Mullins: Providing Safe Schools is Not Rocket Science

(Jun 16, 2021)

At a Capitol rally to end toxic schools, Pa. state Rep. Kyle Mullins says it's not rocket science to provide our students with a safe, healthy school environment. Mullins views our state's crumbling schools buildings, often filled with lead and asbestos, as a violation of a child's civil rights and says we must act now using the American Rescue Plan dollars to remedy these dangerous facilities. Read more

 

Mullins announces over $1M in state funding for several local community improvement projects

(May 25, 2021)

HARRISBURG, May 25 – State Rep. Kyle Mullins, D-Lackawanna, today announced state funding totaling over $1 million has been awarded to benefit over a dozen community and economic development projects that will benefit residents of the 112 th Legislative District. The funding was approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority through the Monroe County Local Share Account program. “ Municipal governments and local organizations depend on grant programs like this to ensure a strong local economy and to keep our communities safe for residents and visitors,” Mullins said. “I am proud to work alongside my local legislative colleagues in our tireless work to secure critical funding for our area. I would like to thank state Sen.-elect Marty Flynn, D-Lackawanna, and my House colleagues state Reps. Mike Carroll, D-Luzerne/Lackawanna, and Bridget M. Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna, for their support of these worthy projects.” Mullins said the grants include: $250,000 for the Women’s Resource Center for critical facility upgrades that will significantly enhance the center’s ability to protect victims of domestic and sexual violence. $110,000 for the development of a Pre-Kindergarten Center of Excellence by the Scranton Lackawanna Human Development Agency. The prospective center at the Holy Rosary School will provide educational and daycare services for children of Read more

 

Mullins: PA Rescue Plan Thinks Big

(May 14, 2021)

At a House Democratic Policy Committee hearing in Dickson City, Pa., state Rep. Kyle Mullins discusses how the PA Rescue Plan would benefit healthcare workers in Lackawanna County who need more resources and staff to care for our loved ones and provide the best care possible. Read more

 

Mullins announces $800,000 in state funding for local infrastructure, parks and recreation projects

(Apr 21, 2021)

HARRISBURG, April 21 – State Rep. Kyle Mullins, D-Lackawanna, today announced the award of $800,000 in state funding for infrastructure, parks and recreation projects within the 112 th Legislative District. “These are all important infrastructure investments to not only ensure the safety of motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists, but also to improve the overall quality of life for residents and visitors of our great communities,” Mullins said. “I was proud to advocate for these funds in partnership with my area legislative colleagues and local officials who understand the importance of aggressively pursuing state funding for the benefit of our area.” Mullins said the following local projects are receiving state funding through several programs from the Commonwealth Finance Authority: Multimodal Transportation Fund: Archbald Borough - $100,000 toward a multi-phase project to improve pedestrian and motorist safety via new sidewalks, streetlighting and curbs along a busy stretch of North Main Street. Blakely Borough - $400,000 to remove and reconstruct a section of a crumbling retaining wall, which must be completed prior to the eventual repaving of Main Street. The funds will also provide for the installation of ADA-compliant sidewalks and curbing, crosswalks, a bus shelter, and lighting and signage for the intersecting river trail. Read more

 

Mullins: Area school districts to receive over $46 million in federal funds

(Mar 30, 2021)

HARRISBURG, March 30 - State Rep. Kyle Mullins, D-Lackawanna, today announced that more than $46 million in federal funding will be received by school districts within the 112th District to aid in returning students safely to the classroom. "It's been over a year since the COVID-19 pandemic pulled students out of the classroom and into virtual learning programs. My heart breaks for our students who missed out on so many educational, social and extracurricular experiences and memories," Mullins said. "This support for area school districts will ensure that students are returning to safe, clean and positive learning environments, which should be a priority at all levels of government." The following school districts in the 112th Legislative District will receive federal funding: Scranton School District - $35.76 million. Mid Valley School District - $4.08 million. Dunmore School District - $3.24 million. Valley View School District - $2.96 million. These funds are part of the $4.9 billion awarded to Pennsylvania via the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund passed by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden. These dollars can be used for food service; professional training; technology purchases; sanitization and cleaning supplies; summer and after-school programs; mental health support and more. At least 20% of the funds must be used to address learning loss along with the Read more

 

Mullins: Victims of Sexual Assault Deserve Justice

(Mar 23, 2021)

As the House considered a motion to adjourn session and leave legislation giving sexual abuse victims their day in court unfinished, Pa. state Rep. Kyle Mullins says it's unfair to make the victims wait any longer for justice. Read more

 

Mullins responds to governor’s budget proposal

(Feb 03, 2021)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 3 – State Rep. Kyle Mullins, D-Lackawanna, offered the following statement in response to Gov. Tom Wolf’s 2021-22 budget plan, which was unveiled today: "I have been through enough state budgets to understand and express that the governor's proposed budget is a statement of principles, a flag in the ground, and the beginning of a long process toward ultimate compromise and a very different-looking spending plan than the initial proposal. Therefore, I don't engage in the partisan charade initiated by legislative Republicans who, with their bluster, reject these proposals out of hand. “There are components of this proposal that are immediate imperatives and long-standing priorities of mine: immediate grants to small businesses, which have borne the brunt of this pandemic recession; striving for tax fairness for individuals and businesses alike; investing in infrastructure and funding the remediation of lead and asbestos in our schools; and finally leveling the playing field for our school children by applying the Fair Funding Formula to all education dollars. “In six years, we've been able to get 11 percent through that formula; this proposal does almost 8 times that amount in one year. I'm looking forward to working toward a final budget compromise, but my priorities will remain unchanged and reflect what my constituents want," Mullins Read more

 

Troubleshooting PUA claims

(Jan 27, 2021)

Troubleshooting PUA claims Read more

 

Harris names deputy whips for 2021-22 legislative session

(Jan 26, 2021)

The PA House Democratic whip, state Rep. Jordan Harris, D-Phila., today announced that state Reps. Jessica Benham, D-Allegheny; Donna Bullock, D-Phila.; Danilo Burgos, D-Phila.; Morgan Cephas, D-Phila.; Patty Kim, D-Dauphin; Kyle Mullins, D-Lackawanna; Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh; Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery; Pam Snyder, D-Greene/Fayette/Washington; and Jared Solomon, D-Phila., will serve as deputy whips for the 2021-22 legislative session. Read more

 

Mullins sworn in to second term as state representative

(Jan 05, 2021)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 5 – State Rep. Kyle Mullins, D-Lackawanna, took the oath of office at the state Capitol today to begin his second term representing the 112 th Legislative District. The noon swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of the 2021-22 session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. “The oath of office is a humbling commitment to the great men and women of our district,” Mullins said. “For me, it is also a commitment to preserve and protect the health and safety of our citizens -- especially those most vulnerable. It is a commitment to support our front-line workers, our educators, and our hourly wage workers. And it is a commitment to defend and empower our small business owners and set our local economy down a path to recovery and prosperity." Mullins said his district office is open by appointment with COVID-19 precautions in place and can help with a variety of state-related services, including home heating, children’s health insurance, prescription drug and property tax/rent rebate assistance. The phone number is 570-383-9795, and the email address is RepMullins@pahouse.net . Residents also can learn more about Mullins’ legislative priorities and the services his office provides by visiting his website at www.RepKyleMullins.com , or by visiting his Facebook and Twitter accounts at facebook.com/RepKyleMullins and Read more

 

Let’s be patient; Make sure every vote counts

(Nov 05, 2020)

As of this writing, there are approximately 750,000 Pennsylvania votes that need to be counted. That is more than 750,000 Pennsylvanians who lawfully casted their vote and deserve to be heard. Counting every citizen’s legal, timely vote is imperative. As workers securely make progress on tallying the results, we must be patient. This process may take several days, but the integrity and sanctity of the vote in our state must be maintained. Last Fall, in a bipartisan showing, the Pennsylvania General Assembly agreed to allow for mail-in ballots. Since then, House Democrats have made many efforts to help clarify any confusion about the process and give local election boards the tools needed to securely and expeditiously process votes cast by mail. Unfortunately, our Republican colleagues chose political gamesmanship over a genuine effort to ensure a smooth election. Their inaction failed to allow for the early processing of ballots received – as 32 other states permit-- and, in turn, why there is a delay in knowing the outcome of this election. The ambiguity in the law did not address their local official’s concerns; nor does it protect every Pennsylvanian’s constitutional right to vote and our obligation to make sure those votes are counted. Now, more than ever, we must ensure that we uphold the freedoms guaranteed in our state and nation’s constitution. In these unprecedented times, the voters must have the final say, not the candidates or Read more

 

Mullins announces state funding for area schools to improve educational services during COVID-19 pandemic

(Aug 25, 2020)

HARRISBURG, Aug. 25 – State funding in the amount of $256,052 has been awarded to a number of schools throughout the 112th Legislative District to provide extra support for educational services amid the COVID-19 pandemic, state Rep. Kyle Mullins, D-Lackawanna, announced today. “We are beginning a new academic year with COVID-19 mitigation efforts still in place, and whether students start classes via in-person learning or virtual education, it is vital that programs are in place to ensure every student has a chance to succeed,” Mullins said. “My commitment continues to make sure every resource is available at all schools, so nobody gets left behind in these uncertain times.” The three schools receiving the funds are: • Dunmore Junior Senior High School: $34,646. • Mid Valley Secondary Center: $60,816. • Scranton High School: $160,590. These schools have been designated as schools for Additional Targeted Support and Improvement under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act. The funding comes from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief funds. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act authorizes governors to determine the educational use of these GEER funds. To date, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has awarded $87.5 million in GEER funding to help keep students and educators safe and meet the unique challenges Read more

 

Summer 2020 Newsletter

(Aug 20, 2020)

Important updates of the COVID-19 pandemic and how my office can assist you during these unprecedented times. Read more

 

Mullins: Over $774K awarded to local water and sewer system upgrades

(Aug 17, 2020)

HARRISBURG, Aug. 17 – State grants totaling $774,789 have been approved to help fund three water and sewer infrastructure systems which serve Lackawanna County residents living in the 112 th House District, state Rep. Kyle Mullins, D-Lackawanna, announced today. The grants – all approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority – are: $230,000 Small Water and Sewer grant to Olyphant Borough to assist with ongoing sanitary sewer repairs. $225,205 Small Water and Sewer grant to Jessup Borough to separate sanitary sewer and storm water lines along Bridge Street. $319,584 H20 PA grant to Jessup Borough to separate sanitary sewer and storm water lines along Front and Ward streets. “The maintenance of our water and sewer infrastructure is a significant cost driver for local governments,” Mullins said. “Every state dollar we are able to secure for these essential upgrades ultimately alleviates the pressure on local taxpayers to fund them, and I’m proud to have worked with our municipal officials and state Sen. John Blake in our advocacy.” The H20 PA program provides single-year or multi-year grants to independent agencies, municipalities or municipal authorities. The Pennsylvania Small Water and Sewer Programs offers grants for small water and sewer infrastructure projects and can be used to assist with the construction, improvement, expansion, or rehabilitation or Read more

 

Relief to restaurants, bars & clubs to help workers a top priority in House Democratic legislative package

(Jul 27, 2020)

HARRISBURG, July 27 -- Citing the distressing impacts COVID-19 is having on Pennsylvania’s restaurant industry and a recent Yelp survey showing more than half of restaurants could close permanently due to the virus’ impact, Democrats in Harrisburg have crafted a legislative package aimed at providing relief to community business owners and the workers that cook and serve our food. The package includes nine bills that would provide grants to local restaurants, bars and clubs, reduce and eliminate specific licensing fees, extend discounts to licensees and protect businesses by guaranteeing their insurance pays out in future emergencies. These efforts will provide direct relief to an industry of Pennsylvania businesses the virus has hit hard, House Democratic leaders said. Restrictions put in place have been necessary in the state’s response to COVID-19. The leaders said they recognize the hardship the virus has continued to place on the restaurant industry. Restaurants have served as the backdrop of many life occasions and special moments and they need support more now than ever. The House Democratic package includes: Earmarking CARES grant funding from the federal government to be directed to small, community restaurants instead of national chains to ensure those dollars are invested back into the region. ( Rep. Joe Ciresi, Montgomery County & Rep. Tina Davis, Bucks County ) Earmarking CARES grant Read more

 

Renter and homeowner aid available

(Jun 30, 2020)

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

 

Small Business Assistance grants available

(Jun 25, 2020)

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

 

Mullins announces launch of ‘Helping the Homebound’ program to assist elderly residents

(Apr 14, 2020)

HARRISBURG, April 14 – State Rep. Kyle Mullins, D-Lackawanna, today announced the launch of a new community partnership to help homebound and elderly residents in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. “While it is now vital that all Pennsylvanians follow Governor Tom Wolf’s COVID-19 Stay at Home Order, it has never been more important for our homebound and elderly neighbors to receive the day-to-day resources they require safely and methodically,” Mullins said. “That’s why today we are taking action. Our Helping the Homebound program will immediately support homebound seniors with an errand to the grocery store or pharmacy, or just a simple phone call to ensure their safety, their health and well-being are in good stead. Helping the Homebound will provide some comfort and peace of mind for our elderly neighbors.” Helping the Homebound program participants will be provided with green and yellow sheets of paper with instructions and a phone number printed on them. A green sheet placed in the window indicates they are OK, and the yellow sheet will indicate the help or errand that they require from a neighbor or Agency on Aging. The colored paper in the window is designed to alert neighbors and others participating in the program that a participant is in need. The Helping the Homebound program is a community partnership, shepherded by the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging with the support Read more

 

Fill out the 2020 census!

(Mar 30, 2020)

In Pennsylvania, everyone counts and April 1 is National Census Day! If you haven’t already, don't forget to fill out your census form. Our population count determines our voice in government and how much federal funding we’ll receive for education, health care, transportation and more. Whether you respond online, mail or by phone , participate and help shape PA’s future. Your responses are anonymous and protected by law. To learn more, visit pa.gov/census #PAcounts #2020Census Read more

 

COVID-19 Helpful Resources

(Mar 26, 2020)

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