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Ciresi introduces legislation to prevent gift card scams

Rep. Joseph Ciresi

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Paper Shredding Event

(Apr 05, 2023) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

Please keep to a limit of five boxes of paper per household. Read more

 

Veterans Discount ID Card & FraudSleuth Sign-Up Event

(Apr 05, 2023) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

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

 

SEPTA Senior Key Card Sign-Up Event

(Apr 05, 2023) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

Apply to get a SEPTA Senior Key Card or renew your expiring card! SEPTA Senior Key Cards allow free travel on SEPTA trains and transit for seniors (65+): please bring ID showing proof of age or your expiring SEPTA Senior Key Card if you are renewing. Read more

 

Senior Expo

(Apr 05, 2023) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

This FREE event includes information for seniors, unclaimed property search, many vendors, and light refreshments. We encourage you to visit the many health, government, and service organizations that will be participating. Pre-registration at (610) 495-6432 is preferred. Read more

 

Ciresi introduces legislation to support child mental health workforce

(Mar 31, 2023) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, March 31 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, introduced H.B. 725 and H.B. 726 to support the mental health workforce. “Pennsylvania’s children need adequate mental health support, but the mental health profession has been depleted by underfunding, provider and staffing shortages, and insufficient programs and access,” Ciresi said. “Especially as the need for mental health services challenges the system’s capacity, we need to address the profession’s recruitment and burnout. My two bills would help retain and recruit highly qualified individuals into the mental health field and ensure that our children receive the quality care they need.” The bills were produced in response to the Joint State Government Commission’s study on the shortage of mental health care professionals in Pennsylvania. The commission reported that Pennsylvania has a below-average number of mental health care providers per capita, and the trend is worsening. The commission recommended greater financial assistance for mental health professionals to reduce the cost barrier of higher education and attract more individuals to the field. The issues highlighted in the commission’s 2020 report only worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw higher demand for mental health services and added to the workforce shortage. H.B. 725 would establish a student loan forgiveness program specifically for students seeking undergraduate or Read more

 

Ciresi, James introduce legislation to create tax credit to rehabilitate and preserve historic homes

(Mar 28, 2023) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, March 28 – State Reps. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and R. Lee James, R-Venango, introduced legislation on Monday to create the Historic Homeownership Preservation Incentive Tax Credit in Pennsylvania. The proposed legislation would allow homeowners with a plan to rehabilitate their historic home located in a qualified census tract to receive tax credits towards the rehabilitation project. “Historic preservation preserves our cultural and historic resources for future generations, and plays a key role in revitalizing communities, creating jobs, supporting local tax bases, and improving quality of life,” Ciresi said. “Currently, Pennsylvania has a Historic Preservation Tax Credit that supports the rehabilitation of income-producing properties but has no equivalent for owner-occupied historic structures despite the benefits to our economy and society. It’s time we changed that.” The representatives say that research shows that similar tax programs are great economic engines for communities. The representatives found that Maryland’s Historic Revitalization Tax Credit Program helped rehabilitate over 4,000 historic buildings since 1996, creating 25,000 jobs in the process. They also learned that studies have repeatedly found that historic preservation creates more jobs for each dollar than other public investments, including new construction and manufacturing. “So much rich history has passed here in the Read more

 

Ciresi introduces legislation to replace state song

(Mar 24, 2023) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, March 24 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, introduced legislation (H.R. 41) this week to replace the Pennsylvania state song. In 1990, the state legislature adopted the current state song, “Pennsylvania” by Eddie Khoury and Ronnie Bonner. State law establishes this as Pennsylvania’s official song for all public purposes, and the song is often performed at public events, such as gubernatorial inaugurations. “State symbols bring us together,” Ciresi said. “When we see our state flag and hear our state song, we should be able to share our commonality and celebrate our heritage as fellow Pennsylvanians. Unfortunately, our current state song is known by few and does not reflect the dynamic and diverse Pennsylvania of today.” “In the three decades since the state song was adopted, Pennsylvania has changed greatly, and our state song should embody the spirit of our great state,” Ciresi said. The resolution would establish an independent commission to study the history of the state song, solicit submissions from the public, and recommend changes to the state song. The legislature would then have the option of passing legislation to change the state song based on the commission’s recommendation. Read more

 

Reform for charter reimbursement necessary in PA, testifiers say

(Mar 22, 2023) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

“Today’s hearing provided us with a great opportunity to examine how reimbursements for charter schools work, and how we can make sure we’re being proper stewards of taxpayer dollars,” said Rep. Joe Ciresi (D-Montgomery), who hosted Wednesday’s hearing. “We will always preserve school choice, but it has been more than 20 years since we last reformed our charter school law, and the testimony we heard today proved it’s now antiquated and negatively impacting school districts, students and taxpayers.” Read more

 

Ciresi introduces legislation to protect patients and medical personnel from retaliation

(Mar 21, 2023) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, March 21 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today introduced legislation, (H.B. 641) that would protect patients and medical personnel from health care facility retaliation for filing grievances and complaints. “When mistakes are made at a medical care facility, patients can suffer physically, emotionally and financially,” Ciresi said. “Patients and medical personnel should be able to report errors and unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation for speaking up.” House Bill 641 would protect patients and medical personnel who file grievances or complaints with the facility or its staff, entities charged with accrediting or evaluating health care facilities or a governmental entity. It would also protect people who initiate, participate in, or cooperate with investigations or administrative hearings related to facility quality of care, services or conditions. As part of the protection, the bill would establish a rebuttable presumption that discriminatory treatment against patients and medical personnel was retaliatory if done within a set time after the filing of a grievance or complaint. If a facility is found to have engaged in discrimination or retaliation, victims would be entitled to civil and criminal penalties, including fines and restitution, for lost wages, work benefits and legal costs. “When passed, my legislation will help guarantee the vital right of patients and medical personnel to report unsafe Read more

 

Ciresi brings $1.7 million for area transportation and infrastructure improvements: Funding will advance project to restore Reading-Philadelphia passenger rail service

(Mar 16, 2023) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, March 16 – As a longtime, successful advocate for transportation and infrastructure programs in the 146th Legislative District, State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced today that he has helped to secure 1.7 million in state grants for area transportation and infrastructure projects through the Commonwealth Financing Authority. “I am proud to have secured $1.7 million in grant funding for these significant and far-reaching projects, particularly the feasibility study that will help establish passenger service between Reading and Philadelphia,” Ciresi said. “This funding will improve our area through investments in projects to reduce traffic, make our streets safer, and increase access to residential, business and recreational areas.” The funding will be used for the following projects: $250,000 toward reconstructing and aligning Lightcap Road in Limerick Township to support the increase in traffic caused by development in the area. $200,000 for the restoration of First Avenue from Arch Street to the trailhead parking area in Royersford Borough to improve access to residences, businesses, and amenities; support the broader Royersford business climate; and ensure a safe and well-maintained connection to the Schuylkill River Trail and other connected trails. $1 million to replace outdated streetlights in Pottstown Borough with new, energy efficient LED lights and control systems, and to install crime prevention Read more

 

Ciresi presents $250K check to Pottstown Borough to install LED streetlights

(Mar 10, 2023) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, March 10 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, presented a check on Wednesday night at Pottstown Borough Council Committee of the Whole meeting, for a $250,000 PA Department of Community and Economic Development grant he secured for Pottstown’s LED streetlight conversion project. “Pottstown’s old streetlights made it difficult to drive or walk safely at night, as well drove up the Borough’s electric bills,” Ciresi said. “I secured this $250,000 grant to replace the old lights with new, energy efficient LED lights and control systems which will use less electricity and dramatically improve nighttime visibility and so improve safety in Pottstown Borough.” Pottstown Borough has 1,821 streetlights which were installed in the 1960s, consisting of high-pressure sodium and mercury vapor. This DCED grant has allowed Pottstown Borough to purchase 820 fixtures to convert streetlights to LED, which will be installed by the borough. "The upgrade of our streetlights to LED became possible due to the funding provided by DCED and the advocacy of Representative Ciresi,” Pottstown Borough Manager Justin Keller said. “We are grateful for their support as it allows us to reduce our carbon footprint and save on energy costs while improving safety in our neighborhoods. The LED streetlight upgrades are in line with our joint sustainability plan with the School District, emphasizing Read more

 

Ciresi, Haddock introduce legislation to expand property tax, rent relief

(Mar 09, 2023) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, March 9 – State Reps. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and Jim Haddock, D-Lackawanna/Luzerne, introduced this week H.B. 113, to expand the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program in Pennsylvania. “Pennsylvanians are struggling under high inflation to pay for basic necessities, especially housing,” Ciresi said. “I firmly believe that we must help our seniors and people with disabilities stay in the homes they’ve lived in for years for their own health and for community stability. Unfortunately, while inflation and cost of living has risen, PTRR’s income limits, rebate amounts and other provisions have not been updated to correspond with economic changes, so fewer people qualify for the program, and the rebates don’t provide the needed financial assistance.” “We must act now to expand PTRR as next year, thousands of seniors will lose eligibility because their Social Security cost-of-living adjustments will push them above the eligibility threshold,” Ciresi said. “It is time to make sure that our seniors can remain eligible, and that more individuals can seek assistance from this vital program.” The legislation would increase income limits for homeowners and renters to $50,000 and $25,000, respectively, recognizing the impact inflation has had since the last increase in 2006. In addition, the legislation would permanently reinstate a provision that would ensure individuals are not deemed ineligible for Read more

 

Ciresi highlights significant investment in property tax and rent relief in Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal

(Mar 09, 2023) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, March 7 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, reacted to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2023-24 budget unveiled today before a joint session of the General Assembly. “I was glad to hear a vision to invest in important and necessary priorities of property tax relief, mental health, school facilities, and public safety in Governor Shapiro’s first budget,” Ciresi said. “The call to expand the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, which I’ve proposed legislation to do , would be a significant investment in housing affordability, providing property tax and housing relief to more than half a million seniors and individuals with disabilities.” The budget proposed expanding the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program by raising income eligibility caps to $45,000 for both homeowners and renters, indexing eligibility caps to inflation, and increasing maximum rebates to $1,000. These changes, the first major update since 2006, would expand program eligibility to 173,000 individuals, and increase assistance to an additional 398,000 people. Ciresi said the proposed budget also includes an additional $671 million for basic and special education statewide, delivering an increase of $5.8 million to school districts in the 146 th District, including: Pottsgrove School District: $1.2 million. Pottstown School District: $2.9 million. Spring-Ford Area School District: $1.7 Read more

 

Help preserve historic homes | Opinion | bradfordera.com

(Feb 13, 2023) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

Preserving historic homes Read more

 

'Now is the time' to act on fair school funding advocates say (pottsmerc.com)

(Feb 13, 2023) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

'Now is the time' to act on fair school funding advocates say (pottsmerc.com) Read more

 

Ciresi announces funding for area fire, EMS companies

(Feb 07, 2023) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, Feb. 7 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced $ 137,987 in state funding to support fire and EMS services in the 146th Legislative District. The grants originate from the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, administered by the Office of State Fire Commissioner. The money can be used for facility upgrades, equipment, debt reduction, training and certification, education and public outreach, and recruitment and retention efforts. “On behalf of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, these grants recognize the importance that local fire and EMS companies play in critical public services,” Ciresi said. “These companies deserve all of the funding they can access at the state level, and I will always be proud to help them realize those opportunities.” Below are the companies in the 146 th District with their funding amounts. Friendship HLH&A Inc. $10,000 Goodwill Steam Fire Engine Co. No. 1 $25,000 Limerick Fire Department $28,028 North End Fire Co. $15,000 Philadelphia Steam Fire Engine Co. No. 1 $15,000 Ringing Hill Fire Co. $14,959 Royersford Fire Department $15,000 Sanatoga Fire Co. $15,000 For the full list of awards: 2022-23-Firefighter-Grant-Awards.pdf (pa.gov) . Read more

 

Connectivity and digital literacy key to children's futures

(Jan 19, 2023) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

digital literacy Read more

 

Ciresi announces more than $1 million in parks and conservation grants for Pottstown, Trappe area

(Jan 12, 2023) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, Jan. 12 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced today that more than $1 million in state grants have been awarded to the region for outdoor recreation and improvement. The grants are part of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ investment of $31.2 million in 88 projects through the Community Conservation Partnerships Program announced today. These projects are intended to help underserved and small communities and partnerships across the commonwealth with recreation and conservation efforts, improve water quality, and improve resiliency to climate change. Projects awarded grants include: Community and Watershed Forestry Grant: $440,000 for Pottstown School District TreeVitalize The grant will allow the Pottstown School District to plant approximately 563 trees at nine school district sites, including in and around parking lots and playgrounds. These tree plantings will contribute to the overall urban tree canopy of Pottstown and help reduce the urban heat island effect within the borough. In addition, installation of the trees will involve faculty and students, and interpretive signs will be installed to educate students, faculty and borough residents about the trees and the benefits of tree planting. State Parks and Outdoor Recreation Program: $239,300 for the Rehabilitation of Pottstown’s Chestnut Street Park Funding will support rehabilitation of Pottstown’s Read more

 

Ciresi, Pennycuick Announce $2.25M to create Boyertown Event Space and Festival Marketplace

(Jan 12, 2023) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

BOYERTOWN, PA. - Thanks to the hard work of a bi-partisan group of legislators and the advocacy of a host of Berks and Montgomery organizations, one of Southeastern Pennsylvania’s most historic downtowns will be home to a new event space and farmer’s market. A $2.25M Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant will match $2.4M in federal, county, and local investment to a marketplace and community event space in the heart of Boyertown. “Improvements will include a market building, stage and flagpole plaza, restrooms and event support space, landscaping, and ADA improvements serving the market and connecting it to the rest of downtown. The market recreates a significant Berks County building designed by noted Philadelphia Victorian architect Frank Furness,” said Nathaniel Guest, Executive Director of the applicant organization Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust. “This project requires a huge lift, much like all of the rest of the Colebrookdale’s work, and it is only possible through the work of many hands,” said Guest. “We are grateful beyond words to the elected officials across Pennsylvania whose faith and trust in our region resulted in this grant,” said Senator Tracy Pennycuick. “They include my colleagues Senators Martin, Argall, Gebhard, Muth, Schwank and Mensch, and Representatives Maloney, Jozwiak, Wentling, Hennessey, Zimmerman, Ciresi, Gillen, and Millard,” she said. Read more

 

Ciresi: $50,000 Equipment Grant for Western Montgomery Career and Technical Center

(Dec 21, 2022) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

ROYERSFORD, Dec. 21 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced that the Western Montgomery Career and Technical Center has been awarded the maximum grant of $50,000 by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the purchase of new equipment to help train students in skills required for high-demand occupations . “I know from my years in business and in the legislature, the foundation to a thriving economy is a highly trained workforce,” Ciresi said. “This state grant will help ensure that our young people at the Western Montgomery CTC are getting the in-demand skills that will make them sought after hires in today’s highly competitive economic climate. I applaud the state’s investment in the development of Montgomery County’s workforce.” Under PDE’s program, the Western Montgomery Career and Technical Center has received the maximum grant of $50,000. This grant must be matched dollar-for-dollar from local sources. Ciresi applauded the Wolf administration for making the development of career and technical centers and high schools a priority in its goal of developing a world-class 21 st century workforce. In the past eight years, the number of career and technical education students earning industry-recognized credentials has increased by 49.5% and the number of credentials earned by students enrolled in CTE programs has grown by 32.6%. There are more than Read more

 

Paper Shredding Event
Apr 05, 2023

Veterans Discount ID Card & FraudSleuth Sign-Up Event
Apr 05, 2023

SEPTA Senior Key Card Sign-Up Event
Apr 05, 2023

Senior Expo
Apr 05, 2023

Ciresi introduces legislation to support child mental health workforce
Mar 31, 2023

Ciresi, James introduce legislation to create tax credit to rehabilitate and preserve historic homes
Mar 28, 2023

Ciresi introduces legislation to replace state song
Mar 24, 2023

Reform for charter reimbursement necessary in PA, testifiers say
Mar 22, 2023

Ciresi introduces legislation to protect patients and medical personnel from retaliation
Mar 21, 2023

Ciresi brings $1.7 million for area transportation and infrastructure improvements: Funding will advance project to restore Reading-Philadelphia passenger rail service
Mar 16, 2023

Ciresi presents $250K check to Pottstown Borough to install LED streetlights
Mar 10, 2023

Ciresi, Haddock introduce legislation to expand property tax, rent relief
Mar 09, 2023

Ciresi highlights significant investment in property tax and rent relief in Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal
Mar 09, 2023

Help preserve historic homes | Opinion | bradfordera.com
Feb 13, 2023

'Now is the time' to act on fair school funding advocates say (pottsmerc.com)
Feb 13, 2023

Ciresi announces funding for area fire, EMS companies
Feb 07, 2023

Connectivity and digital literacy key to children's futures
Jan 19, 2023

Ciresi announces more than $1 million in parks and conservation grants for Pottstown, Trappe area
Jan 12, 2023

Ciresi, Pennycuick Announce $2.25M to create Boyertown Event Space and Festival Marketplace
Jan 12, 2023

Ciresi: $50,000 Equipment Grant for Western Montgomery Career and Technical Center
Dec 21, 2022