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Summer 2022 Newsletter

(Sep 01, 2022) Rep. Brandon Markosek

Check out my Summer 2022 Newsletter Read more

 

First responders applaud tax exemption bill during Democratic Policy hearing

(Aug 08, 2022) Rep. Brandon Markosek

The House Democratic Policy Committee convened a hearing in Monroeville Monday afternoon to gather stakeholder feedback on a bill that would provide a tax exemption to firefighters who purchase equipment with their own money. Read more

 

Markosek introduces bill to give more veterans access to state programs

(Jun 30, 2022) Rep. Brandon Markosek

HARRISBURG, June 30 – State Rep. Brandon Markosek, D-Allegheny, has authored a bill to ensure those who fought on behalf of the commonwealth and the country can take advantage of state programs that their disability benefits may push them out of. “During these challenging times when inflation is driving up prices,” Markosek said, “I feel it is our responsibility to do all we can to care for our veterans, who have bravely put their lives on the line to defend our nation and our freedom.” Currently a veteran's disability benefits are considered income for several state senior citizen programs. Markosek's bill would exempt those disability benefits from being counted as income for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, the PACE/PACENET pharmaceutical drug assistance program funded by lottery proceeds, and the reduced vehicle registration fee program. Nearly 800,000 veterans live in Pennsylvania, and approximately 300,000 of them served during wartime. Additionally, three-quarters of veterans living in the state are older than 55. The bill (H.B. 2708) has been referred to the Pennsylvania House Finance Committee for review. Read more

 

Spring 2022 newsletter

(Jun 01, 2022) Rep. Brandon Markosek

Spring 2022 newsletter Read more

 

Markosek announces $42,000 for Pitcairn Borough Police Department

(Mar 15, 2022) Rep. Brandon Markosek

MONROEVILLE, March 15 – The Pitcairn Borough Police Department secured a $42,000 grant to purchase a new police patrol vehicle, announced state Rep. Brandon Markosek, D-Allegheny. “Pitcairn Borough Police recently took over policing in the neighboring community of Wilmerding Borough,” Markosek said. “I’m pleased this new funding will allow the department to purchase a new vehicle that will help its officers cover the additional territory and adequately serve the new jurisdiction.” The grant was administered by the state Department of Community and Economic Development . Read more

 

Markosek announces $116,350 in grants for fire, EMS companies

(Feb 14, 2022) Rep. Brandon Markosek

MONROEVILLE, Feb. 14 – State Rep. Brandon Markosek, D-Allegheny, announced nine fire and EMS companies in the 25 th Legislative District were awarded $116,350 in grants. “We often take for granted that our first responders will be there when we need them most, but fire and EMS companies need our support so they can continue to answer the call,” Markosek said. “Constant challenges from the pandemic have put an extra strain on these heroes and their financial operations, which is why this funding is essential for them to continue extending life-saving services to our communities.” The grants come from the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program, which is administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner. The following amounts were awarded: Plum Emergency Medical Service Inc. - $8,325. Monroeville EMS Inc. - $8,325.05. Monroeville Vol Fire Co. No. 5 - $15,000. Monroeville Volunteer Fire Co. No. 4 - $15,000. Monroeville Volunteer Fire Co. No. 3 - $15,000. Pitcairn Fire Co. #1 - $12,708. West Wilmerding Volunteer Fire Department - $12,000. Wilmerding Volunteer Fire Department. - $15,000. United Volunteer Fire and Rescue Fire - $14,992. The funding can be used for facility upgrades, equipment, debt reduction, training, education and public outreach, recruitment and retention, construction savings accounts, overtime costs associated with Read more

 

Markosek announces $425,000 in Allegheny County gaming grants

(Jan 26, 2022) Rep. Brandon Markosek

MONROEVILLE, Jan. 26 – State Rep. Brandon Markosek, D-Allegheny, announced today the Allegheny County Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund awarded a total of $425,000 in grant funding for projects in Plum, Wilmerding, Wall and North Versailles Township. “I want to congratulate the awardees for securing funds that will further assist in the economic development of our area,” Markosek said. “This funding will help to make these communities better places to live by reducing flooding in Plum, making improvements to the Wilmerding Community Center, replacing a retaining wall in Wall and revitalizing the wastewater collection system in North Versailles Township.” The following amounts were awarded: $150,000 to Turtle Creek Valley Council of Governments for proposed flood improvement through the Center Beach Project in the borough of Plum. The project is in response to a damaging flood in July 2019 and includes a proposal to create a series of four interconnected impoundments that will reduce the stormwater peak flows and volume. Walking trails, along with a gazebo and benches, will be installed to provide recreation for the public. $75,000 to the Turtle Creek Valley Council of Governments to rehabilitate the Wilmerding Community Center. The project includes HVAC in the locker rooms, a spin/aerobics studio, an indoor track, a new walking/running track, basketball court repairs and resurfacing, playground equipment, Read more

 

Markosek announces $40,000 grant awarded to Pitcairn Fire Co. #1

(Jan 25, 2022) Rep. Brandon Markosek

MONROEVILLE, Jan. 25 – State Rep. Brandon Markosek, D-Allegheny, announced today that Pitcairn Fire Co. #1 has been awarded $40,000 in state funding. The company will use the investment for water/sewer to replace a water line. The project includes evacuating and digging up the existing line, back filling, and fees for engineering and permitting. “I’m pleased to have helped secure funding for our firefighters in Pitcairn,” Markosek said. “Our volunteer firefighters never hesitate to respond when called, and their selfless efforts remains an inspiring example of what it means to serve a community. “I also know how difficult it can be for them to raise the funds to buy needed equipment, or undertake a major project like this, which is why I am thrilled that they are receiving this support from the state to hopefully get this project done. That’s also why I’ve backed legislation to get our community fire and EMS companies financial assistance during the COVID crisis and have always supported our first responders.” The state Department of Community and Economic Development distributed the funding. Read more

 

Markosek: $250,000 grant awarded for Boyce Park improvements

(Dec 30, 2021) Rep. Brandon Markosek

MONROEVILLE, Dec. 30 – A $250,000 grant will be used for the rehabilitation and further development of Boyce Park, which is in Monroeville and Plum, announced state Rep. Brandon Markosek. Markosek said the funding from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will be used to construct tennis and pickleball courts, a pavilion, walkways, rain gardens, and provide ADA access and other improvements. “Boyce Park has something for everyone – from skiing and snow tubing to trails and a skate park,” said Markosek, D-Allegheny. “I’m happy to have helped to secure funding that will bring even more activities to the park and make it more accessible for everyone who wants to enjoy the outdoors any time of the year.” The DCNR grant was made available through the Community Conservation Partnership Program. More information about the program is available here . Read more

 

Markosek: More than $1.34 million in state funding for projects for intersection relocation and retaining wall repair

(Nov 19, 2021) Rep. Brandon Markosek

MONROEVILLE, Nov. 19 – State Rep. Brandon Markosek, D-Allegheny, announced today the Commonwealth Financing Authority awarded $1.34 million to projects that would address traffic hazards in North Versailles Township and shore up a retaining wall at a park in East McKeesport. Markosek said the CFA awarded $1.3 million from its Multimodal Transportation Fund to North Versailles to relocate Naser Road to connect U.S. Routes 30 and 48 to help address recurring traffic issues at the intersection of McKee Road and U.S. Route 30. The project would redesign Naser Road to enter Route 30 at ninety degrees to create a safe entrance and exit way. The project includes a new traffic light, pedestrian sidewalks, a four-way interchange, a turning lane and connectivity to other communities. Markosek said East McKeesport was awarded $40,000 from CFA’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program to remove and repair a retaining wall at the East Field Park that is no longer structurally sound. The retaining wall supports the baseball fields and part of an alley at the park. “The funding we secured today will tackle safety concerns that directly impact these communities,” said Markosek. “The improvements slated for North Versailles will help drivers and pedestrians by creating a safer and more direct connection to the area, while the repairs to the East Field Park retaining area will help to ensure the baseball fields remain Read more

 

Fall 2021 Newsletter

(Nov 18, 2021) Rep. Brandon Markosek

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Markosek announces $243K in grants awarded to area first responders

(Jun 30, 2021) Rep. Brandon Markosek

MONROEVILLE, June 30 – State Rep. Brandon Markosek announced a total of $243,113 in grants have been awarded to 20 fire and emergency medical services companies. Markosek, 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. “First responders showed courage and dedication to their communities in the face of COVID-19, while struggling with the impacts to revenue and resources inflicted by the pandemic,” Markosek said. “Securing this funding will help to support essential needs so that these men and women can continue to keep the neighborhoods they serve safe.” The grants awarded are as follows: Chalfant Volunteer Fire Co.: $11,876. Crestas Volunteer Fire Co. #4: $11,520. Eastern Area Prehospital Service (EMS): $8,993. Fire Department of North Versailles: $13,124. Fire Department of North Versailles (EMS): $8,993. Holiday Park Volunteer Fire Department: $13,302. Monroeville EMS Inc.: $8,282. Monroeville Fire Co. #6: $13,837. Monroeville Volunteer Fire Co. #5: $14,193. Monroeville Volunteer Fire Co. #4: $15,000. Monroeville Volunteer Fire Co. #3: $12,054. Monroeville Volunteer Fire Co. #1: $15,000. Pitcairn Fire Company #1: $12,589. Plum Emergency Medical Service Inc. (EMS): $8,993. Renton Volunteer Read more

 

Markosek: $50,000 grant awarded to Pitcairn Borough

(Jun 03, 2021) Rep. Brandon Markosek

MONROEVILLE, June 3 – State Rep. Brandon Markosek announced today that Pitcairn Borough was awarded a $50,000 grant from the state Department of Community and Economic Development. Markosek said the borough will use the grant for Opticom lights for emergency vehicles, which allows equipped vehicles to signal traffic lights to give them the right-of-way at intersections, and an asphalt roller. “I’m pleased to have worked with DCED to secure this funding for Pitcairn,” said Markosek, D-Allegheny. “Opticom lights will help to clear the way for our first responders to reach the scene of an emergency, when every second counts. The asphalt roller will be useful for the borough to smooth out any road issues.” Read more

 

Markosek: $55K to combat blight in Wilmerding, East Pittsburgh

(May 25, 2021) Rep. Brandon Markosek

MONROEVILLE, May 25 – A round of state grants announced today by state Rep. Brandon Markosek will enable Wilmerding to demolish 10 hazardous, unsafe dwellings and will fund an East Pittsburgh plan that aims to restore 80 properties to taxpaying status. Markosek, D-Allegheny, said Commonwealth Financing Authority grants of $30,000 to Wilmerding and $25,000 to East Pittsburgh for blight remediation will make both projects possible. “This wise state investment will help our local communities achieve their goal of eradicating blight and its negative fallout, which includes unsightly, unsafe and undesirable structures,” Markosek said. “Today, we’re taking a big step forward in the quest to turn eyesores into attractive, marketable properties.” Markosek said the Wilmerding demolition project lines up with the borough’s blight remediation plan, as most – if not all – of the 10 structures are tax-delinquent and unsafe for human habitation. Markosek explained that the East Pittsburgh grant will assist the borough in creating tools aimed at mitigating the effects of blight, including how to handle transfers of properties via land banks, conservatorships and sheriff's sales; incentives for owners to maintain their properties; and a plan for properties to be demolished. “East Pittsburgh’s proposed planning project basically will develop a Read more

 

Spring 2021 Newsletter

(May 20, 2021) Rep. Brandon Markosek

Check out my spring 2021 Newsletter! Read more

 

Markosek: $375,000 awarded to Pitcairn, East Pittsburgh and East McKeesport for flooding, recreation projects

(Apr 21, 2021) Rep. Brandon Markosek

MONROEVILLE, April 21 – State Rep. Brandon Markosek, D-Allegheny, announced $375,000 in funding awarded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority for improvement projects in Pitcairn, East Pittsburgh and East McKeesport. A grant from the Flood Mitigation Program was awarded to the following: $300,000 to Allegheny County for the Turtle Creek Maintenance Project in Pitcairn Borough. The project will remove sediment and vegetation from Turtle Creek to improve protection from flooding. The grants from the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program were awarded to the following: $50,000 to East Pittsburgh Borough for the Trax Playground Project. The borough plans to convert the asphalt dek hockey court into a playground with swings and rubber safety surfacing, as well as repair fencing and renovate the existing horseshoe court. $25,000 to East McKeesport Borough for Josephine Playground improvements, which include installing new playground equipment, a new section of fence, two drinking fountains, two benches, a trash receptacle and rubber scuff pads under the swing set. “These projects bring new life to their communities,” Markosek said. “The Trax Playground area in East Pittsburgh had been abandoned for years; now it will be transformed into a place where children can play. The new equipment and repairs to Josephine Playground will make it a more enjoyable place for families to spend time.” Read more

 

Markosek announces $125,000 grant awarded for Monroeville code enforcement tool

(Apr 05, 2021) Rep. Brandon Markosek

MONROEVILLE, April 5 – State Rep. Brandon Markosek announced today that the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County has awarded $125,000 in Community Infrastructure and Tourism grant funding for a code enforcement data tool in Monroeville. Markosek said the grant will be used for the second phase of Turtle Creek Valley Council of Government’s Code Enforcement Data Tool, which will build capacity to complete the system and get it ready to offer to other towns outside of the program. The data tool is used to track and record the progress of code enforcement violations and resolutions. TCVCOG developed the system to give government officials a way to better enforce their codes and solve problems within their communities. “This code enforcement data tool has helped to resolve issues in TCVCOG member towns before they get out of hand,” Markosek said. “The grant will help to finish the system and eventually allow other communities to use it to improve the quality of life for residents.” CITF grants provide financial assistance to municipalities, councils of government, nonprofits and for-profit businesses to facilitate economic development projects in Allegheny County. Eligible projects include economic development, infrastructure development, job training, community improvement, public safety or public interest. Read more

 

Allegheny County rental relief program now accepting applications

(Mar 15, 2021) Rep. Brandon Markosek

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

 

Markosek bill would establish epilepsy management and training plans in Pa. schools

(Feb 26, 2021) Rep. Brandon Markosek

HARRISBURG, Feb. 26 – State Rep. Brandon Markosek, D-Allegheny, is sponsoring legislation that would help prepare teachers and school administrators in the event a student suffers a seizure at school. House Bill 622, to be known as Haley’s Law, would establish procedures for parents to give their child’s school a physician-approved seizure management and treatment plan. It would also connect teachers, faculty and staff with seizure recognition training and basic first aid skills. “If a student suffers a seizure at school, the experience can be traumatic for the student, their classmates and school staff,” Markosek said. “By giving schools the ability to effectively train and plan for such an event, trauma could be minimized, and lives could be saved.” Haley’s Law would be named after Haley Delo, a young Plum, Pa. native who suffered seizures at school when she was 4 and 5 years old. Markosek said Haley’s mom, Victoria Delo, reached out to him to propose a law that would make it mandatory for teachers to be trained to handle a student having a seizure. “Giving our teachers access to epilepsy treatment plans and training will empower them to act quickly if a student suffers an epileptic episode at school,” Markosek said. “This legislation would make our schools safer for students with epilepsy.” House Bill 622 was referred to the House Education Committee where it awaits further action. Read more

 

House unanimously supports Markosek proposal to exempt COVID-19 stimulus payments from state and local taxes

(Feb 05, 2021) Rep. Brandon Markosek

HARRISBURG, Feb. 5 – Just a day after a committee approved state Rep. Brandon Markosek’s legislation to exempt the two COVID-19 economic stimulus payments from state and local taxes, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed it. Markosek’s bill was amended into a larger aid package, which the House unanimously passed this morning. “I’m pleased the House took swift action in considering my bill and deciding to include it in a package that would deliver direct relief to Pennsylvanians,” said Markosek, D-Allegheny. “The bill that passed today will speed up help for people who are in desperate need, including renters and restaurants who are struggling because of the pandemic.” Markosek’s proposal would exempt the two recovery rebates to qualifying individuals and children that Congress authorized under the CARES Act from being counted as income, making them exempt from taxes. The amended bill (S.B. 109) also would exclude the forgiveness of paycheck protection loans from consideration as income, and provide $912 million in relief to help hotels, restaurants, bars and taverns; people struggling to pay rent and utilities; and career and technical centers, community colleges, private and charter schools and the State System of Higher Education. “People are struggling. My measure and this entire bill are designed to help Pennsylvanians better deal with the financial Read more

 

Summer 2022 Newsletter
Sep 01, 2022

First responders applaud tax exemption bill during Democratic Policy hearing
Aug 08, 2022

Markosek introduces bill to give more veterans access to state programs
Jun 30, 2022

Spring 2022 newsletter
Jun 01, 2022

Markosek announces $42,000 for Pitcairn Borough Police Department
Mar 15, 2022

Markosek announces $116,350 in grants for fire, EMS companies
Feb 14, 2022

Markosek announces $425,000 in Allegheny County gaming grants
Jan 26, 2022

Markosek announces $40,000 grant awarded to Pitcairn Fire Co. #1
Jan 25, 2022

Markosek: $250,000 grant awarded for Boyce Park improvements
Dec 30, 2021

Markosek: More than $1.34 million in state funding for projects for intersection relocation and retaining wall repair
Nov 19, 2021

Fall 2021 Newsletter
Nov 18, 2021

Markosek announces $243K in grants awarded to area first responders
Jun 30, 2021

Markosek: $50,000 grant awarded to Pitcairn Borough
Jun 03, 2021

Markosek: $55K to combat blight in Wilmerding, East Pittsburgh
May 25, 2021

Spring 2021 Newsletter
May 20, 2021

Markosek: $375,000 awarded to Pitcairn, East Pittsburgh and East McKeesport for flooding, recreation projects
Apr 21, 2021

Markosek announces $125,000 grant awarded for Monroeville code enforcement tool
Apr 05, 2021

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

Markosek bill would establish epilepsy management and training plans in Pa. schools
Feb 26, 2021

House unanimously supports Markosek proposal to exempt COVID-19 stimulus payments from state and local taxes
Feb 05, 2021