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
HARRISBURG, Dec. 20 – A forceful advocate for economic development in the 146 th District, state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, was instrumental in securing a Keystone Communities Program grant of $320,400 for renovations to the former PNC Bank building in Pottstown. Ciresi, who has successfully secured funding for other Pottstown redevelopment projects, praised the grant to renovate the former PNC bank building. “ The instrumental redevelopment of this 7,550-square-foot building, which has lain vacant for over 15 years in the middle of Pottstown’s downtown business district, will be a significant boost to the town’s ongoing revitalization,” Ciresi said. “With the return of this site to economically productive use, this redevelopment project will provide significant benefits for the borough and regional community and continue the momentum that Pottstown is experiencing.” The Keystone Communities Program is designed to encourage the creation of partnerships between the public and private sectors that 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 its specific revitalization effort. Since January 2015, the Wolf administration has Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 14 – An advocate for the Pennsylvania tourism industry, state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, applauded the Wolf Administration’s dedication of $17,086,197 in American Rescue Plan Act funding to kickstart the recovery of the tourism industry in Pennsylvania in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. “As a member of the House Tourism & Recreational Development Committee, I’ve been pushing for the state to invest in Pennsylvania’s tourism industry, as too many marketing opportunities were going to waste,” Ciresi said. “This money will provide opportunities to promote Pennsylvania’s destinations to diverse audiences, and so increase the numbers of people interested in visiting--and perhaps moving to--our beautiful state. This grant money will help the tourism industry build back better, supporting the wide range of jobs and businesses that benefit from tourism. I applaud Gov. Wolf’s decision to make this strategic investment in Pennsylvania’s future.” Pennsylvania’s travel and tourism industry supports over 490,000 jobs and generates $4.3 billion in annual tax revenue. Over 200 million people visit Pennsylvania each year, creating an economic impact of $46 billion. After consulting with tourism stakeholders across the state and colleagues around the nation, the Pennsylvania Tourism Office at the Department of Community and Economic Development will invest the $17,086,197 in the Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 7 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, introduced legislation to establish a State Emergency Supplemental Grant Program for disaster relief. As representative of the 146th Legislative District, Ciresi has been particularly concerned how Hurricane Ida had devastated the commonwealth, causing over $100 million in public infrastructure damage and destroying hundreds of homes and businesses, leaving many Pennsylvanians struggling to pay for the damages. Currently, Pennsylvania residents rely on the Federal Emergency Management Agency for financial assistance to help cover the cost of storm damage. Unfortunately, FEMA often can only cover a portion of the costs associated with damage deemed eligible for aid. In cases when only a state disaster declaration has been issued, Pennsylvania residents are not eligible for FEMA aid. “With each passing year, we are seeing increasingly dangerous weather,” Ciresi said. “We need to put a safety net in place to protect and support Pennsylvanians when natural disaster strikes. That’s why I’ve introduced legislation to establish a State Emergency Supplemental Grant Program, which would provide individuals who have maximized their federal assistance grants from FEMA with supplemental grants from the state to cover recovery costs. In addition, when there is only a state disaster declaration, affected individuals and businesses would still be eligible for financial assistance to Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 6 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, was instrumental in securing a $1 million state grant for Royersford Borough’s Riverfront at Royersford LLC redevelopment project. Ciresi said the funding, awarded through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, will help realize the plans for the Riverfront at Royersford LLC, a mixed-use development that will include living, restaurant and entertainment venues and retail opportunities. “I’m very proud that I was able to secure this $1 million redevelopment grant that will help bring back social life and economic opportunity to this stretch of Schuylkill riverfront,” Ciresi said. “This state grant money will help transform what was once industrial brownfields into a vital economic, leisure and residential hub for the 146 th District. The Riverfront at Royersford will be a pioneer of mixed-use development in southeastern Pennsylvania, while expanding amenities and opportunities for all area residents.” “We are extremely thankful to Representative Ciresi for his unwavering advocacy of this project and to the borough council, mayor and staff for being excellent public partners in this process,” said Richard Lewis, president & CEO of The Lewis Group. "This team has repeatedly proven its commitment to the continued revitalization of Royersford through careful collaboration and action to mitigate barriers to Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 19 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced today that Trappe was awarded $423,833 to install sidewalks and pedestrian crossings and the Riverfront at Royersford LLC was provided $330,000 to construct a trail along the Schuylkill River by the Commonwealth Financing Authority though the Multimodal Transportation Fund Program. “This grant will help improve quality of life by improving pedestrian infrastructure in Trappe and creating multiuse trails in Royersford,” Ciresi said. “This money will help improve pedestrian and bicyclists’ safety and so encourage physical activity, healthier lifestyles, and walkable communities in our area.” Trappe will use the grant to install sidewalks and pedestrian crossings along Main Street as part of Phase II of the Downtown Trappe Pedestrian Improvements project. Phase II includes replacing the walkway along the historic Augustus Church, installing new sidewalk in the western part of downtown Trappe, and upgrade several of Main Street’s crosswalks for pedestrian safety. Ciresi had announced $250,000 in Commonwealth Financing Authority funding for Trappe sidewalk improvements earlier this year. Riverfront of Royersford LLC will use the grant to construct an eight-foot-wide walking trail with adequate lighting for both pedestrian and bicycle traffic along a ¾ mile stretch running parallel with the Schuylkill River. This Read more
POTTSTOWN, Nov. 18 – After urging PennDOT to quickly relocate the closed Pottstown Photo Center, state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced today that a new location has been found at 204 Shoemaker Road, Pottstown, PA 19464, which is less than 2 miles from the previous location. The new location is anticipated to open the week of Dec. 13. “The Pottstown Photo License Center provides access to important photo services to many of my constituents,” Ciresi said. “I’m very glad PennDOT understood the importance of opening a local new facility to resume convenient access to these services as quickly as possible and appreciate their quick resolution of this issue.” The previous Pottstown Photo License Center abruptly closed Oct. 4. Ciresi remained in contact with PennDOT after the closure and advocated for a quick reopening of a Pottstown-area center. Until the new Photo License Center is opened, Pottstown-area residents can use the following centers in the region for photo license services: Harleysville Photo License Center (Montgomery County) Harley Commons, 345 Main St., Harleysville, PA 19438 Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 8:30 a.m.-4:15 p.m.; Thursday 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Norristown Driver License Center (Montgomery County) 1700 Markley St., Suite 30, Norristown, PA 19401 Hours: Tuesday thru Saturday 8:30 a.m.-4:15 p.m. Read more
Ciresi and Guzman said they both view the restoration of a passenger rail service as the best way to alleviate this critical infrastructure issue and increase southeastern Pennsylvania’s economic growth. Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 9 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced today that Pottstown organization Genesis Housing Corp. was awarded $75,000 to improve blighted areas and Children Advocacy Center of Montgomery County $18,750 to help open a new child advocacy center through the Neighborhood Assistance Program. “This state funding from NAP will continue the efforts to remediate Pottstown’s blighted properties and provide greater safety to its children suffering from child abuse,” Ciresi said. “At a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing public health disparities, the innovative NAP will support Pottstown’s ongoing revitalization and provide a critical lifeline to residents through public-private partnerships that will lead to community improvements and a better quality of life.” The funding to Genesis Housing Corp. will be used to address neighborhood revitalization and blight remediation through smaller-scale improvement projects and façade funding, including exterior renovations, housing counseling services, improved community gardens, accessible community arts programs, and other social justice and community improvement programs. Genesis Housing Corp. serves as the coordinator of a partnership for this effort including Pottstown Community Action, Habitat for Humanity, Mosaic Community Land Trust, and Hobart’s Run. The Children Advocacy Center of Read more
Veteran Breakfast Read more
Veterans Discount ID Card & Homeowner FraudSleuth Sign-Up Event Read more
Drive-Through Shredding Event Read more
ROYERSFORD, OCT. 26 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced $18,000 in funding has been awarded to Royersford Borough as a WalkWorks grant, a program of the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Downtown Center. Ciresi was instrumental in securing the grant to help the borough develop an Active Transportation Plan, creating a comprehensive vision for pedestrian and cycling infrastructure throughout the borough. “It is important to integrate public health, transportation and recreation for our residents, and I am thrilled to see this grant awarded in our region,” Ciresi said. “I look forward to continuing to work with borough officials and the state to improve our transportation infrastructure, with the ultimate goal of community engagement with the outdoors.” The state’s WalkWorks program is designed to increase physical activity and provide methods of transportation to recreational spaces. This funding will support the creation of a local framework following the Pennsylvania Statewide Active Transportation Plan and develop objectives and recommendations for improving walking and biking in the community. “Increasing outdoor recreational and physical activities has proven to lower health risks such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes and make people healthier,” Ciresi said. “The work this grant will support realizes the link Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 21 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced today that the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority has approved a $3.71 million grant to fund the Pottstown Borough Authority’s 2021 Lead Service Replacement Project. The project will replace lead lines in older homes, eliminating exposure to lead materials. “I am very glad that PENNVEST has made this investment in the future of Pottstown Borough as this funding will ensure that my constituents will have a modern and safe infrastructure for years to come for something as fundamental as drinking water,” Ciresi said. “This work to eliminate lead and other harmful contaminants from drinking water is crucial to the health and well-being of our residents, children, and future generations.” The funds will be used to fund a project to replace approximately 8,400 linear feet of lead service lines and 700 linear feet of water service curb stops throughout Pottstown Borough. The authority has already contracted work in 2019 and 2021 to replace some of the existing lead service lines throughout the borough to provide safe drinking water to the residents of the area. The 2021 Lead Service Replacement Project will complete this effort in the remaining sections of the borough that are designated as being in critical condition. “This grant provides the funds necessary to continue the efforts of the Pottstown Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 19 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, introduced legislation today to establish a grant program for the 2021-22 school year that would allow schools to purchase face masks, other additional personal protective equipment, and cleaning and sanitizing supplies, as well as allow them to make modifications necessary to ensure appropriate social distancing. “There are over 3,000 people hospitalized with COVID-19 right now and we’ve lost too many over the course of this pandemic,” Ciresi said. “We’ve got to remain vigilant and do everything we can to make sure our schools are safe spaces for our children. That’s why I’ve introduced this legislation, which would help schools provide effective, high-quality masks for their students and staff, as well as any other PPE or supplies they need to hinder the transmission of the virus and create a safe environment for learning.” Ciresi’s legislation is similar to Act 30 of 2020, which created grants for schools to purchase PPE and cleaning supplies in the previous school year but has since expired. Funding would be available to help both public and nonpublic schools. Read more
POTTSTOWN, Oct. 13 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced that he spoke with PennDOT following last week’s closure of their Photo License Center in Pottstown and urged them to promptly find and open a new location in the Pottstown area. “The Pottstown Photo License Center provided access to important photo services to many of my constituents,” Ciresi said. “I spoke with PennDOT and emphasized the importance of opening a new location to resume convenient access to these services as quickly as possible. PennDOT was receptive and assured me that they are actively working to find and reopen a new location in the area.” The Pottstown Photo License Center was located at Commonwealth Auto Tags at 377 E. High St. PennDOT announced that they terminated their contract with Commonwealth Auto Tags for cause, closing the Pottstown Photo License Center effective close of business on Oct. 4. The closure does not affect other services provided by Commonwealth Auto Tags. Until a new Photo License Center is opened, Pottstown-area residents can use the following centers in the region for photo license services: Harleysville Photo License Center (Montgomery County) Harley Commons, 345 Main Street, Harleysville, PA 19438 Hours: Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri. & Sat. 8:30-4:15; Thurs. 8:30-6:00. Malvern/Frazer Driver License Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 21 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, introduced H.B. 1895 today to exempt injured and decorated veterans from vehicle registration fees. In serving the 146th legislative district, Ciresi has been particularly concerned that returning veterans receive assistance from the state in recognition of the sacrifices they’ve made serving their country. “While state law currently provides some veterans with a discounted rate for vehicle registration by only charging a processing fee, in recognition of their service I believe our injured and decorated veterans deserve to be fully excused from paying vehicle registration fees,” Ciresi said. Ciresi said, “That is why I’ve introduced legislation, with bipartisan support, which totally waives these fees for veterans who were injured or captured while serving their country, or who have received the Congressional Medal of Honor or the Purple Heart.” Current law charges a $10 processing fee instead of a registration fee for veterans who’ve lost a limb or eye or became partially paralyzed while serving in the armed forces; were captured by the enemy in an armed conflict; or were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Ciresi’s legislation eliminates the processing fee and expands eligibility to also include all recipients of the Purple Heart. According to Ciresi, this exemption would not only help eligible veterans directly, but also their Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 17 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, introduced legislation yesterday to allow BYOB restaurants to collaborate with local limited wineries to sell wine to diners. Ciresi, who has made the promotion and protection of small businesses a cornerstone of his role as state representative for the 146th District, said his legislation will benefit BYOB establishments, small Pennsylvania wineries and Pennsylvania dining patrons. “Our small local restaurants are a foundation of our communities and provide a wonderful place for people to come together,” Ciresi said. “Sometimes diners will go out to a restaurant and not realize it is BYOB. Though the restaurant might wish to provide wine to its patrons, it can’t afford to purchase a liquor license which costs thousands of dollars. “My legislation would allow a BYOB restaurant to collaborate with a local limited winery to sell wine so customers could enjoy wine with their meal in the restaurant. My goal is to support our small local restaurants, which are still trying to recover from the financial impact of the pandemic, and our growing Pennsylvania winery industry, as well as to enhance our diners’ patronage of local restaurants.” The legislation would permit limited wineries to apply for and obtain an off-premise catering permit they could use to partner with community restaurants to benefit both local businesses. Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 8 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced today that the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency approved Montgomery County’s request for $149,875 in federal State Opioid Response Grant funds to provide Medication Assisted Treatment for the inmate population to combat the opioid crisis. The grant funds will be used to enhance the current MAT program through continuation of medication for inmates with a valid prescription; induction on medication for inmates without a valid prescription; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for participants of the MAT program; education about the MAT program; aftercare services and connections to community providers; and increased collaboration between county agencies, including Adult Probation/Parole, the courts, and community-based partners. Funds will support supplies and operating expenses and consultants for MAT and CBT. “This funding will help our inmate population suffering from the opioid crisis that plagues the prison system and provide continuation of treatment, so our parolees get a drug-free lease on life,” Ciresi said. “True rehabilitation cannot happen if someone is addicted to narcotics and a parolee’s ‘fresh start’ will be severely handicapped by a relapse. This federal funding will provide a lifeline to our inmate population both inside and outside the prison system.” Read more
HARRISBURG, Aug. 26 – Taking a stand for 5,000 households he represents in Limerick Township , Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, submitted a public comment opposing the proposed rate increase by Aqua Pennsylvania Wastewater Inc., saying that the utility’s large and abrupt rate increase would amount to a doubling of rates for most of the township’s wastewater customers and would impose significant financial hardship on many. The proposed rate increase is the first opportunity Aqua Pennsylvania has had to raise the rates as fees had been frozen for the first three years as part of the agreement between Limerick Township and Aqua Pennsylvania at the time of sale in 2018. In his public comment, Ciresi noted that when Aqua Pennsylvania purchased the sewer system from Limerick Township in 2018, the president of the utility had called the Limerick sewer system “compliant and well-maintained.” In his public comment, Ciresi questioned how a well-maintained sewer system would require a doubling of service rates. “It is unimaginable that the cost of providing sewer service — through an already well-maintained system — to Limerick Township residents has more than doubled in those three years,” he said. As a public servant representing a vulnerable population hit hard by the pandemic, Ciresi has taken a stand against the proposed rate increase. Read more
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