“It was wonderful to join Sen. Comitta, Secretary Snead, Secretary Berrier and students from the Dub-C Autism program today,” said Rep. Sappey. “We’ve learned so much about autism over the last 20 years so, it’s truly heartening to see inclusion in practice here. Neuro-diverse individuals want to be productive members of the community just like all of us, and this supportive programming keeps young people moving forward in their education and on the path to independent living. I am extremely proud of West Chester University for their leadership in this area.” Read more
HARRISBURG, April 13 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, this week introduced legislation (H.B. 2511-- Click to Cancel) that would increase consumer protections by requiring service providers to provide notification before each automatic renewal of a service, to be transparent about renewal terms, and to allow consumers to cancel subscription services exclusively online if they initially subscribed over the internet. “I’ve introduced legislation, ‘Click to Cancel,’ that would amend the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act to make consumers aware of their active subscriptions and their renewal terms and empower them to easily cancel their subscriptions,” Ciresi said. “I firmly believe that subscriptions should be transparent and easy to understand, and that consumers should be able to cancel them as easily as they can begin a subscription. “The situation too many consumers face today is that their online contracts often automatically renew without them being notified or even aware. Making matters worse is that some subscription services require consumers to jump through hoops just to cancel their subscription, such as by forcing them to call or speak to an online representative before they can end the service. “When it is passed, consumers in Pennsylvania will be better protected from companies’ subscription practices that have burdened them with fees for subscriptions they no longer want or Read more
HARRISBURG, April 6 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced that he secured a $130,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for sewer extension design and permitting in Limerick Township. “After a lot of hard work, I’m very happy that state funding has been awarded to extend public sewer access to the western portion of Ridge Pike in Limerick Township,” Ciresi said. “Following communication with Aqua PA, which owns the sewer system, to find out what they needed from the state to make the extension happen, I worked with DCED to secure the grant money required to finally, after decades, make real progress on extending public sewer access to this area. This grant is an excellent example of local service providers and state government coming together to achieve a solution that will benefit the whole community for years to come.” “Assisting the needs of our constituents is a continued high-priority objective of the board and with this grant from DCED, the township will be able to support Limerick property owners along Ridge Pike who are dealing with the burdens of failing on-lot septic systems,” said Limerick Board of Supervisors Chairman Kenneth W. Sperring Jr. “We thank Representative Ciresi for his support of this important project. These grant funds will not only provide for the engineering design of sanitary sewer Read more
“Taking a good look at conservation corridors would provide us with valuable information that would have benefits for both Pennsylvania residents and wildlife," Daley said. Read more
Clean energy like wind, solar, and nuclear produced here is not dependent on international market forces and is much less vulnerable than oil and gas to price shocks. Read more
“By its action, the U.S. Congress both recognized the critical need to reform child custody law and provided funding to support reform,” said Warren. “Kayden’s Law would protect children and ensure that the best interest of the child is the top priority in custody proceedings. This funding would help Pennsylvania courts implement Kayden’s Law and protect Pennsylvania children.” Read more
“An important aspect of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is the emphasis and funding placed on the research, development and transmission of clean energy,” Malagari said. Read more
HARRISBURG, March 8 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, introduced legislation to create signage requirements for subdivision and land development. The legislation would amend the Municipalities Planning Code to ensure that posted signs meet minimum size standards, are conspicuously posted, and include required information on the development and construction schedule. This signage would be required for land undergoing subdivision and land development. “Currently, property developers can provide ‘notice’ with nothing more than an 8½-inch by 11-inch sheet of paper, which is often easy to miss for anyone passing by and leaving many residents unaware of development happening near them,” Ciresi said. “My bill would guarantee more transparency with specific requirements for posted signage on property under development, giving residents a better understanding of what is happening in their community.” The legislation has been introduced as H.B. 2375 and referred to the House Local Government Committee. Read more
Act 77, which created mail-in voting in Pennsylvania, was introduced as a simple bill to eliminate straight ticket voting. While introduced by a Democratic senator, Republicans leapt to support it, and the bill became anything but the bipartisan victory the Republicans claimed it as. In 2019, when the bill was introduced, Pennsylvania was one of only seven states permitting straight ticket voting in presidential elections. Initially a simple voting reform, the Republicans turned Act 77 into something far less noble. The Republican senators on the State Government Committee made what turned out to be a very astute observation – then-president Donald Trump was an albatross around their party’s electoral neck. By eliminating straight ticket voting, the Republicans figured they could improve the chances of their candidates down ballot by distancing them, however subtly, from a president less than popular with many of their voters. In a bid to assuage any partisan opposition, the bill was amended to include the creation of no excuse mail-in voting. However, the majority of Democrats voted against what was ultimately more electoral smoke and mirrors than genuine voting reform, leaving the bill an example of anything but the triumph of bipartisanship it was claimed to be. Not only did the Republicans not raise any legal or constitutional objections to mail-in voting at the time, but they also pushed the idea from the jump, with only two Republican House members Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 9 – State Reps. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, have introduced H.B. 2327, which would exempt at-home COVID-19 tests from the state sales tax. “As the pandemic rages on, we need all the tools in our arsenal to fight the virus,” Ciresi said. “By exempting at-home COVID-19 tests from the sales tax, we can help our residents and improve access to convenient diagnostic testing by removing this financial barrier. These tests are vital to public health and should not be taxed when Pennsylvanians are fulfilling their duty to their neighbors by testing themselves for the virus.” “Accessing at-home COVID-19 tests allows people to quickly get results so they do not put others at risk,” Shusterman said. “These important medical devices should be exempt from sales tax because they serve the greater good of the community.” Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 9 – In recognition of his success fostering economic development projects in the 74 th district , State Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, has been named to the House Professional Licensure Committee. “Since I was elected to the house in 2018, I have made economic development a priority as it is the primary way to uplift our communities,” Williams said. “As a member of the powerful House Professional Licensure Committee, I will be able to advocate for bills that will foster job development and business growth in our district and throughout Pennsylvania. As a bridge builder, I will work across the aisle to ensure that bills that would help our businesses and workers thrive will come up for a vote on the House floor.” In the House, the Professional Licensure Committee reviews bills related to the state’s diverse professional and occupational licensing boards located administratively in the Department of State. The scope includes businesses as diverse as funeral homes, doctors, vehicle sales and crane operators to auctioneers, pharmacists and beauticians. Williams also serves on Aging & Older Adult Services , Human Services, Urban Affairs, Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness committees, as well as in the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus. Williams’ office can be reached by calling (484) 200-8256 . Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 8 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, released the following statement regarding Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposed 2022-23 budget unveiled today: “Governor Wolf’s budget outlines a clear vision to make up for years of underfunding education and local development with historic investments in public education and our communities that will improve our schools, reduce property taxes and breathe new life into the 146th,” Ciresi said. “This funding would be a major help to all of our local districts and have a transformative effect on Pottstown, which has long been one of the most underfunded in the state.” The budget includes an additional $2.1 billion for public education statewide, achieved through increases in basic and special education funding and cost savings through comprehensive charter school reform without raising taxes. It also expands on the “Level Up” funding included in this year’s budget, designed to help Pennsylvania’s most underfunded school districts such as Pottstown School District. The charter school reform that Ciresi and Wolf have partnered on would achieve over $373 million in savings statewide. These reforms include using the same special education funding formula used by school districts and setting a data-driven statewide tuition rate for cyber charter attendance. The local impact of these investments in education for the 146 th Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 1 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, introduced H.B. 2321, which would provide grant money to build sustainable community safe houses so that residents would have shelter in case of natural disaster. “This past year, many families in our communities have been left without shelter in the wake of serious storms like Ida,” Ciresi said. “Our residents need to have somewhere to go when their homes have been damaged by floods, wind or other types of natural disasters that we’re increasingly seeing in Pennsylvania.” If passed, H.B. 2321 would allow counties, municipalities and councils of governments to apply for grants to develop and maintain community buildings powered by and storing green energy. Grants of up to $250,000 would be issued to create emergency systems and centers, sustainably and reliably backed up by renewable energy, that would be there for our communities in their time of need. Money for these grants would be appropriated to the already existing State Sustainable Energy Fund to help get these projects off the ground. As they would be powered by renewable energy backup systems, Ciresi said these sustainable community safe houses would remain operational even when the power in the community goes out. Volunteers would be able to plug in refrigerators and fans, residents could charge their cell phones, and all sorts of other needs could continue to be met. Read more
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Our democracy is at risk. A year after that act of domestic terrorism on the U.S. Capitol, our country continues to be a battlefield over the legitimacy of our elections and the right to vote. Believing the lies spread by the former president, elected Republicans and the right-wing media, thousands lay violent siege to our seat of American government, determined to stop the certification of the rightfully elected winner, Joe Biden. At least seven people lost their lives in connection to that day. The forces of authoritarianism and minority rule didn’t win that day, but Jan. 6 spelled the beginning of an attempted coup to overturn American democracy that has taken place in our state houses every day since. Hundreds of voter suppression bills have been introduced and nearly three dozen laws passed which will enable state legislatures to undermine their elections and subvert the will of the people. These laws in particular have sought to disenfranchise Black and Brown people’s right to vote We have to protect American democracy and every citizen’s constitutionally guaranteed right to vote here in Pennsylvania. That is why I am supporting the K. Leroy Irvis Voting Rights Protection Act (House Bill 2090), which aims to make casting a ballot easier by continuing to allow early voting; providing for more ballot drop boxes; and permitting same day registration, which have all been adopted in other states. Named Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 30 – A fervent advocate for outdoor recreation and the conservation of natural habitats in the 152 nd Legislative District, state Rep. Nancy Guenst proudly announced today that Upper Dublin Township was awarded $249,100 to develop Twining Valley Park, and Upper Moreland Township was awarded $335,000 to restore Farmstead Park. The Community Conservation Partnership Program grants are from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). “This state investment in our local recreation areas in Upper Dublin and Upper Moreland townships will enhance the quality of life for our residents, giving them areas to engage in physical activities outdoors,” Guenst said. “I am in particular glad that this money will help restore Farmstead Park’s natural habitat and safeguard the creek, while providing pedestrian walkways so people can enjoy the natural beauty of the area.” Upper Dublin Township was awarded $249,100 to develop Twining Valley Park. The money will be used to construct a dog park, pump track, pickleball courts, pedestrian walkways, parking area and stormwater management measures; install play equipment with required safety surfacing, lighting and utilities; ADA access, landscaping, project signage, and other related site improvements. Upper Moreland Township was awarded $335,000 to restore Farmstead Park along an unnamed tributary to Pennypack Creek. Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 30 – State Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, today announced that $473,991 in Community Conservation Partnership Program funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has been awarded for various conservation projects in Chester County. “These state grants will help protect our land and water supply in Chester County by enabling us to update our river conservation plan and construct riparian buffers along our rivers,” Williams said. “Our communities’ health and well-being are dependent on the safeguarding of our water, and this money will help ensure the integrity of our watersheds and rivers.” The awards include: $60,000 to Chester County to prepare a countywide trail plan. $80,000 to the Community Chester County Commissioners Water Resource Authority to prepare an update to the 2002 River Conservation Plan for multiple watersheds in Chester County. $333,991 to the Stroud Water Research Center Inc. for the construction of approximately 60 acres of riparian forest buffers along waterways in the Lower Susquehanna River and Lower Delaware River watersheds in Chester, Berks, Lancaster, Montgomery and Lehigh counties. The work includes landowner outreach and engagement; buffer plantings and post-planting establishment; project sign and other related site improvements. The Community Conservation Partnership Program grants provide local Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 30 – A passionate advocate for the development of outdoor recreation and trails, state Rep. Joe Ciresi announced today that Limerick Township was awarded $250,000 to develop Limerick Community Park and Montgomery County $397,800 to extend the Schuylkill River Trail in Pottsgrove Township and Pottstown Borough. The Community Conservation Partnership Program grants are from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). “I’m glad to see that the vital work of community improvements will be possible thanks to this state investment in the 146 th District,” Ciresi said. “These grants will enhance the quality of life in our communities for residents and increase the economic potential of this area by making the possibility of living here even more attractive to potential residents.” Limerick Township has been awarded $250,000 for the development of Limerick Community Park. The funding will help construct softball fields, a pedestrian walkway, a parking area and stormwater management measures, install equipment with required safety surfacing and provide ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements. This funding award follows a $225,000 DCNR grant for improvements to Limerick Community Park, which Ciresi announced in September 2020. Montgomery County has been awarded $397,800 for the development Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 21 – State Rep. Carol Hill-Evans, D-York, today announced two important sets of grants have been awarded to develop the area’s infrastructure and talent. The grants include a Keystone Communities Program grant of $ 12,500 to plan for the re-establishment of an Enterprise Zone in West York and North York boroughs and Spring Garden and West Manchester townships, and a competitive C areer and Technical Education Equipment Grant program award of $50,000 to the York County School of Technology from the Pennsylvania Department of Education to purchase new equipment aligned to training students in high-demand occupations. Hill-Evans said, “I was proud to support this grant application as this money will help economically develop an Enterprise Zone in West York and North York boroughs and Spring Garden and West Manchester townships. This money will bring economic opportunity and revitalization and strengthen the quality of life in these areas.” The Keystone Communities Program is designed to encourage the creation of partnerships between the public and private sectors to jointly support local initiatives such as the growth and stability of neighborhoods and communities, social and economic diversity, and a strong and secure quality of life. The program allows communities to tailor the assistance to meet the needs of their specific revitalization effort. Hill-Evans Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 21 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced today that competitive Career and Technical Education Equipment Grant Program awards were given in the amount of $50,000 to the Pottstown School District and $50,000 to Western Montgomery CTC from the Pennsylvania Department of Education to purchase new equipment aligned to training students in high-demand occupations . “I’m very glad that Montgomery County’s career and technical education programs are receiving this needed financial support to help our students get the critical skills and training they need to enter into meaningful, family-sustaining careers,” Ciresi said. “This is a win-win for the county as our students will have access to first-class equipment and experiences, which in turn will make Montgomery County even more attractive to companies seeking to locate to an area where there are highly skilled workers.” Each grant must be matched dollar for dollar from a local source, which could include local school funds or contributions from business and industry partners. Since 2015, the number of career and technical education students earning industry-recognized credentials has increased by 38.7 percent and the number of credentials earned by students enrolled in CTE programs has grown by 33.6 percent. Read more
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