STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency/Penn State University Child Maltreatment Solutions Network: Project Safe and Smart Solicitation (Funding Source: State Endowment Act Funds) Who Can Apply : Community-based organizations and school entities are eligible to apply for the project. Use : To implement a pilot prevention research project that includes the school-based program Safe Touches and a parent education program, Smart Parents. Funds : Approximately $2.9 million in funding is available to support 10 applicants. Application Deadline : January 24 More Information : https://www.pccd.pa.gov/AboutUs/Pages/Project-Safe-and-Smart.aspx . FEDERAL PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration: Rural Health Network Development Planning (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who Can Apply : Public or private, non-profit or for-profit entities, including faith-based, community-based, tribes and tribal organizations. Use : To support the planning and development of integrated health care networks seeking to expand access and improve quality of care in rural communities. Funds : HRSA plans to award approximately 20 grants of $100,000 each to rural communities as part of this funding opportunity. Application Deadline : January 28 Read more
Phoenixville, Dec. 8 – State. Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, today announced the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency has awarded $58,726 to Phoenixville Borough for its Downtown Church Street Camera Project. “I am thrilled to announce the approval of this grant,” Shusterman said. “This funding will provide an extra level of safety and security for business owners and residents in the borough of Phoenixville.” This project will give the borough the capability to review video of crimes that occur in the community, protecting residents and all those who come within its jurisdiction. Enhancing the existing camera system will provide law enforcement with an unbiased view of what occurred during a crime. The funding, which is through the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant, will be used to pay for cameras and equipment needed to store video. One of the goals of this grant is to help fund technologies that support transparency and information sharing between law enforcement and communities. The funds may be used for software/hardware solutions designed to enhance agency transparency with the capability of facilitating information sharing with the public, promoting an agency’s work, and developing data-driven programs that improve public safety and build trust. More information about the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency is available at Read more
PHOENIXVILLE, Dec. 7 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, announced today $2 million in state funding has been awarded to further economic development in Tredyffrin Township. Shusterman was instrumental in securing the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant funding that will help 675 Swedesford Road, LLC construct a two-story parking structure to support its timber-built office headquarters. “This grant is an investment in the future of business in Chester County,” said Shusterman, who was appointed to serve on the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Board by Gov. Tom Wolf in May 2021. “New development like this project is essential to bring more jobs and opportunities to the people of our county, while also creating a more sustainable working environment.” 675 E. Swedesford Road headquarters is a proposed 5-story office space at the corner of East Swedesford Road and Old Eagle School Road. It is a new class of office space with a biophilic design using 36,000 square feet of reclaimed wood for ceilings, floors, and conference rooms. Wood has a low manufacturing carbon footprint and is the only material that can remove carbon from the atmosphere. Through this project, 470 metric tons of carbon dioxide will be permanently sequestered, and by using wood instead of steel, another 1,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions will never be produced. This is the equivalent to taking 282 Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 7 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, today introduced new legislation to ban small plastic bottles in lodging establishments. To prevent significant plastic waste, this bill would prohibit the entities from offering guests personal care items in small plastic bottles. Businesses would also save money by opting for bulk dispensers for personal care items. The world produces about 300 tons of plastic per year and only recycles 9 percent. Nearly 150 tons of this plastic is for single-use items. It then ends up in landfills and waterways and over time breaks down into microplastics that have been found to pollute our soil, water, and even our own bodies. “Across our commonwealth and our country, we face significant challenges in recycling plastic materials,” said Shusterman. “It is crucial for us to find ways to cut down on our usage, and I believe that simple, money-saving solutions like these can help make a substantial impact. Consumers and businesses alike can benefit from reducing single-use plastics and establishing more sustainable standards for travel and lodging.” Many hotel brands are leading the way in ecotourism by no longer offering single-use toiletries in their guest rooms. Shusterman said that not only is this move good for the environment, but it also will save businesses money. State Rep. Mary Jo Daley, chair of the House Tourism and Recreational Development Committee, agreed. Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Substance Use Disorder Provider Stabilization (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who Can Apply : Substance use disorder treatment providers. Use : Stabilization payments to substance use disorder treatment providers to assist with pandemic-related expenses. Funds : Up to $10 million will be awarded statewide. Application Deadline : December 8 More Information : Click on https://www.ddap.pa.gov/DDAPFunding/Pages/Funding-Opportunities.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry: Veterans Employment Program (Funding Source s : General Fund & Reemployment Fund) Who Can Apply : Local workforce development boards, non-profit and non-governmental entities, community-based organizations, education and post-secondary organizations, labor organizations, business associations, and economic development entities. There is a special emphasis on the following counties with the highest veteran unemployment rates: Beaver, Delaware, Fayette, Lackawanna, Clearfield, and Lycoming counties. Use : To implement a veterans employment program. Funds : Up to $200,000 each. $800,000 will be awarded statewide. Application Deadline : December 30 More Information : Click on Read more
State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D- Chester/Montgomery, today announced a $212,330 state grant poised to enhance and propel a road project in Upper Providence Township, Montgomery County. This grant was awarded through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Multimodal Transportation Fund program. “This grant award is vital in ensuring we continue evaluating and upgrading our roadways in Montgomery County to make them safer for everyone,” Shusterman said. “Being cognizant that there are certain roadways and intersections that have safety concerns which must be addressed is a step in the right direction. “I look forward to having the continued opportunity to expand the availability of state resources to enhance the safety of our roadways. I applaud this funding and look forward to seeing this envisioned project become a reality,” she added. Upper Providence Township was awarded $212,330 to be used for preliminary engineering costs for a roundabout at the intersection of Dreibelbis Road, Black Rock Road, and 2 nd Avenue. The existing intersection has unconventional geometry that can create site distance obstructions, confusion regarding right-of-way and speeding. The Multimodal Transportation Fund, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to Read more
PAOLI, Nov. 15 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, honored servicemembers this Veterans Day by hosting a Veterans Appreciation Breakfast at the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge. Following the breakfast, Shusterman toured the 157th Legislative District, stopping at five area nursing homes. Stops included Daylesford Crossing, Echo Lake, Brandywine Senior Living, Parkhouse and Phoenix Center, where Shusterman personally thanked resident veterans for their service to the nation. “The liberties and freedoms we enjoy as citizens of this great nation are a direct result of the selfless service of our veterans,” Shusterman said. “It was a privilege to be able to host my annual Veterans Day breakfast, but I wanted to do more to show my appreciation during this holiday. Knowing full well that not all local veterans were able to attend my breakfast due to mobility reasons or prior obligations, I wanted to ensure everyone who served receives a proper thank you.” Shusterman added, “While showing appreciation for our servicemembers, both past and present, on Veterans Day is vital, we should be thanking these heroes at every opportunity that presents itself.” Residents with questions or those who would like to receive information on upcoming veterans events, veterans’ services and legislative updates can sign up for Shusterman’s emails by emailing Read more
PAOLI, Nov. 5 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, is introducing legislation that would help families returning to work after the pandemic maintain their childcare. A member of the Pa. Workforce Development Board, Shusterman said the legislation would offer a Pennsylvania Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit to help Pennsylvanians get back to work without being overburdened by the cost of childcare. Under the proposed legislation, taxpayers who qualify for the federal child and dependent care tax credit would be eligible for the Pennsylvania tax credit. Taxpayers with one qualifying dependent would receive a $350 tax credit, while two or more dependents would result in a $700 tax credit. Although there is the federal child and dependent care tax credit, Pennsylvania is one of 19 states that does not offer tax credits for child and dependent care. Shusterman’s legislation would change this and offer Pennsylvania families a much-needed financial break, as childcare costs the average family $11,842 per year, or 8% more than the average renter pays. “Americans suffered tremendously during the pandemic, not only physically but mentally and especially financially,” Shusterman said. “As a member of the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Board, it is important to me that families have what they need to succeed in their employment − this legislation would remove one more barrier between employment and quality Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 29 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, plans to introduce legislation that would allow smaller enterprises and farmers to acquire permits to grow medical marijuana. The legislation would allow for permits for more growers, alleviating the supply situation, lessening the burden on consumers, and allowing smaller businesses and farmers the chance to compete in an ever-growing market. Shusterman said she believes that because of the draconian laws in place about how many growers can be in one zone, the monopoly of several big corporations over this industry has created a supply shortage, which drives up prices and hurts consumers who need their prescribed medication. “Pennsylvanians shouldn’t have trouble accessing medication prescribed by a doctor for relief from pain and sickness,” Shusterman said. “The restrictions placed on growers and processors hurts small businesses, farmers and patients alike." Farmers and small businesses have been denied a piece of the over $1 billion that the industry has brought in for big corporations in Pennsylvania, according to Shusterman. She said her bill would allow for smaller businesses and farmers to take part in cultivation of cannabis for medical reasons, eliminating the monopoly held by big corporations. “The studies have shown again and again the benefits of medical marijuana for certain medical conditions. It’s not fair that only big Read more
PAOLI, Oct. 28 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman was recently recognized by the National Association of Social Workers for Legislator of the Year. “We appreciate her commitment to tackling social inequality, including her efforts on college students experiencing homelessness, expansion of expungement, and addressing food deserts,” NASW said in a statement regarding the award. “Representative Shusterman addresses problems not only through legislation, but also helps constituents through her district office and hosts public events and media promotions to bring awareness to the issues.” The award recognizes outstanding service and contributions of an elected official. NASW said Shusterman won the award because she has been a voice of the people. The organization believes that legislators represent society’s collective values and recognize when they enact policies that fight for social justice and against injustice. This legislative session Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, has introduced the Child and Adult Care Food Program Supplement, which would provide funds for food to care facilities for children and adults. Shusterman also introduced legislation to combat littering, promote recycling and was a co-sponsor on a bill called the LEVEL UP for ID/A Act. LEVEL UP for ID/A would change provider payments based on outcomes of individuals with disabilities and autism, instead of services provided. This bill has many components which are all Read more
Donations can be dropped at Phoenixville Area Community Services (PACS), located at 101 Buchanan Street in Phoenixville, on Thursday, November 18 from 10 a.m. to noon. Drive-through contactless drop-off is available. Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 25 – State Reps. Melissa L. Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, and Carol Hill-Evans, D-York, have announced they will introduce a bill to provide additional food funds for care facilities enrolled in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, a federal program that compensates care facilities for meals served to participants. “Care facilities across the state deal with incredibly high operating costs,” Shusterman said. “Unfortunately, the federal program meant to help them feed our neediest citizens does not go nearly far enough to alleviate the extraordinary costs they face. It’s time for Pennsylvania to supplement this vital program.” Hill-Evans agreed. “Pennsylvania’s economy is stronger when our most vulnerable residents have access to essential resources,” Hill-Evans said. “By ensuring our care facilities have adequate funding, we would enable more Pennsylvanians to enter the workforce.” According to the PA Department of Education’s website , participating facilities are eligible to be reimbursed for up to two meals and one snack per participant, per day. The new bill introduced by Shusterman and Hill-Evans would expand that. Currently, participating facilities also receive federally donated commodities, nutrition education materials and annual training workshops. The following care facilities are eligible to participate in the CACFP: Licensed, nonprofit, non-residential Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 18 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, today announced that Phoenixville was awarded nearly $1.2 million in tax credits through the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. Funding was awarded through the PHFA board using Low Income Housing Tax Credits, PennHOMES funding, and National Housing Trust Funds to construct 1,974 affordable multifamily rental units in Pennsylvania. “This money will allow us to expand upon our mission of ensuring our most vulnerable neighbors have equitable access to affordable and stable housing,” Shusterman said. “We have seen during the course of the pandemic how vital these resources are, and I am happy to see such an investment to improve the lives of our aging population.” The tax credits will be utilized as the 50-apartment complex continues to be built at 115 Buchanan St. in Phoenixville. The units, reserved for those 62 and older, will be available at or below 60% of the area median income. The Phoenixville project was announced in conjunction with awards totaling more than $43.6 million in LIHTC, more than $7.4 million in PennHOMES funding, and more than $15.9 million in National Housing Trust Funds. “This news will be a welcome sign of relief for some of those within our senior community who may be looking for more affordable housing options,” Shusterman said. “For those on a fixed Read more
“This bill offers compassion to people who have suffered a great loss,” Shusterman said. “Nothing can prepare an expecting parent for the loss of a pregnancy, but this bill would provide people with the time they need to recover and regroup. It makes an unbearable situation a little less horrible.” Read more
PHOENIXVILLE, Oct. 13 – At the top of the legislative agenda for House Democrats is helping Pennsylvanians stay safe and recover from the pandemic. That means prioritizing small, community businesses like those in Phoenixville. “The Borough of Phoenixville provides a rich case study for how a community of business owners, non-profit organizations, and residents came together to preserve its main street through the challenges of COVID-19,” said Rep. Shusterman, D-Chester. “I am pleased to host this event and invite the public, press, and my fellow legislators to hear their stories. I believe these insights will be critical to our Commonwealth's ongoing economic recovery.” House members participated in a hearing on the business impact of Covid prior to a tour of Phoenixville. During the formal hearing municipal leaders and small business owners spoke of operating through the pandemic, despite hardships. During a tour of downtown Phoenixville small businesses, House members spoke with owners who worked with local government to make sure that the pandemic restrictions didn’t lead to closure. “We need policy that prioritizes small businesses and communities throughout Pennsylvania,” said Chair of the Democratic Policy Committee, Rep. Bizzarro, D-Erie. “The legislature has the ability to deploy funds allocated to communities like Phoenixville, and serve as liaisons for municipal leaders to work together with Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 5 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, will host a free shredding event this upcoming Saturday to help residents of the 157 th Legislative District properly dispose of unneeded documents. The shred event will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9 at the Technical College High School Pickering Campus, 1580 Charlestown Road, Phoenixville, PA 19460. In a printed newsletter sent to constituents in the district several weeks ago, the address was incorrectly listed. The correct address is 1580 Charlestown Road. “Protecting confidential information through shredding unnecessary, old documents is an important step in ensuring you do not fall victim to identity theft. Sadly, identity theft occurs every day and has greatly accelerated in frequency over the last several years. This event will give you an opportunity to take a proactive approach in making certain your private information does not fall into the wrong hands,” Shusterman said. There is a limit of three boxes for each household, and attendees are asked to open their trunks and please remain in their vehicle while Shusterman and her team unload your vehicle. Please bear in mind that newspapers, magazines and journals will not be accepted. Shusterman said the event will be held rain or shine and may end sooner than scheduled if the truck is full. Shredding is done on site, and all shredded paper will be Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Human Services : American Rescue Plan Act Funding for Long-Term Care Providers ( Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Nursing facilities, personal care homes, and assisted living residences in DHS’ Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) system. All nursing facilities currently eligible and enrolled in Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program, Medical Assistance, will automatically receive direct payments. Any nursing facility that is not enrolled in Medicaid, as well as all personal care homes and assisted living residences, must complete the Facility Acceptance Form and return it to OLTL for DHS to issue the payment. Use : For COVID-19-related costs. Funds : See guidelines for funding distributions. Facility Acceptance Form Deadline : None given. Facility Acceptance Form must be returned to DHS’ Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) for payment. More Information : Click on https://www.dhs.pa.gov/providers/Providers/Pages/Long-Term-Care-Providers.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Health : Olweus Bullying Prevention Program ( Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : 501c3 nonprofit youth organizations. Use : To implement the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program to promote the reduction of bullying among 12 to 17 year-old youth. Funds Read more
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Hurricane Ida: Our Community in Recovery For many, Labor Day weekend looked very different this year. After Hurricane Ida ripped through much of the southeast region, stories of immeasurable loss and incredible resilience were seen throughout much of our district. I am in awe of the cleanup efforts organized by our municipal and township leaders, EMS service providers, non-profits, and area volunteers. Enormous amounts of donations were collected, and our community came together in full strength to help our neighbors. I felt fortunate to be able to lend a hand and speak to many residents who needed assistance. However, I know that many are still struggling, and that the effects of this storm will be felt for quite some time. With well over $100 million in reported damages, complete recovery is a work in progress. My office is currently fielding as many questions as possible, getting out to join cleanup and donation efforts, and continuing to share resource information as it is announced. Below is a list of currently available resources. If you are able, please spread the word to those who do not currently have access to their homes or mailboxes to receive this publication. Resources will also be posted to my website and social media accounts. Reporting Damage Property damage reports should be filed with your county of residence. For forms, and most up to date county assistance, please head to www.chesco.org/4996/Ida Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 8 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, today announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has awarded a grant of $689,496 to rehabilitate the block pavement on Gulph Road in Valley Forge National Historical Park, part of the National Memorial Arch in Upper Merion Township, Montgomery County and Tredyffrin Township, Chester County. Shusterman was instrumental in securing the funding for this project and has continued to focus on restoring important infrastructure in the 157 th Legislative District. “This influx in state funding to rehabilitate such an important part of our area’s history is a step in the right direction to ensure future generations continue to enjoy this national park,” Shusterman said. “While I have the privilege of representing the 157 th Legislative District, I will continue fighting for these important state dollars, which will be properly utilized in improvement and rehabilitation projects such as this.” Using the grant, PennDOT’s contractor will restore approximately 180 linear feet of deteriorated granite block on Gulph Road in front of the National Memorial Arch while maintaining the roadway’s historical significance and providing an improved riding surface for the public. Shusterman said she wants the public to know that due to the nature of the project, Gulph Road will be closed and Read more
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42 E. Lancaster AveUnit APaoli, PA 19301-1455
P*: (484) 200-8260
F*: (484) 200-8272
Hours of Operation - 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Need to meet outside of regular hours? Call (484)200-8260.
To access parking, turn on to Darby Rd from Lancaster Ave, then make the 2nd left into the parking lot. There’s a sign with my name and state seal on the office door. Park anywhere even though the spots are numbered and signs say bank parking only.
720 First AvenueBerwyn, PA 19312-1769
Hours of Operation - Third Tuesday of every month from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
111 Valley Park RoadPhoenixville, PA 19460-5700
Hours of Operation - Fourth Tuesday of every month from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
114 Irvis Office BuildingPO Box 202157Harrisburg, PA 17120-2157
P*: (717) 787-7524
F*: (717) 772-3074