News Center

Shusterman announces grant money to address student mental health needs

(Jun 08, 2022) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

HARRISBURG, June 8 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, announced today the Woodlynde School in Chester County has received $136,370 in state funding to support student mental health needs. “Since the COVID-19 pandemic began more than two years ago, we have seen an increase of mental health needs in students at every age,” said Shusterman. “Our children are in desperate need of help. It is essential that our schools are equipped with resources to address these needs. I am proud to see this funding awarded to the Woodlynde School.” The Woodlynde School plans to use the funding to: engage a trained specialist in social-emotional mental health and to provide accompanying professional development for colleagues to support and develop their comprehensive Social-Emotional Learning programming, data gathering processes, counseling services, and behavior referral program. hire a teaching colleague who has experience in counseling, social-emotional learning, emotional support, and/or behavior analysis. provide team-based support to continue the school’s efforts in a comprehensive model for social-emotional learning and support in grades K-12. create a bank of resources and a shared vision of social-emotional supports in every classroom and every content area. grow the school’s behavior referral program and data collection procedures to respond to emotional needs Read more

 

E-Blast: Legislative Update, Happy Pride Month and more

(Jun 02, 2022) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

As always, I want to share information that I hope you find informative and useful. Read more

 

Home and community-based services, crisis intervention, and archival records care funding opportunities

(Jun 01, 2022) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Human Services: Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Quality Improvement Program (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : An entity enrolled with the Department’s OLTL as a Medical Assistance provider type 59 and have a signed OLTL-HCBS Waiver Agreement and be actively rendering services to participants in the CHC or OBRA waiver programs or both as of the date of May 1, 2022. Use : To help HCBS providers implement projects to improve the quality of services provided to individuals in the CHC and the OBRA waiver programs. Funds : Up to $40,000 in funding. Application Deadline : December 31, 2022 or until funds are expended. More Information : Click on https://www.dhs.pa.gov/providers/Providers/Pages/Long-Term-Care-Providers.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Human Services: Work Force Support Grant (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Certified child care providers. Use : To support the work force of DHS certified child care providers. Funds : Amounts vary by award. Application Deadline : June 17, 2022. More Information : Click on https://www.pakeys.org/workforcesupportgrants/ . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2022 Body-Worn Camera (BWC) Policy and Implementation Program Read more

 

Lawmakers, county officials tour Paoli Hospital in wake of hospital closings

(May 27, 2022) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

State Senator Carolyn Comitta, State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, and Chester County Commission Chair Marian Moskowitz recently visited Paoli Hospital, part of Main Line Health, to tour its campus and discuss the ongoing challenges facing hospitals and healthcare systems in the region. Read more

 

Local lawmakers on gun violence: ‘Enough is enough’

(May 26, 2022) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

“There are elected officials that do care and want to act so tragedies like these don’t keep happening, but common-sense legislation is tied up and never gets a vote,” said state Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-157th Dist. Read more

 

PA Lawmaker Working On Bill To Support Abortion Resources

(May 23, 2022) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

Melissa L. Shusterman is working on legislation for funding to organizations supporting all health care options, including abortion. Read more

 

E-BLAST: Legislative Highlights, Grants Available, District Events and More

(May 20, 2022) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

Public funding should be going to organizations that provide all health care options for pregnant women, not biased organizations that don’t provide information about abortion. Read more

 

Now open for applications: Substance use disorder, violence prevention, and suicide prevention funding opportunities

(May 10, 2022) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Loan Repayment Program (LRP) (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Eligible practitioners with the capacity to provide SUD treatment or SCA-funded case management services at approved practice site(s) and can demonstrate a minimum of two prior years of experience in the SUD field as well as a service commitment of two additional years. Use : To support the supply, distribution and retention of individuals delivering SUD treatment and SCA funded case management services. Funds : Varies by award. Application Deadline : May 26, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.ddap.pa.gov/Documents/Funding%20documents/GIFA%2022-02%20LoanRepayment_applicationguidance.pdf . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Enhancing Services to Culturally Specific Populations Program (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : A nonprofit organization for which the primary purpose of the organization as a whole is to provide culturally specific services to one or more of the following racial and ethnic communities: 1) American Indians (including Alaska Natives, Eskimos, and Aleuts); 2) Asian Americans; 3) Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders; 4) Blacks; and 5) Hispanics. Use : To establish, expand, or Read more

 

Ghost Guns Kill Real People. It’s Past Time to Address Their Use

(May 10, 2022) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

Ghost guns – unserialized, privately made firearms – have become an increasing and dangerous problem in the United States and right here in Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Shusterman: Ghost guns kill real people; It's past time to address their use

(May 09, 2022) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

Ghost guns – unserialized, privately made firearms – have become an increasing and dangerous problem in the United States and right here in Pennsylvania. The White House says last year approximately 20,000 ghost guns were reported to the federal ATF as having been recovered by law enforcement in criminal investigations. Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro has said that in 2021, law enforcement seized 571 ghost guns in Philadelphia, and so far, this year, 113 have been seized. Thankfully, President Biden recently announced federal steps to crack down on ghost guns. The U.S. Department of Justice has issued a final rule that would ban the business of manufacturing the most accessible ghost guns – such as unserialized buy-build-shoot kits – and clarify that the kits qualify as firearms. Manufacturers will have to become licensed and include serial numbers on the kit's frame or receiver, and sellers must become licensed and run background checks. Just last week, Governor Wolf announced, following President Biden’s new rule on ghost guns, Pennsylvania stands ready to implement the same regulation at the state level. This is welcome news, particularly in the absence of action here in the state legislature. My own bill to address 3D-printed firearms has been stuck in the House Judiciary Committee, on which I serve, since January 2021. My legislation would ensure a 3-D printed firearm is treated as a standard Read more

 

Shusterman to host Savvy Senior Expo on May 12

(May 04, 2022) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

PHOENIXVILLE, May 4 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, will host her annual “Savvy Senior” Expo from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, May 12 inside Hall D of the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Ave. in Oaks. “There will be so many healthy living and recreational opportunities for visitors to explore during this year’s expo,” Shusterman said. “My hope is this event will energize and enrich the lives of this district’s vibrant senior community.” Representatives from over 70 local and state resources will be there to share information. SEPTA will be there to renew travel cards, PennDOT will have information about Real ID, Mainline Health will be giving up-to-date blood pressure readings, the Upper Providence Police Department will collect expired prescription drugs, and much more will be had. There will be free admission and free parking for this event. For more information regarding this event, contact Shusterman’s office at 484-200-8260. Read more

 

Time to Reform the 340B Drug Pricing Program

(May 02, 2022) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

My motto in the office is “Common Sense Before Politics.” I take this motto to heart. Every day, I work to ensure that politics does not get in the way of good government and its ability to help working people. Read more

 

Shusterman to host free shred event May 7

(May 02, 2022) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

PHOENIXVILLE, May 2 – 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 noon (or until the truck is full) Saturday, May 7, at the Technical College High School Pickering Campus, 1580 Charlestown Road, Phoenixville. “An important step to ensuring that you do not become a victim of identity theft is to shred unnecessary, old documents,” said Shusterman. “Unfortunately, identity theft has become too common. Please take advantage of this opportunity to make certain your private information stays out of the wrong hands.” There is a limit of three boxes/bags per person. There is no need to remove staples, paper clips or rubber bands. Common types of unwanted items for shredding include credit card statements or applications, bank and investment statements, canceled checks, income tax information, insurance and health records, and retirement or pension fund information. For more information, residents may contact Shusterman’s office at 484-200-8260. Read more

 

Shusterman: Time to reform the 340B drug pricing program

(Apr 26, 2022) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

My motto in office is "Common Sense Before Politics." I take this motto to heart. Every day, I work to ensure that politics does not get in the way of good government and its ability to help working people. We have enough of that kind of interference/gridlock in Washington, D.C. these days. In order to ensure that our government better serves you, my office has been conducting an online survey to find out what issues are most important to you. Not surprisingly, high prescription drug costs are at the top of most people's minds. I'm deeply disappointed when we have programs to help those in need that institutions exploit for financial gain. One of the most egregious examples of this exploitation is the 340B Drug Pricing Program, a federal program established with the noble goal of making health care affordable for uninsured and low-income patients seeking care at community health centers and nonprofit hospitals. Drug manufacturers must provide outpatient drugs to qualifying 340B hospitals at drastically discounted prices. Hospitals are then supposed to pass on the savings to low-income and uninsured patients. However, many do not. In fact, a recent national study found that 340B hospitals were less likely to provide charity care (fully or partially discounted care) than the average hospital. And today, more than 45% of all U.S hospitals have 340B designation. Over the past three decades, the 340B program went from covering 90 charity care hospitals to Read more

 

Now open for applications: Environmental funding opportunities

(Apr 25, 2022) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection: Growing Greener Plus Grants (Funding Source: Environmental Stewardship Fund) Who May Apply : Counties, municipalities, municipal authorities, county conservation districts, watershed organizations, councils of government, educational institutions, and other authorized watershed organizations. Use : To support watershed restoration and protection, abandoned mine reclamation, and abandoned oil and gas well plugging projects. Funds : Varies by award. Application Deadline : June 24, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.dep.pa.gov/Citizens/GrantsLoansRebates/Growing-Greener/Pages/default.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection: Section 319 Nonpoint Source Management Grants (Funding Source: Federal Funding – US EPA) Who May Apply : Counties, municipalities, municipal authorities, county conservation districts, watershed organizations, councils of government, educational institutions, and other authorized watershed organizations. Use : To improve and protect Pennsylvania’s waters from nonpoint source pollution associated with AMD, energy resource extraction, agricultural activities, stormwater runoff, streambank, and shoreline degradation, along with verifying and demonstrating efficacy with enhanced data collection Read more

 

Berwyn Fire Company Awarded $1.5 Million in State Funding for New Station

(Apr 25, 2022) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

West Chester, Pa (April 22, 2022) – Berwyn Fire Company is $1.5 million closer to replacing its main station with a new, state-of-the-art firehouse, state Senator Carolyn Comitta and state Reps. Kristine Howard and Melissa Shusterman announced today. The funding, awarded through the Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, will support the construction and development of a new fire station located on the company’s existing footprint on Bridge Avenue in Berwyn. The new station will replace the more than 90-year-old existing structure to allow firefighters and company personnel to respond faster and more safely to fire and EMS emergencies in the growing region for decades to come. “Berwyn Fire Company has a long tradition of serving two townships with large populations. This RACP award will help the company plan for the future and gets us one step closer to the goal,” said Berwyn Fire Chief Eamon C. Brazunas. “The first responder community is grateful to our state lawmakers for their commitment to bringing this money back to the district.” The new firehouse will feature four apparatus bays, as well as four private bedrooms, four private bathrooms, a common bedroom, and a laundry room. In addition, it will have a kitchen, fitness room, office space, radio room, emergency management coordination room, and additional storage space. It will also have clearly defined cold, warm, and hot zones to reduce carcinogen exposure. Read more

 

State lawmakers announce $230K investment for middle school educational program

(Apr 20, 2022) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

“What excites me about this program is it will provide the teaching and tools children need at an impressionable age that they cannot only use but also share with friends and siblings,” Shusterman said. “The use of state and federal funds to keep our streets safe is an important step in maintaining and improving public safety.” Read more

 

E-BLAST: Legislative Highlights, Grant Announcement, Upcoming Events and more

(Apr 14, 2022) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

This week, I was in Harrisburg. This email has a look at some of the bills that were up for consideration and how I voted. Read more

 

Shusterman announces more than $70,000 in security grants

(Apr 14, 2022) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

HARRISBURG, April 14 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, announced today two Nonprofit Security Grants totaling $70,737 have been awarded to the Islamic Society of Greater Valley Forge ($45,757) and the Congregation B’NAI JACOB in Phoenixville ($24,980). “I have met with religious leaders throughout the district, many of whom have expressed concerns about the rise in targeted violence in places of worship in recent years,” Shusterman said. “Ensuring safe and free worship for my constituents is a priority of mine. I am proud to bring this state funding to our area to ensure everyone has the freedom to worship in a safe and secure setting.” The grants, administered through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency , fund security enhancement projects for churches, synagogues and other nonprofit organizations serving diverse communities across the commonwealth . The funds may be used for the following: Safety and security planning. Purchase of safety and security equipment. Purchase of security-related technology, including, but not limited to, metal detectors, protective lighting, surveillance equipment, special emergency communications equipment, electronic locksets, deadbolts, trauma kits and theft-control devices. Safety and security training. Threat awareness and response training. Upgrades to existing structures that enhance safety and Read more

 

Now open for applications: Transportation, recovery housing, and public health funding opportunities

(Apr 05, 2022) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT): Public-Private Partnerships (P3) Program (Funding Source: State, Federal, & Private Funding) Who May Apply : Private companies. Use : To develop innovative ways to deliver transportation projects across a variety of modes including roads, bridges, rail, aviation, and ports. Funds : Varies by award. Application Deadline : April 30, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.penndot.pa.gov/projectAndPrograms/p3forpa/Pages/default.aspx . FEDERAL PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: Substance Abuse and HIV Prevention Navigator Program for Racial Ethnic Minorities (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Public and private non-profit entities . Use : To provide training and education around the risks of substance use and HIV/AIDS, as well as the integration of a range of services for individuals with HIV/AIDS. Funds : Varies by award. Application Deadline : May 2, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/grant-announcements/sp-22-002 . Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP)/Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED): Pennsylvania’s Recovery Housing Read more

 

Shusterman announces grant money to address student mental health needs
Jun 08, 2022

E-Blast: Legislative Update, Happy Pride Month and more
Jun 02, 2022

Home and community-based services, crisis intervention, and archival records care funding opportunities
Jun 01, 2022

Lawmakers, county officials tour Paoli Hospital in wake of hospital closings
May 27, 2022

Local lawmakers on gun violence: ‘Enough is enough’
May 26, 2022

PA Lawmaker Working On Bill To Support Abortion Resources
May 23, 2022

E-BLAST: Legislative Highlights, Grants Available, District Events and More
May 20, 2022

Now open for applications: Substance use disorder, violence prevention, and suicide prevention funding opportunities
May 10, 2022

Ghost Guns Kill Real People. It’s Past Time to Address Their Use
May 10, 2022

Shusterman: Ghost guns kill real people; It's past time to address their use
May 09, 2022

Shusterman to host Savvy Senior Expo on May 12
May 04, 2022

Time to Reform the 340B Drug Pricing Program
May 02, 2022

Shusterman to host free shred event May 7
May 02, 2022

Shusterman: Time to reform the 340B drug pricing program
Apr 26, 2022

Now open for applications: Environmental funding opportunities
Apr 25, 2022

Berwyn Fire Company Awarded $1.5 Million in State Funding for New Station
Apr 25, 2022

State lawmakers announce $230K investment for middle school educational program
Apr 20, 2022

E-BLAST: Legislative Highlights, Grant Announcement, Upcoming Events and more
Apr 14, 2022

Shusterman announces more than $70,000 in security grants
Apr 14, 2022

Now open for applications: Transportation, recovery housing, and public health funding opportunities
Apr 05, 2022