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Chester County lawmakers to introduce bill that would require approval from the Department of Health before hospitals can be purchased

(20 hours ago) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

HARRISBURG, April 9 – State Rep. Dan Williams is introducing legislation alongside Reps. Kristine Howard and Melissa Shusterman, all D-Chester, that would require approval from the Department of Health before a hospital or hospital system can be purchased. One in three hospital mergers and acquisitions lead to a full or partial hospital closure . In Chester County , Tower Health purchased Jennersville and Brandywine Hospitals, which both closed less than 5 years after the acquisition. These sales often lead to broken promises, unexpected closures and reduced services to customers, Williams said. “When hospitals close, jobs disappear and patients are forced to travel further distances for potentially lifesaving care. These closures create major challenges for our communities,” Williams said. “When a life is on the line, the miles and minutes matter, which is why we are introducing this bill to protect residents and frontline workers from such abrupt closures.” The bill would require the Department of Health to review applications, hold public hearings and prepare impact statements on the effect of the buying and selling of the healthcare services that the hospital or hospital system provides. We cannot allow our health to be dictated by business interests,” said Howard. “Department of Health approval will ensure continued access to quality care and keep the focus on patients, not profits.” Read more

 

Powell, Howard, Daley & Shusterman advocate for reproductive rights in Harrisburg

(Apr 07, 2025) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

HARRISBURG, April 7 – State Reps. Lindsay Powell, Kristine C. Howard, Mary Jo Daley and Melissa Shusterman rallied for reproductive rights today in the state Capitol Rotunda, alongside Planned Parenthood PA advocates. “In this post-Roe era, the blurred lines between legality and restriction have dangerously entangled law, politics and human life,” Powell, D-Allegheny, said. “Elected officials take an oath of office to defend the rights of the people, not strip them away for the sake of political agendas. This is a battle we cannot afford to lose.” “While abortion remains legal in Pennsylvania, it is heavily regulated by the Abortion Control Act, a Reagan-era law that became the playbook for abortion restrictions nationwide,” Howard, D-Chester, added. “My legislation, the Reproductive Freedom Act , would eliminate this law and replace it with a much more perfect statutory scheme, a more rational and compassionate model positioning Pennsylvania as a leader in reproductive rights.” "Our state must be a place where personal freedoms are protected and where every resident can access health care without interference," Daley, D-Montgomery, and co-chair of the PA Women's Health Caucus, said. "By supporting these safeguards, we affirm our shared commitment to personal liberty, civil discourse and the protection of every Pennsylvanian’s right to seek care safely and freely." “We Read more

 

E-Blast: Childcare Rally, Healthcare Protections & more!

(Mar 27, 2025) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

It's been another busy week in Harrisburg, this week I joined my colleagues in advocating for legislation to put children first in the Commonwealth. We’ve already had success with the expansion of the Childcare tax credit, but now we look to keep fighting for an additional $55 million in the state budget to recruit and keep child care programs in Pennsylvania! This investment combined with my early childhood education legislation will provide families with great access to quality care and education for their children. Read more

 

E-Blast: Coffee & Conversation, Equal Pay Rally & more!

(Mar 21, 2025) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

The turnout for my Coffee & Conversation event at Tredyffrin Public Library was incredible, with nearly 100 people attending to share their concerns about government at all levels. It is an honor to represent such an engaged community. Our next event is coming in April! Read more

 

PA House Dems launch CARE Package for juvenile justice reform

(Mar 18, 2025) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

Bills proposed to protect children in the juvenile justice system, save taxpayer dollars Read more

 

Pennsylvania lawmakers rally for equal pay; Where does PA rank nationally?

(Mar 17, 2025) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

Read more

 

Shusterman rallies for equal pay in Harrisburg

(Mar 17, 2025) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

“Creating equal pay means increasing economic gains in the Commonwealth,” said Shusterman. “That is a commonsense win for everyone but most importantly, for women and their families. When you get paid less, that means less money for household expenses, retirement, or children’s clothing and food.” Read more

 

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

(Mar 12, 2025) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Funds Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to state, county, or municipal forensic crime laboratories to support activities that improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services. Use: To improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services throughout Pennsylvania, with an emphasis on combating opioids and synthetic drugs through laboratory accreditation, the certification of forensic scientists, and the purchase of laboratory equipment. Funds: A total of approximately $785,000 in federal Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvements funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund four to six grants with budgets not to exceed $185,000 over the 15-month project period. Application Deadline: April 10, 2025 More information: PCCD Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: DCED Website Department Read more

 

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

(Mar 06, 2025) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) Who May Apply: Municipalities, councils of government, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agency, ports (rail/freight) Use: The MTF provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure a safe and reliable system of transportation exists in Pennsylvania. The program is intended to provide financial assistance in order to improve public transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit revitalization. Funds: Requests must have a total eligible cost of $100,000 or more and no request shall exceed $3,000,000 for any project. Application Deadline: July 31, 2025 More information: DCED Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: DCED Website Department of Agriculture: Farm Vitality Planning Grant Who May Apply: Farmers, prospective farmers, and others may apply. Use: Strategic business Read more

 

E-Blast: Coffee & Conversation, Fire & EMS Grants & more!

(Feb 25, 2025) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

Last week, the PA House Democratic Policy Committee held a hearing on how the state can combat animal fighting and why it is significant for our communities. Thank you to state Rep. Mary Isaacson for getting proceedings rolling, to Janette Reever, Global Anti-Animal Fighting expert for Humane World for Animals, and Patrick Noll, Humane Officer for the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area, for testifying on this gruesome issue. Read more

 

2025 Winter Newsletter

(Feb 20, 2025) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

The 2025-2026 House Session has officially begun! My colleagues and I are back in Harrisburg, ready to pass new legislation that will improve the lives of all Pennsylvanians. Read more

 

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

(Feb 19, 2025) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: PA Small Water and Sewer Program Who May Apply: Municipalities or a municipal authority Use: Projects that involve the construction, improvement, expansion, repair, or rehabilitation of a water supply system, sanitary sewer system, storm sewer system, or flood control projects that are owned and maintained by an eligible applicant. Funds: Projects must have a total cost of not less than $30,000 and not more than $500,000. A total of $50 million was allocated in the fiscal year 2024/25 Fiscal Code. Application Deadline: April 30, 2025 More information: CFA Website Commonwealth Financing Authority: Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Councils of Governments, Authorized Organizations, Institutions of Higher Education, Watershed Organizations, for profit businesses. Use: Planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects. Funds: Grant requests shall not exceed $250,000. Application Deadline: May 31, 2025 More information: CFA Website Commonwealth Financing Authority: Baseline Water Quality Data Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Councils of Governments, Authorized Organizations, Institutions of Higher Education, Watershed Organizations, for profit businesses. Use: Eligible Read more

 

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

(Feb 11, 2025) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

Below are multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: All-Terrian Vehicle and Snowmobile Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, non-profit and for-profit organizations Use: All-Terrain Vehicle and Snowmobile projects include the planning, acquisition of land, development, rehabilitation, maintenance, purchase of equipment for maintenance and construction, and development of educational programs related to ATV and/or snowmobile trails and facilities. Funds: Funding comes from the ATV Management Restricted Account and the Snowmobile Restricted Account as authorized by Act 97 of 2016. There is no match requirement for this funding; however, applications that provide match funding will be given additional consideration. Application Deadline: March 31, 2025 More information: DCNR Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Medical & MH Pilots for CSA Victims Who May Apply: Any for-profit entity, non-profit entity, an entity affiliated with a CAC or MDIT (e.g., public agency or hospital), or unit of local government. Schools (including colleges and universities) are considered governmental units and are eligible to apply. Use: The goal of this specific solicitation is to support the development and implementation of innovative pilot projects that enhance or expand medical and mental health services for Read more

 

PA Animal Protection Caucus announces ’25-’26 leadership team, legislative priorities

(Feb 05, 2025) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

Animals across Pennsylvania will continue to have a voice in Harrisburg as the PA Animal Protection Caucus on Wednesday announced its leadership team for the 2025-2026 legislative session and laid out its legislative priorities. Read more

 

Shusterman throws support behind Gov. Shapiro’s proposed budget

(Feb 04, 2025) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

“This budget hits all of the priorities for the people of Chester County and all of the Commonwealth,” Shusterman said. “By investing in Pennsylvanians, young, old, and in between, we are giving all generations an opportunity to succeed and make their lives easier.” Read more

 

400 attend meeting in Norristown amid community deportation concerns

(Feb 03, 2025) Rep. Greg Scott

A community on edge came together Tuesday night as 400 people attended a public meeting at Centro de Cultura Arte Trabajo y Educacion.The organization serving the area’s Latinx community, also known as CCATE, convened the community meeting that brought lawyers, professors, as well as governmental, education and elected officials together amid the federal immigration crackdown brought on at the start of President Donald Trump’s second administration. Read more

 

E-Blast: Incentives for Early Educators, School Safety Grants & more!

(Jan 30, 2025) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

It's simple. Employers need workers, and working families need child care they can afford. By ensuring early childcare providers are paid fairly, we can attract more professionals to this critically needed field. I'm introducing a bill package that offers financial incentives to early childhood educators. Read more

 

Shusterman Introduces Legislation to Combat Pennsylvania’s Childcare Staffing Crisis

(Jan 28, 2025) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

“Employers need workers and working families need childcare they can afford,” Shusterman said. “Many families pay as much for child care as they do for rent or a mortgage. Increasing the wages of our child care professionals can not be solved by increasing the costs families pay. To address this crisis, our Commonwealth must step up with more solutions to support working families and grow our workforce.” Read more

 

Shusterman to introduce Early Childhood Education legislation

(Jan 24, 2025) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

“Employers need workers and working families need childcare they can afford,” said Shusterman, D-Chester. “Many families pay as much for child care as they do for rent or a mortgage. Increasing the wages of our child care professionals can not be solved by increasing the costs families pay. To address this crisis, our Commonwealth must step up with more solutions to support working families and grow our workforce.” Read more

 

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

(Jan 23, 2025) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Victims of Crime Act 2025-2027 Who May Apply: Agencies currently receiving federal Victims of Crime Act funding. Use: The federal VOCA guidelines classify eligible activities/costs into three categories: direct service costs, activities supporting direct services, and subrecipient administrative costs. The federal VOCA guidelines can be found in the Federal Register at: Victims of Crime Act Victim Assistance Program . Funds: This solicitation is for approximately $53.9 million in federal VOCA funds for the first year with year two amounts being determined at the November 2025 Victims Services Advisory Committee (VSCA) meeting. PCCD expects to fund approximately 157 grants. Applicants will be required to submit a continuation application for year two. Application Deadline: March 14, 2025 More information: PCCD Website Department of Health: WalkWorks Active Transportation Planning Program Who May Apply: Municipalities and metropolitan and rural planning organizations. Priority will be given to communities located in PA DOH State Physical Activity and Nutrition (SPAN) priority counties or with an overall percentile rating above 60 in the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) PennEnviroScreen Tool. The 10 current SPAN target counties are: Clearfield, Erie, Fayette, Greene, Lawrence, Luzerne, Lycoming, Mercer, Northumberland, and Philadelphia. Use: Funds will be Read more

 

Chester County lawmakers to introduce bill that would require approval from the Department of Health before hospitals can be purchased
20 hours ago

Powell, Howard, Daley & Shusterman advocate for reproductive rights in Harrisburg
Apr 07, 2025

E-Blast: Childcare Rally, Healthcare Protections & more!
Mar 27, 2025

E-Blast: Coffee & Conversation, Equal Pay Rally & more!
Mar 21, 2025

PA House Dems launch CARE Package for juvenile justice reform
Mar 18, 2025

Pennsylvania lawmakers rally for equal pay; Where does PA rank nationally?
Mar 17, 2025

Shusterman rallies for equal pay in Harrisburg
Mar 17, 2025

Grant Memo: Transportation, Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 12, 2025

Transportation, Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 06, 2025

E-Blast: Coffee & Conversation, Fire & EMS Grants & more!
Feb 25, 2025

2025 Winter Newsletter
Feb 20, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Feb 19, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Feb 11, 2025

PA Animal Protection Caucus announces ’25-’26 leadership team, legislative priorities
Feb 05, 2025

Shusterman throws support behind Gov. Shapiro’s proposed budget
Feb 04, 2025

400 attend meeting in Norristown amid community deportation concerns
Feb 03, 2025

E-Blast: Incentives for Early Educators, School Safety Grants & more!
Jan 30, 2025

Shusterman Introduces Legislation to Combat Pennsylvania’s Childcare Staffing Crisis
Jan 28, 2025

Shusterman to introduce Early Childhood Education legislation
Jan 24, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 23, 2025