News Center

COVID-19 Helpful Resources

(Mar 26, 2020) Rep. Jeanne McNeill

In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic affecting Pennsylvania, we wanted to provide you with the following resources and information to help you and your family in the days ahead. Please note that this webpage will be updated as needed with additional information and resources. State Services and Resources The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has created a COVID-19 guide to assist everyone. It includes information on social distancing, mental health resources, unemployment, food assistance, changes from PennDOT and resources for small business: https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/ For individuals : https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForIndividuals For families : https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForFamilies For businesses : https://dced.pa.gov/resources COVID Support for PA Businesses : The following provides information and and links to federal, state, local and private resources. https://www.pahouse.com/News/?id=113388 **Self-employed, independent contractors, gig economy workers: Apply here for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits .** https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForBusinessesUtilities Information from the PA Dept. of Labor and Industry on the federal CARES Act: https://www.uc.pa.gov/COVID-19/CARES-Act/Pages/default.aspx The following link provides you with Read more

 

McNeill offers response to Stay at Home Order for Lehigh County

(Mar 25, 2020) Rep. Jeanne McNeill

HARRISBURG, March 25 -- State Rep. Jeanne McNeill, D-Lehigh, issued the following response after Gov. Tom Wolf and Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine added Lehigh County to the governor’s Stay at Home order. “These are decisions that are difficult but needed to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, and I support the action taken today by Governor Wolf and Secretary Levine,” McNeill said. “We see the numbers continuing to rise and understand the importance of doing what we all can to protect our communities and commonwealth.” The Stay at Home order now includes 10 counties: Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Erie, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton and Philadelphia. The amended order for Lehigh and Northampton counties takes effect at 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 25 and will continue until April 6. The full Stay at Home Order is available to view here . Guidance on permitted activities under the order is available here . “The important thing in the coming days and weeks is that we do our part to slow the spread,” McNeill said. “We need to stay home, stay safe and ask ourselves before leaving if that trip outside of our homes is really essential.” Read more

 

Closure List Exemptions

(Mar 20, 2020) Rep. Jeanne McNeill

The PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has established a new resource account where businesses and staff can submit questions on exemptions regarding the closure of physical locations for non-life-sustaining businesses in the Commonwealth. Businesses seeking exemptions from closure: Please contact ra-dcexemptions@pa.gov . Other questions about closures can be directed to ra-dcedcs@pa.gov . For more COVID-19 business information, DCED has set up a web site that continually will be updated as information becomes available: https://dced.pa.gov/resources . Read more

 

McNeill Fighting for Increased Animal Safety Laws

(Mar 12, 2020) Rep. Jeanne McNeill

Pa. state Rep. Jeanne McNeill visited the Lehigh County Humane Society to promote several pieces of animal welfare legislation, including her bill which would ban the use of pet crates on top of or behind vehicles. Read more

 

McNeill: Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church awarded state security grant

(Mar 11, 2020) Rep. Jeanne McNeill

HARRISBURG, March 11 – State Rep. Jeanne McNeill, D-Lehigh, today announced the Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Roman Catholic Church, Whitehall, received a $20,029 state security grant. “Saint Elizabeth has been in our area for nearly 100 years and sadly it has recently become a target for burglars,” McNeill said. “I am pleased to see this funding approved to ensure Saint Elizabeth can take measures to prevent future break ins and continue worship services for its congregation.” The funding may be used for the following: the acquiring of safety and security equipment or technology; safety and security training; threat awareness and response training; upgrades to existing structures; and/or safety and security planning. The grants are provided through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency's Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program following the passage of Act 83 of 2019 . The act directs PCCD to administer grants to nonprofit organizations who have been or who are likely to be targets for hate crimes. Priority consideration for funding was given to organizations that indicated they – or their membership – were victims of a hate crime or had a credible hate-crime threat. This was one of 114 grants totaling over $5 million, which were awarded to organizations across the commonwealth. Read more

 

Animal protection supported by Schweyer, Schlossberg, McNeill

(Mar 11, 2020) Rep. Jeanne McNeill

ALLENTOWN, March 11 – Today, state Reps. Mike Schlossberg, Peter Schweyer and Jeanne McNeill joined leaders from the Lehigh County Humane Society and The Humane Society of the United States in a call to advance legislation to better protect animals from abuse in Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Lehigh Valley school districts awarded $625K in school safety grants

(Feb 27, 2020) Rep. Jeanne McNeill

Lehigh Valley, Feb. 27– State Reps. Bob Freeman, D-Northampton, Jeanne McNeill, D-Lehigh, and Steve Samuelson, D-Northampton, announced that seven school districts in Northampton and Lehigh counties have received a total of $625,000 in school safety and security grants. The following school districts were awarded funding: Bethlehem Area School District -- $385,000 Catasauqua Area School District -- $35,000 Easton Area School District -- $45,000 Salisbury Township School District -- $35,000 Saucon Valley School District -- $40,000 Wilson Area School District -- $40,000 Whitehall-Coplay School District -- $45,000 “This funding will go far with enhancing anti-violence efforts in schools,” Freeman said. Lawmakers said the funding will be used to fund a counseling psychologist and for mental health and behavioral services and for other security system programs. “We can’t take anything for granted anymore in schools as far as safety is concerned so our teachers and students must be prepared,” McNeill said. Samuelson said the demand for school safety funding is a priority. “A safe learning environment ensures the overall development of a child,” Samuelson said. The funds will be provided through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s School Safety and Security Committee. This committee is the result of Act 44 of Read more

 

McNeill: $2.5 Million Grant Redeveloping Iron Works Catasauqua

(Feb 21, 2020) Rep. Jeanne McNeill

Pa. state Rep. Jeanne McNeill and Catasauqua officials discuss the Iron Works redevelopment project along Front and Bridge streets. Read more

 

McNeill Works To Help Survivors of Sexual Assault & Rape

(Feb 05, 2020) Rep. Jeanne McNeill

Pa. state Rep. Jeanne McNeill thanks her colleagues for supporting her effort to ensure help is affordable and accessible for survivors of sexual assault and rape. Read more

 

McNeill Applauds Governor’s State Budget Address

(Feb 05, 2020) Rep. Jeanne McNeill

Pa. state Rep. Jeanne McNeill supports Gov. Tom Wolf’s budget proposal for the 2020-21 fiscal year. Read more

 

Rep.McNeill announces nearly $61,516 local fire department, EMS grants

(Jan 17, 2020) Rep. Jeanne McNeill

LEHIGH, Jan. 17 – State Rep. Jeanne McNeill, D-Lehigh, today announced the award of $61,516 in state grants to five fire and ambulance companies in the 133 rd Legislative District. “Our volunteer firefighters and EMS organizations do a fantastic job helping our local communities,” McNeill said. “Our organizations really need this funding to stay open and continue to provide lifesaving service in the Lehigh Valley.” The grants in McNeill’s district are as follows: $13,152.60 - Eastern Salisbury Fire Ambulance and Rescue. $12,604.88 – Fountain Hill Fire Department. $11,509.46 – Han-Le-Co Volunteer Fire Co. $12,194.10 – Hokendauqua Fire Co. $12,057.17 – West Catasauqua Fire Company No. 1. The grants are made possible by the state’s Fire Company and Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Program, and can be used toward repairing, building or renovating facilities. The money can also be applied toward the purchase of new equipment, training and certification of staff, or toward repayment of equipment purchases or facility building and maintenance. Read more

 

McNeill: $35,000 grant to advance science and technology education to Whitehall-Coplay School District

(Jan 17, 2020) Rep. Jeanne McNeill

LEHIGH, Jan. 17 – State Rep. Jeanne McNeill, D-Lehigh, has announced that a $35,000 PAsmart grant has been awarded to Whitehall-Coplay School District to expand computer science classes and teacher training. The grant will be put to good use by helping students from low-income families who may not have a computer at home to learn the necessary computer skills that can help them find successful employment upon graduation,” McNeill said. According to McNeill, the grant will also be used to provide educators from pre-kindergarten through 12 th grade with training to teach computer science. McNeill said she supports the efforts of Gov. Tom Wolf to ensure resources and funding for computer education to students and schools across the commonwealth, especially underprivileged students. Wolf announced a total of $5.7 million in PAsmart Targeted grants to expand computer science classes and teacher training at 163 school districts, charter schools and intermediate units. Over the next 10 years, 71 percent of new jobs in Pennsylvania will require employees to use computers and new technologies. The Targeted grants represent one component of the governor’s innovative PA smart initiative, which provides funding to bring high-quality computer science and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education in elementary, middle and high schools and professional development for teachers. Read more

 

McNeill attends PA Farm Show 2020

(Jan 10, 2020) Rep. Jeanne McNeill

Pa. state Rep. Jeanne McNeill participated in this year's Farm Show in Harrisburg. The largest indoor agricultural event under one roof in the nation, this annual event features nearly 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and 300 commercial exhibits. Read more

 

Schlossberg, Schweyer and McNeill to Host Building Trades Job Fair

(Nov 18, 2019) Rep. Peter G. Schweyer, Rep. Mike Schlossberg, Rep. Jeanne McNeill

ALLENTOWN, Nov. 18 -- State Reps. Peter Schweyer, Mike Schlossberg and Jeanne McNeill, all D-Lehigh, announced they will co-host a Building Trades Job Fair from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 21 at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 375 Headquarters, 101 S. Seventh St. The event is being hosted with support from Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley, The Literacy Center and Jordan Heights. Designed to help local residents connect with building trades organizations and their apprenticeship trainers, the event will include information about what skills are in high demand in the Lehigh Valley and how to start on the path to a job that pays good wages. “With the help of excellent community organizations like Promise Neighborhood, the Adult Literacy Center and Jordan Heights, we are connecting talented and hard-working people together with good, family-sustaining jobs offered through the Lehigh Valley building trades,” Schweyer said. “The Lehigh Valley Building Trades offer people the chance to make strong, middle-class wages with health care and retirement packages, and allows young people, folks re-entering the workforce or seasoned workers looking to try their hand in a new career an opportunity to better themselves.” “The people who work in the building trades come from all walks of life,” Schlossberg said. “This includes men and women, people of color, white, veterans, high school graduates, some Read more

 

McNeill: Shredding and Electronics Recycling a Huge Success

(Nov 18, 2019) Rep. Jeanne McNeill

Pa. state Rep. Jeanne McNeill hosted a paper shredding and electronics recycling event, giving area residents a chance to safely and securely dispose of their old documents and electronics. Read more

 

McNeill brings home $210K to renovate Rose Garden Park

(Nov 14, 2019) Rep. Jeanne McNeill

BETHLEHEM, Nov. 14 – State Rep. Jeanne McNeill, D-Lehigh, has announced that a $210,000 state grant has been awarded to the Rose Garden Park in Bethlehem to renovate the facility. The Rose Garden Park is an eclectic park that has a play area and has a replica of the first home in Bethlehem and a Civil War monument. The garden features more than 100 variety of flowers. “The Rose Garden is the centerpiece of West Bethlehem,” McNeill said. “The park will undergo some improvements that all can enjoy including walking and biking paths, a picnic area, and additional shade in front of the bandshell for concertgoers. I was very happy to work with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to secure the funding for this treasured park in my district.” The grant was awarded through DCNR’s Community Conservation and Partnerships Program, which provides financial and technical assistance to local governments, river and trail organizations, and trusts, and other nonprofits for planning, acquisition and development of park, recreation, conservation and greenway project. Read more

 

Reps. McNeill and Schweyer announce $150,000 to upgrade Delaware and Lehigh Heritage Corridor

(Nov 13, 2019) Rep. Jeanne McNeill

McNeill and Schweyer announce $150,000 to upgrade Delaware and Lehigh Heritage Corridor LEHIGH, Nov. 13 – State Reps. Jeanne McNeill and Peter Schweyer, both D-Lehigh, have announced that a $150,000 conservation grant to the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Inc. has been awarded for a trail study and development project. The study would review approximately 3.9 miles of the D&L Trail in Hanover and Whitehall townships and the City of Allentown, Lehigh County. “The proposed trail would create a healthy recreation and transportation opportunity for people of all ages, and I am pleased to help secure this funding,” McNeill said. Schweyer said developing trails help people to avoid congested streets and highways and travel through natural areas on foot or non-motorized transportation. “Trails have become sources of community identity and pride and provide people with attractive, safe and low or no cost places to cycle, walk, hike, jog or skate,” Schweyer said. The grant was funded by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resource’s Recreation and Conservation Grant Program, which focuses on conserving and protecting state waterways and outdoor recreational opportunities. More information about the DCNR grant program can be found here. Read more

 

McNeill: $1M grant to aid Fountain Hill Borough with road improvements

(Nov 12, 2019) Rep. Jeanne McNeill

HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 - A $1 million state grant will fund safety improvements to a heavily traveled section of Broadway (SR 2002) in Fountain Hill Borough, state Rep. Jeanne McNeill announced today. Read more

 

McNeill’s free shredding and electronics recycling this Saturday

(Nov 12, 2019) Rep. Jeanne McNeill

ALLENTOWN, Nov. 12 – State Rep. Jeanne McNeill, D-Lehigh, is reminding residents of Fountain Hill and Salisbury Township about a free shredding and electronics recycling event this Saturday, Nov. 16 where residents can dispose of personal paperwork and unwanted electronics. “Improper disposal of personal documents gives thieves a chance to commit identity fraud,” McNeill said. “This event will make sure those papers are safely and securely destroyed, while also giving residents a chance to get rid of their old, unwanted electronics.” The event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon in the parking lot of Truman Elementary School, 1400 Gaskill St., Salisbury Township. This event is limited to residents of the 133 rd Legislative District. Residents are limited to 10 boxes of documents. Papers must be loose, with no binder clips or paperclips. For electronics, there is no fee for items such as computers, monitors, DVD and video players, or gaming systems, but there is a fee for televisions. For TV’s under 40” it is $35, for models over 40”, projection, in wooden cabinets, tubes, or broken TVs, it is $55. More information is available by calling McNeill's office at 610-266-1273. Read more

 

Rep. McNeill votes for package of bills to assist volunteer first responders

(Oct 29, 2019) Rep. Jeanne McNeill

st vlunteer first responders HARRISBURG, Oct. 29 – State Rep. Jeannie McNeill, D-Lehigh, voted for legislation that would help Pennsylvania’s volunteer firefighters and EMT companies. The House passed the legislation and the Senate is expected to consider the proposals . McNeill said the 23-bill package came out of a report by the SR 6, commission, which traveled the state to evaluate the plight of volunteer first responders and firefighters. The legislation includes proposals for tuition assistance, loan forgiveness and increased access to mental health care for first responders who suffer from trauma. “First responders in the Lehigh Valley are experiencing declining membership and financial hardship and they need this package of bills to boost their members,” McNeill said. “It’s devastating to think what would happen to communities without first responders and that is why we need to assist them in every way we can.” The following bills in the package have been passed by the full House. Others are slated for upcoming consideration. HB 269: Would exclude an eligible surviving spouse or minor children of a first responder from paying a realty transfer tax. HB 732: Would exempt volunteer service providers from the Pennsylvania realty transfer tax. HB 1673: Would allow volunteer fire relief money to be used for the retention of existing volunteer members. HB 1705: Read more

 

COVID-19 Helpful Resources
Mar 26, 2020

McNeill offers response to Stay at Home Order for Lehigh County
Mar 25, 2020

Closure List Exemptions
Mar 20, 2020

McNeill Fighting for Increased Animal Safety Laws
Mar 12, 2020

McNeill: Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church awarded state security grant
Mar 11, 2020

Animal protection supported by Schweyer, Schlossberg, McNeill
Mar 11, 2020

Lehigh Valley school districts awarded $625K in school safety grants
Feb 27, 2020

McNeill: $2.5 Million Grant Redeveloping Iron Works Catasauqua
Feb 21, 2020

McNeill Works To Help Survivors of Sexual Assault & Rape
Feb 05, 2020

McNeill Applauds Governor’s State Budget Address
Feb 05, 2020

Rep.McNeill announces nearly $61,516 local fire department, EMS grants
Jan 17, 2020

McNeill: $35,000 grant to advance science and technology education to Whitehall-Coplay School District
Jan 17, 2020

McNeill attends PA Farm Show 2020
Jan 10, 2020

Schlossberg, Schweyer and McNeill to Host Building Trades Job Fair
Nov 18, 2019

McNeill: Shredding and Electronics Recycling a Huge Success
Nov 18, 2019

McNeill brings home $210K to renovate Rose Garden Park
Nov 14, 2019

Reps. McNeill and Schweyer announce $150,000 to upgrade Delaware and Lehigh Heritage Corridor
Nov 13, 2019

McNeill: $1M grant to aid Fountain Hill Borough with road improvements
Nov 12, 2019

McNeill’s free shredding and electronics recycling this Saturday
Nov 12, 2019

Rep. McNeill votes for package of bills to assist volunteer first responders
Oct 29, 2019