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House Democrats fight to keep renters, homeowners Safe at Home

(Aug 31, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The House Democratic Housing Working Group announced a package of bills to protect people across Pennsylvania as the state’s moratorium on evictions and foreclosures expires Read more

 

Madden: Testing is Key

(Aug 19, 2020) Rep. Maureen E. Madden

During a joint public hearing with the House and Senate Education Committees on safely reopening schools, Pa. state Rep. Maureen Madden discusses the importance of increasing our testing capacity and using additional facilities like community centers to safely educate our students this fall. Read more

 

August Episode of Monroe Matters

(Aug 17, 2020) Rep. Maureen E. Madden

In the latest episode of Monroe Matters, Pa. state Rep. Maureen Madden highlights the latest COVID-19 resources, discusses her bill that would help provide relief to renters and homeowners and gives viewers an inside look at the new Pocono Organics. Read more

 

Madden and House Policy Committee hear testimony on eviction mitigation legislation

(Aug 12, 2020) Rep. Maureen E. Madden

HARRISBURG, Aug. 12 – State Reps. Maureen Madden, D-Monroe, and House Democratic Policy Committee Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, held a hearing on tenant eviction mitigation legislation aimed at helping renters stay in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Madden requested the hearing because she said people are faced with hardships due to COVID-19 and fear the possibility of losing their homes. “We are on the brink of a housing crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic and we need to do everything we can to keep people in their homes,” Madden said. “Our constituents are undergoing record levels of unemployment and hourly work reductions, and they now have to face the grueling reality of paying rent. While we work to protect our essential workers and our most at-risk people, it is our responsibility to ensure they are safe in their homes.” Madden said House Democratic leadership is hearing her concerns about the eviction mitigation dilemma in Pennsylvania. “I thank Representative Madden for requesting this important hearing about her legislative package,” Sturla said. “I agree we must do everything we can to lessen the rent burden and prevent evictions during this pandemic.” The bill package to help renters by establishing the Tenant Eviction Mitigation Program would: require landlords to create a payment plan option Read more

 

Madden: $278,970 in safety grants awarded to Monroe County schools during COVID-19 pandemic

(Aug 12, 2020) Rep. Maureen E. Madden

MONROE, Aug. 12 – State Rep. Maureen Madden, D-Monroe, said that two school districts and the Monroe County Career and Technical Institute have been awarded grants as part of the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Funds: $144,439 - Monroe County Career and Technical Institute. $92,200 – East Stroudsburg School District. $42,331 – Stroudsburg Area School District. Madden said the grants will help the schools continue their educational curriculum, such as summer and other expanded programming for students during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The grant funding will help ensure that programs are current for students and that the schools are providing a relevant curriculum in a safe environment because of the COVID-19 crisis,” Madden said. Madden said GEER funding can be used towards the safe reopening of the technical institute. This may include purchasing protective equipment, hand sanitizer/cleaning products and other educational-related equipment or technology to take classrooms online. There are 80 Career Technical Institutes in Pennsylvania that offer a combination of classes and hands-on learning in programs approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Thousands of students earn industry credentials or certifications got local jobs in high demand, so they can graduate on a path for success. According to Madden, the grants are administered by the state Department of Education, with the federal funding Read more

 

Madden Hosts Policy Hearing on Eviction Mitigation

(Aug 10, 2020) Rep. Maureen E. Madden

Pa. state Rep. Maureen Madden hosted a House Democratic Policy Committee hearing to discuss her eviction mitigation legislation. These bills would require landlords to create a payment plan option for tenants, prohibit landlords from charging late fees on rent payments, and create a landlord-tenant mediation and counseling program. Read more

 

8/10/20 – COVID-19 Eviction Mitigation Legislation – Harrisburg

(Aug 10, 2020) Rep. Maureen E. Madden

Materials from a House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing held in the Capitol and co-chaired by State Rep. Maureen Madden. Read more

 

House Democratic Policy Committee to hold hearing on COVID-19 eviction mitigation legislation Monday in Capitol

(Aug 06, 2020) Rep. Maureen E. Madden

State Rep. Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, announced today that the House Democratic Policy Committee will hold a public hearing on COVID-19 eviction mitigation legislation introduced by state Rep. Maureen Madden, D-Monroe. The hearing will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10 in Room G-50 Irvis Office Building in the Capitol Complex. The media and public are invited to watch the livestream at www.pahouse.com/live . Requested by Madden, the hearing will collect input on her bills that would require landlords to create a payment plan option for tenants, prohibit landlords from charging late fees on rent payment, and create a landlord-tenant mediation and counseling program. Testifiers and members will participate in person and remotely. Testifiers will include: Marc Stier , director, PA Budget and Policy Center. Michael Tukeva , president and CEO, Pocono Mountains United Way. Gale Schwartz , associate director for policy and strategic initiatives, Housing Alliance of PA. Andrea Custis , president and CEO, Urban League of Philadelphia. Sue Wasserkrug , program administrator, Good Shepard Mediation Program. Rasheedah Phillips , managing attorney of housing policy, Community Legal Services Inc. Vikram Patel , staff attorney, Community Legal Services Inc. Bob Damewood , staff attorney, Regional Housing Legal Services. Erin DeRosa , landlord. Following the hearing, testimonies and full hearing video will be posted at Read more

 

Madden: $565 thousand state grant to Pocono Mountain Industrial Park Authority for local project and more jobs

(Jul 14, 2020) Rep. Maureen E. Madden

MONROE, July 14 – State Rep. Maureen Madden, D-Monroe, announced today that a $585,531 Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Pipeline Investment grant has been awarded to the Pocono Mountain Industrial Park Authority. The funding will be used to extend a natural gas pipe through the Pocono Mountain Corporate South in Coolbaugh Township and the Borough of Mount Pocono. The project is expected to create 100 jobs. “ This project is crucial to spur economic development in the 115 th district,” Madden said. The pipeline extension provides us the ability to upgrade our infrastructure, generating further business opportunity in Coolbaugh Township.” Madden said the authority plans to extend natural gas to serve lots 24-27 in the Pocono Mountain Corporate Center South which encompasses 59 acres. In addition, the project is expected to attract $25 million in private investments. The total project cost is over one million dollars. The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to administer Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages. Read more

 

Madden: We Need Real Environmental Protection

(Jul 08, 2020) Rep. Maureen E. Madden

Pa. state Rep. Maureen Madden spoke in opposition to House Bill 2025. Favoring stronger legislation to protect the environment, Madden believes the bill doesn't provide any real measures. Read more

 

Renter and homeowner aid available

(Jun 30, 2020) Rep. Maureen E. Madden

Renters and homeowners who were financially impacted by the economic slowdown related to the coronavirus pandemic will be able to access applications for rent and mortgage relief beginning Monday, June 29. At that time, applications will be accessible from a red banner on the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency’s website at www.PHFA.org . Homeowners who became unemployed after March 1 or who suffered at least a 30 percent reduction in annual income due to reduced work hours and wages related to COVID-19 may be eligible for financial assistance to help with missed mortgage payments. To qualify for the Pandemic Mortgage Assistance Program, the applicant must be an owner-occupant of their residence, the dwelling must consist of one or two separate units, the mortgage must be at least 30 days delinquent, and the applicant-homeowner’s annual household income must not exceed the Area Median Income for their county of residence adjusted for the number of people in their home. For renters to be eligible for financial assistance under the CARES Rent Relief Program, they will need to document at least a 30 percent reduction in annual income since March 1 related to COVID-19, or they must have become unemployed after March 1. If unemployed, they must have filed for Unemployment Compensation. Their household income cannot exceed the Area Median Income for their county of residence adjusted for the number of people in their home. For more information Read more

 

Madden Fighting for a Just Recovery

(Jun 26, 2020) Rep. Maureen E. Madden

Many Pennsylvanians are facing hardships related to COVID-19, including the possibility of losing their home or being evicted from their apartment due to financial issues. Pa. state Reps. Maureen Madden and Mike Schlossberg are addressing this issue with a Tenant Eviction Mitigation bill package. Read more

 

Small Business Assistance grants available

(Jun 25, 2020) PA Department of Community and Economic Development

Applications are expected to be available June 30 for a new program aimed at providing critical funding to local businesses hurt by the coronavirus. Read more

 

Madden Welcomes Organic Farm to the Poconos

(Jun 18, 2020) Rep. Maureen E. Madden

Pa. state Rep. Maureen Madden participated in the grand opening of Pocono Organics, an organic farm, food market, and cafe bringing an educational and nutritional experience to Monroe County. Read more

 

Madden, Pashinski and Schlossberg discuss legislative priorities for a ‘Just Recovery Plan’

(Jun 18, 2020) Rep. Maureen E. Madden

HARRISBURG, June 18 – State Reps. Maureen Madden, D-Monroe, Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Luzerne, and Mike Schlossberg, D-Lehigh, held a “ PA Needs a Just Recovery” Zoom press event to discuss the steps the Pennsylvania General Assembly needs to take to create a just recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and to heed the call for racial justice demanded by Pennsylvanians. A Just Recovery for all Pennsylvanians includes: Racial justice and police reforms. Making sure that Pennsylvanians returning to work have the resources they need to protect themselves from COVID-19. Instituting additional small business stimulus packages. Making sure schools and students have the resources, including internet access, to facilitate proper socially distant learning. Working towards providing quality housing for every Pennsylvanian. Instituting tax fairness initiatives. Continuing to ensure that all Pennsylvanians have access to the vote so their voices can be heard. Madden said House Democrats are determined to work together, not just to protect and reward frontline workers during this crisis, but to ensure that everyone -- with no exceptions -- can secure fair pay, a safe workplace and to be able to stay in their homes. “Our constituents are undergoing record levels of unemployment and hourly work reductions, and they now have to face the grueling reality of paying rent,” Read more

 

Madden and Schlossberg to introduce Tenant Eviction Mitigation legislation to help renters due to the COVID-19 pandemic

(Jun 15, 2020) Rep. Maureen E. Madden

HARRISBURG, June 15 – State Reps. Maureen Madden, D-Monroe, and Mike Schlossberg, D-Lehigh, plan on introducing legislation aimed at helping renters stay in their homes by establishing a Tenant Eviction Mitigation bill package . Both lawmakers said among the hardships Pennsylvanians are facing across the state due to COVID-19, is the fear of possibly losing their home. It’s one of the most prominent fears, and for this reason they will introduce a bill package to help renters. “We are on the brink of a housing crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic and we need to do everything we can to keep people in their homes,” Madden said. “Our constituents are undergoing record levels of unemployment and hourly work reductions, and they now have to face the grueling reality of paying rent. While we work to protect our essential workers and our most at-risk people, it is our responsibility to ensure they are safe in their homes.” “In the aftermath of the Great Recession, several counties in PA—including Lehigh County, took steps to create a mortgage mitigation program,” Schlossberg said. “Courts took steps to protect endangered homeowners and helped to keep people in their homes. This legislation takes a similar approach to protect tenants and also helps landlords work toward a process for securing past-due rents. These are terribly difficult times and the more we can do help landlords and tenants navigate Read more

 

Rep. Madden announces over $225K for charitable food pantries in district

(May 21, 2020) Rep. Maureen E. Madden

MONROE, May 21 – State Rep. Maureen Madden, D-Monroe, is diligently working to help keep food banks in the 115 th legislative district stocked during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, Gov. Tom Wolf announced two food pantries in Madden’s district were awarded a total of $225,322 in Food Recovery Infrastructure Grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Madden announced the following grant awards: $188,396 – Stroudsburg Wesleyan Church $36,926 – Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry at East Stroudsburg’s United Methodist Church. “The demand for food assistance is rising at an extraordinary rate because of the COVID-19 crisis, and these grants will go a long way in helping families put food on the table at a time when they are struggling to make ends meet,” Madden said. “I am continuing to work at many food bank distribution pantries in my district, and we have already served hundreds of families who have food shortages.” Madden said the Wolf administration is providing the food recovery infrastructure grants to keep food banks stocked and to prevent farm losses. The program encourage partnerships between nonprofit organizations such as food banks and farms, processors and cooperatives that continue to experience challenges within the food supply chain as the result of COVID-19 emergency. Read more

 

Madden Discusses the Importance of Fair Redistricting

(May 07, 2020) Rep. Maureen E. Madden

Pa. state Rep. Maureen Madden sits down with Rep. Steve Samuelson to discuss the importance of redistricting reform in Pennsylvania and highlight legislation aimed at ending gerrymandering. Read more

 

Madden Discusses the Potential Impacts of Senate Bill 613

(Apr 16, 2020) Rep. Maureen E. Madden

Pa. state Rep. Maureen Madden discusses her opposition to Senate Bill 613, saying that we must follow the guidance of our medical experts and not rush to re-open businesses and our economy. Read more

 

Madden: Short term rentals banned in the Poconos during the Stay-At-Home order

(Apr 01, 2020) Rep. Maureen E. Madden

MONROE, APRIL 1 – State Rep. Maureen Madden, D-Monroe, and other regional lawmakers wrote a letter to Gov. Tom Wolf asking him to remove short-term rentals, such as Airbnb’s, from the list of essential businesses that may remain open during the COVID-19 outbreak. In response, Wolf has now deemed short-term rentals as non-essential businesses that must cease operating while the statewide Stay-at-Home order is in place. “Closing short-term rentals in my district is for the safety of everyone because the number of COVID-19 cases is exploding and I have a real concern about this,” Madden said. Madden said certain rental companies had been advertising to New York and New Jersey residents to come to the Poconos for a coronavirus-free environment. “They are coming here, they’re spreading more germs and they are taking more germs back with them,” Madden said. At today’s news briefing, Wolf said he’s ordering short-term rentals to close and thanked both Democratic and Republican state representatives and senators for alerting him to the public health and safety concerns. “There is nothing essential to short-term rentals in the Poconos, so I’m glad to see the governor is shutting them down,” she said. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, there are 278 positive COVID-19 cases in Monroe County and that number grows every day. In addition, Madden said because of the Read more

 

House Democrats fight to keep renters, homeowners Safe at Home
Aug 31, 2020

Madden: Testing is Key
Aug 19, 2020

August Episode of Monroe Matters
Aug 17, 2020

Madden and House Policy Committee hear testimony on eviction mitigation legislation
Aug 12, 2020

Madden: $278,970 in safety grants awarded to Monroe County schools during COVID-19 pandemic
Aug 12, 2020

Madden Hosts Policy Hearing on Eviction Mitigation
Aug 10, 2020

8/10/20 – COVID-19 Eviction Mitigation Legislation – Harrisburg
Aug 10, 2020

House Democratic Policy Committee to hold hearing on COVID-19 eviction mitigation legislation Monday in Capitol
Aug 06, 2020

Madden: $565 thousand state grant to Pocono Mountain Industrial Park Authority for local project and more jobs
Jul 14, 2020

Madden: We Need Real Environmental Protection
Jul 08, 2020

Renter and homeowner aid available
Jun 30, 2020

Madden Fighting for a Just Recovery
Jun 26, 2020

Small Business Assistance grants available
Jun 25, 2020

Madden Welcomes Organic Farm to the Poconos
Jun 18, 2020

Madden, Pashinski and Schlossberg discuss legislative priorities for a ‘Just Recovery Plan’
Jun 18, 2020

Madden and Schlossberg to introduce Tenant Eviction Mitigation legislation to help renters due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Jun 15, 2020

Rep. Madden announces over $225K for charitable food pantries in district
May 21, 2020

Madden Discusses the Importance of Fair Redistricting
May 07, 2020

Madden Discusses the Potential Impacts of Senate Bill 613
Apr 16, 2020

Madden: Short term rentals banned in the Poconos during the Stay-At-Home order
Apr 01, 2020