News Center

Shusterman to introduce bill to crack down on 3D printed guns

(Dec 18, 2024) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

"3D-Printed guns shoot like a gun and they can kill like a gun," Shusterman said. “It’s common sense we should regulate them like guns. 3D-printed guns should not be exempt from the laws and regulations governing their manufacture, sale and use. We’re seeing the criminal use of ghost guns rise at an alarming rate. To aid law enforcement efforts to crack down on untraceable guns, our laws must apply to 3D-printed firearms. My legislation will give law enforcement one of the tools they need to protect themselves, and our communities, from gun violence.” Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Dec 12, 2024) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Environmental Protection: WIIN 2107: Voluntary School and Childcare Lead testing and Reduction Grant Who May Apply: Childcare facilities and schools located in Pennsylvania with lead in drinking water sample results within 36 months of the application date showing water fixtures exceeding the remediation trigger level of 5 ppb (parts per billion). Use: Reduction activities may include purchasing and installing hydration stations, point-of-use devices designed to remove lead or replacement of faucets. The primary goal of this grant program is to reduce children's exposure to lead in drinking water. Funds: Funding under this grant has been appropriated under 1464(d) of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Funding provided will be up to $3,000 per hydration station per 100 students in one building. Up to $30,000 may be awarded per building/childcare facility or $100,000 per school district. Application Deadline: Applicants are strongly encouraged to schedule a pre-application meeting to discuss their lead reduction plans to ensure they meet applicable program criteria. Meetings can be scheduled by emailing RA-EPWIINLEAD@pa.gov . More information: DEP Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Dec 04, 2024) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

Broadband Development Authority: Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program Who May Apply: Cooperative organizations, non-profit organizations, public-private partnerships, private companies, public or private utility companies, public utility districts, municipalities or units of local government, internet service providers registered through the FCC Use: Deploying and/or upgrading broadband network facilities, data collection, broadband mapping and broadband planning Funds: $1,161,778,242 in federal funding pursuant to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 is available. Application Deadline: January 21, 2025 More information: PBDA Website Department of Community and Economic Development: Local Share Account Philadelphia Who May Apply: Community Development Corporations, economic development organizations and redevelopment authorities, business improvement districts/neighborhood improvement districts, non-profit organizations with a 501(c) designation, the City of Philadelphia, the School District of Philadelphia. Any eligible organization must be located in Philadelphia. Use: Economic development projects, neighborhood revitalization projects, community improvement projects, projects in the public interest. Any eligible project must be located in Philadelphia. Funds: Grant amounts will vary based on the specific project requirements but are limited to a minimum request/award of $10,000 and a maximum Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Nov 21, 2024) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency: Non-profit Security Grant Who May Apply: Non-profit organizations Use: Target hardening and physical security enhancements for sites that may be a target for a terrorist or extremist attack. Funds: $210 million in FEMA dollars has been made available nationally. PEMA will serve as the grantee and subgrant funds to recipients in Pennsylvania. Application Deadline: December 16, 2024 More information: PA Grants website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Developing Satellite Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) Who May Apply: A NCA accredited CAC who, in conjunction and partnership with another county MDIT, seeks to develop a satellite CAC location within that county. Use: Supporting the development of satellite location(s) in counties in the Commonwealth that may not have enough child abuse cases to sustain an independent CAC Funds: A total of approximately $1,200,000 in state Endowment Act funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund approximately 4 grants. Maximum awards of $300,000 are available for the three-year project period. Application Deadline: December 2, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Department of Agriculture: Agricultural Product Promotion, Education and Export Promotion matching Grant Program Who May Apply: Nonprofit organizations that Read more

 

Shusterman announces $1 million grant to Willistown Conservation Trust

(Nov 15, 2024) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

"Preserving green spaces is essential to our overall quality of life,” Shusterman said. “These spaces provide critical habitats for wildlife, help to regulate our climate, and offer opportunities for recreation and relaxation. This new nature preserve represents an important investment in the future of our community.” Read more

 

Shusterman announces $1 million in grants to Paoli Memorial Hospital

(Nov 01, 2024) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

"Our region has faced unexpected hospital closures, resulting in increased pressure on our community's health care resources,” Shusterman said. “This essential grant will allow Paoli Hospital to expand its services and maintain a high standard of care for a larger number of residents. These funds are crucial to address both current and future demand.” Read more

 

Shusterman celebrates nearly $2.3 million in recent grants

(Oct 31, 2024) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester, is celebrating the delivery of nearly $2.3 million in grants awarded to various organizations in the 157th Legislative District in the past month. Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District

(Oct 30, 2024) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Mixed-Use Housing Development Pilot Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Economic Development Organizations, Redevelopment Authorities, Municipal Authorities, Industrial Development Authorities, For-Profit organizations. Use: Mixed-use site development, conversion projects, rehabilitation projects, a combination of the three afore-mentioned projects. Funds: $10 million in PA Sites funding has been allocated for this program. There is no limit on the amount of grant funding that may be awarded to an applicant. Application Deadline: December 6, 2024 More information: DCED Website Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Recovery Support Services (RSS) Who May Apply: Applicant must have at least two years of experience as of July 1, 2024, providing RSS and demonstrate the capacity to provide RSS to individuals in recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD) and other concurrent substance use disorder (SUD). Use: Expand or enhance RSS to individuals in recover from OUD and other concurrent SUD. Funds: Approximately six grants totaling $1,500,000 each will be awarded. Application Deadline: November 15, 2024 More information: DDAP Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic Read more

 

Shusterman family law arbitration bill signed into law by Gov. Shapiro

(Oct 24, 2024) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

“Resolving family law disputes through court proceedings can be a bitter and financially ruinous process,” Shusterman said. “The partner with deeper pockets and access to the best legal counsel often has an advantage, frequently placing children in the middle of drawn-out legal battles. This law will give families another option to settle disputes, which can be especially helpful in matters of domestic violence as arbitration can lead to quicker resolutions." Read more

 

Comitta, Chester County State Legislative Delegation Announce Millions in Investments in Local Communities

(Oct 23, 2024) Sen. Carolyn Comitta

“Investments in safe, walkable streets will improve the economic, cultural, and physical health of our neighborhoods. This grant will encourage everyone to get out for a walk, stop by a local business, or meet up with a friend. It’s an investment in people,” Shusterman added. Read more

 

Shusterman’s juvenile justice bill advances out of committee

(Oct 22, 2024) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

“As legislators, we are responsible for ensuring the support, development and safety of young people who are placed in the custody of the Commonwealth,” Shusterman said. “Allegations of abuse in Pennsylvania’s juvenile justice facilities require us to act. Young people report that these facilities are unsafe, unclean, and unable or unwilling to provide effective treatment or education, and that grievance procedures are not always clear or fair.” Read more

 

Shusterman attends Reproductive Health Care Roundtable

(Oct 11, 2024) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

“The state of reproductive health in our country has been in chaos since the Dobbs v. Jackson decision,” Shusterman said. “Pennsylvania is making it clear that we are going to protect women. We are going to uphold the privacy and safety that every mother should expect before, during and after the birthing process. Every area of reproductive health care is going to receive additional protections. I thank the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for coming to learn about what we are doing here in Pennsylvania and sharing the responses they have seen and heard from other states. This is a much-needed step in the right direction for us to work together in protecting reproductive health care across the United States.” Read more

 

Community Safety Town Hall Resource Sheet

(Oct 03, 2024) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

Read more

 

Howard, Shusterman amplify calls to change Pennsylvania’s Divorce Law

(Oct 02, 2024) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

“Under the best of circumstances, divorce can take two-three years to resolve in Pennsylvania,” Shusterman said. “Our antiquated laws need modernization to streamline the divorce process, making it more efficient and less adversarial for all parties involved. It's time to rewrite these convoluted laws that keep people in bad, even abusive marriages.” Read more

 

Shusterman discusses child care at White House forum

(Oct 01, 2024) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

“Last year in the commonwealth with the expansion of our Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit, we made it a little easier for families to balance working and finding proper care for their children,” Shusterman said. “It was an honor to share the progress Pennsylvania has made when it comes to increasing access to child care. We've taken some crucial steps, but there is still more work to do, and I hope we can implement some of the successful programs created by my fellow legislators from across the country to help even more Pennsylvanians.” Read more

 

Shusterman & Howard to host Pet Resource Fair

(Sep 13, 2024) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

“This is the first time Rep. Howard and I have organized an event like this for our districts,” Shusterman said. “We are excited to offer animal lovers a wide range of resources to help them care for their pets. This event will help reduce costs for pet owners, and hopefully, some furry friends will find their forever homes!” Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Sep 04, 2024) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Local Share Account Statewide Who May Apply: Counties, municipalities, municipal authorities, economic development agencies, redevelopment authorities, land banks, or councils of government. Non-profits may partner with an eligible applicant to apply on their behalf. Use: Projects in the public interest. Projects that improve the quality of life of citizens in the community. Eligible projects must be owned and maintained by an eligible applicant or a nonprofit organization. See program guidelines for specific eligible uses of funds. Funds: The PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects in the public interest. Grant requests must be at a minimum $25,000 and no more than $1,000,000. Application Deadline: November 30, 2024 More information: DCED Website Department of Education: Hunger-Free Campus Grants Who May Apply: Institutes of Higher Education. Use: Funding may be used to ensure students have access to healthy, nutritious food. Funds: Institutions with 3,000 or fewer students are eligible for $20,000 awards. Institutions with 3,001 to 7,000 students are eligible for $40,000 awards. Institutions with greater than 7,000 students are eligible for $60,000 awards. Application Deadline: September 23, 2024 More information: PDE website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR Read more

 

2024 Summer Newsletter

(Aug 16, 2024) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

I hope you have been enjoying your summer! My colleagues and I have spent most of our time out of the sun and in the chamber of the House passing numerous pieces of legislation and a state budget that works for YOU! Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District

(Aug 13, 2024) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: School Safety and Mental Health Grants Who May Apply: Eligible school entities as defined under 24 P.S. §13-1314.1-B of the PA Public School Code. Use: Funding may be used to assist schools with physical safety and/or behavioral health needs. Funds: $100 million is available to be distributed via a formula that stipulates school districts are to receive $100,000 base average and an additional amount based on their 22/23 Adjusted Average Daily Membership. Other eligible school entities are to receive $70,000. Application Deadline: September 26, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Targeted School Safety Grants for Nonpublic Schools Who May Apply: Nonpublic schools as defined under Section 924.3-A of the PA Public School Code, municipalities, law enforcement agencies, or approved vendors. Use: Funding may be used to assist schools with physical safety and/or behavioral health needs. Funds: A total of $19,665,000 in state school safety and security funds is being announced to support this initiative. Application Deadline: September 26, 2024 More information: PCCD Website PennDOT: Rail Freight Assistance Program/Rail Transportation Assistance Program Who May Apply: Railroad company, transportation organization, municipality, municipal authority, user Read more

 

Shusterman announces public hearings over water rate hikes

(Aug 05, 2024) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

PAOLI, Aug. 5 – Beginning today, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission is holding a series of five public hearings in the region to gather public input on proposed water and sewer rate hikes, announced state Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester. There will be hearings in Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties over the next week. Under the proposals, the average monthly bill for a residential water customer would increase by 19.9% ($16.10). For residential wastewater customers, the average monthly bill would increase 18.4% ($14.92). The Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate filed with the PUC a formal complaint against these proposed rate increases . The hearing schedule is as follows: Wednesday, Aug. 7 – Delaware County 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Delaware County Community College STEM Building – Room #1403 (Auditorium) 901 S. Media Line Road Media, PA 19063 Thursday, Aug. 8 – Chester County 1 p.m. New Garden Township Municipal Building 299 Starr Road Landenberg, PA 19350 Monday, Aug. 12 – Montgomery County 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Spring-Ford Area High School (Auditorium) 350 S. Lewis Road Royersford, PA 19468 "Consumers are hit hard by rate hikes, making essential resources a financial strain," Shusterman said. "These increases turn a necessity into a growing expense, creating obstacles to access that can have wide-ranging consequences. Nonetheless, we have Read more

 

Shusterman to introduce bill to crack down on 3D printed guns
Dec 18, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Dec 12, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Dec 04, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Nov 21, 2024

Shusterman announces $1 million grant to Willistown Conservation Trust
Nov 15, 2024

Shusterman announces $1 million in grants to Paoli Memorial Hospital
Nov 01, 2024

Shusterman celebrates nearly $2.3 million in recent grants
Oct 31, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
Oct 30, 2024

Shusterman family law arbitration bill signed into law by Gov. Shapiro
Oct 24, 2024

Comitta, Chester County State Legislative Delegation Announce Millions in Investments in Local Communities
Oct 23, 2024

Shusterman’s juvenile justice bill advances out of committee
Oct 22, 2024

Shusterman attends Reproductive Health Care Roundtable
Oct 11, 2024

Community Safety Town Hall Resource Sheet
Oct 03, 2024

Howard, Shusterman amplify calls to change Pennsylvania’s Divorce Law
Oct 02, 2024

Shusterman discusses child care at White House forum
Oct 01, 2024

Shusterman & Howard to host Pet Resource Fair
Sep 13, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Sep 04, 2024

2024 Summer Newsletter
Aug 16, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
Aug 13, 2024

Shusterman announces public hearings over water rate hikes
Aug 05, 2024