I invite residents of the 157th Legislative District to join me from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23 at the Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens, 631 Berwyn Baptist Road in Devon for an informal discussion about the vital role greenspaces play in maintaining the well-being of neighborhoods. Read more
HARRISBURG, Aug. 17 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, today announced the award of $150,000 in state funding for Historic Philadelphia Inc., which will allow for programing to continue in Valley Forge Park. Every $1 spent on tourism brings $3 into Pennsylvania and its economy, said Shusterman, who serves on the state House Tourism and Recreational Development Committee. “Valley Forge Park is a real critical piece of America’s history in our backyard,” she said. “I’m happy to have help put forth this funding in the recently passed state budget, one that makes record investments in Pennsylvania’s schools, cultural landmarks, critical programs and services, and more.” Historic Philadelphia Inc. also helps provide programming at Independence Hall and at the Constitution Center, as well as for the Chinese Lantern Festival in Philadelphia. “This is not just a local investment,” she said. “We’re promoting regionwide strengthening in our tourism sector, continuing to link the cultural sites in our great southeastern Pennsylvania counties.” The park is also home to protected wildlife and an extensive system of trails. It hosts thousands of visitors per month. Read more
We are just a few weeks away from fall. Ihope everyone is enjoying the last part ofsummer before the kids head back to school! Read more
PAOLI, Aug. 11 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, announced today that the Phoenixville Area Senior Center was awarded $125,000 in state funding. The grant, funded through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development , will pay for renovation and engineering costs associated with an electrical improvement project. “This grant will help the Phoenixville Area Senior Center use the upstairs part of their building through HVAC renovations,” said Shusterman. “This means the center will have more space to provide additional services. I’m glad to see our tax dollars invested in a community center helping seniors stay healthy, active and connected.” Founded in 1978, the Phoenixville Area Senior Center exists to serve, support and enhance the lives of all senior citizens, 55 years of age and older. It is located at 153 Church St. in Phoenixville and offers different programs and activities for residents in Chester and Montgomery counties. Those who need help applying for grants, or those with questions should contact Shusterman’s office at 484-200-8260 or RepShusterman@pahouse.net . Read more
PAOLI, Aug. 11 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman invites residents of the 157 th Legislative District to join her from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23 at the Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens, 631 Berwyn Baptist Road in Devon for an informal discussion about the vital role greenspaces play in maintaining the well-being of neighborhoods. Executive Director Tom Smarr will lead the discussion. Afterward, attendees are invited to stay for a self-guided tour of the beautiful grounds. “I look forward to listening to your concerns and discussing ways we can protect our greenspaces,” said Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery. “Not only are greenspaces good for the environment, but they also reduce stress and improve mental health. I hope you can join us.” Anyone with questions should contact Shusterman’s office at 484-200-8260 or RepShusterman@pahouse.net . Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens is a community supported botanical garden with 48 acres of gardens and woodland, 1.2 miles of trails, year-round educational programs and a Garden Shop. It’s open daily with free admission. Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development: Election Integrity Grant Program (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Pennsylvania counties. Use : To support the work of county governments and their election offices. Funds : Funding is allocated proportionally based upon the number of registered voters within the county in the previous primary election. Application Deadline : August 15, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.esa.dced.state.pa.us/Login.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Transportation: Rail Freight Assistance Program (Funding Source: Multimodal Transportation Fund) Who May Apply : Freight railroads, freight railroad-served shippers, and economic development entities. Use : To support investment in rail freight infrastructure. Funds : The maximum state funding for a RFAP project is 70 percent of the total project costs, not to exceed $700,000. Application Deadline : September 2, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.penndot.pa.gov/Doing-Business/RailFreightAndPorts/Pages/Grants-and-Loans.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Transportation: Rail Transportation Assistance Program (Funding Source: General Obligation Debt) Who May Apply : Freight railroads, freight railroad-served Read more
PAOLI, Aug. 8 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, today applauded the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry’s decision to end waitlists for all significantly disabled and non-significantly disabled individuals seeking vocational rehabilitation services. “As co-chair of the Autism and Intellectual Disabilities Caucus and a member of the state Workforce Development Board, I consistently advocate for removing barriers that people with disabilities face when seeking employment,” Shusterman said. “I am pleased to see an end to the waitlist and am hopeful that it can remain open so more individuals will be able to gain career experiences and receive essential services.” L&I’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation assists Pennsylvanians with disabilities in obtaining and retaining employment while keeping their independence. Since 2016, nearly 370,000 individuals have received services from OVR, including vocational counseling, evaluations, medical diagnostic services, medical restoration services, employment training, placement services and career support services. L&I announced that this change is effective through June 30, 2023. OVR will then review the fiscal outlook and decide whether the services to all groups can remain open without the waitlist. More information on OVR services is available by visiting the local OVR office , or apply for OVR Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Office of the Budget: Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) (Funding Source: General Obligation Debt) Who May Apply : Entities that have a project itemized in a Capital Budget Itemization Act from the past 10 years. List of eligible projects can be found here: Itemized Project Eligible for Funding . Use : The acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects that have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity. RACP projects are state-funded projects that cannot obtain primary funding under other state programs. Funds : Projects must have a $1 million minimum project cost and a 50% match (state funds cannot be used as match). Application Deadline : August 19, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.budget.pa.gov/Programs/RACP/Pages/Main%20Page.aspx . UPCOMING APPLICATION DEADLINES: DDAP Pregnancy Support Services Grant: July 29, 2022 (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Any entity that is able to serve pregnant or postpartum women in recovery from SUD. - To provide support services to pregnant women and postpartum women in recovery from Substance Use Disorder Read more
Thank you to all the veterans, their families, and the vendors that made my Annual Veterans BBQ a huge success. Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Pregnancy Support Services Grant (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Any entity that is able to serve pregnant or postpartum women in recovery from SUD. Use : To provide support services to pregnant women and postpartum women in recovery from Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Funds: Awards up to $600,000. Application Deadline : July 29, 2022. More Information : Click on https://www.ddap.pa.gov/Documents/Funding%20documents/GIFA%2022-03%20Pregnancy%20Support%20Service.pdf . Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection: Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : School districts, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and businesses in Pennsylvania. Use : To assist in a transition to cleaner fuel transportation. Funds : Up to $300,000 per applicant. Application Deadline : There are two application periods. The program will collect and review all applications submitted by August 26, 2022, and again by December 16, 2022. More Information : Click on https://www.dep.pa.gov/Citizens/GrantsLoansRebates/Alternative-Fuels-Incentive-Grant/Pages/default.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Statewide Victim Witness Training Project 2023 Read more
HARRISBURG, July 15 – State Reps. Jennifer O’Mara and Melissa Shusterman today announced Apprentice Training for the Electrical Industry was awarded $394,383 for a program introducing young women to the electrical trade. “More women are entering the electrical trade than ever before,” O’Mara said. “It can be a great career path, and I am pleased we were able to help secure this important funding. Having more women learn this important trade will help break down old, incorrect stereotypes.” The program, “Rosie’s Girls,” is designed to familiarize young women with safety, tools, theoretical basics of electrical and telecommunications installation, and jobsite conditions, as well as an introduction to other career paths in the building and construction trades. This is a partnership with ATEI and the public-school districts in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. “This program is a great way to give the young women in Southeastern Pennsylvania hands-on training in a career field once dominated by men,” Shusterman said. “I applaud the effort by Apprentice Training for the Electrical Industry to recruit women into the trades workforce. I am happy to see the state invest in a program that will help give young women more professional opportunities.” The grants, offered through the Pennsylvania Department of Labor Read more
HARRISBURG, July 14 – The 157 th Legislative District will receive nearly $1.4 million to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety, said state Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery. “This funding through the ‘Green Light-Go’ Program will improve traffic congestion, leading to fewer accidents,” Shusterman said. “These improvements will keep our residents safe, and I am pleased to see this funding invested into our district.” The grant program will help fund the following two projects: $976,880 awarded to Tredyffrin Township for upgrades to traffic signals at five intersections along Valley Forge Road. $399,101 awarded to Upper Providence Township to modernize the traffic signal at Collegeville Road (Route 29) and Doe Run Boulevard. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s Green Light-Go grants are provided as reimbursement?s to municipalities for updates to improve the efficiency and operation of existing traffic signals. Grant funding through the Green Light-Go program may be used for traffic improvements including, but not limited to?, light-emitting diode (LED) technology installation, traffic signal retiming, developing special event plans and monitoring traffic signals, as well as upgrading traffic signals to the latest technologies. Read more
HARRISBURG, July 7 – This evening, state Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, voted in favor of the state budget, applauding its historic investments in schools. This budget increases education funding by almost $750 million ($525 million in Basic Education Funding and $225 million in Level Up funding). This budget also invests $100 million in Special Education, $100 million in school safety and security, $100 million in mental health resources in schools, $60 million investment in Pre-K and $19 million in Head Start programs. School districts in the 157 th Legislative District, will receive the following additional school funding: Phoenixville Area School District: $600,389 (11.1% increase from last year). Spring-Ford Area School District: $1,595,554 (15% increase from last year). Tredyffrin-Easttown School District: $589,067 (14.6% increase from last year). “This budget is an investment in our children’s future, providing equity in education and ensuring our most underfunded districts receive necessary funds to better their schools and provide opportunities for students,” Shusterman said. “Our children deserve a good education regardless of where they live. I am proud to see the playing field leveled for students across the commonwealth.” The budget also creates a Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania is one of 19 states that does Read more
Veterans, friends, and family are all welcome to my Annual Veterans BBQ at Wilson Farm Park Pavilion from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 9. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 24 – Today, state Rep. Melissa Shusterman issued the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade case. “Quite frankly, I'm disgusted. Overturning Roe v. Wade will result in millions of women losing the ability to make their own extremely personal and private health care decisions.” “Unfortunately, I have colleagues that will immediately begin working to make abortion illegal in Pennsylvania. This decision will result in an increase in maternal mortality rates. It isn't a pro-life decision; it's an anti-choice decision.” “Roe protected the freedom for women and their families to make their own health care decisions. I will always support the freedom for women to make decisions for their own body.” Read more
PAOLI, JUNE 23 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, invites local veterans to her annual summer barbeque from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 9 at Wilson Farm Park Pavilion, 600 Lee Road, Chesterbrook. “I am very excited to meet with our veterans and their families,” said Shusterman. “This event is a way to thank our local veterans for the sacrifices they made to preserve our nation’s freedoms and keep us all safe.” Veterans are welcomed to bring along family and guests; this event is open to all ages. In addition to a barbeque buffet, several organizations will be available to answer questions about benefits and services for those who have served. RSVPs are required. Please RSVP by July 5 by calling Shusterman’s office at 484-200-8260, or register online . Read more
HARRISBURG, June 22 – State Sens. Carolyn Comitta and Tim Kearney and state Reps. Kristine Howard and Melissa Shusterman announced today an additional $500,000 state grant for the Berwyn Fire Co. to assist in replacing its main station with a state-of-the-art new fire house. The Berwyn Fire Co. has been operating out of its current building for more than 90 years. Their two-phased plan would replace the existing Main Station on Bridge Avenue in Easttown Township and build a new permanent station in Tredyffrin Township. “I’m thrilled that we secured additional state funding to support Berwyn Fire Company,” Comitta said. “Providing strong emergency response services is a top priority for our communities. I hope the added funds will help bring the new fire station closer to reality so that our firefighters and emergency first responders have the equipment and resources they need to continue to do their jobs safely and effectively.” “I am happy to have helped secure RACP funding for the Berwyn Fire Company,” Kearney said. “Our first responders are critical to the safety and well-being of our communities, and this funding ensures that Berwyn Fire Company has the support they need to build a new firehouse, making way for a stronger emergency response infrastructure to safeguard our communities. The state funding will assist in Phase 1 of the project, replacing the old station. Read more
PHOENIXVILLE, June 22 – The 675 E. Swedesford Road HQ has secured an additional $500,000 in state funding through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program , state Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, announced today. This grant will assist in funding a two-story parking structure to support 675 Swedesford Road’s timber-built office headquarters. The project will include installing electrical; geopiers; metal fabrication; fencing and guardrail; precast concrete; structural steel; air vapor barrier; roofing; joint sealants and waterproofing; carpentry, metal stud, drywall, and ceilings; fire protection; plumbing; and HVAC. “I am pleased that we were able to secure this funding for the 675 Swedesford Road Headquarters,” said Shusterman. “This project will modernize the way Chester County does business, by creating a sustainable and energy efficient building while also bringing more job opportunities to the community.” 675 E. Swedesford Road headquarters is a proposed 5-story office space at the corner of East Swedesford Road and Old Eagle School Road in Tredyffrin Township. It is a new class of office space, 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. By using wood instead of steel, 1,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions will never be produced. Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Assessing Racial & Ethnic Disparities (R/ED) in PA’s Criminal Justice System (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Higher education institutions (public/not-for-profit), nonprofit organizations, and for-profit institutions (i.e., consulting firms). Use : To develop and implement a statewide research initiative to identify current R/ED levels using quantitative methods, understand potential drivers using qualitative methods, and make recommendations to chart a path forward. Funds : Up to $250,000. Application Deadline : July 12, 2022 More Information : Click on https://egrants.pccd.pa.gov/Public/OpenAnnouncements.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Victim Advocacy – School District of Philadelphia (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply: Organizations that provide direct services to crime victims and may be operated by a non-profit organization or public (governmental) agency, or a combination of such agencies or organizations. Use : To support students and their families who are victims of violence within the School District of Philadelphia. Funds : Up to $375,000 over three years. PCCD expects to fund one (1) applicant over a three-year project period. Application Deadline : Read more
Happy Summer! I first want to congratulateall of the 2022 graduates! I’m extremely proud of your hard work and dedication. 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