Fill out the 2020 census!

(Mar 30, 2020)

In Pennsylvania, everyone counts and April 1 is National Census Day! If you haven’t already, don't forget to fill out your census form. Our population count determines our voice in government and how much federal funding we’ll receive for education, health care, transportation and more. Whether you respond online, mail or by phone , participate and help shape PA’s future. Your responses are anonymous and protected by law. To learn more, visit pa.gov/census #PAcounts #2020Census Read more

 

COVID-19 Helpful Resources

(Mar 26, 2020)

In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic affecting Pennsylvania, we wanted to provide you with the following resources and information to help you and your family in the days ahead. Please note that this webpage will be updated as needed with additional information and resources. State Services and Resources The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has created a COVID-19 guide to assist everyone. It includes information on social distancing, mental health resources, unemployment, food assistance, changes from PennDOT and resources for small business: https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/ For individuals : https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForIndividuals For families : https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForFamilies For businesses : https://dced.pa.gov/resources COVID Support for PA Businesses : The following provides information and and links to federal, state, local and private resources. https://www.pahouse.com/News/?id=113388 **Self-employed, independent contractors, gig economy workers: Apply here for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits .** https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForBusinessesUtilities Information from the PA Dept. of Labor and Industry on the federal CARES Act: https://www.uc.pa.gov/COVID-19/CARES-Act/Pages/default.aspx The following link provides you with Read more

 

Freeman provides information on governor’s Stay at Home Order for Northampton County

(Mar 25, 2020)

HARRISBURG, March 25 -- State Rep. Robert Freeman, D-Northampton, provided information on the Stay at Home order for Northampton County issued today by Gov. Tom Wolf and Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine. “Northampton County has been added to the Stay at Home order already implemented in nine counties across the Commonwealth,” Freeman said. “While difficult, these are the steps needed to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.” The Stay at Home order now includes 10 counties: Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Erie, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton and Philadelphia. The amended order for Lehigh and Northampton counties takes effect at 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 25 and will continue until April 6. The full Stay At Home Order is available to view here . Guidance on permitted activities under the order is available here . Read more

 

Closure List Exemptions

(Mar 20, 2020)

The PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has established a new resource account where businesses and staff can submit questions on exemptions regarding the closure of physical locations for non-life-sustaining businesses in the Commonwealth. Businesses seeking exemptions from closure: Please contact ra-dcexemptions@pa.gov . Other questions about closures can be directed to ra-dcedcs@pa.gov . For more COVID-19 business information, DCED has set up a web site that continually will be updated as information becomes available: https://dced.pa.gov/resources . Read more

 

Rep. Freeman announces $15K grant to fund census outreach

(Mar 19, 2020)

HARRISBURG, March 19 – State Rep. Robert Freeman, D-Northampton, today announced a $15,000 state grant to fund outreach encouraging participation in the U.S. Census. The grant to the City of Easton was awarded under the Census 2020 Outreach Grant Program and will fund the city’s outreach efforts. “The census response rate is critical, as the number of people who respond ensures our community will get its share of resources for infrastructure, schools, and hospitals,” Freeman said. The Census 2020 Outreach Grant Program, administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development, supports grassroots efforts promoting awareness and participation in the 2020 Census across Pennsylvania. The program focuses on supporting efforts that target hard-to-count populations including, but not limited to, those who do not speak English as their primary language; ethnic minority, immigrant, and rural communities; children; the elderly; the LGBTQ population; and people experiencing homelessness. Read more

 

Freeman announces grants to benefit local historical organizations

(Mar 04, 2020)

HARRISBURG, March 4 – Two Northampton County historical organizations will receive $16,564 in state funding through the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission’s Cultural and Historical Support Program, state Rep. Robert Freeman, D-Northampton, announced today. “These organizations provide a wonderful investment in our community by preserving our history and culture for current and future generations to learn about our past,” Freeman said. “I am pleased to see this funding coming back to our area to support their invaluable efforts.” The organizations receiving the grant funding are as follows: $9,154 for the Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society. $7,410 for the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. Cultural and Historical Support grants are to provide general operating support to Pennsylvania museums and official county historical societies that are not directly supported by other state agency operating support programs. An eligible museum must have an annual operating budget exceeding $100,000 and at least one full-time professional staff person. Read more

 

Lehigh Valley school districts awarded $625K in school safety grants

(Feb 27, 2020)

Lehigh Valley, Feb. 27– State Reps. Bob Freeman, D-Northampton, Jeanne McNeill, D-Lehigh, and Steve Samuelson, D-Northampton, announced that seven school districts in Northampton and Lehigh counties have received a total of $625,000 in school safety and security grants. The following school districts were awarded funding: Bethlehem Area School District -- $385,000 Catasauqua Area School District -- $35,000 Easton Area School District -- $45,000 Salisbury Township School District -- $35,000 Saucon Valley School District -- $40,000 Wilson Area School District -- $40,000 Whitehall-Coplay School District -- $45,000 “This funding will go far with enhancing anti-violence efforts in schools,” Freeman said. Lawmakers said the funding will be used to fund a counseling psychologist and for mental health and behavioral services and for other security system programs. “We can’t take anything for granted anymore in schools as far as safety is concerned so our teachers and students must be prepared,” McNeill said. Samuelson said the demand for school safety funding is a priority. “A safe learning environment ensures the overall development of a child,” Samuelson said. The funds will be provided through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s School Safety and Security Committee. This committee is the result of Act 44 of 2018 Read more

 

Your Report from Rep. Robert Freeman: Winter 2019-20

(Feb 24, 2020)

Click here to view the latest newsletter. Read more

 

Pa. Treasury could be holding your unclaimed property

(Jan 01, 2016)

Each year, the Pennsylvania Treasury receives millions of dollars of unclaimed property. It is estimated that roughly one in 10 Pennsylvanians has unclaimed property. Read more