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Kulik: House passes legislation to provide relief for restaurant industry

(Oct 28, 2021) Rep. Anita Astorino Kulik

HARRISBURG, Oct. 28 – State Rep. Anita Kulik, D-Allegheny, announced the PA House has passed H.B. 425 , legislation that includes her initiative to relax some requirements for holding a liquor licenses in safekeeping to provide needed assistance to restaurants struggling during the pandemic. “Safekeeping licenses became a lifeline for business owners who have either had to close their doors or had trouble reopening due to the financial instability of the pandemic,” said Kulik, who is a member of the House Liquor Control Committee. “By offering license holders an extension on safekeeping, we’re giving them more time to regroup and consider their options in moving forward with their business.” Kulik said H.B. 425 was amended to include, from a bill she introduced earlier this year, an additional year of safekeeping, which would begin at the license’s renewal after Dec. 31, 2021, provided the licensee submits the renewal application when it is due. The legislation also includes provisions that remove barriers for outdoor dining, proposed by state Rep. Dan Deasy, D-Allegheny, and expand off-site catering permits, proposed by state Rep. Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery. House Bill 425 has passed the House and the Senate and is currently awaiting the governor’s signature. Read more

 

Now open for applications: Small business, school safety, public library, and truck and bus funding opportunities

(Aug 09, 2021) Rep. Anita Astorino Kulik

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection: Small Business Advantage Grant Program (Funding Source: Recycling Fund & Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund) Who May Apply : Registered Pennsylvania for-profit businesses with 100 or fewer full-time equivalent employees and which are taxed as a for-profit business. Use : To purchase energy efficient or pollution prevention equipment, or adopt waste reduction processes. Examples of eligible projects include HVAC and boiler upgrades, high-efficiency LED lighting, digital X-ray equipment, solvent recovery systems, water and waste recycling processes, auxiliary power units (APUs), and agricultural BMPs. Projects must save the small business a minimum of $500 and at least 25% annually in energy consumption or pollution related expenses. Natural resource protection projects must quantify the reduction of nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment loadings reaching the receiving waterway. Funds : 50% matching reimbursement grants up to a maximum of $5,000. Application Deadline : First-come, first-served until funds are expended . More Information : Click on https://www.dep.pa.gov/Citizens/GrantsLoansRebates/SmallBusinessOmbudsmanOffice/Pages/Small%20Business%20Advantage%20Grant.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: ATV/Snowmobile Grants Read more

 

Now open for applications: Keystone Communities, public transportation vehicles, substance misuse, and agriculture funding opportunities

(Jul 07, 2021) Rep. Anita Astorino Kulik

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture: Federal Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : State and local organizations, producer associations, academia, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders. Use : Projects that will increase visibility and competitiveness of the state’s horticultural specialty crops including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, culinary herbs and spices, medicinal plants and nursery crops. Funds : Requests may be made for a minimum of $20,000, provided the amount reasonably represents the cost of the intended project. Application Deadline : Concept proposals due July 30 More Information : Click on Specialty Crops Grant Program (pa.gov) . Pennsylvania Department of Transportation: Section 5310 Private Nonprofit (PNP) Vehicle Grant Program ( Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Private nonprofit organizations and designated public bodies. Use : To purchase new wheelchair accessible small transit vehicles used to provide transportation services for senior citizens and persons with disabilities who cannot be reasonably accommodated by existing transportation providers. Funds : Federal capital assistance to pay up to 80% of the purchase cost. Application Deadline : August Read more

 

A list of grant opportunities available right now

(Jul 07, 2021) Rep. Anita Astorino Kulik

From support for local businesses to job training, there are a number of grant funding opportunities in Pennsylvania. Here's a look at what's available right now: STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection: Driving PA Forward Level 2 EV Charging Rebate Program (Funding Source: State Mitigation Trust - Volkswagen Emissions Settlement) Who May Apply : Business, charitable organizations, incorporated nonprofits, local government entities, school districts, and other entities. Use : Rebates for Level 2 EV charging equipment for public use at government owned property, public use at non-government owned property, non-public use at work places, non-public use at multi-unit dwellings. Funds : Maximum rebates of $4,000 per plug for full public access and networked charging projects, $3,500 per plug for multi-unit dwelling projects and $3,000 per plug for all other eligible projects, including workplace charging. Application Deadline : First come, first-served. More Information : Click on https://gis.dep.pa.gov/drivingpaforward/ . Pennsylvania Department of Human Services: Children’s Trust Fund (Funding Source: Children’s Trust Fund) Who May Apply : Any organization operating in Pennsylvania that provides direct services and meets the criteria in this Request for Applications (“RFA”) is eligible to apply. Use : To support community-based child abuse and neglect Read more

 

Kulik: $171,000 in grants awarded to area first responders

(Jul 01, 2021) Rep. Anita Astorino Kulik

CORAOPOLIS, July 1 – State Rep. Anita Kulik announced a total of $171,549 in grants have been awarded to 14 fire and emergency medical services companies. Kulik, D-Allegheny, said the funding is provided by the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program, which is overseen by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner. “Over the past year, fire and EMS companies never wavered in their commitment to their communities, even as the pandemic took a toll on their fundraising efforts and other resources,” Kulik said. “This grant funding is one way to help them continue the good work and provide services that keep us safe.” The grants awarded are as follows: Ben Avon Fire Co.: $11,698. Bower Hill Volunteer Fire Department: $13,480. Carnegie Volunteer Fire and Rescue: $11,520. Coraopolis Volunteer Fire Department: $13,659. Emsworth Volunteer Fire Co. Inc.: $12,589. Forest Grove Volunteer Fire Department: $12,946. Glendale Hose Co. Number One: $13,302. Kennedy Township Independent Volunteer Fire Co.: $12,589. Moon Run Volunteer Fire Co.: $14,372. Neville Island General Volunteer Fire Department: $12,411. Robinson Emergency Medical Service Inc.: $8,993. Robinson Township Volunteer Fire Co. #1: $13,124. Scott Township Emergency Medical Service: $8,993. Stowe Township Volunteer Fire Department: $11,876. Read more

 

Kulik: $310,000 awarded to fight blight

(May 25, 2021) Rep. Anita Astorino Kulik

CORAOPOLIS, May 25 – Tapping into state funding to remove blight, eliminate danger and prepare land for reuse, state Rep. Anita Kulik today announced $310,000 in grants for two projects impacting her district in Allegheny County. Kulik, D-Allegheny, welcomed the Commonwealth Financing Authority awards – $110,000 for Stowe Township and $200,000 for the Char-West Council of Governments – as a vital tool to remediate blight and set in motion potential redevelopment. “Everyone knows the damaging effect that blight has on public safety, property values and a community’s desirability as a place for families to live and businesses to invest,” Kulik said. “This state aid will help eliminate those negatives and turn our comeback tide in an even more positive direction.” Kulik provided this breakdown of the CFA funding through the state’s Blight Mediation Program: Stowe Township will use its $110,000 to demolish seven properties that are beyond repair and present a clear danger to the community, in keeping with the township’s blight remediation plan. Char-West Council of Governments will use its $200,000 to demolish 12 properties sprinkled throughout 10 Allegheny County municipalities, each of which has a blighted structure and will see the site restored for future development. A few of them include asbestos abatement. The state’s Blight Remediation Read more

 

Kulik announces more than $250,000 in grants for recreation, watershed restoration projects

(Apr 21, 2021) Rep. Anita Astorino Kulik

CORAOPOLIS, April 21 – Grant funding totaling $250,750 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority will be used to rehabilitate a park in Carnegie, reconstruct a trail damaged by a landslide in Rosslyn Farms and reduce sediment pollution at a stream in Coraopolis, according to state Rep. Anita Kulik. CFA’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program awarded funding to the following: $85,750 to Carnegie Borough for the Seventh Avenue Community Park Rehabilitation Phase 1, which includes installing new playground equipment, a rain garden and landscaping. $40,000 to Rosslyn Farms Borough for the Edgecliff Trail Rehabilitation. The project aims to repair part of the trail that was damaged by a small landslide and surfacing a portion of the trail with wood chips. CFA’s Watershed Restoration and Protection Program awarded funding to the following: $125,000 to the Coraopolis Water and Sewer Authority for the McCabe Run Stream Restoration. The project includes reinforcing and stabilizing the streambank, along with planting trees and shrubs, to reduce sediment pollution to the McCabe Run-Ohio River HUC 12 watershed. “ This funding is a great help for communities to be able to improve spaces that encourage residents to spend time outside,” said Kulik, D-Allegheny. “Repairing the landslide damage to Edgecliff Trail will allow people who walk the path to enjoy it again, as well as reconnect Read more

 

Kulik legislation providing restaurants relief from paying safekeeping fees receives committee vote

(Mar 16, 2021) Rep. Anita Astorino Kulik

HARRISBURG, March 16 – State Rep. Anita Kulik announced today the House Liquor Control Committee unanimously voted out her legislation that would provide restaurants relief from paying safekeeping fees during the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation would allow a one-year reprieve from paying liquor license renewal or validation fees for license holders whose businesses are not operational. It was included as an amendment in a larger restaurant relief effort, H.B. 452 , which would remove barriers to providing outdoor dining for licensed establishments and would allow more flexibility for off-site catering. “Restaurants and bars have faced great uncertainty, setbacks and economic losses stemming from the pandemic,” said Kulik, D-Allegheny. “This relief would allow hard-hit businesses time to regroup before having to pay fees associated with keeping a liquor license in safekeeping.” The legislation now moves to the full House for further consideration. Read more

 

Allegheny County rental relief program now accepting applications

(Mar 15, 2021) Rep. Anita Astorino Kulik

HARRISBURG, March 15 – Financial assistance is now available to help Allegheny County residents struggling to pay rent or utilities during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of a program that is partially funded by legislation members of the Allegheny County Democratic Delegation helped to pass. The Allegheny County Emergency Rental Assistance program has a total of $79.9 million to distribute to eligible county residents. Of that funding, $43 million came from Act 1 of 2021, which Gov. Tom Wolf signed into law last month. Eligibility requirements for the program include: having at least one person who qualifies for unemployment, has lost income or suffered financially due to COVID-19. being at risk of experiencing homelessness. having a total income below 80% of the Area Median Income for Allegheny County. ACDD Chairman state Rep. Austin Davis, as well as state Reps. Jessica Benham, Dan Deasy, Tony DeLuca, Dan Frankel, Ed Gainey, Sara Innamorato, Emily Kinkead, Anita Kulik, Summer Lee, Brandon Markosek, Robert Matzie, Dan Miller, Nick Pisciottano and Jake Wheatley, issued the following statement: “People living in Allegheny County have been struggling for over a year during this pandemic. This program has been a long time coming and helps provide direct relief to those who’ve been scrambling to pay their rent and bills during this Read more

 

Please read - Important filing information

(Jan 28, 2021) Rep. Anita Astorino Kulik

Payments for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program in the new federal CARES Act extension resumed on Jan. 22, according to the PA Department of Labor and Industry. Read more

 

Troubleshooting PUA claims: How to reopen/reactivate a PUA claim

(Jan 27, 2021) Rep. Anita Astorino Kulik

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 filing” and enter your employment information. The system Read more

 

Pennsylvania Allows Pharmacies to Administer COVID-19 Vaccine, Bolstering Fight To Stop The Virus

(Jan 14, 2021) Rep. Anita Astorino Kulik

As part of the Wolf Administration's effort to rollout the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine, Governor Tom Wolf has approved a temporary waiver allowing pharmacists licensed by the Department of State to order and administer COVID-19 vaccines without a physician's order when vaccines are available to the public. Read more

 

My oath to you

(Jan 12, 2021) Rep. Anita Astorino Kulik

Last week, I was sworn in for another two-year term as YOUR state representative. I can’t stress enough how grateful and humbled I am to win your confidence to best represent you and your family at the state Capitol. Read more

 

Kulik sworn in for third term as state representative of 45th Legislative District

(Jan 05, 2021) Rep. Anita Astorino Kulik

HARRISBURG, Jan. 5 – On Tuesday, state Rep. Anita Kulik, D-Allegheny, was sworn in for a third term as state representative of the 45 th Legislative District for the 2021-22 legislative session. “It’s been an honor to serve the 45 th Legislative District, its residents and the commonwealth as a whole,” Kulik said. “With this title comes many responsibilities, for better or worse, but I love what I do and am so proud to know residents back home continue to put their faith in me to best represent their interests here at the state Capitol.” Committee assignments for the 2021-22 legislative session have yet to be made, but Kulik previously served as secretary of the Game and Fisheries Committee, and on the Liquor Control, Professional Licensure, and Veteran Affairs and Emergency Preparedness committees. The 45 th Legislative District consists of Kennedy, Kilbuck, Neville, Robinson, Scott, and Stowe townships, as well as the boroughs of Ben Avon, Ben Avon Heights, Carnegie, Coraopolis, Emsworth, Pennsbury Village and Rosslyn Farms. Kulik invited Allegheny County residents to visit her webpage, www.pahouse.com/Kulik , for more information about constituent services. Residents can also connect with her via social media at www.facebook/com/RepAnitaKulik . Read more

 

Ballot Return Available Daily 8 AM to 8 PM until Election Day

(Oct 28, 2020) Rep. Anita Astorino Kulik

The Elections Division today reminded voters that ballot return is available until Election Day in the lobby of the County Office Building from 8 AM to 8 PM daily. On Election Day – November 3, 2020 – the lobby will open at 7 AM for ballot return. Voters who have made errors on or misplaced their security or declaration envelope may get replacements at the window. Read more

 

10/15/20 – Women In Business – Carnegie

(Oct 16, 2020) Rep. Anita Astorino Kulik

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

 

Kulik hosts policy hearing on how women in business manage COVID-19

(Oct 15, 2020) Rep. Anita Astorino Kulik

HARRISBURG, Oct. 15 – State Rep. Anita Kulik, D-Allegheny, today held a House Democratic Policy Committee hearing on women in business and how they’ve fared through the COVID-19 pandemic. The hearing, held at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall, featured testimony from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and local businesswomen about their experiences. Kulik was joined by HDPC Chair Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, and other committee members. “It’s my hope today’s discussion was both informative and beneficial to women in business, especially in regard to the current COVID-19 pandemic,” Kulik said. “Now is a better time than ever to check in and make sure no one is being left behind. COVID-19 is something we weren’t prepared to tackle, and Pennsylvania businesses were hit especially hard in late spring. Holding today’s hearing was a way for state representatives and businesswomen to come together to discuss their struggles and the needed resources going forward.” Testifiers at today’s hearing included: Carol Kilko , deputy secretary for business finance, DCED. Eva Trout , artist and owner, Firebox Art Studio. Tammy Bellotti , travel agent and owner, Magical Moments Vacations. Marianne Skiba , Emmy-winning makeup artist and owner, Glam Earth. Tiffany Battaglini , insurance agent and agency owner, Erie Read more

 

Kulik to hold House Democratic Policy Committee hearing Thursday in Carnegie on Women in Business

(Oct 09, 2020) Rep. Anita Astorino Kulik

CARNEGIE, Oct. 9 – State Rep. Anita Kulik, D-Allegheny, announced today that she will host a House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing on women in business and how they fared through the COVID-19 pandemic. The hearing will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 15 at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Ave. The public also may watch the livestream at www.pahouse.com/live . Requested by Kulik, the hearing will feature testimony from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and local businesswomen about their experiences. She will be joined by HDPC Chair Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, and other committee members. Testifiers will include: Carol Kilko , deputy secretary for business finance, DCED. Eva Trout , artist and owner, Firebox Art Studio. Tammy Bellotti , travel agent and owner, Magical Moments Vacations. Marianne Skiba , Emmy-winning makeup artist and owner, Glam Earth. Tiffany Battaglini , insurance agent and agency owner, Erie Insurance. Kanak Iyer , owner, Kanakadhara Financial Enterprises LLC. Coleen Melani Baldwin , owner, Tootsie’s Diner. Following the hearing, testimonies and full hearing video will be posted at www.pahouse.com/policycommittee . Media coverage is invited Read more

 

Kulik: $30K awarded for study that will decide on renovations for Avonworth Community Swimming Pool

(Sep 24, 2020) Rep. Anita Astorino Kulik

HARRISBURG, Sept. 24 – State Rep. Anita Kulik, D-Allegheny, today announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has awarded $30,000 to Avonworth Municipal Authority to help prepare for the possible renovation of the community pool. Specifically, Kulik said the funding will help gauge the feasibility of renovating the Avonworth Community Swimming Pool. A written, bound report will follow. “I’m happy to announce this funding because this is a highly trafficked and used pool in our community,” Kulik said. “Our residents work hard and deserve to have a nice community pool in the summertime months to visit when they have the free time to do so.” DCNR’s Community Parks and Recreation Grants program is funded with a variety of state and federal sources, including the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, or Key 93, which includes Key-Community and Key-Land Trust; the Environmental Stewardship Fund; the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund; Pennsylvania Trails Fund; Pennsylvania Heritage Area Program; and the ATV Restricted Management Account Fund. More information can be found at the following link: https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Communities/Grants/CommunityParks%20andRecreationGrants/Pages/default.aspx . Read more

 

Kulik: Four elementary schools awarded grants for fresh fruits and vegetables

(Sep 22, 2020) Rep. Anita Astorino Kulik

HARRISBURG, Sept. 22 – State Rep. Anita Kulik, D-Allegheny, today announced that four schools were awarded grants to provide students with fresh fruits and vegetables. Kulik said the funding was dispersed through the Department of Education and awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. The program’s goals are to create healthier school environments by providing healthier food choices, expand the variety of fruits and vegetables students experience, increase fruit and vegetable consumption, and positively impact students’ present and future health. “These grants do more than simply provide money to selected schools,” Kulik said. “In fact, they provide kids with the necessary foods required for them to succeed inside the classroom, while also setting an example for a healthy diet.” The following elementary schools in the 45 th Legislative District were awarded funding through the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program: Carlynton Elementary School. Cornell School Elementary School. Sto-Rox Primary Center. Sto-Rox Upper Elementary School. Kulik said the program works by giving select elementary schools $50 to $75 per student for each school year. The exact amount of per student funding is determined by the Department of Education and is based on the total funds allocated to the state and the student enrollment at Read more

 

Kulik: House passes legislation to provide relief for restaurant industry
Oct 28, 2021

Now open for applications: Small business, school safety, public library, and truck and bus funding opportunities
Aug 09, 2021

Now open for applications: Keystone Communities, public transportation vehicles, substance misuse, and agriculture funding opportunities
Jul 07, 2021

A list of grant opportunities available right now
Jul 07, 2021

Kulik: $171,000 in grants awarded to area first responders
Jul 01, 2021

Kulik: $310,000 awarded to fight blight
May 25, 2021

Kulik announces more than $250,000 in grants for recreation, watershed restoration projects
Apr 21, 2021

Kulik legislation providing restaurants relief from paying safekeeping fees receives committee vote
Mar 16, 2021

Allegheny County rental relief program now accepting applications
Mar 15, 2021

Please read - Important filing information
Jan 28, 2021

Troubleshooting PUA claims: How to reopen/reactivate a PUA claim
Jan 27, 2021

Pennsylvania Allows Pharmacies to Administer COVID-19 Vaccine, Bolstering Fight To Stop The Virus
Jan 14, 2021

My oath to you
Jan 12, 2021

Kulik sworn in for third term as state representative of 45th Legislative District
Jan 05, 2021

Ballot Return Available Daily 8 AM to 8 PM until Election Day
Oct 28, 2020

10/15/20 – Women In Business – Carnegie
Oct 16, 2020

Kulik hosts policy hearing on how women in business manage COVID-19
Oct 15, 2020

Kulik to hold House Democratic Policy Committee hearing Thursday in Carnegie on Women in Business
Oct 09, 2020

Kulik: $30K awarded for study that will decide on renovations for Avonworth Community Swimming Pool
Sep 24, 2020

Kulik: Four elementary schools awarded grants for fresh fruits and vegetables
Sep 22, 2020