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Ciresi introduces legislation to prevent gift card scams

Rep. Joseph Ciresi

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Ciresi bill to outlaw early termination fees for deceased people on its way to governor’s desk

(Jun 26, 2024) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, June 26 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi’s bill that will protect a deceased person’s family or estate from being charged early termination fees when canceling certain service contracts and vehicle leases passed the PA Senate today and is now headed to the governor’s desk. “Death shouldn’t come with fees, and companies shouldn’t be making money off a customer’s death.” Ciresi said. “It’s hard enough to lose a family member, but it is just salt in the wound for a grieving relative to have to pay an early termination fee because the customer has died. My legislation, which will hopefully become law soon, would prohibit cable, phone, telecommunications, utility, and other companies from imposing early termination fees on a recently deceased person’s family for services that would no longer be used.” Once signed into law, bill will require that written notice along with a copy of a death certificate be provided to end such leases or contracts without financial penalty. Ciresi has championed the legislation in previous sessions. This session, the bill had 24 co-sponsors, including both Democrats and Republicans. Ciresi said he was grateful to his colleagues for their support of this bill to provide additional protections for consumers. “This legislation will help Pennsylvania families by removing one less hassle during their time of grief as they try to settle their loved Read more

 

Ciresi: Montco residents can offer input on impact of PECO’s proposed rate hikes at Limerick Township PUC hearing

(Jun 20, 2024) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, June 20 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced that the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has scheduled an additional in-person public input hearing in Montgomery County that he had requested so more PECO Energy Company customers can offer input on the company’s proposed rate increases for electric and natural gas distribution services. The Limerick Township in-person hearing has been scheduled for: Thursday, June 27 – Limerick Township, Montgomery County Hearing starts at 6 p.m. Limerick Township Building 646 W. Ridge Pike Limerick, PA 19468 If the rate increase request is fully approved, the total monthly bill for a residential electric customer using 700 kWh would increase $16.67 from $135.85 to $152.52 (12.3%) in 2025 and by an additional $2.70 in 2026. For natural gas customers, the proposed increase would result in an increase from $97.98 to $114.13 per month (16.5%) for customers using Ccf per month. The increases would generate an additional $464 million, including a one-time credit of $64 million that would reduce the increase for 2025 from electric rates and $111 million from natural gas rates. In April 2024, the PUC voted to suspend and investigate proposed rate increases by PECO Energy Company for both electric and natural gas distribution services. The hearing in Limerick will be part of their investigation into the impact of the rate hikes. “I am very glad that the PUC in its role as a Read more

 

Ciresi: Montco residents can offer input on impact of PECO’s proposed rate hikes at Limerick Township PUC hearing

(Jun 20, 2024) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, June 20 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced that the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has scheduled an additional in-person public input hearing in Montgomery County that he had requested so more PECO Energy Company customers can offer input on the company’s proposed rate increases for electric and natural gas distribution services. The Limerick Township in-person hearing has been scheduled for: Thursday, June 27 – Limerick Township, Montgomery County Hearing starts at 6 p.m. Limerick Township Building 646 W. Ridge Pike Limerick, PA 19468 If the rate increase request is fully approved, the total monthly bill for a residential electric customer using 700 kWh would increase $16.67 from $135.85 to $152.52 (12.3%) in 2025 and by an additional $2.70 in 2026. For natural gas customers, the proposed increase would result in an increase from $97.98 to $114.13 per month (16.5%) for customers using Ccf per month. The increases would generate an additional $464 million, including a one-time credit of $64 million that would reduce the increase for 2025 from electric rates and $111 million from natural gas rates. In April 2024, the PUC voted to suspend and investigate proposed rate increases by PECO Energy Company for both electric and natural gas distribution services. The hearing in Limerick will be part of their investigation into the impact of the rate hikes. “I am very glad that the PUC in its role as a Read more

 

Ciresi announces $36,000 grant for Sanatoga Fire Co.

(Jun 18, 2024) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, June 18 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi on Thursday presented a $36,000 state grant to Sanatoga Fire Co. in Lower Pottsgrove Township. The Department of Community and Economic Development grant will help them pay for a new compressor for their self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) station. “I’m proud to have helped the Sanatoga Fire Company find state funding for their compressor,” said Ciresi, D-Montgomery. “The award will support the important work of the company and its members, whose dedication to our community provides us peace of mind and protection. This state investment will ensure modern equipment needed to continue the high-quality emergency services we are fortunate to rely on.” “We are thrilled to announce that last week we received a $36,000 grant from the state of Pennsylvania, via Rep. Joe Ciresi, for the replacement of our compressor to fill our SCBA cylinders – which was purchased and well used over 10 years ago and is at the end of its life cycle,” Sanatoga Fire Co. wrote on its Facebook Page . “This grant takes a huge financial burden off of us, and allows us to allocate those funds to other upgrades and projects around the station. We sincerely thank Rep. Joe Ciresi for his continued support of emergency services and volunteer fire companies in his district.” Read more

 

The latest UArts hearing discusses red flags before closure, a failed move to save the school, and an accusation of ‘cowards’ on the board

(Jun 18, 2024) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

High-level University of the Arts administrators tried to halt the university’s abrupt June closure, but were stonewalled and frozen out, one said Monday at a state hearing on the sudden shutdown. Read more

 

Ciresi announces $1.58M in grants for affordable housing projects

(Jun 14, 2024) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, June 14 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced $1.58 million in PA Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund awards for affordable housing and homelessness prevention projects in his legislative district. “I am very glad that these deserving projects have been funded in this round of PHARE grants,” Ciresi said. “Housing affordability is a major issue and a struggle for many people in our area. Everyone needs safe and secure housing in order to thrive. I believe this funding will help strengthen the social net in our communities, build strong families, and set individuals on the way to financial success.” $80,000 Access Services Recovery Oriented Rapid Rehousing Access Services will use funds to support five recovery orientated rapid rehousing units. These units will be targeted to individuals exiting substance abuse recovery settings or street homeless individuals struggling to maintain sobriety due to homelessness. $125,000 College Student Basic Needs Program Affordable Housing Scholarship Fund – TriCounty Community Network on behalf of the College Student Basic Needs Program The College Student Basic Needs Program will use the funds to assist under-resourced college students experiencing housing and food insecurity to stay in school, succeed academically, graduate and obtain better paying employment. One program provides housing scholarships for rental assistance to avoid Read more

 

Ciresi calls out privatized rate hikes for wastewater in Limerick, Pa.

(Jun 07, 2024) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

ROYERSFORD, June 7 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi today spoke against the negative impact of Aqua Pennsylvania’s recent proposed wastewater rate hike on Limerick Township ratepayers and advocated for legislation that would require public hearings and clearer language on rate increases in public notifications for the sake of transparency and fairness. “Aqua Pennsylvania is proposing a 19% rate increase in Limerick Township following the near doubling of rates in the township less than three years ago,” Ciresi said. “If the rate increase is approved by the Pennsylvania Utilities Commission, customers would see a significant bill increase at a time when they’re already struggling.” The most recent hike is proposed from $78 to $93 for 3,870 gallons per month. This comes less than three years after 5,000 households in Limerick Township saw a near 100% increase in wastewater rates. Ciresi’s remarks also highlighted the dangers of privatization, as Aqua Pennsylvania will be raising rates in one district to make capital improvements in another district. He drew parallels between the rate hikes and the satirical plot of the Tony winning Musical Urinetown, in which people are faced with wastewater rates that are so high, using the bathroom becomes a privilege. “The sobering truth is that without better safeguards in place, privatizing something as essential as water is sending us down a Read more

 

You're paying for it - you deserve to know where your money goes

(May 29, 2024) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

Let’s get the dirty little secret out right now: Cyber Charter Schools – all Charter Schools, in fact – are paid for with your money. Those property tax bills you pay to your local school district? Parents who choose to send their kids to Cyber Charter Schools get that money for the tuition. All those fancy commercials you see? You’re paying for it. All those ads at sports stadiums you see? You’re paying for it. All those educational trips to theme parks and gift cards for parents you see? You’re paying for it. All those mascots and RVs and giveaways you see at public events? You’re paying for it. Just this week a “non-profit” cyber charter school invited lawmakers to join them for an end-of-the-year celebration at – yes – trampoline parks (about $30 per kid per day admission) all over the state and record videos for the schools. You’re paying for all of it. But there’s something you’re not seeing when it comes to where your money is going when it goes to Cyber Charter Schools. In the last few years, the four biggest Cyber Charter Schools have been padding their bank accounts from just over a half-million dollars to just under a half-*billion* dollars. What’s concerning is a lot of that increase is related to the cybers purchasing buildings and land -- which shouldn’t be a priority for Read more

 

Spring 2024 NL

(May 15, 2024) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

Spring 2024 NL Read more

 

Spring 2024 Newsletter

(May 10, 2024) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

Fall 2023 NL Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Educational, Environmental, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(May 07, 2024) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

May 7 grants Read more

 

Agricultural, Educational, Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(May 01, 2024) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

May 1 grants Read more

 

Ciresi congratulates area school districts for safety grants

(Apr 25, 2024) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, April 25 – State Rep. Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced that state grants have been awarded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to reduce gun and group violence in Montgomery County schools. “One of my top concerns as a legislator is that all our kids get a great education and that requires them feeling safe in school so they can focus on learning,” Ciresi said. “These grants, which were funded by our votes in Harrisburg, will give our schools the tools they need to increase school security, provide mental health resources for students, and reduce violence.” View a full list of awards, including dollar amount and school entities approved for funding, here: School Safety Awards . Nonpublic School Awards . Funds will advance the School Safety and Security Committee’s goal of ensuring that all Pennsylvania students can learn in safe, healthy school environments by helping school entities address basic safety needs and mental health services identified in the Committee’s recently adopted Revised Baseline Criteria Standards . Read more

 

Ciresi bill waiving vehicle registration fees for veterans in PA unanimously passes state House

(Apr 16, 2024) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, April 16 – In recognition of their valiant service to the nation, the PA House today unanimously passed a bill sponsored by state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, which would waive vehicle title and registration fees for veterans who were captured, injured or received the Congressional Medal of Honor while serving. “Following their service, veterans return home impacted by their experiences and face financial hurdles as they begin the transition to civilian life, including relocation, finding new homes, applying for jobs and registering their vehicles,” Ciresi said. “We owe it to these heroes to relieve some of the pressure by waiving vehicle registration fees. By permanently removing registration fees for veterans who were injured, captured, or received our highest military decoration, we would show our permanent appreciation for their sacrifices and service.” Currently, recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor, seriously injured veterans, and former POWs pay a $10 vehicle registration processing fee. Under H.B. 105, this fee would be removed, and they would no longer be subject to titling fees. For recipients of the Purple Heart, who currently have to pay titling and registration fees in full, they would no longer be subject to paying either. The bill is now on its way to the state Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Ciresi bill encouraging historical renovation across PA passes state House

(Apr 15, 2024) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, April 15 – A bill by state Rep. Joe Ciresi to create a pilot program to help fund the renovation of historic buildings across Pennsylvania passed the House today. Under H.B. 1573 , a two-year program would be administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development to help communities facing the challenges of updating and repurposing historic buildings, an expensive but worthwhile task in the commonwealth, said Ciresi, D-Montgomery. “Pennsylvania is home to some of the country’s most historical and beautiful communities, but with them come the high costs of renovation of older buildings,” he said. “Many of these buildings lack accessibility and weren’t built to meet modern building codes. With this grant program we will support reinvestment in our downtowns, assist with community revitalization, preserve historic properties and neighborhood character, and create jobs.” Improvements would be evaluated based on their ability to facilitate income-generating use of the property, their contribution to economic and community revitalization, and historic preservation and commercial or recreational opportunities for the public. Specifically, the program would help bring mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire-protection systems up to code through the installation of modern equipment such as sprinklers, efficient HVAC systems, elevators and extra stairs. Additionally, grants could be Read more

 

Veterans Discount ID Card & FraudSleuth Sign-Up Event

(Apr 09, 2024) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

Co-Hosted with Montgomery County Recorder of Deeds Jeanne Sorg Thursday, May 16 11am – 1pm Pottstown Regional Public Library 500 E High St, Pottstown For Veterans: Bring your DD-214 discharge paperwork to be recorded with the County and receive a Veterans Discount ID Card, accepted at over 500 county businesses. For Homeowners: Sign up for FraudSleuth, a free County-run property fraud protection service, which will alert you if someone attempts to record a document matching your property with Montgomery County. Read more

 

Grants, April 9

(Apr 09, 2024) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Agriculture: Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program Who May Apply: Agricultural producers or processors and nonprofits, for-profits, local government entities, and institutions such as schools, universities or hospitals that operate middle of the food chain activities or invest in equipment that will benefit middle of the supply chain activities. Use: Activities that expand capacity and infrastructure for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling or distribution of targeted local and regional agricultural products Funds: Grants will be awarded to the extent that funds are available. Grant requests shall be between $10,000 and $100,000. Application Deadline: May 15, 2024 More information: PDA Website Department of Health: WalkWorks Grant Program Who May Apply: Municipalities located in either a PA Department of Health State Physical Activity and Nutrition (SPAN) priority county or in communities with an overall percentile rating above 60 in the PA Department of Environmental Protection’s PennEnviroScreen Tool. The 10 current SPAN counties include Clearfield, Erie, Fayette, Greene, Lawrence, Luzerne, Lycoming, Mercer, Northumberland, and Philadelphia. Use: Funds and structured pre-planning assistance will be available to a limited number of municipal and/or multi-municipal applicants to complete the Read more

 

Paper Shredding Event

(Apr 09, 2024) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

Co-Hosted with West Pottsgrove Township Saturday, May 18 10am – 1pm (or until the truck is full) Off Upland Square Drive in Pottstown (Behind the Upland Square Shopping Center’s Target) Turning onto Upland Square Dr. from Sell Rd. is recommended for traffic purposes, with the event entrance on the right. Please keep to a limit of five boxes of paper per household. Read more

 

Legislators and Education Leaders Gather to Call for Cyber Charter Reform

(Apr 09, 2024) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, April 9 - On Monday, legislators and education leaders gathered in the Capitol’s Media Center to call for common sense cyber charter reform.?? In 2002, Pennsylvania’s Charter School Law, originally enacted in 1997, was amended to authorize the creation of cyber charter schools as an alternative to traditional public schools and brick-and-mortar charter schools. Since that time, no substantial updates have been made to address the significant issues that school districts and taxpayers face due to flaws in the law. Cyber charter schools are currently funded with the same formula used for brick-and-mortar charter schools, which creates inconsistencies and overpayments to cyber charter schools. This formula uses a school district’s expenses, not what the cyber charter school needs to provide its educational program, in determining what school districts will be required to pay for each one of its students who chooses to attend a cyber charter. The result is that each of the 500 school districts in Pennsylvania pay a different inflated tuition rate to cyber charter schools, despite cyber charters providing all of their students with the same education and not having the same level of expenditures as brick-and-mortar schools. At the press conference, Representative Joe Ciresi expressed why this reform is necessary, “The point of cyber charter reform is simple: making sure everyone plays by the same rules. Taxpayers expect and Read more

 

Ciresi introduces legislation to prevent gift card scams

(Apr 04, 2024) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, April 4 – As an advocate for customer protections in Pennsylvania, state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery), announced today he has introduced legislation (H.B. 2186) that would help people avoid falling victim to gift card scams. Read more

 

Ciresi bill to outlaw early termination fees for deceased people on its way to governor’s desk
Jun 26, 2024

Ciresi: Montco residents can offer input on impact of PECO’s proposed rate hikes at Limerick Township PUC hearing
Jun 20, 2024

Ciresi: Montco residents can offer input on impact of PECO’s proposed rate hikes at Limerick Township PUC hearing
Jun 20, 2024

Ciresi announces $36,000 grant for Sanatoga Fire Co.
Jun 18, 2024

The latest UArts hearing discusses red flags before closure, a failed move to save the school, and an accusation of ‘cowards’ on the board
Jun 18, 2024

Ciresi announces $1.58M in grants for affordable housing projects
Jun 14, 2024

Ciresi calls out privatized rate hikes for wastewater in Limerick, Pa.
Jun 07, 2024

You're paying for it - you deserve to know where your money goes
May 29, 2024

Spring 2024 NL
May 15, 2024

Spring 2024 Newsletter
May 10, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Educational, Environmental, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
May 07, 2024

Agricultural, Educational, Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
May 01, 2024

Ciresi congratulates area school districts for safety grants
Apr 25, 2024

Ciresi bill waiving vehicle registration fees for veterans in PA unanimously passes state House
Apr 16, 2024

Ciresi bill encouraging historical renovation across PA passes state House
Apr 15, 2024

Veterans Discount ID Card & FraudSleuth Sign-Up Event
Apr 09, 2024

Grants, April 9
Apr 09, 2024

Paper Shredding Event
Apr 09, 2024

Legislators and Education Leaders Gather to Call for Cyber Charter Reform
Apr 09, 2024

Ciresi introduces legislation to prevent gift card scams
Apr 04, 2024