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
These topics in more covered in my latest weekly email. Read more
“This funding will be very helpful in our continued efforts to revitalize Pottstown and clean up old industrial sites,” Ciresi said. “By putting this property back on track for productive use, this project will create jobs, clean up the environment and be part of us entering a new era for Pottstown.” Read more
Pa. state Rep. Joe Ciresi attended a House Democratic Policy Committee hearing to discuss the challenges and importance of contact tracing in Pennsylvania. Read more
HARRISBURG, July 27 -- Citing the distressing impacts COVID-19 is having on Pennsylvania’s restaurant industry and a recent Yelp survey showing more than half of restaurants could close permanently due to the virus’ impact, Democrats in Harrisburg have crafted a legislative package aimed at providing relief to community business owners and the workers that cook and serve our food. The package includes nine bills that would provide grants to local restaurants, bars and clubs, reduce and eliminate specific licensing fees, extend discounts to licensees and protect businesses by guaranteeing their insurance pays out in future emergencies. These efforts will provide direct relief to an industry of Pennsylvania businesses the virus has hit hard, House Democratic leaders said. Restrictions put in place have been necessary in the state’s response to COVID-19. The leaders said they recognize the hardship the virus has continued to place on the restaurant industry. Restaurants have served as the backdrop of many life occasions and special moments and they need support more now than ever. The House Democratic package includes: Earmarking CARES grant funding from the federal government to be directed to small, community restaurants instead of national chains to ensure those dollars are invested back into the region. ( Rep. Joe Ciresi, Montgomery County & Rep. Tina Davis, Bucks County ) Earmarking CARES grant Read more
Just today, PennDOT announced that expiration dates for driver licenses, identification cards and learner’s permits will be extended for Pennsylvania residents in response to statewide COVID-19 mitigation efforts. Read more
Pa. state Rep. Joe Ciresi joined the PA House Democratic Policy Committee for a hearing about workplace protections. Ciresi is working to provide a safe environment for all public workers. Read more
"For more than 19 weeks, dedicated workers have shown up on the job -- in the midst of an invisible virus. They have treated sick patients, stocked shelves, driven delivery trucks, responded to emergency scenes, and much more to keep us going. Not only do they deserve our respect, but they also deserve a bigger paycheck.” Read more
It was a busy week in Harrisburg, highlighted by Gov. Wolf’s signing into law of two police reform measures, as well as my letter to the auditor general calling for an investigation into PPP approvals for charter schools (creating likely “double-dipping” of public funds). Read more
“Pennsylvania taxpayers deserve to know that their tax dollars are spent responsibly and that the funding of a government program is used for its intended purpose. It is therefore important to determine how charter schools were able to justify and obtain these forgivable loans, and whether taxpayer funds from all sources are being used for their legally intended purposes by recipient charter schools and management organizations.” Read more
“The coronavirus outbreak created so much uncertainty, not only for individuals and families, but for businesses across the Commonwealth,” Ciresi said. “Because of so many businesses being closed for so long and now operating at reduced capacity, paying the annual registration fee can be difficult. This legislation provides relief by pushing back the payment until their financial situation improves.” Read more
In support of H.R. 798, Pa. Rep. Joe Ciresi spoke of his own experiences with food allergies, from childhood through adulthood, and thanked the Pennsylvania House for unanimously passing a resolution to recognize Food Allergy Awareness Week in the commonwealth. Read more
“This extraordinary decision was a shameful abuse of legislative power,” Ciresi said. “While all bills deserve to be properly debated and discussed, and potentially improved through amendments, this is especially true for amendments to the constitution itself. To push through a bill of this magnitude without a public hearing or discussion, while refusing to even consider amendments that my colleagues worked hard to draft, is unacceptable.” Read more
“Bringing back the train is critical to reviving the downtowns of Pottstown and Royersford, creating new jobs, increasing property values, and improving quality of life. Everyone – not just train passengers – stands to benefit from these positive impacts. I am proud to continue to work with stakeholders on this important priority, and look forward to seeing further developments as we continue to move forward.” Read more
As always, more information is available on my legislative website and on my legislative Facebook and Twitter accounts. Please feel free to contact me at my Royersford District Office at (484) 200-8265. Read more
I wish you a relaxing and safe Independence Day weekend as we celebrate America’s birthday. Despite the many challenges of the first half of 2020, I know we will persevere and come out better on the other side. Thank you for the sacrifices you have made. Read more
Amid COVID-19 concerns, Pa. state Rep. Joe Ciresi took part in a House Democratic Policy Committee discussion about ways to reopen schools safely ahead of the upcoming school year. Read more
I wanted to highlight some assistance that is available to individuals and small businesses who are struggling financially because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic slowdowns. Read more
“Week after week, year after year, most workers contributed to the Unemployment Trust Fund through payroll deductions,” Ciresi said. “Yet the failures of this system have left too many without income during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when they need these benefits more than ever.” Read more
Applications are expected to be available June 30 for a new program aimed at providing critical funding to local businesses hurt by the coronavirus. The first round of the $225 million COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance grant program is expected to open for applications on Tuesday, June 30 and will remain open for 10 business days. Additionally, applications will continue to be accepted after 10 business days to be considered for future rounds of funding. Those rounds will be announced soon. This program will award grants ranging from $5,000 - $50,000 to small businesses economically impacted by the coronavirus, and money is specifically set aside for businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged people. For an application preparation checklist, criteria for eligibility and consideration, and a full list of participating Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), please click below to go to the COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance website. https://pabusinessgrants.com/ Read more
Email features updates from PennDOT and SEPTA, plus info on a grant for a local senior center. Read more
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