Kosierowski introduces legislation to expand home visiting support for new and expecting mothers

(Mar 06, 2020)

HARRISBURG, March 6 – State Rep. Bridget M. Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna, today introduced legislation that would expand maternal home visits to give new parents the tools they need to ensure their children grow up healthy. “ Motherhood is already challenging for those who know where their next meal is coming from, have secure housing, are financially stable, and have the support of family and friends. But what about the mothers who don’t, where do they turn?” Kosierowski said. “This bill will help our kids and save money in the long run by providing better health outcomes and improved child development.” House Bill 2335 would direct the Department of Health to create a plan to make maternal home visits available to every parent who needs or wants them. Federal dollars would be used to support the program. It would also set up strict accountability and evaluation standards to know these infants and parents are getting the best possible care and attention. Maternal home visits bring in professionals like nurses and social workers to provide additional support to families or single parents, babies facing medical issues, or parents struggling with limited resources. The bill is awaiting referral to a committee. Read more

 

Kosierowski announces federal grant for local organization to help veterans battling addiction

(Mar 02, 2020)

HARRISBURG, March 2 – A Clarks Summit organization has been awarded a $50,000 federal grant to assist its programs to help veterans overcome opioid addiction, state Rep. Bridget M. Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna, announced today. Kosierowski said The Treatment Court Advocacy Center of Lackawanna County will use the funding to provide case management, family assessments and family service plans for veterans suffering from opioid use. TCAC helps individuals in various Lackawanna County Treatment/Problem solving Courts as they work to achieve sober, drug free and productive lives. “Our veterans sacrifice so much to protect our country and our freedom, and sadly many of them return from service battling a different enemy, drug addiction,” Kosierowski said. “This funding will help provide needed treatment and support to the selfless heroes affected by opioid use disorder.” The funding is part of $1 million in federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grants awarded to seven programs across Pennsylvania which offer treatment and recovery, suicide prevention services, homelessness support and other programs to help veterans overcome their addiction disorder. Read more

 

Kosierowski Secures Grant to Help Modernize Old Forge Borough Building

(Feb 28, 2020)

Pa. state Rep. Bridget M. Kosierowski helped secure a $300,000 grant for repairs and upgrades to the aging borough building in Old Forge. Read more

 

Kosierowski: Local school districts awarded more than $360K

(Feb 26, 2020)

A total of $361,253 in state funding has been awarded to five schools within the 114th Legislative District to support and implement school safety initiatives, announced state Rep. Bridget Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna. Read more

 

2/19/20 – Mental Health Professional Shortages in Schools – Dickson City

(Feb 20, 2020)

Materials from a House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing hosted by State Rep. Bridget Kosierowski. Read more

 

Kosierowski to introduce legislation addressing shortage of mental health professionals in schools

(Feb 20, 2020)

TAYLOR, Feb. 20 – State Rep. Bridget M. Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna, today said she plans to introduce legislation to address the shortage of mental health professionals in schools. Under H.B. 2320, a loan forgiveness program would be established for individuals seeking to serve as school counselors, psychologists or social workers. Qualifying mental health school professionals would be able to receive up to $40,000 in loan forgiveness in exchange for serving in a Pennsylvania school for a minimum of four years. “Currently, many of our children across Pennsylvania do not have access to mental health professionals when they may need it most,” Kosierowski said. “This bill would encourage these qualified and bright individuals to study and join these important workforces, which will improve school safety and support our students.” Kosierowski said she authored the bill after holding a House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing this week which addressed the issue. Kosierowski is currently seeking co-sponsors of the legislation. Read more

 

Kosierowski, HDPC look at mental health professionals in schools

(Feb 19, 2020)

DICKSON CITY, Feb. 19 – State Rep. Bridget M. Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna, today hosted a House Democratic Policy Committee hearing at Dickson City Borough on the shortage of mental health professionals in schools. Kosierowski was joined by fellow state legislators, including HDPC Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, to discuss the importance of schools having mental health professionals available. She is working on legislation that would establish a loan forgiveness program for individuals seeking to serve as school counselors, psychologists, or social workers. “The mental health crisis does not only impact adults, it affects many of our young students as well,” Kosierowski said. “The safety and well-being of children is one of my core issues as a lawmaker, and I want to make sure our schools have the staff and resources they need to help students address mental issues like depression and anxiety.” Sturla added, “It is critical that schools have mental health professionals that can readily help students who are overcoming adverse childhood experiences. I commend Representative Kosierowski for spotlighting this issue, so we can provide better support to schools and to those Pennsylvanians pursuing a career in this mental health field. The panelists included: Meghna Patel, deputy secretary for health innovation, Pennsylvania Department of Health; Sister Gail Cabral, professor of Read more

 

Kosierowski to host HDPC hearing on mental health Feb. 19 in Dickson City

(Feb 13, 2020)

DICKSON CITY, Feb. 13 – State Rep. Bridget M. Kosierowski, D-Lehigh, announced today she will host a House Democratic Policy Committee hearing next week on the shortage of mental health professionals in Pennsylvania schools. The hearing is scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19 at Dickson City Borough, 901 Enterprise Street, Dickson City. Members of the public and media are invited to attend. Kosierowski requested the hearing to discuss the importance of having mental health professionals available in schools. She will be joined by fellow state legislators, including HDPC Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster. The current agenda is: 2 p.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks 2:10 p.m. Meghna Patel , deputy secretary for health innovation, Pennsylvania Department of Health 2:40 p.m. Panel of Experts Sr. Gail Cabral Ph.D. , professor of psychology, Marywood University Sandie Lamanna M.S. , psychologist in private practice Jenna Kelly, M.S., p sychologist in private practice 3:30 p.m. Closing Remarks This hearing is part of a series being held across the state on House Democrats’ Plan4PA, an agenda focused on putting people first by growing good jobs, providing healthcare access, creating quality schools and providing training for jobs in a fair economy. More information about the plan is available at www.plan4pa.com . Hearing materials will Read more

 

Winter 2020 Newsletter

(Feb 07, 2020)

Serving the residents of the 114th District has truly been the most rewarding feeling. I am very proud of what we have accomplished in the short time I have been in office. Read more

 

Kosierowski responds to Wolf budget proposal

(Feb 04, 2020)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – State Rep. Bridget M. Kosierowski, offered the following statement in response to Gov. Tom Wolf’s 2020-21 budget plan, which was unveiled today. “First of all, it was a pleasure to serve on the escort committee this year to walk Governor Wolf into the Hall of the House to deliver his budget address. This year’s plan contains many items I am pleased to support, which will greatly benefit my district. “I am pleased to hear the governor’s plan to reform many aspects of our education system. From expanding full-day kindergarten programs and increasing funding for special education, to reforming student loans and scholarships for higher education, these are designed to give our children the best chances to succeed. “I am also hopeful for Governor Wolf’s plan to address the opioid crisis. With over 25 years working as a registered nurse, I have seen firsthand how difficult the battle of addiction is for families. We have seen how these initiatives are working to reduce overdose deaths, so I want to ensure these programs continue to prevent people from losing their lives. “There is still a long way to go in the budget process and I look forward to learning more details as wells as doing everything I can to support the governor’s plan to improve the lives of the residents of Lackawanna County and Pennsylvania,” Kosierowski said. Read more