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

 

Closure List Exemptions

(Mar 20, 2020)

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

 

Mullins announces changes to district office operations effective March 16

(Mar 13, 2020)

OLYPHANT, March 13 – State Rep. Kyle Mullins, D-Lackawanna, is alerting residents that his district office will close to the public and operations will be by telephone, mail and email only starting Monday, March 16th to avoid serving as a place of transmission of COVID-19 coronavirus. This move follows the guidance of public health officials. "We are continuing to monitor COVID-19 with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the PA Department of Health," Mullins said. "Out of an abundance of caution and safety for residents of the district and my staff, this is a necessary course of action." Mullins adds if residents have state paperwork to drop off, it should be sent via mail to 520 Burke Bypass, Unit 1, Olyphant, PA 18337. Residents are also advised to take precautions to protect themselves from COVID-19, such as the following: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (time to sing Happy Birthday song twice). Cover coughs or sneezes with your elbow or use a tissue. Do not use your hands . Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not readily available. Clean surfaces frequently, including countertops, light switches, cell phones, remotes, door handles, stair rails and other frequently touched items. Avoid touching your hands to your face, eyes, nose and mouth. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Clean Read more

 

Winter 2020 Newsletter

(Feb 18, 2020)

The start of the new year marked one full year since being sworn in as your State Representative, and I can tell you that serving you and our community has been the professional joy and honor of a lifetime. Read more