HARRISBURG, Sept. 16 – State Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, announced that four projects in her legislative district have been awarded state funding for a total of $1,071,224. The funds were awarded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority through the Local Share Account, which distributes money for eligible community and economic development projects from state gaming revenues. Read more
KENNETT SQUARE, Sept. 17 – State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, today announced over $1.2 million in state grant funding from the Local Share Account program that will support one countywide project and seven projects in the 158th Legislative District. LSA funding is generated by gaming proceeds and is administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects that enhance economic development, public infrastructure and community vitality. “LSA funding is vital to our local governments and first responders, so I am always happy to join my Chester County colleagues in advocating for these projects,” Sappey said. “AED batteries expire every 10 years for example. Technology changes and the way we respond to community needs shifts. This grant funding helps meet the needs.” “These investments strengthen the everyday fabric of our communities,” said state Sen. John I. Kane. “From safety improvements at Longwood Gardens that protect visitors, to modern cardiac monitors and AEDs that help first responders save lives in Kennett Square, this funding supports safer neighborhoods, more reliable services, and the kind of shared spaces and infrastructure that allow families to feel secure, connected, and supported in their daily lives.” LSA Awards in the 158 th include: $245,063 to Longwood Fire Company in Kennett Square Borough to purchase cardiac monitors, Read more
ROYERSFORD, Sept. 16 - State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced that that $1.8 million in state grants has been awarded for worthwhile projects and equipment purchases in the 49th Legislative District. “I am proud that my advocacy has secured funding that will help enhance community life and protect public safety,” Ciresi said. “These grants will fund critical community projects—without raising taxes on residents,” Ciresi said. Grant recipients and projects are: $1,000,000 for Lower Pottsgrove Township to create an inclusive playground at Sanatoga Park. $550,000 for Pottstown Borough/Good Will Steam Fire Engine Company #1 to purchase a fire engine. $250,000 for Pottstown Borough to repair the stormwater arch at 657 Beech Street at the intersection of Grant Street. The grants awarded today come from Local Share Account funds which are approved and distributed by the Commonwealth Financing Authority . Read more
CHESTER, Sept. 16 - State Rep. Carol Kazeem announced that that more than $2.4 million in state grants has been awarded for worthwhile projects and equipment purchases in the159th Legislative District. “I am proud to bring home this state money that’s going straight to what matters most—support for our emergency services, our community life and our health,” Kazeem said. “These state grants will fund critical community projects without raising taxes on residents.” Grant recipients and projects are: $650,000 for Chester City’s multi-departmental vehicle fleet. $400,000 for The Minority Center for Participation and Empowerment to rehabilitate a Multipurpose Community Building. $350,000 for Southern Delaware County Authority for SDCA I&I Sanitary Sewer improvements in Upper Chichester Township. $200,000 for Parkside Borough to enhance Woodlot Park with upgrades. $200,000 for Upper Chichester Township/Southeastern PA Stormwater Authority to complete storm sewer improvements in Boothwyn Town Center. $200,000 for Marcus Hook to renovate its community center. $100,000 for Marcus Hook Trainer Fire Department to replace self-contained breathing apparatuses. $196,463 for Upper Chichester Township to purchase an ambulance. $100,000 for Trainer Borough to acquire and construct a new public works garage and salt shed. $50,399 for the Marcus Hook Borough Police Department for public safety equipment. The grants Read more
State Rep. David Delloso today announced that more than $2.5 million in state Local Share Account funding has been awarded to projects in the 162nd Legislative District, including $1 million to help reopen emergency services at Taylor Hospital. Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 14 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today introduced legislation ( H.B. 2772 ) that would designate the North Hanover Street Bridge in Pottstown Borough, Montgomery County, as the Commander Job W. Price Memorial Bridge. A graduate of Pottstown High School and a former Navy SEAL, Commander Job W. Price was the recipient of numerous recognitions for valor. After nearly 20 years of service, Price succumbed to non-combat-related injuries in December 2012 while supporting village stability operations in Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan. “Commander Price represents the best of us -- intelligence, integrity, and love of country dedicated in service to the United States,” Ciresi said. “By renaming the bridge in his honor, we commemorate his life and signal to all who pass over it the virtues by which we should live.” Read more
Keeping commerce and trade open 24/7 comes with its challenges and obstacles, including preserving domestic security as well as navigating waterways through challenging weather. The Pilots’ Association for the Bay & River Delaware are on call at all hours to ensure the safe navigation of commercial vessels along the Delaware, Schuylkill and Salem rivers as well as Delaware Bay. Read more
State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, announced today that a total of $80,000 in state grants has been awarded for two important projects benefitting a local healthcare program and outdoor recreation. Read more
State funds to support architectural planning for library redesign Read more
State funding to provide dental care to veterans, low-income adults Read more
INDIANA, Aug. 20 – The House Communications & Technology Committee held an informational meeting in Indiana, Pa. Tuesday to learn about broadband affordability and access in Pennsylvania. “Low-cost, high-speed broadband is fundamental to a healthy and prosperous Pennsylvania. From helping Pennsylvania residents get the training necessary to be competitive in the workforce and be able to access essential services that will keep their families healthy to enabling our industries to capitalize on new economic opportunities and support our workforce, broadband equity is central to Pennsylvania’s future,” said Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, House Communications & Technology Committee Majority chair. “As the world hurtles forward along the information superhighway, our low-income and rural residents are being left behind due to the high cost of broadband and a lack of infrastructure. Investment in low-cost, high-speed broadband will help ensure the even development of Pennsylvania’s economy, supporting the growth of strong, healthy communities throughout the commonwealth for years to come.” Speakers included: Sharene Hess, Indiana County commissioner Jody Rainey, principal, Homer-Center Jr/Sr High School John B. Horrigan, Ph.D., senior fellow, Benton Institute for Broadband & Society Christopher Ali, Ph.D., pioneers chair in telecommunications, Pennsylvania State University Dustin Bishop, project Read more
HARRISBURG, Aug. 19 – Due to the federal government’s recent proposals that would weaken the obligation of banks to invest in low- and middle-income communities, state Rep. Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery, has announced his intention to introduce legislation that will preserve equitable banking in Pennsylvania. The legislation will be based on the Community Reinvestment Act , federal legislation passed in 1977 that requires commercial banks and savings associations to meet the needs of all borrowers in the local community – which has led to support for first time homebuyer programs, community health centers, accessibility improvements, land banks, daycare centers and small farmers across Pennsylvania and the nation. “The CRA is a vital tool that has been proven to be essential for small towns and marginalized communities throughout the commonwealth,” said Nelson . “Our Main Streets have historically been economic drivers of their communities, and our goal is to continue providing the much-needed resources. This legislation will ensure that every community in Pennsylvania has financial accessibility that fits their needs so that every one of our neighbors has a chance to shape their own future for the better. “It goes beyond recognizing our communities have needs but also acknowledges that these communities already have great things happening. These hidden gems are waiting for our investment; they Read more
ROYERSFORD, Aug. 18 – House Communications & Technology Committee Majority Chair Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today issued a statement applauding Gov. Josh Shapiro’s executive order holding data center developers accountable and protecting Pennsylvanians: “I applaud Governor Shapiro’s executive order to protect Pennsylvanians from unregulated data center development in the face of Senate Republican inaction on legislation passed by the House. “I was pleased that the executive order incorporates provisions from my bill prohibiting non-disclosure agreements between data centers and public officials. These protections will help ensure that the public is no longer kept in the dark about how data centers could affect their communities, environment and quality of life. “This executive order will foster the accountability, transparency and public involvement Pennsylvania needs for data center development to move forward.” Read more
STATE COLLEGE, Aug. 12 – The PA House Communications & Technology Committee held an informational meeting in State College Tuesday to learn about the potential benefits that the development of quantum technologies could bring to Pennsylvania. Quantum technology uses quantum physics to create new capabilities in computing, sensing, communications, and cybersecurity that current technologies cannot achieve. “Quantum technologies are the next frontier, and we owe it to Pennsylvania and its people to connect and scale up the tremendous assets we already have -- our universities, manufacturers, technology, and people -- to develop the commonwealth into a world-class leader in the industry,” state Rep. Joe Ciresi, the committee’s chairman, said. “When Pennsylvania leads in innovation, our residents will reap substantial dividends for decades in high-paying jobs and stronger communities. “A key benefit of acting now before the quantum economy arrives is that we can ensure we have the right workforce education and training in place so that our residents can benefit from jobs in emerging and future technologies, but also so that our state and local governments are resilient and prepared for the very real cybersecurity risks that quantum computing will bring.” Speakers included: Matt Brandsema, associate research professor and Quantum & Multiphysics Department head, Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State Jen Read more
CHESTER, Aug. 5 – State Rep. Carol Kazeem, D-Delaware, announced today that Marcus Hook Borough will receive a Green Light-Go grant of $ 62,944 to support traffic signal system modernization upgrades at the intersection of 10th Street and Market Street. “This funding will help make a key community crossroads safer for drivers, pedestrians, and residents by improving the intersection and increasing traffic safety,” Kazeem said. “The state funding will have a long-term positive impact on the continued development of Marcus Hook’s downtown, making it an even more vibrant and welcoming place to live, work and visit.” The Greenlight-Go Program is a competitive state grant program designed to improve the efficiency and operation of existing traffic signals in Pennsylvania and is administered by the state Transportation Department. Applicants are required to provide a 20% match. Funding may be used for traffic signal retiming; study and removal of unwarranted traffic-control signals; monitoring of traffic signal corridors; innovative technologies; installation, upgrade or maintenance of traffic signal communication systems; upgrade or installation of detection systems and controllers; modernization upgrades; implementation of intelligent transportation system applications; or to replace traditional or LED bulbs with new LED bulbs. Read more
ROYERSFORD, Aug. 5 – A longtime advocate for infrastructure investments in Pottstown, state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced that Pottstown will receive a Green Light-Go grant of $ 632,000 to modernize traffic signals and improve pedestrian accessibility. The funding will support upgrades at the intersections of Route 100 and King Street and Route 100 and Shoemaker Road, enhancing pedestrian safety, improving traffic flow and increasing accessibility for residents and visitors. “This funding will make Pottstown a safer, more connected place,” Ciresi said. “Modernized traffic signals and improved pedestrian accessibility will increase safety and improve mobility to create a more welcoming community for those who live and work here while supporting the borough’s continued economic growth.” The Greenlight-Go Program is a competitive state grant program designed to improve the efficiency and operation of existing traffic signals in Pennsylvania and is administered by the state Transportation Department. Applicants are required to provide a 20% match. Funding may be used for traffic signal retiming; study and removal of unwarranted traffic-control signals; monitoring of traffic signal corridors; innovative technologies; installation, upgrade or maintenance of traffic signal communication systems; upgrade or installation of detection systems and controllers; modernization upgrades; implementation of intelligent Read more
UPPER DARBY, July 29 – The Delaware County House Delegation today released the following statement on the race-based threats received by Delaware County Sheriff Siddiq Kamara: “The Delaware County House Delegation unequivocally condemns the recent terroristic threats directed at Delaware County Sheriff Siddiq Kamara. There is no place for intimidation, violence or hate against those who choose to serve and live in any community in our county and the state. “Public servants regardless of political party, position or ideology should never be subjected to threats of violence for carrying out their sworn responsibilities, or for their faith, background or culture. An attack or threat against one public official is an attack on the principles of democracy, public service and the rule of law that bind our Commonwealth together. “As members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, we stand in unwavering solidarity with Sheriff Kamara, his family and the dedicated professionals of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office. We also stand with Delaware County's diverse communities, including our vibrant immigrant communities, who deserve to live free from fear, hate and intimidation. Now that an arrest has been made, those responsible for these terroristic threats must be held fully accountable and a clear precedent must be set that such acts of intimidation and violence against public servants will not be Read more
HARRISBURG, July 23 – State Rep. Tim Briggs, chair of the House Judiciary Committee, today expressed his support for legislation that responds to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision in Commonwealth v. Lee by reforming second-degree murder sentencing while advancing additional criminal justice reforms focused on rehabilitation, accountability and fairness. House Bill 1042 , which passed the House with bipartisan support and now heads to the Senate for further consideration, addresses the court’s ruling that automatic life-without-parole sentences for individuals convicted of second-degree murder under the felony murder rule are unconstitutional. “Pennsylvania’s justice system must uphold both public safety and constitutional protections,” Briggs said. “This legislation provides a responsible path forward by ensuring that sentences are based on an individual’s level of culpability while maintaining safeguards to protect our communities.” Under the bill, the automatic life-without-parole sentence for second-degree murder would be replaced with sentencing that considers an offender’s specific role and level of culpability. Individuals convicted of second-degree murder who receive a life sentence would become eligible to petition for parole consideration after serving 30 years. Briggs emphasized that parole eligibility is not parole, and the legislation does not guarantee release for Read more
HARRISBURG, July 22 – State Reps. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and Lee James, R-Venango/Crawford, have introduced House Bill 2709 to increase annual funding for Pennsylvania's Entertainment Economic Enhancement Program (EEEP) by $2 million, from $24 million to $26 million, to attract more touring Broadway productions to the commonwealth. According to Ciresi and James, touring Broadway productions require weeks of technical rehearsals and tour preparations, resulting in extended stays for visiting artists, crew and staff. These long stays generate significant business for local hospitality, restaurant and service businesses. Productions also create new jobs for Pennsylvania workers, including union stagehands, truck drivers, technicians, and other support staff. The EEEP currently provides a tax credit equal to 35% of qualified Pennsylvania expenditures for show design, construction, and operations. If enacted, House Bill 2709 would increase funding to enable venues like the Pittsburgh Cultural District and the Kimmel Center to host more Broadway tour launches. Each production can bring in more than 100 visiting artists and staff where they would work alongside local crews for several weeks. Ciresi and James point to Ohio as an example of the bill’s potential impact. In 2025, Ohio invested $3.5 million in tax incentives to attract four Broadway tours. The funded projects are expected to create more than 1,000 new jobs, generate $150 million in Read more
HARRISBURG, July 21 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester, announced that her legislation to require additional trainings and certifications for County Veteran Assistance Directors regarding trauma-informed care, including Military Sexual Trauma, PTSD and traumatic brain injury, has been signed into law as Act 38 of 2026. Act 38, previously H.B. 2024, ensures that the staff supporting our veterans are best equipped to meet their post-service needs. Shusterman says these requirements come at the suggestion of the commonwealth’s Women Veterans Health Care Task Force. “Pennsylvania is home to nearly 700,000 veterans – so many of whom return home from their service with visible and not-so-visible injuries,” Shusterman said. “As with other forms of trauma, survivors of MST live with their experiences in different ways, and their mental and physical health may be significantly affected for years to come. We owe it to our veterans to ensure that the resources and support we provide them are effective. “I extend my gratitude to my co-prime sponsor Rep. Scheuren and Chair Solomon from the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness committee for their work on this bill. This is a small step in continuing to provide for our commonwealth’s veterans. I look forward to finding more ways to continue serving those who sacrificed so much for us.” Governor Josh Shapiro signed the Read more
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