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RELEASE: Reps. Shusterman, Williams, Howard joint statement on health care access following recent violence

(Feb 17, 2022) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

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

 

Attracting workers & families: House Democrats plan to put money back into pockets

(Feb 15, 2022) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

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

 

Shusterman applauds state grants for local fire and EMS companies

(Feb 11, 2022) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

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

 

2022 adult trout stocking schedule now available

(Feb 10, 2022) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

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

 

Shusterman: Gov. Wolf's budget proposal is an investment in Pennsylvania's future

(Feb 10, 2022) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

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

 

Ciresi and Shusterman introduce legislation to exempt at-home Covid tests from sales tax

(Feb 09, 2022) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

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

 

Now open for applications: Homeowner assistance, nonprofit security, Act 13, and clean energy funding opportunities

(Feb 07, 2022) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

Learn about grant programs that are accepting applications. Read more

 

Now open for applications: Violence prevention, economic development, and learning center funding opportunities

(Feb 01, 2022) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency: Violence Intervention & Prevention Technical Assistance Project (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Institutions of higher education (public and/or not-for-profit only), nonprofit organizations, and for-profit organizations. Use : To support the design, launch, and management of a new Statewide Community of Practice technical assistance, training, and capacity-building initiative. Funds : Grants up to $750,000 over a two-year project period. Application Deadline : March 10, 2022 More Information : Click on https://egrants.pccd.pa.gov/Public/OpenAnnouncements.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development: Statewide Local Share Account (Funding Source: State Gaming Fund) Who May Apply : Counties, municipalities, municipal authorities, economic development agencies, redevelopment authorities, and non-profits (if they partner with any of the previous entities) . Use : To support projects that improve the quality of life of individuals in the commonwealth. Funds : Grant awards between $25,000 and $1,000,000. Application Deadline : March 15, 2022 More Information : Click on https://dced.pa.gov/programs/local-share-account-lsa-statewide/ . Pennsylvania Read more

 

Shusterman applauds passage of H.B. 253, help for health care workers

(Jan 27, 2022) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

HARRISBURG, Jan. 27 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, said she applauds the unanimous passage of Pennsylvania H.B. 253 . The bill was signed into law as Act 2 of 2022 by Gov. Tom Wolf and delivers $225 million in federal American Rescue Plan funding to help nurses and health care workers who have been on the front lines battling COVID-19 for two years. The House Appropriations Committee estimates $1,282,271 of that funding would go directly to facilities in Chester County. Paoli Hospital would receive $657,651, Phoenixville Hospital would receive $409,964, and The Devereux Children’s Behavioral Health Institute would receive $214,656. The Department of Human Services will make the final determinization of funding. “This money is going where it is needed most, to our overworked health care workers here in Chester County,” Shusterman said. “I am proud the state House was able to come together and pass this important bipartisan legislation, and I look forward to seeing these funds invested in our local health care facilities.” Per Act 2, $100 million will be provided to hospitals in the state to provide much needed retention and recruitment funds; $110 million would be provided to hospitals that provide behavioral health services, serve a high amount of Medical Assistance clients, or are in some of our most rural parts of the state; an additional $15 million will be Read more

 

Kinsey seeks solutions for problems in Pa. prison system

(Jan 26, 2022) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

HARRISBURG, Jan. 26 – State Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., held a news conference today with House and Senate colleagues and prison-reform advocates to discuss legislation to help address systemic problems in Pennsylvania’s prison system. Kinsey was joined by House Minority Leader Joanna McClinton, D-Phila., House Minority Whip Jordan Harris, D-Phila., state Reps. Amen Brown, Danilo Burgos, Joe Hohenstein, Darisha Parker and Brian Sims, all D-Phila.; Tim Briggs, Napoleon Nelson, Ben Sanchez and Joe Webster, all D-Montgomery; Bob Brooks, R-Westmoreland/Allegheny; Gina Curry, D-Delaware; Manuel Guzman, D-Berks; Dianne Herrin, D-Chester; Carol Hill-Evans, D-York; Patty Kim, D-Dauphin; Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny; Maureen Madden, D-Monroe; Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery; and Regina Young, D-Delaware/Phila.; along with state Sen. Sharif Street, D-Phila. and Anton Andrew from PA Prison Society. “Right now, in Pennsylvania and the entire United States, we have a prison system that does not work,” Kinsey said. “We must pass legislation to reform this system, so that those incarcerated have a chance to live dignified lives when they’re serving their sentence and when they’ve completed it.” The lawmakers are seeking enactment of several bills that would improve the prison system for incarcerated people and their families as well as save taxpayer dollars, including: Probation and Parole Reform: Earned Compliance Read more

 

Now open for applications: Justice assistance, regional policing, and community conservation funding opportunities

(Jan 25, 2022) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency: Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Local Initiatives Funding (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Local units of government and non-profit organizations. Use : To implement projects and programs that directly address the PCCD Objectives and Goals outlined in PCCD’s 2021-2025 Strategic Framework. Funds : Grants up to $250,000 over a two-year project period. Application Deadline : March 31, 2022 More Information : Click on https://egrants.pccd.pa.gov/Public/OpenAnnouncements.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency: Regional Policing Assistance Program (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Any municipality – a city, borough, township, home-rule municipality, or county. Applicants may also be a public or quasi-public body, or its representative, duly authorized to act on behalf of one or more municipality. Use : To assist in the formation of new regional police departments or for the expansion of established regional police departments by adding an additional municipality(s). Funds : Grants up to $150,000 for the formation of a new regional police department or up to $50,000 for the expansion of an existing regional police department. Application Deadline : April 5, 2022 Read more

 

Shusterman applauds $622K investment in watershed restoration and protection projects

(Jan 21, 2022) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

HARRISBURG, Jan. 21 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, announced three Growing Greener grants totaling $622,038 for watershed projects in Chester County, more than $350,000 of that is heading to projects in Tredyffrin Township. “Over the past couple years, I’ve developed a great relationship with Tredyffrin Township officials in working on Stormwater issues throughout the township,” Shusterman said. “I applaud everyone involved in the application process for grants for these two projects.” $12,740 was awarded to Tredyffrin Township for their rain garden program. This project will educate residents about the value of rain gardens by building two public rain gardens, organizing educational events and building 13 residential rain gardens. $340,000 was awarded to Tredyffrin Township for the Bair Road/Trout Creek infiltration, water quality and flood mitigation project. This project will manage stormwater runoff of upstream residential drainage areas. The funds will help build two subsurface storage and infiltration beds, which will be able to store nearly 110,000 gallons of stormwater runoff. “Tredyffrin Township’s commitment to prioritizing stormwater projects made supporting their application a no-brainer,” Shusterman said. “I am happy to announce this funding as it’s a step in the right direction, and I look forward to continuing to work Read more

 

Lawmakers to seek easier name-change process for LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians

(Jan 20, 2022) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

HARRISBURG, Jan. 20 – Members of the LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus are introducing legislation that would destigmatize and create a safer and easier name-change process for LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians, especially transgender, non-binary and gender expansive people in the commonwealth. The Pennsylvania LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus is a bipartisan and bicameral caucus made up of members of the General Assembly whose mission is to advocate for equality for LGBTQ+ communities across Pennsylvania. Reps. Brian Sims, D-Phila., Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, and Sen. Katie Muth, D-Berks/Chester/Montgomery, are co-chairs of the caucus. Spurred by a Pennsylvania Senate Policy Committee hearing on the barriers in Pennsylvania for the transgender community in June 2021, members of the caucus worked with stakeholders to draft six key pieces of legislation to update Pennsylvania’s antiquated name change process and provide funding and safeguards for those seeking to change their name. The legislative package is being co-authored by Frankel and Muth, Reps. Nancy Guenst, D-Montgomery/Phila., Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny, Ben Sanchez, D-Montgomery, Melissa Shusterman, D-Montgomery, and Joe Webster, D-Montgomery; and state Sens. Amanda Cappelletti, D-Delaware/Montgomery, Tim Kearney, D-Chester/Delaware, and Lindsey Williams, D-Allegheny. Co-sponsorship memorandums have been circulated and the LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus is calling on their colleagues in both chambers to sign onto these important Read more

 

Rep. Shusterman's Jan. 2022 Newsletter

(Jan 20, 2022) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

Dear Neighbors, as is the case every 10 years, the state’s redistrictingprocess is underway, and I have more about the process in this newsletter. Read more

 

Now open for applications: Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program; preservation planning; and substance abuse education and reduction grant opportunities

(Jan 19, 2022) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency: Substance Abuse Education and Demand Reduction Category 1 (Adult) Funds (Funding Source: SAEDR Fund) Who May Apply : Nonprofit organizations may partner with governmental entities, including school districts, provided the nonprofit organization is the applicant. Use : To support implementation strategies aimed at combating opioid/heroin overdoses in Pennsylvania communities. Funds : Grants up to $150,000 over a two-year project period. Application Deadline : February 24, 2022 More Information : Click on https://egrants.pccd.pa.gov/Public/OpenAnnouncements.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency: Substance Abuse Education and Demand Reduction Category 1 (Youth) Funds (Funding Source: SAEDR Fund) Who May Apply : Nonprofit organizations may partner with governmental entities, including school districts, provided the nonprofit organization is the applicant. Use : To serve youth with research-based or evidence-based approaches to prevention, intervention, training, treatment, and education services to reduce substance use or provide resources to assist families in accessing these services. Funds : Grants up to $150,000 over a two-year project period. Application Deadline : February 24, 2022 More Information : Click Read more

 

Shusterman announces $1.2 million conservation grant funding for park, recreation and conservation projects

(Dec 30, 2021) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

HARRISBURG, Dec. 30 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, announced today three grants totaling $1,165,000 have been awarded to several projects in Chester County. The grants will be used to improve parks, create a countywide trail, and update the county’s River Conservation Plan. “This funding will have a lasting impact on our communities, said Shusterman. “When we invest in developing green spaces, we invest in the health and wellbeing of everyone in our community. I am thankful that we have secured this funding and will now be able to invest in our region’s future.” The grants are: Tredyffrin Township, $1,025,000 : For the rehabilitation and further development of Wilson Farm Park. Work to include renovation of amphitheater, seating area, pavilions, concession stand, baseball field and pond area; construction of spray park, tennis and pickleball courts, pedestrian walkways and stormwater management measures; installation of play equipment with required safety surfacing, lighting and utilities; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements. Chester County, $60,000 : To prepare a Countywide Trail Plan for Chester County. Chester County Commissioners Water Resource Authority, $80,000: To prepare an update to the 2002 River Conservation Plan for multiple watersheds in Chester County. The funding was Read more

 

Now open for applications: Veteran and substance abuse funding opportunities

(Dec 21, 2021) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs: Veterans’ Trust Fund (Funding Source: Veterans’ Trust Fund) Who Can Apply : Non-profit organizations, veteran service organizations and county directors of veteran affairs across the state. Use : Programs and services benefiting Pennsylvania veterans. Funds : Up to a total of $200,000 in grant funding is available to county directors of veterans affairs or the Pennsylvania Association of County Directors of Veterans Affairs. Up to $800,000 in VTF funding is available to veteran service organizations with 501(c)(19) status and non-profit organizations. Application Deadline : January 19, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.dmva.pa.gov/veteransaffairs/Pages/Programs%20and%20Services/Veterans'%20Trust%20Fund/Veterans-Trust-Fund.aspx . FEDERAL PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: US Department of Health & Human Services SAMHSA: Harm Reduction Grant Program (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who Can Apply : States; local, Tribal, and territorial governments; Tribal organizations; non-profit community-based organizations; and primary and behavioral health organizations. Use : To support community-based overdose prevention programs, syringe services programs, and other harm reduction services. Funds : Up to Read more

 

Shusterman, Miller introduce student inclusion bill

(Dec 17, 2021) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

HARRISBURG, Dec. 17 – State Reps. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, and Dan Miller, D-Allegheny, introduced legislation this week that would make sure students with exceptionalities are involved in all aspects of schools and receiving real opportunities. “We have made great strides in making sure all students, regardless of their abilities, are included in the classroom setting,” Shusterman said. “This bill would make sure that inclusion is also happening in all before- and after-school events. Including all students gives them the opportunity to discover new things, make friends and gain valuable soft skills for life.” On average, 17% of Pennsylvania students have an Individualized Education Program, but Shusterman and Miller say many report no integration into extracurricular activities. “Over the last several years, Pennsylvania has had some success in including students with disabilities more and more into the classroom, sending the message that each child deserves a safe and inclusive learning environment,” Miller said. “However, there is still work to do in expanding the way we make things like athletics, band and the arts accessible to all students regardless of whether they have a disability. This bill would help us see how we are engaging all students, how we can increase extracurricular participation, and help our public school districts identify what is and isn’t working as we work together Read more

 

Now open for applications: Child abuse and neglect prevention funding and business site development opportunities

(Dec 14, 2021) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Human Services: Children’s Trust Fund (Funding Source: Children’s Trust Fund) Who Can Apply : Any organization located and operating in Pennsylvania that provides direct services and meets the criteria in the Request for Application is eligible to apply. Use : To promote primary and secondary child abuse and neglect prevention programs in community-based settings. Funds : Up to $50,000 per year for up to three years. There is a minimum local match requirement of 25 percent of the requested grant award for the first year and a minimum local match 50 percent of the requested grant award for the second and third grant years. Application Deadline : January 13 More Information : Click on http://www.emarketplace.state.pa.us/Solicitations.aspx?SID=RFA%2017-21 . Commonwealth Financing Authority: Business in Our Sites (Funding Source: Business in Our Sites Program Account – loan repayments) Who Can Apply : Municipalities, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development authorities and private developers. Use : For the acquisition and development of key sites for future use by businesses, private developers, and others. Funds must be used on previously utilized or undeveloped sites which demonstrate substantial likelihood of future use after the property is Read more

 

Shusterman, Kenyatta and Fiedler introduce bill to reinstate emergency assistance

(Dec 13, 2021) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

HARRISBURG, Dec. 13 – State Reps. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, Malcolm Kenyatta and Elizabeth Fiedler, both D-Phila., introduced a new bill to provide emergency financial relief to help the most vulnerable. It would reinstate funding provided through the General Assistance program, which was ended last session. This new bill would once again provide $200 on average a month to those who were unable to work, those caring for loved ones who were sick or disabled, veterans, women fleeing domestic violence and adults receiving substance abuse treatment. “Many in Pennsylvania are still struggling because of COVID-19,” Shusterman said. “When the General Assistance program was ended, so too was a lifeline many people were depending on to help them. This bill would make sure we are continuing to protect those who need it the most.” "General Assistance is a lifeline for thousands of Pennsylvanians,” Kenyatta said. “Taking it away is a travesty that affects families and others in need all across our commonwealth. We must fight to protect the most vulnerable citizens of our society." “It is cruel and immoral to tear dollars out of the hands of people who are literally unable to buy food or pay for bus fare without general assistance,” Fiedler said. “Since the General Assistance program has been removed, we must provide some assistance program to help those who were receiving support Read more

 

RELEASE: Reps. Shusterman, Williams, Howard joint statement on health care access following recent violence
Feb 17, 2022

Attracting workers & families: House Democrats plan to put money back into pockets
Feb 15, 2022

Shusterman applauds state grants for local fire and EMS companies
Feb 11, 2022

2022 adult trout stocking schedule now available
Feb 10, 2022

Shusterman: Gov. Wolf's budget proposal is an investment in Pennsylvania's future
Feb 10, 2022

Ciresi and Shusterman introduce legislation to exempt at-home Covid tests from sales tax
Feb 09, 2022

Now open for applications: Homeowner assistance, nonprofit security, Act 13, and clean energy funding opportunities
Feb 07, 2022

Now open for applications: Violence prevention, economic development, and learning center funding opportunities
Feb 01, 2022

Shusterman applauds passage of H.B. 253, help for health care workers
Jan 27, 2022

Kinsey seeks solutions for problems in Pa. prison system
Jan 26, 2022

Now open for applications: Justice assistance, regional policing, and community conservation funding opportunities
Jan 25, 2022

Shusterman applauds $622K investment in watershed restoration and protection projects
Jan 21, 2022

Lawmakers to seek easier name-change process for LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians
Jan 20, 2022

Rep. Shusterman's Jan. 2022 Newsletter
Jan 20, 2022

Now open for applications: Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program; preservation planning; and substance abuse education and reduction grant opportunities
Jan 19, 2022

Shusterman announces $1.2 million conservation grant funding for park, recreation and conservation projects
Dec 30, 2021

Now open for applications: Veteran and substance abuse funding opportunities
Dec 21, 2021

Shusterman, Miller introduce student inclusion bill
Dec 17, 2021

Now open for applications: Child abuse and neglect prevention funding and business site development opportunities
Dec 14, 2021

Shusterman, Kenyatta and Fiedler introduce bill to reinstate emergency assistance
Dec 13, 2021