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
HARRISBURG, June 14 – Legislation authored by state Reps. Joe Ciresi and R. Lee James to create a direct path for dance teacher certification, H.B. 2678, was included in the 2022-23 state budget. Due to Ciresi and James’ legislative push, the Public School Code now includes a provision directing the Pennsylvania Department of Education to develop an instructional certificate in pre-K through grade 12 dance, with exceptions for current dance teachers and those in the process of obtaining a dance teaching certificate. “I am proud that this year’s budget has incorporated Representative James’ and my legislation to create a direct path for dance certification,” said Ciresi, D-Montgomery. “Our legislation sought to improve Pennsylvania’s dance programs by requiring discipline-specific education in dance for new teachers. Now, there will be a clear path to certification for dance teachers, which will improve the quality of Pennsylvania’s dance programs, benefitting the thousands of Pennsylvania students in K-12 schools.” Previously, Pennsylvania dance teachers could not be directly certified in dance and, instead, were certified in communications or physical or vocational education. According to the legislators, the certification process had a negative impact on dance teacher preparedness, continuing education and Pennsylvania school districts’ dance programs. “We had introduced this Read more
HARRISBURG, July 13 – The co-chairs of the bipartisan Film Industry Caucus, state Reps. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and K.C. Tomlinson, R-Bucks, highlighted the successful increase of the cap for the film production tax credit to $100 million in the 2022-23 budget. “Last year, Rep. Tomlinson and I introduced HB 1432 to expand the film production tax credit’s cap because Pennsylvania was losing out on film productions to other states due to our program’s limitations,” Ciresi said “Thanks to our legislative push, the budget increased the cap from $70 million to $100 million, making Pennsylvania a more attractive place for television productions in which to film. Fostering the film industry in Pennsylvania will have a tremendous positive economic impact on the commonwealth through job creation and by generating economic activity in host communities, bringing local and state benefits.” According to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s 2019-20 Film Production Tax Credit Program Report, since the program’s inception in 2007 through the end of FY 2019-20, approximately 860 applicants have applied to the program and 509 productions have been approved/awarded tax credits. These film productions have directly injected nearly $3.3 billion into the state’s economy; generated an estimated $5.2 billion in total economic activity and $785 million in total state and local taxes; and supported an Read more
HARRISBURG, July 12 – The Council of State Governments has announced that state Rep. Liz Hanbidge has been selected to participate in the 2022 CSG Henry Toll Fellowship. Hanbidge is the only Pennsylvanian included in this year's cohort and the first Pennsylvanian selected since 2019. Bringing together 48 individuals representing 32 states from several sectors of state government, the Henry Toll Fellowship is the nation’s premier leadership development program for state government officials. “While the CSG Henry Toll Fellows come from every region of our nation, from both political parties and all three branches of state government, they share one thing in common — they are all people of purpose with a passion for public service,” said CSG Executive Director/CEO David Adkins, a former Kansas state senator and 1993 Toll Fellowship alumnus. “Toll Fellows are selected based on their demonstrated commitment to solve problems, to work collaboratively to get things done, and their belief that state government can and must be a force for good.” "I’m honored to have been selected as a Toll Fellow,” said Hanbidge, D-Montgomery. “I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from and with other equally dedicated public servants from across the country. I am looking forward to the challenge and to expanding my skillset for the betterment of my constituents and commonwealth.” Each year, the CSG Henry Read more
Last week, the General Assembly approved, and Governor Wolf signed, a $45.2 billion budget. This deal comes a week after the deadline to pass a balanced budget. While no budget is perfect, this year’s plan makes meaningful investments in child care, mental health (both K-12 and adult), long term care, and support for individuals with disabilities and the workers who provide their care. For these reasons and others, I voted YES. I wanted to provide an overview of the budget broken down by some of the key issues in our legislative district based on feedback we’ve received from constituents. Investments in Education: This year’s budget makes historic investments in public education, with an increase of $850 million for basic and special education. This funding increase includes a $525 million bump to basic education, $100 million increase for special education, and adds $100 million to the state’s school safety and security grant program as well as a new school mental health initiative. These historic investments will directly impact our communities with Chester County schools receiving $15.9 million in additional funding. As part of this increase, the Downingtown Area School District will receive an additional $1.8 million, an 8.4% increase over last year, and the Coatesville Area School District will receive an additional $4.5 million, a 13.6% increase over last year. My Democratic colleagues and I fought hard for this Read more
HARRISBURG, July 7 – Having voted in favor of a state budget bill this evening, state Rep. Joe Ciresi said that it earned his vote because of new robust investments in education, mental health care and property tax relief. Pennsylvania’s 2022-23 budget as proposed in S.B. 1100 also sets out to reduce the Corporate Net Income Tax rate and funds area schools at record levels, helping address systematic underfunding, supporting expanded programming, and allowing for property tax relief. Ciresi, D-Montgomery, said, “Pennsylvania took a big step forward today with major investments in our communities that we can be proud of. This product of bipartisan negotiations delivers help for our underfunded schools, relief for our property taxpayers, and investments in boosting our economy and creating high-quality jobs for years, paying dividends for many years to come.” Locally, the budget increases funding for Montgomery County school districts, including $7.5 million in increased funding for school districts in the 146th Legislative District: Pottstown School District: $3,899,078 . Spring-Ford Area School District: $1,843,226 . Pottsgrove School District: $848,859 . Perkiomen Valley School District: $902,489 . “By expanding ‘Level Up’ funding and adding on substantial funding Read more
HARRISBURG, June 30 – To address the impact of rising inflation and high property taxes, state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today introduced legislation (H.B. 2721) that would significantly expand the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, which provides relief to certain financially vulnerable Pennsylvanians, including seniors. “Pennsylvania residents are struggling to afford basic necessities, including housing, due to rising inflation,” Ciresi said. “While inflation has risen, the Property Tax Rent Rebate Program’s stagnant income limits have prevented increasing numbers of individuals from accessing this critical lifeline. My legislation will update income requirements and other provisions of the PTRR so more individuals in need can receive assistance and property tax relief from this vital program.” The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians 65 or older, widows or widowers 50 or older, and people with disabilities 18 and older. The current income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters. Half of Social Security income is excluded. The maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975. Ciresi’s legislation would expand PTRR by: Increasing income limits for homeowners and renters to $50,000 and $25,000, respectively, recognizing the impact inflation has had since the last increase in 2008. Permanently reinstating a Read more
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