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
“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
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
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
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
Yesterday in Harrisburg, I voted no on House Bill 637. This bill is another attempt by the majority to block Pennsylvania from joining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Read more
PAOLI, March 22 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, attended a virtual meeting today with the Executive Director of the National Association of Social Workers, Pennsylvania Chapter and more than 200 people studying or working in the social work field. “Social workers tend to be women, and women-run industries tend to not get the funding that other industries receive,” said Shusterman. “We must find a way to value the important work of women, caretakers and social workers. We need to get to the root of the issues that affect the lives of those that support our society, so they can go to work without concerns.” Today’s meeting was to mark Legislative Education and Advocacy Day. Shusterman was invited because of her commitment to improve the quality of life for social workers. “Social workers are critical to our society,” said Shusterman. “They come in when things are at their worst. It’s not enough for women to just work, we need to make things more equitable, so they have what they need to be able to thrive in jobs at every level.” According to the National Association of Social Workers, social workers have done extraordinary work during the pandemic, but usually go unrecognized. They work in schools, nursing homes, hospitals, health care settings, and other places where they’ve been directly at the front lines Read more
Read about the latest grant programs open for applications. Read more
Read about the latest state grant opportunities open for applications. Read more
Governor Tom Wolf was joined by local leaders to highlight the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s strong finances and call for major investments to give Pennsylvania families, workers and businesses a brighter future. “The commonwealth of Pennsylvania is in a strong financial position right now. That’s why it’s so important for us to use this opportunity to help Pennsylvanians,” said Gov. Wolf. “People all across the commonwealth are still recovering from the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic. Inflation is high, and everything from groceries to gas is a little more expensive than it used to be. “More than ever before, this is the time to invest in helping our people get back on their feet. That’s why I’m calling for action, and for major investments to make life a little bit easier for all Pennsylvanians.” Over the past seven years, the Wolf Administration has righted Pennsylvania’s shaky finances through sound fiscal management and smart investments. When Gov. Wolf took office, Pennsylvania was operating with a $2-3 billion structural deficit, and the Rainy Day Fund had fallen to a mere $231,800. Today, the Rainy Day Fund contains $2.8 billion to protect Pennsylvania against future emergencies, and Gov. Wolf is expected to transition a multi-billion dollar budget surplus to the next administration. Gov. Wolf will be the first governor to leave office with a budget surplus since Governor Dick Thornburgh Read more
On Wednesday, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court selected a new congressional map in a 4-3 decision. Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Funds (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Accredited state, county, or local Forensic Crime Laboratories or those laboratories that will achieve accreditation within two years of receiving an award. Use : To improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services with an emphasis on the opioid crisis throughout Pennsylvania. Funds : Grants up to $150,000. Application Deadline : April 5, 2022 More Information : Click on https://egrants.pccd.pa.gov/Public/OpenAnnouncements.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry: Schools-to-Work Program (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Any entity that is registered with the department as a pre-apprenticeship program or connected with a registered apprenticeship program. Use : To support the establishment or enhancement of a workforce development partnership between schools, employers, organizations, or associations to create employment and training pathways. Funds : Grants up to $250,000. Application Deadline : March 15, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Workforce-Development/grants/Pages/default.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: Volunteer Fire Assistance Program (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Local firefighting entities in rural Read more
As always, I want to share information that I hope you find informative and useful. Read more
CHESTER COUNTY, Feb. 17 – State Reps. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, Dan K. Williams, D-Chester, and Kristine Howard, D-Chester, have released a joint statement following the violent attack that occurred at Lincoln University on Wednesday night. “We were appalled to learn this morning of the three students stabbed in a Lincoln University dorm room last night. While many details are still unknown, we do know that one of the victims was pronounced dead at the scene and that the other two victims were taken to Christiana Hospital – some 26 miles away – for treatment. “Twenty-six miles is no short ride under the best of circumstances, but when the circumstances are literally life and death, 26 miles is endless. “Until December, hospital care for Lincoln University students was just four miles away at Jennersville Hospital. Unfortunately, Jennersville closed at the end of 2021. This was followed by the closure of Brandywine Hospital in Caln Township last month. These closures were the result of a sale that fell through. “While the victim who was killed died before help could arrive, it is hard to believe a closer treatment option would not have made a difference in only slightly different circumstances, or that a timelier arrival may have changed this outcome. Whether you have a broken arm or COVID-19 symptoms or you are giving birth, time is a serious factor. “Last Read more
Today, the PA House Democratic Policy Committee explored the lack of competitive tax credits in Pennsylvania and what that does to the economy. Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 11 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, announced today $74,774.10 in Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services grants. “Our first responders work tirelessly to protect us while also putting themselves in danger,” said Shusterman. “However, many of these organizations are struggling with staffing and funding and they need our help more than ever. I am hopeful these grants will help them to continue serving their communities.” The grants were awarded to the following local fire and rescue departments: Friendship Diving Rescue Unit: $15,000. Paoli Fire Company: $13,124.00 (Fire) and $8,325.05 (EMS). Phoenix Hose Hook & Ladder Co No 1: $15,000. Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Company: $15,000.00 (Fire) and $8,325.05 (EMS). These grants are administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner and can be used for facility upgrades, equipment, debt reduction, training, education and public outreach, recruitment and retention, construction savings account, overtime costs associated with backfilling positions while firefighters are attending training (career departments only) and revenue loss due to COVID-19 impacts. All fire companies, emergency medical service and volunteer rescue squads are eligible to apply for this annual grant program. A full list of fire and EMS Read more
HARRISBURG, Pa. (February 1) – Excitement for the spring trout fishing season kicks into high gear today as the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is pleased to make its 2022 adult trout stocking schedule available using the FishBoatPA mobile app and website ( www.fishandboat.com ). "The release of our trout stocking schedule is always a welcome reminder that spring is just around the corner," said Brian Wisner, Director of the PFBC Bureau of Hatcheries. "This schedule is our roadmap for stocking millions of trout into hundreds of waterways across the state before and during the trout season, which is no small task. Anglers can review the schedule to learn which local waters will be ready for some great fishing in just a few weeks. So, buy your fishing license early, get your gear ready, and start planning your opening day adventure and fishing trips throughout the season." The trout stocking schedule is searchable by county, lists the waterways in alphabetical order, and indicates stocking dates, meeting locations for volunteers, and the species of trout that will be stocked. In 2022, Pennsylvania will return to a single, statewide Opening Day of Trout Season on the first Saturday in April, which in 2022 will occur on Saturday, April 2. A single, statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day will take place on Saturday, March 26. Under this change, which will result in a longer regular season Read more
Governor Tom Wolf’s final budget proposal comes as our commonwealth continues to deal with a global pandemic that has profoundly affected us all, impacting our health, the health of our loved ones, job prospects, care and education of our children and our access to goods and services in the economy. Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 9 – State Reps. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, have introduced H.B. 2327, which would exempt at-home COVID-19 tests from the state sales tax. “As the pandemic rages on, we need all the tools in our arsenal to fight the virus,” Ciresi said. “By exempting at-home COVID-19 tests from the sales tax, we can help our residents and improve access to convenient diagnostic testing by removing this financial barrier. These tests are vital to public health and should not be taxed when Pennsylvanians are fulfilling their duty to their neighbors by testing themselves for the virus.” “Accessing at-home COVID-19 tests allows people to quickly get results so they do not put others at risk,” Shusterman said. “These important medical devices should be exempt from sales tax because they serve the greater good of the community.” Read more
Learn about grant programs that are accepting applications. Read more
Please use the form below to sign up for email updates. By completing this form you are acknowledging your request to receive periodic email updates.
By completing this form, you are verifying your request to opt in for email updates.
Thank you. Your email signup has been sent. You should start getting emails within 24 hours.
Please use the form below to email Rep. Melissa Shusterman.
Thank you. Your feedback has been sent.
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