral component in the advancement of African Americans,” said Sappey. “I am proud to reintroduce this resolution and pay tribute to those who have taken great risks for freedom.” The trans-Atlantic slave trade began as early as the 15th century, introducing a system of slavery that was commercialized, racialized and inherited. People were forcefully abducted from Africa, enslaved in the American colonies and exploited to work in the production of crops, such as tobacco and cotton. During the era of slavery in the United States, the Underground Railroad served as a route to freedom for enslaved African Americans from throughout the United States, including Pennsylvania. While the Gradual Abolition Act was adopted by the Commonwealth in 1780, it required individuals who were slaves before 1780 to remain enslaved, allowing the Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 20 – State Rep. Leanne Krueger announced today three grants totaling $473,816 in state funding through the Commonwealth Financing Authority . Brookhaven Borough received $211,140 through the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Grant Program to i nstall field lighting at Samson and Memorial parks to allow both baseball and softball games to be played into the early evening hours. It will also allow other types of community events to take place into a later hour of the day. “I am pleased to see Brookhaven Borough receive this funding,” said Krueger, D-Delaware. “Back in February, I met with parents who advocated for field lighting so more children can play baseball and softball. This state grant will benefit everyone who uses these fields.” Nether Providence Township received $122,676 through the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Grant Program for Phase I of trail development in Houston Park. This project will install a trailhead, a small parking area including an ADA-compliant space, a trail connection to the athletic fields, and the partial restoration of a historic bridge. Nether Providence Township also received $140,000 through the Watershed Restoration and Protection Grant Program for the Houston Community Park streambank restoration project along Ridley Creek. The township will restore and stabilize a portion of the streambank and Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 20 – State Rep. Kristine Howard, D-Chester, announced today Malvern Borough was awarded $158,249 in Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program funding for the Randolph Woods Preserve’s phase 1 improvements. The preserve is a 43-acre park within the Malvern Borough park system. The phase 1 improvements include the construction of an ADA-compliant trail and boardwalk, ADA-compliant pedestrian bridge, ADA-compliant parking area, nature-based play area, six benches, a bike rack and four picnic tables, the planting of eight trees and best management practices for stormwater control. “Randolph Woods is a personal favorite of my staff and mine, and I’m very pleased to see Malvern Borough receive this funding,” said Howard. “These planned updates include several ADA-compliant improvement projects, which will allow even more people to access and enjoy this beautiful park.” The Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program funds, provided through the Commonwealth Financing Authority , can be used to develop, rehabilitate and improve public parks, recreation areas, greenways, trails and river conservation. Anyone with questions should contact Howard’s office at (610) 251-1070 or RepHoward@pahouse.net . Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 20 – State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, today announced two grants totaling $239,037 were awarded to projects in the 158 th Legislative District. The funding was provided through the Commonwealth Financing Authority ’s Act 13 grant programs. Kennett Square Borough will receive $125,000 through the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Grant Program to restore Red Clay Park. The borough is proposing a transformative urban green space, trail, and ecological restoration project in the heart of the community. The project includes the removal of invasive species along the creek and stabilization of the streambank through riparian buffer plantings. In addition, the borough will construct creek access and new portions of trailways with picnic tables and welcome signs. “I was happy to support Kennett Square Borough’s application for these funds,” said Sappey. “The Red Clay Park and Creek Restoration Project will provide environmental and recreational benefits in an optimal location, creating key pedestrian connections to Kennett High School, the YMCA, the new library, Anson B. Nixon Park, local businesses and more.” Over the past decade the borough, in partnership with the Kennett Trails Alliance, has advanced the Kennett Greenway, a planned 14-plus-mile pedestrian and bicycle loop to connect the borough to everyday destinations. The greenway will run through 30 Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 19 – State Reps. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, and Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., today announced they are joining forces to help people affected by severe flooding and damages caused by Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. The lawmakers, who lead the Pennsylvania Latino Caucus, thanked Governor Tom Wolf for deploying two members of PA Task Force 1 to Puerto Rico to support Hurricane Fiona response. They also urge Wolf to use the full force of his power to help the islands of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. “The flooding has already impacted the water system and many families are now homeless. Puerto Rico is still suffering from the lingering effects of Hurricane Maria and currently experiencing an island-wide black out,” Guzman said. Guzman and Burgos call on Gov. Wolf to use PEMA to immediately offer humanitarian assistance to these islands. Pennsylvania has the fourth largest population of Puerto Ricans outside the island. “A lot of people are suffering the effects of Hurricane Fiona. As a legislator I feel compelled to work diligently to provide resources and the necessary help to people impacted by this natural catastrophe. To help them is also to help the people that I represent in my district because they are concerned about the well-being of their relatives back home in the islands,” Guzman said. Burgos emphasized that it is crucial to receive the support of PEMA because it would Read more
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
HARRISBURG, Sept. 2 – State Rep. Leanne Krueger, D-Delaware, announced today that two elementary schools in the 161 st Legislative District were awarded grants to provide healthy snacks to children. The following schools will receive funding through the U. S. Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program : $21,980 for Main Street Elementary School in Chester-Upland School District. $20,020 for Woodlyn Elementary School in Ridley School District. “I am pleased to see this funding allocated for two of our local elementary schools,” said Krueger. “Studies show better nutrition leads to better test scores. This grant will help keep students engaged and focused in the classroom.” Schools with the highest rates of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals were given funding priority. Schools must use the funding to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables and must develop a plan to establish partnerships to reduce other costs. The goal of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program is to introduce children to fresh fruits and vegetables and encourage healthier school environments by promoting nutrition education. Anyone with questions can contact Krueger’s office at (610) 534-6880. Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 1 – State Rep. Leanne Krueger, D-Delaware, and Sen. John Kane, D-Delaware/Chester, will host a collection event now through Sept. 30 on behalf of the local nonprofit, Individuals Aiding in Emergencies Foundation. Drop off boxes will be placed at three different locations: Brookhaven Borough Building, 2 Cambridge Road, Brookhaven, PA 19015. Aston Municipal Building, 5021 Pennell Road, Aston, PA 19014. Middletown Free Library, 464 S. Old Middletown Road, Media, PA 19063. “During a crisis, the last thing families want to worry about is making sure they have essentials like diapers and feminine hygiene products,” Krueger said. “I am happy to partner with Senator Kane and the IAE Foundation to provide easy-to-find donation boxes to collect items for families in need of support. I am looking forward to seeing our communities come together to help their neighbors.” “Partnering with Representative Krueger and the IAE Foundation in getting these essential items donated will tremendously help our families who are in need,” said Kane. “I want to thank Aston Township, Brookhaven Borough and the Middletown Free Library for participating to provide our community with multiple locations so folks can easily find a donation box. This is a great way to show that the neighbors in our districts are there for one another Read more
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
KENNETT SQUARE, Aug. 31 – State Rep. Christina Sappey today announced the approval of state funding for Stroud Water Research Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and Pennsylvania State University, all of which are partners in the 158 th Legislative District. This new funding will have a big local impact on: Affordable agriculture labor housing. Preparing a skilled, future-forward agriculture workforce. Stroud’s research on benefit of agriculture restoration practices. Phorid fly research funding. Safely controlling Spotted Lanternfly. Pollination in fruit orchards. “As a member of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, we have worked on numerous issues facing our farmers in PA over the last several years, so I am thrilled to see this funding for our agriculture industry,” said Sappey, D-Chester. “It’s our No. 1 industry and it’s important to fund programs and research that help us make farming safer, more sustainable and to innovate and improve the way we operate.” Penn State University was awarded $126,718 to expand the use of new integrated pest management to control phorid flies in mushroom production. “The 158 th Legislative District in southern Chester County includes most of our mushroom industry. The impact of phorid flies on residents and mushroom growers cannot be Read more
POTTSTOWN, Aug. 29 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry Secretary Jennifer Berrier showcased the strength of and opportunities for development in western Montgomery County businesses and industries, through roundtable discussions and visits to local businesses in Limerick and Pottstown on Thursday. “I want to thank Secretary Berrier for coming to our district to meet with the men and women whose businesses and factories are the engine of Montgomery County’s economic power,” Ciresi said. “I am especially appreciative of her discussions on how the commonwealth can best support workforce development and industry expansion in the 146 th Legislative District. State support of local industries is the key to helping business owners thrive by providing critical resources, training a highly skilled workforce to succeed in profitable industries, and support economic growth in Pennsylvania.” Berrier’s tour began with a roundtable discussion with multi-generational business owners in the Pottstown-Collegeville area. She outlined how the Department of Labor & Industry can support local businesses by connecting them with job applicants and supporting workforce development, such as through PA CareerLink and apprenticeship programs. Roundtable participants included Tom and Jane Perkins, owners, TP Trailers; Paul Sawchuck, owner, Sawchuck’s Garage; Rick Wojton, Read more
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
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development: Election Integrity Grant Program (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Pennsylvania counties. Use : To support the work of county governments and their election offices. Funds : Funding is allocated proportionally based upon the number of registered voters within the county in the previous primary election. Application Deadline : August 15, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.esa.dced.state.pa.us/Login.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Transportation: Rail Freight Assistance Program (Funding Source: Multimodal Transportation Fund) Who May Apply : Freight railroads, freight railroad-served shippers, and economic development entities. Use : To support investment in rail freight infrastructure. Funds : The maximum state funding for a RFAP project is 70 percent of the total project costs, not to exceed $700,000. Application Deadline : September 2, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.penndot.pa.gov/Doing-Business/RailFreightAndPorts/Pages/Grants-and-Loans.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Transportation: Rail Transportation Assistance Program (Funding Source: General Obligation Debt) Who May Apply : Freight railroads, freight railroad-served Read more
PAOLI, Aug. 8 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, today applauded the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry’s decision to end waitlists for all significantly disabled and non-significantly disabled individuals seeking vocational rehabilitation services. “As co-chair of the Autism and Intellectual Disabilities Caucus and a member of the state Workforce Development Board, I consistently advocate for removing barriers that people with disabilities face when seeking employment,” Shusterman said. “I am pleased to see an end to the waitlist and am hopeful that it can remain open so more individuals will be able to gain career experiences and receive essential services.” L&I’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation assists Pennsylvanians with disabilities in obtaining and retaining employment while keeping their independence. Since 2016, nearly 370,000 individuals have received services from OVR, including vocational counseling, evaluations, medical diagnostic services, medical restoration services, employment training, placement services and career support services. L&I announced that this change is effective through June 30, 2023. OVR will then review the fiscal outlook and decide whether the services to all groups can remain open without the waitlist. More information on OVR services is available by visiting the local OVR office , or apply for OVR Read more
READING, Aug. 5 — State Rep. Manny Guzman, D-Berks, today issued the following statement in response to the surge of problems linked to the elections process in Berks County. “The people of Berks County deserve better. From the failures hitting people of color the hardest before the election, to the refusal to obey state law and count legal ballots, to the curious resignation of the person who was in charge for those debacles, it’s clear we have to refocus on what matters: restoring the people’s faith in their democracy,” Guzman said. The lawmaker said he plans to call for public hearings and investigate ways to guarantee an open and truthful process before November’s general election. “I plan on calling for open public hearings to find out how these mistakes happened and, more importantly, how we can make sure the people are never denied their voice again for any reason,” he said, added: “I want to thank the Reading Eagle for this vital journalism and always holding government at every level accountable, especially when our sacred constitutional rights are at stake.” Guzman, who has been on the front lines of election’s issues, also warned the community of irregularities with voting machines during the past primary election. Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Office of the Budget: Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) (Funding Source: General Obligation Debt) Who May Apply : Entities that have a project itemized in a Capital Budget Itemization Act from the past 10 years. List of eligible projects can be found here: Itemized Project Eligible for Funding . Use : The acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects that have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity. RACP projects are state-funded projects that cannot obtain primary funding under other state programs. Funds : Projects must have a $1 million minimum project cost and a 50% match (state funds cannot be used as match). Application Deadline : August 19, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.budget.pa.gov/Programs/RACP/Pages/Main%20Page.aspx . UPCOMING APPLICATION DEADLINES: DDAP Pregnancy Support Services Grant: July 29, 2022 (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Any entity that is able to serve pregnant or postpartum women in recovery from SUD. - To provide support services to pregnant women and postpartum women in recovery from Substance Use Disorder Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Pregnancy Support Services Grant (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Any entity that is able to serve pregnant or postpartum women in recovery from SUD. Use : To provide support services to pregnant women and postpartum women in recovery from Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Funds: Awards up to $600,000. Application Deadline : July 29, 2022. More Information : Click on https://www.ddap.pa.gov/Documents/Funding%20documents/GIFA%2022-03%20Pregnancy%20Support%20Service.pdf . Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection: Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : School districts, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and businesses in Pennsylvania. Use : To assist in a transition to cleaner fuel transportation. Funds : Up to $300,000 per applicant. Application Deadline : There are two application periods. The program will collect and review all applications submitted by August 26, 2022, and again by December 16, 2022. More Information : Click on https://www.dep.pa.gov/Citizens/GrantsLoansRebates/Alternative-Fuels-Incentive-Grant/Pages/default.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Statewide Victim Witness Training Project 2023 Read more
HARRISBURG, July 15 – State Reps. Jennifer O’Mara and Melissa Shusterman today announced Apprentice Training for the Electrical Industry was awarded $394,383 for a program introducing young women to the electrical trade. “More women are entering the electrical trade than ever before,” O’Mara said. “It can be a great career path, and I am pleased we were able to help secure this important funding. Having more women learn this important trade will help break down old, incorrect stereotypes.” The program, “Rosie’s Girls,” is designed to familiarize young women with safety, tools, theoretical basics of electrical and telecommunications installation, and jobsite conditions, as well as an introduction to other career paths in the building and construction trades. This is a partnership with ATEI and the public-school districts in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. “This program is a great way to give the young women in Southeastern Pennsylvania hands-on training in a career field once dominated by men,” Shusterman said. “I applaud the effort by Apprentice Training for the Electrical Industry to recruit women into the trades workforce. I am happy to see the state invest in a program that will help give young women more professional opportunities.” The grants, offered through the Pennsylvania Department of Labor Read more
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