E-Blast: Scam Town Hall, MLK Day of Service, Banning Traveling Animals Legislation & More!

(Feb 15, 2023)

Protect yourself! Join me, senior advocates, legal and banking industry experts, and local police for an information-packed town hall on detecting and avoiding financial scams. Read more

 

Shusterman announces grants for local EMS and fire departments

(Feb 08, 2023)

Several local fire departments and emergency medical service providers have been awarded grants from Pennsylvania’s Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, state Rep. Melissa Shusterman announced today. Read more

 

E-BLAST: A new term, historic grants, committee assignment and more

(Jan 13, 2023)

On January 3rd, I was sworn in for my third term in the General Assembly representing the 157th District. It would not have been possible without your continued support! I am excited to get back to work for our communities and to pass legislation that puts hardworking Pennsylvanians first! Read more

 

Shusterman takes oath for third term

(Jan 03, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 3 -- State Rep. Melissa Shusterman took the oath of office in the state Capitol today to begin another term representing the 157 th Legislative District. The noon swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of the 2023-24 legislative session of the Pennsylvania House. During this session, Shusterman will serve as deputy vice chair of the House Democratic Policy Committee; other committee assignments have yet to be announced. Shusterman said she will prioritize women’s health care, government transparency, infrastructure deficiencies, investing in public schools and strengthening protections for the environment. “For the first time in more than a decade, the PA House has a real opportunity to address the inequities and deficiencies we see across the commonwealth,” said Shusterman, D-Chester. “I am eager to get to work to pass commonsense legislation that meets the needs of my constituents. I am honored to have another chance to represent the residents of the 157 th Legislative District.” Shusterman said her office can help with a variety of state-related services, including home heating assistance, children’s health insurance, prescription drug and property tax/rent rebate assistance. Residents can find out more by going to RepShusterman.com . Court of Common Pleas Judge John McNally administered the oath of office. This year marks Pennsylvania’s 207 th Read more

 

Shusterman applauds historical grants for Chester County

(Dec 13, 2022)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 13 – The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission has awarded more than $44,000 in state grants to historical societies and museums across Chester County, state Rep. Melissa Shusterman announced today. The grants fund projects designed to improve the preservation and accessibility of historically significant records maintained by local governments, historical societies and academic institutions. Awarded were: Chester County Historical Society - $16,956. Historic Yellow Springs - $10,454. Wharton Esherick Museum - $7,789. Graystone Society Inc. - $6,231. Historic Sugartown Inc. - $4,000. “Congratulations to all of the recipients who advocated for this statewide funding,” said Shusterman, D-Chester. “Not only do the awards reflect highly on the organizations themselves, but the investment also greatly benefits residents all across the county, because our shared cultural heritage is something we all know is precious. “Tourism created by these historic sites is a lifeblood for our communities and significant for all of Pennsylvania. Thank you to the Wolf administration for recognizing our region as a premier place to invest.” All told, PHMC awarded almost $2 million in Cultural and Historical Support Grants to 161 eligible museums and official county historical societies from 56 Pennsylvania counties. In addition, PHMC awarded $200,000 in Historical and Read more

 

E-BLAST: REAL ID Delayed, Holiday Office Hours, Kindness Matters and more!

(Dec 09, 2022)

In observance of the upcoming winter holidays, my district office will have virtual office hours on Thursday, Dec. 22. It will be closed for services on Friday, Dec. 23 and Monday, Dec. 26, It will reopen Tuesday, Dec. 27. Read more

 

Bizzarro welcomes new leaders to House Democratic Policy team

(Dec 08, 2022)

State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, chairman of the House Democratic Policy Committee, announced new vice chairs, as well as two new subcommittee chairs. Read more

 

Career/Technical Training, School Safety and Security, and Arts and Culture Funding Opportunities

(Dec 05, 2022)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency/Pennsylvania Department of Human Services: Pennsylvania Academic and Career/Technical Training Innovative Solicitation (Funding Source: Justice Reinvestment Fund) Who May Apply : Existing PACTT Affiliates. Use : To improve services for delinquent youth receiving academic and career/technical training services. Funds : Awards up to $75,000 for 24-month projects. Application Deadline : December 23, 2022 More Information : Click on https://egrants.pccd.pa.gov/Public/OpenAnnouncements.aspx . Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission: Clean Vessel Act (CVA) Pumpout Grant Program (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Local governmental entities and private businesses that own and operate boating facilities. Use : To fund the construction, renovation, and maintenance of pumpout and dump stations to service pleasure boats. Funds : Reimburse up to 75% of the installation cost of pumpout and dump stations. Application Deadline : December 30, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.fishandboat.com/Transact/Grants/Pages/PumpoutGrantProgram.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2022-23 School Safety and Security Training and Technical Assistance Program Read more

 

E-BLAST: Welcome to the new 157th District!

(Dec 02, 2022)

The NEW legislative session in Pennsylvania began this week; this also means that new district boundaries -- determined by the 2020 Census -- are now in effect. Read more

 

Delaware Valley Friends School awarded $2.5 million

(Nov 21, 2022)

PAOLI, Nov. 21-- State Rep. Melissa Shusterman is pleased to announce Delaware Valley Friends Schoo l , located in the 157 th Legislative District, has been awarded $2.5 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funds. Phase One of the expansion and renovation project will include sitework, extensive stormwater management systems, a new building addition with more classrooms and offices, a new accessible school entrance, an outdoor café courtyard, renovations to the current cafeteria, and a full-size kitchen. “These improvements will help the Delaware Valley Friends School meet the needs of a growing student body,” said Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery. “As co-chair of the House Autism and Intellectual Disability Caucus, and as a person who could have benefited from a unique approach to learning, I know how important it is to have a school that addresses the needs of kids who learn differently. I am proud to have this school right here in our district and I’m happy I was able to assist in securing this funding.” Head of School Kirk Smothers commented, “DVFriends is tremendously grateful to Representative Melissa Shusterman and Senator Carolyn Comitta for recognizing the school's important mission and helping to secure a $2.5M RACP grant. The funds will enable the school to continue its trajectory of growth and serve even more students Read more

 

GRANT MEMO: Workforce Support, Historic Preservation, and Criminal Justice Disparity Research Funding Opportunities For Your District

(Nov 14, 2022)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry: Pennsylvania Nursing Pathway Apprenticeship Industry Partnership (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Pennsylvania local workforce development boards. Use : To support the convening of Nursing Pathway Apprenticeship Industry Partnerships in lower moderate-income communities and guide the development and registration of healthcare apprenticeship programs, with emphasis on nursing occupations, through group sponsorships. Funds : Up to $260,000. Application Deadline : November 30, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Workforce-Development/grants/Documents/Nurse-Pathway-IP/Nursing%20Pathway%20Apprenticeship%20IP%20NGA%20FINAL.pdf . Pennsylvania Department of Human Services: Work Force Support Grant (WFSG) 2.0 (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Eligible DHS certified childcare providers. Use : To provide funding to eligible DHS certified childcare providers (providers) for staff retention and staff recruitment purposes. Funds : Variable depending on staff levels. Application Deadline : December 6, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.pakeys.org/workforcesupportgrants2/ . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2022 Read more

 

E-BLAST: Tuesday is Election Day! Make your plan to vote today!

(Nov 04, 2022)

Thank you to everyone who came out for my shredding event on Saturday. Read more

 

Shusterman: Valley Forge Park Alliance awarded $500K

(Nov 01, 2022)

PAOLI, Nov. 1 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman is pleased to announce the Valley Forge Park Alliance has been awarded $500,000 in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funding for the Maurice Stephens House project to convert the home into a new headquarters for the Valley Forge Park Alliance and a café. “For years, the Valley Forge Park Alliance has provided excellent services to park visitors that have complimented official park programming, including bird walks, historical lectures and wellness workshops,” said Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery. “The Maurice Stephens House project will allow them to not only continue these valuable programs but also expand their impact on visitors by having their headquarters located right on the grounds of the park.” The funds will be used to either build an addition or pay for the design fees and site work for the property surrounding to building. That work would include rehabilitating an existing parking lot, installing sidewalks, electricity to the parking lot, signage and landscaping. “Valley Forge brings in more than a million visitors every year and is a significant tourist and historic attraction in the region,” Shusterman said. “This project will be a wonderful addition to the park and will provide a place for visitors to take a break, before exploring more of the 3,500 acres.” The RACP is a grant program Read more

 

Montgomery County House Dems Announce $3M in Funding for Mitzvah Circle

(Oct 31, 2022)

HARRISBURG, Oct. 31 – Pennsylvania House Democrats in Montgomery County presented a check for $3 million to Mitzvah Circle Foundation to expand its critical services delivering immediate needs to vulnerable families. In partnership with more than 300 local organizations, MCF provides donated and purchased goods such as clothing, shoes, diapers, toiletries, period supplies, housewares and more – including many items not covered by food stamps or other safety net programs – to individuals and families in need. Families who can’t obtain these critical items become entrenched deeper in crisis. By providing a full array of life's essentials, MCF helps families to begin to break the cycle of crisis and poverty. “Mitzvah Circle is honored to receive this funding. It allows us to continue serving the most vulnerable families in Montgomery County,” said Fran Held, founder and director of MCF. The Montgomery County legislators, including Sens. Amanda Cappelletti, Maria Collett, Art Haywood, Vincent Hughes and Katie Muth, as well as Reps. Matt Bradford, Tim Briggs, Joe Ciresi, Mary Jo Daley, Pam DeLissio, Nancy Guenst, Liz Hanbidge, Steve Malagari, Napoleon Nelson, Ben Sanchez, Melissa Shusterman, Greg Vitali, and Joe Webster, worked with the Wolf administration to help deliver the funds, which originate from American Rescue Plan Act funding. “Mitzvah Circle reaches into every corner of Montgomery County, and it Read more

 

E-BLAST: Legislative Update, Shredding Event, Voting Resources and more!

(Oct 28, 2022)

Residents of the 157th District are welcome to dispose of unwanted documents ecologically & securely at my FREE shredding event from 9 a.m. to noon (or until the truck is full) tomorrow, October 29 at Penn State Great Valley, 30 E. Swedesford Road, Malvern, PA 19355. Read more

 

Shusterman announces RACP grant to benefit The Timothy School

(Oct 27, 2022)

BERWYN, Oct. 26 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, announced today that The Timothy School will receive a $750,000 grant from the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. Shusterman applauded the grant, saying “The Timothy School meets a need for students with intellectual disabilities all over Southeastern Pennsylvania. This state funding will allow the school to move forward with construction plans to expand the school and serve more students and families.” The project at The Timothy School will address the concrete, masonry and steel aspects needed for Phase Three of the overall redevelopment of the Timothy School campus. Phase Three will consist of the addition of classroom and administrative office space, as well as assist in the selective demolition and construction at the existing main education building. This grant was awarded by RACP, a program administered by the Office of the Budget whose grants aim to bolster community development and economic activity. Read more

 

Op/Ed: SB 106 is too radical, too extreme

(Oct 24, 2022)

This past summer, Republicans in the Pennsylvania House and Senate rammed through a bill with several proposed constitutional amendments that would limit personal rights instead of protecting them. Read more

 

Shusterman on SB 106: Too Radical, Too Extreme

(Oct 21, 2022)

This past summer, Republicans in the Pennsylvania House and Senate rammed through a bill with several proposed constitutional amendments that would limit personal rights instead of protecting them. One of the amendments included in SB 106 would change the state constitution to say there is no constitutional right to an abortion in Pennsylvania. I spoke in opposition of the bill on the House floor the night it passed. If this proposed amendment were to succeed, it would create a pathway in our commonwealth to ban all abortions without any exceptions. A constitutional amendment goes through a different process than regular legislation. For a constitutional amendment to pass, the state House and Senate must vote on it in two consecutive legislative sessions and then it is placed on the ballot for voters to decide. Constitutional amendments cannot be vetoed by the governor. SB 106 passed through the General Assembly in July. If Republicans maintain control of both the House and Senate next year, SB 106 will likely be voted on again next session and voters could see it on the ballot as early as May 2023. This proposed amendment is dangerous, extreme and it will destroy the lives of girls and women. It is the first step to denying people the right to control their own bodies. It turns back the clock on progress and would remove protections currently in place. Since the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, we have seen abortion bans go into effect across the country and Read more

 

GRANT MEMO: Nonprofit Security, Boating Facility, and Water/Sewer Funding Opportunities

(Oct 18, 2022)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry: PA Industry Partnership Grant (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Local workforce development boards, non-profit and non-governmental entities, community-based organizations, educational and post-secondary educational organizations, labor organizations, business associations, and economic development entities. Use : To identify workforce, education & training, and economic development needs, coordinate regional teams to support industry needs, identify public and community resources to address industry identified needs and increase collaboration among businesses within a targeted industry sector. Funds : Up to $250,000 per partnership. Application Deadline : October 28, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Workforce-Development/grants/Pages/default.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program (Funding Source: Nonprofit Security Grant Fund) Who May Apply : Non-profit organizations. Use : To support security enhancements designed to protect the safety and security of the users of a facility located in the Commonwealth that is owned or operated by the nonprofit organization. Funds : Awards between $5,000 and $150,000. Application Deadline : October 31, 2022 More Information : Click on Read more

 

E-Blast: My annual Veterans Breakfast was a success!

(Oct 17, 2022)

Thank you to the veterans and family members that attended my annual Veterans Breakfast at the Freedoms Foundation last week Read more

 

E-Blast: Scam Town Hall, MLK Day of Service, Banning Traveling Animals Legislation & More!
Feb 15, 2023

Shusterman announces grants for local EMS and fire departments
Feb 08, 2023

E-BLAST: A new term, historic grants, committee assignment and more
Jan 13, 2023

Shusterman takes oath for third term
Jan 03, 2023

Shusterman applauds historical grants for Chester County
Dec 13, 2022

E-BLAST: REAL ID Delayed, Holiday Office Hours, Kindness Matters and more!
Dec 09, 2022

Bizzarro welcomes new leaders to House Democratic Policy team
Dec 08, 2022

Career/Technical Training, School Safety and Security, and Arts and Culture Funding Opportunities
Dec 05, 2022

E-BLAST: Welcome to the new 157th District!
Dec 02, 2022

Delaware Valley Friends School awarded $2.5 million
Nov 21, 2022

GRANT MEMO: Workforce Support, Historic Preservation, and Criminal Justice Disparity Research Funding Opportunities For Your District
Nov 14, 2022

E-BLAST: Tuesday is Election Day! Make your plan to vote today!
Nov 04, 2022

Shusterman: Valley Forge Park Alliance awarded $500K
Nov 01, 2022

Montgomery County House Dems Announce $3M in Funding for Mitzvah Circle
Oct 31, 2022

E-BLAST: Legislative Update, Shredding Event, Voting Resources and more!
Oct 28, 2022

Shusterman announces RACP grant to benefit The Timothy School
Oct 27, 2022

Op/Ed: SB 106 is too radical, too extreme
Oct 24, 2022

Shusterman on SB 106: Too Radical, Too Extreme
Oct 21, 2022

GRANT MEMO: Nonprofit Security, Boating Facility, and Water/Sewer Funding Opportunities
Oct 18, 2022

E-Blast: My annual Veterans Breakfast was a success!
Oct 17, 2022