State lawmakers from Philadelphia are trying to pass new legislation that would help prevent rowhomes from being damaged by adjacent demolitions and reduce defects in newly built houses. Read more
State Rep. Joe Hohenstein reminds his communities about his commitment to protecting long-term care facilities during COVID-19 in his latest op-ed. Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 16 -- State Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., hosted today’s House Democratic Policy Committee hearing where legislators heard from state agencies and long-term care facility staff about how long-term care facilities are navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 12 – State Rep. Joe Hohenstein will host a House Democratic Policy Committee meeting to hear how state officials and workers at long-term care facilities can work together during the pandemic to improve safety for staff and residents. The hearing will be held virtually from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16 and can be viewed at www.pahouse.com/policy or via the Policy Committee’s Facebook account -- @padempolicy. The media and public are invited to tune in. Media questions can be submitted at policy@pahouse.net . Specifically, Chairman Ryan Bizzarro, Hohenstein and members of the Policy Committee look forward to learning more on the state Department of Health’s efforts to protect vulnerable populations and their caregivers. COVID recovery efforts are part of the House Democratic Policy Committee’s objectives for the 2021-22 Legislative Session. Read more
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) has become aware of multiple attempts by fraudsters to obtain individuals’ personal and confidential information through fake Facebook pages and is reminding Pennsylvanians to never provide their information to anyone over social media. Important tips L&I’s Facebook page has a blue check box next to the name that identifies it as a verified page. Comments by the legitimate L&I page also have a blue check box next to them indicating it as a verified page. If a comment or page does not have this check box, it is a fraudster posing as L&I. L&I does not post responses directly to claimants, send private messages, or ask for a private message to be sent. L&I also will not ask individuals to call or text a phone number. The only phone numbers for unemployment are: 1-888-313-7284 (for UC/PEUC/EB claimants). 1-855-284-8545 (for PUA claimants). L&I will not ask for individuals to send an email. The only email addresses for unemployment are: uchelp@pa.gov (for UC/PEUC/EB claimants). ucpua@pa.gov (for PUA claimants). Read more
The priorities in a government’s budget reveal a lot about our character as a society and whether we are willing to take care of all our people. The budget proposed by Governor Wolf reveals that he is motivated to take care of our kids, working families, and small businesses – the people who (in the words of Jimmy Stewart in the classic “It’s a Wonderful Life”) “do most of the working and paying and living and dying” in the Commonwealth. For the 177 th district, the governor’s budget and tax fairness policies would mean that more than half of our families pay $0 in state income taxes. Most of the rest of the district will not see any increase in taxes at all. Small businesses will also benefit from reduction in the taxes that most impact them. The governor also demonstrated a renewed commitment to our kids and their access to quality education from kindergarten to college. I have long called for a greater share of education dollars being distributed under the Fair Funding Formula, which levels the playing field for Philadelphia schools. This budget moves in that direction more than any other before it. Also, the Governor is proposing programs to make higher education more affordable. He understands the need to give our kids the tools to succeed in an ever-changing world. Investments in education are investments in the future and Read more
How to reopen/reactivate a PUA claim : Log in to your dashboard Select “File for Weekly Benefits” Then select “File Your Weekly Certification to Continue Your Claim” You will see the message “You currently have a claim established however it is inactive.” Click on “here.” It will seem as if you are opening a new claim. The system knows you are only attempting to reopen the claim you already have established. Click Next. You will see the Welcome to Pennsylvania’s Pandemic Unemployment Portal Page. Click next. The next eight pages are pre-populated based on your initial claim information. You will click next after verifying the information is correct on each page. If it is not correct, you should make updates at this time. Note: This includes things such as your email, address, date of birth, education information and employment status. You will also be asked the COVID questions. PLEASE NOTE THAT FOR THE MAJOR DISASTER INFORMATION QUESTION YOU SHOULD SELECT COVID -19 NOT COVID 19 -2 If you reported that you are self-employed, the system will ask for you 2020 wages. This is an error. You should enter all 0s for those wages. You will also need to answer if you have worked since you last filed for weeks. If you have worked, you must click the “I have worked since my last Read more
State Rep. Joe Hohenstein announced today that Philadelphia will receive more than $100 million in state funding to build a new treatment facility aimed at protecting the Delaware River and its surrounding communities. Hohenstein said a $100.11 million low-interest loan was approved by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, commonly known as Pennvest, and will be used to construct a new 300-million-gallon-per-day preliminary treatment facility that includes: A diversion structure to reroute wastewater from existing sewer interceptors. New screening and grit removal systems. Tie-in conduit to connect to existing primary sedimentation tanks. "The Delaware River is a critical resource that so many across the city rely on, especially for drinking water," said Hohenstein, D-Phila. "This funding builds upon our efforts to protect it and its aquatic wildlife by helping prevent untreated sewage runoff from contaminating the river during storms. I will continue working to secure similar funding to ensure the safety of our local waterways." Pennvest serves the communities and residents of Pennsylvania by funding sewer, stormwater and drinking water projects. More information can be found on Pennvest's website . Read more
State Rep. Joe Hohenstein is applauding the awarding of $596.23 million in federal stimulus funds to help strengthen services for students in several schools in Lower Northeast Philadelphia impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hohenstein said the financial resources will support food programs, technological improvements and other educational services. The funding will be distributed as follows: Philadelphia School District: $565.9 million. First Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School: $6.55 million. Franklin Towne Charter Elementary School: $3.28 million. Franklin Towne Charter High School: $4.11 million. Mariana Bracetti Academy Charter School: $4.68 million. Maritime Academy Charter School: $2.98 million. Memphis Street Academy Charter School at J.P. Jones: $2.5 million. Northwood Academy Charter School: $2.66 million. The Philadelphia Charter School for Arts and Science: $3.57 million. "We can't let COVID-19 stop our young people from receiving a quality education," said Hohenstein, D-Phila. "These federal stimulus dollars will play a crucial role in helping ensure students have the academic tools they need to learn safely, whether at home or in the classroom." The federal relief is provided by the bipartisan Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act’s Elementary and Read more
A week after reaffirming his commitment to upholding the Constitution for a second term, state Rep. Joe Hohenstein today announced he's been appointed to several key House committees to help in his ongoing efforts to put hardworking Pennsylvanians first. In the 2021-22 Legislative Session, Hohenstein said he has been appointed to serve on the: Judiciary Committee , which traditionally deals with legislation pertaining to criminal justice reform, law enforcement, judicial reforms, crime victims, sex offenses, among other things. Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, which focuses on environmental and energy issues, including air and water quality, and has oversight of the Department of Environmental Protection and other agencies. Transportation Committee, which is responsible for reviewing vehicle code regulations, mandatory insurance and coverage minimums, rules of the road, parking and local law enforcements, mass transit codes, rail issues and PennDOT, among other things. Game and Fisheries Committee, which considers legislation that affects hunting and fishing in Pennsylvania and has oversight of the Game Commission and Fish and Boat Commission. "I am grateful to have been selected to serve on committees that reflect many of the priorities I've been fighting for since I came Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 5 – State Rep. Joe Hohenstein affirmed his commitment to uphold the Constitution at the state Capitol today to begin his second term representing the riverwards and lower Northeast Philadelphia. The noon ceremony marked the beginning of the 2021-22 session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. "I am honored and excited to begin my next chapter as state representative of the 177th Legislative District," said Hohenstein, D-Phila. "With the COVID-19 pandemic still very much a threat, I will pick up where I left off in 2020 fighting to secure and connect small business owners, the unemployed and all other Pennsylvanians with the support, relief and resources they need to make it through this health crisis safely." Hohenstein added he will also continue putting hardworking families first by working to raise the minimum wage, create good-paying jobs, make healthcare affordable for everyone and ensure all students have access to a quality education in a safe learning environment. Hohenstein said his office can help with a variety of state-related services, including home heating, children’s health insurance, prescription drug and property tax/rent rebate assistance. His office phone number is 215-744-2600 . Residents also can learn more about Hohenstein's legislative priorities and the services his office provides by visiting his website at www.pahouse.com/Hohenstein . Read more
Take a look at state Rep. Joe Hohenstein's latest newsletter for details about COVID-19 resources, legislative updates and upcoming events he's hosting. Read more
STATE GRANT PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs: Veterans’ Trust Fund Grant Program (Source of Funding: Veterans’ Trust Fund) Who May Apply : 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a mission of serving veterans, 501(c)(19) veteran service organizations, and county directors of veterans affairs. Use : Up to $150,000 in grant funding is available for new, innovative or expanded programs or services operated by the county directors of veterans’ affairs or the Pennsylvania Association of County Directors of Veterans Affairs. The areas of emphasis for applicants in this category are veterans’ outreach and veterans’ court programs. Up to $650,000 in grant funding is available to veteran service organizations and non-profit organizations with a mission of serving Pennsylvania veterans. Funding priorities for applicants in this category are homelessness, behavioral health initiatives and veterans’ courts. Funds : A total of $800,000 will be awarded statewide. Application Deadline : January 27, 2021 at 2 p.m. More Information : Click on https://www.dmva.pa.gov/veteransaffairs/Pages/Programs%20and%20Services/Veterans%27%20Trust%20Fund/VeteransTrustFundGrantProgram.aspx . UPCOMING APPLICATION DEADLINES: DEP Driving PA Forward Onroad Rebate Program – Trucks and Buses: Read more
Legislators ask for release of families, children in face of COVID pandemic, unsanitary conditions Read more
State Rep. Joe Hohenstein today announced a $340,000 state grant has been awarded to the Delaware River City Corporation to help move the Bridesburg Riverfront Park project forward. Hohenstein said the funding is through the Department of Community and Economic Development's Local Share Account and will go towards the first phase of construction, which includes: Site work. Environmental remediation. Parking. Landscaping, utilities and a restroom facility. "This new park will take 10-acres of greenspace right in our backyard and transform it into a place that provides great views and outdoor activities for all ages to enjoy across our communities and beyond," said Hohenstein, D-Phila. "I applaud the collaborative effort on the state and local levels that has made this project a reality, and I look forward to seeing it through to its completion." Hohenstein added that the second phase of the park development will include a stage pavilion, picnic pavilion, terraced lawn seating and a river boardwalk. “We are deeply grateful for this support,” said Stephanie Phillips, executive director of Riverfront North Partnership. “Our parks are an integral part of our neighborhoods and personal wellbeing. Riverfront North Partnership has been Read more
With new modeling projecting 22,000 new COVID-19 cases per day in Pennsylvania in December, Gov. Tom Wolf and Sec. of Health Dr. Rachel Levine announced new targeted mitigation measures to help stop the spread during this critical time. Read more
State Rep. Joe Hohenstein is applauding his colleagues today for adopting his latest effort to help break down barriers and advocate for people living with a disability. Hohenstein's measure ( H.R. 1082 ) recognizes November as Assistive Technology Awareness Month across the commonwealth, raising awareness about the ongoing need to make quality tools -- like hearing aids, wheelchairs and orthotic devices -- affordable and readily accessible to every Pennsylvanian who needs them. "Since I was six years old, I have worn hearing aids, and I know first-hand how essential assistive technology is to helping people with everyday tasks like hearing, walking or speaking," explained Hohenstein, D-Phila. "These devices play a critical role in removing the often frustrating and stigmatizing challenges that can stand between those with a disability and their quality of life." During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hohenstein said the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation has provided $1.4 million in low-interest loans to people with increased needs in the disabled community for assistive technology, and he's stressing the importance of building on this progress in the state legislature. Hohenstein added, "No one should be defined by a disability. I will continue working in Harrisburg to ensure financial support is available, and individuals receive the services they deserve. Together, we can amplify the voices of those seeking help to reach Read more
In response to rising COVID-19 cases in Philadelphia, the City and Department of Public Health have announced changes to restrictions on businesses, events and gatherings, and other activities to help flatten the epidemic curve, prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed, and reduce the number of COVID-19 deaths. Read more
State Rep. Joe Hohenstein announced today that a $24,686 Safe Schools grant has been awarded to the Philadelphia Charter School for Arts and Sciences at H.R. Edmunds to purchase safety and security-related equipment. "Whether they're learning in the classroom or at home, our priority is still to ensure all students learn in a safe environment," said Hohenstein, D-Phila. "This funding will go a long way in strengthening safety measures at this school and allow them to continue offering young people a quality education." Along with equipment, the Pennsylvania Department of Education awards the competitive grants to prevent and reduce violent incidents and to provide training and compensation for school resource and police officers. For more information on Safe Schools grants, visit the state Department of Education website . Read more
After being tested for COVID-19, state Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., said his results came back negative. He released the following statement: "Earlier this week I told you my wife and I were tested for COVID-19 after coming in close contact with a family member who later tested positive. I am glad to report that both of our results came back negative today. "Our family member who tested positive for the virus is in good spirits and recovering. I am grateful for the outpouring of support for me and my family. Our situation is another reminder that COVID-19 is a real danger. "With a record number of positive cases in Pennsylvania and across the nation being reported each day, we must all be vigilant and heed CDC guidelines by wearing a mask, social distancing and washing our hands frequently. "These steps are critical in stopping the spread and protecting ourselves and those around us, especially as we head into the colder months." Read more
State Rep. Joe Hohenstein joined Oak Street Health, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging and other advocates to discuss coping with mental health during COVID-19 and the resources available. Read more
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