There is an epidemic of sexual abuse against children in this Commonwealth, throughout this nation, and throughout the world. I came to Harrisburg with one purpose: to see that survivors of childhood sexual assault in Pennsylvania receive the justice that they deserve. Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 4 – State Rep. Carol Kazeem took the oath of office in Harrisburg Tuesday, commencing her first term as state representative for her Delaware County district. After last year’s reapportionment process, the 159th Legislative District consists of the City of Chester, Lower Chichester and Upper Chichester townships and Eddystone, Trainer, Parkside and Marcus Hook boroughs. “It’s a great honor that the residents of the 159 th District gave me the opportunity to be their advocate in our state legislature,” Kazeem said. “I look forward to bringing up the topics that our commonwealth needs to seriously discuss and enact change that will improve the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians.” Kazeem said that some of her top legislative priorities for this session include reducing gun violence, strengthening education equity, criminal justice reform and raising the minimum wage. She expects to receive her committee assignments later this month. Kazeem is one of 26 new Democratic members sworn in and one of eight Democratic freshwomen. This class of freshmen legislators is the largest and most diverse group in over a decade. Photos from the swearing-in ceremony are available on Kazeem’s website: https://www.pahouse.com/Kazeem/PhotoGallery?g=5437 . Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 3 – State Rep. Mark Rozzi, D-Berks, today was elected by his peers as Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. After taking the oath of office in the state Capitol this afternoon to commence his sixth term, Rozzi was then elected speaker by a vote of 115 to 85. “I’m proud to say that I’ve served the residents of the 126th Legislative District for the last decade, and I’m humbled to now serve every Pennsylvanian,” Rozzi said. “As speaker, my goal is to remain nonpartisan in order to deliver a sense of unity within the legislature. It’s past time that we work together and restore trust in the people’s House.” Rozzi pledged to caucus with neither Democrats nor Republicans. He affirmed that while at the rostrum, typical politics and the division they subsequently create will have no place in the House chamber. “Sometimes Republicans will win, and sometimes Democrats will win, and that is fine, so long as the beneficiaries are the people of this commonwealth,” he said. Rozzi, most notably known for his work protecting children through abolishing Pennsylvania’s criminal statute of limitations on childhood sexual abuse , said that his top priority as speaker is to put people over politics and eradicate instances of hyper partisanship. Photos of Rozzi at today’s swearing-in are available on his website: Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 3 – State Rep. Tina Davis took the oath of office in the state Capitol today to begin her term representing the 141st Legislative District, which comprises Bristol Township and Bristol Borough. The noon swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of the 2023-24 session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Davis said some of her priorities will be economic development and opportunity; job creation; pay equity; property tax reform; and programs assisting families, seniors and veterans. “I’m excited to be in a position to advocate for legislation to build safe, strong and healthy communities, a thriving workforce and top-notch affordable health care for all in Bristol Township and Bristol Borough,” Davis said. “I will advance a strong legislative approach to economic development, law enforcement and social services to ensure that these communities reach their full potential and are a magnet to residents and businesses. “As I have successfully done in the past, I will make it a priority to bring in grant money to support projects to improve life and expand business in our community.” Davis’ office can help with a variety of state-related services, including home heating assistance, children’s health insurance, prescription drug and Property Tax/Rent Rebate assistance. Residents can find out more by going to RepTinaDavis.com . Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 3 – State Rep. Ismail “Izzy” Smith-Wade-El took the oath of office today in the state Capitol to begin his first term representing the 49 th Legislative District, which comprises part of the city of Lancaster, Lancaster Township and Millersville Borough. The noon swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of the 2023-24 session of the Pennsylvania House. Smith-Wade-El is also scheduled to be installed as treasurer of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus during its installation of officers at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 4. The installation will be streamed live on the PLBC website or on the PLBC’s Facebook page. Smith-Wade-El said some of his priorities in his first term are affordable housing, justice and public safety; high-quality affordable healthcare for all; LGBTQ rights; cannabis decriminalization; high-quality education for children regardless of Zip code; workers’ rights; climate action; returning power to local government, and reproductive rights and health care. “I am honored to represent the 49 th District in the PA House of Representatives,” Smith-Wade-El said. ‘I am looking forward to drawing on my depth of skills and experiences acquired as an activist and president of the Lancaster City Council to improve our residents’ quality of life, make our communities safer and stronger, and increase economic opportunities for all.” Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 3 – State Rep. Mary Jo Daley took the oath of office at the state Capitol today to begin her sixth term representing the 148 th Legislative District, which comprises Whitemarsh Township, Lower Merion Township and Narberth Borough. The noon swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of the 2023-24 legislative session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Daley said some of her priorities will be improving health care for women and children, ensuring high quality health care is available to all, protecting the environment and implementing sustainable energy policies. “I am proud the residents of the 148 th District have chosen me to again to represent their interests in Harrisburg,” Daley said. “Every day, I am fighting to ensure our residents live in strong, safe communities, are supported by an expansive and durable social net and top-notch affordable health care and can send their children to high performing public schools. I believe that my work in the 148 th will help bring improved quality of life for all.” Daley said her office can help with a variety of state-related services, including home heating assistance, children’s health insurance, prescription drug and Property Tax/Rent Rebate assistance. Residents can find out more by going to RepMJDaley.com . Daley’s office is located at 312 Old Lancaster Road , Read more
LEVITTOWN, Dec. 22 – State Rep. Tina Davis, D-Bucks, announced today that Bucks County Technical High School has been awarded the maximum grant of $50,000 by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the purchase of new equipment to help train students in skills required for high-demand occupations . “This money will help Bucks County Technical High School in its mission to provide our young people with the educational opportunities necessary to develop the in-demand skills required for high-paying jobs,” Davis said. “As I have said before, the development of a highly trained workforce in Bucks County is a magnet for companies. This state grant is a wise investment in our economic future.” Under PDE’s program, Bucks County Technical High School has received the maximum grant of $50,000. This grant must be matched dollar-for-dollar from local sources. The development of career and technical centers and high schools has been a priority for the Wolf Administration in its goal of developing a world-class 21 st century workforce. In the past eight years, the number of career and technical education students earning industry-recognized credentials has increased by 49.5 percent, and the number of credentials earned by students enrolled in CTE programs has grown by 32.6 percent. There are more than 80 CTCs in Pennsylvania that offer a combination of classes and hands-on learning Read more
ROYERSFORD, Dec. 21 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced that the Western Montgomery Career and Technical Center has been awarded the maximum grant of $50,000 by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the purchase of new equipment to help train students in skills required for high-demand occupations . “I know from my years in business and in the legislature, the foundation to a thriving economy is a highly trained workforce,” Ciresi said. “This state grant will help ensure that our young people at the Western Montgomery CTC are getting the in-demand skills that will make them sought after hires in today’s highly competitive economic climate. I applaud the state’s investment in the development of Montgomery County’s workforce.” Under PDE’s program, the Western Montgomery Career and Technical Center has received the maximum grant of $50,000. This grant must be matched dollar-for-dollar from local sources. Ciresi applauded the Wolf administration for making the development of career and technical centers and high schools a priority in its goal of developing a world-class 21 st century workforce. In the past eight years, the number of career and technical education students earning industry-recognized credentials has increased by 49.5% and the number of credentials earned by students enrolled in CTE programs has grown by 32.6%. There are more than Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 19— State Rep. Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery, announced that $173,419 in grants have been awarded to Montgomery County Jewish organizations under the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program. The following Montgomery County organizations will receive grants: $25,000 to Congregation Beth Am Israel. $40,000 to Kaiserman Jewish Community Center. $108,419 to Kohelet Yeshiva. “The rise of antisemitism in American society is a threat to us all” Daley said. “Attacks on Jewish Americans are an attack on one of the foundations of American society -- freedom of religion. Though I hate the fact that these grants are necessary, I am glad that this money is available so the Jewish residents of Montgomery County can go to school, gather for community activities and worship in safety.” Funding can be used for safety and security planning, safety and security equipment and technology, training, building upgrades, vulnerability and threat assessments, and other security enhancements. The Nonprofit Security Grant Program was established in 2019 after the attack at the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh that claimed the lives of 11 worshippers . The program supports grants for security enhancements to nonprofit organizations that Read more
LANCASTER, Dec. 16 -- Rep.-elect Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced $4.4 million in grants have been awarded to Lancaster organizations by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. The grants will be used to improve community safety, support local law enforcement in transparency and accountability efforts, and help vulnerable populations and religious communities to protect themselves as the community pushes back against hate and white nationalism. The first set of grants come from the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. Established in 2019 after the attack at the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh that claimed the lives of 11 worshippers, the program supports grants for security enhancements to nonprofit organizations who principally serve individuals, groups or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category for single bias hate crime incidents as identified by the FBI’s Hate Crime Statistics publication, such as race/ethnicity/ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender, and gender identity. The following Lancaster organizations received these grants: $50,000 to Bright Side Opportunities Corporation. $97,000 to the Church World Service Lancaster. $97,000 to the Islamic Community Center of Lancaster. $25,000 to the Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition. $6,296 to Lancaster Pride. $10,000 to Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Lancaster. “What unifies the recipients of these Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 15 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced that he helped secure nearly $5.7 million in public safety grants for Montgomery County awarded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. “Nothing is more important to me than making sure our residents are safe in their homes and on the streets of Montgomery County,” Ciresi said. “I am very glad I was able to help bring these state funds in to strengthen our local police departments, reduce gun violence, and support vulnerable, at-risk members of our communities. This money will make our communities safer, our families stronger, and provide a second chance to those who need it.” The following grants were awarded. Local Law Enforcement Support Grant Program: $130,000 to Lower Pottsgrove Township for retention bonuses and purchasing and installing stationary License Plate Readers. $403,761 to Pottstown Borough to replace pole cameras, and upgrade servers for the camera, record management, and other internal operating systems. These improvements are expected to help with investigations, deter crime, and help the Pottstown Police Department continue operating and providing necessary services. $44,507 to West Pottsgrove Township to upgrade their Records Management System, acquire a TREK assist police patrol bike and related equipment and Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 13 – Abington Township will receive $388,040 for traffic signal system upgrades along Route 611, state Rep. Ben Sanchez announced today. The upgrades will improve the signals and connect them to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s unified command and control software. Abington Township was one of 20 municipalities receiving the upgrades, which originate from the Traffic Signal Technologies Grant Program. “These enhancements will help ease and regulate traffic flow for our area, while helping keep local tax investments low,” said Sanchez, D-Montgomery. “I’d like to thank the administration for prioritizing our region for improvements. Any time we can increase the quality of life and save local tax dollars, it’s a win-win.” The Traffic Signal Technologies Grant Program was established by Act 54 of 2022 and is provided as reimbursement to municipalities for updates to improve the efficiency and operation of existing traffic signals. Grant funding through the Traffic Signal Technology Program may be utilized for a range of operational improvements, including new traffic signal systems, adaptive signal control technology, automated traffic signal performance measures, and connection to PennDOT’s unified command and control software. Read more
LANCASTER, Dec. 13 -- Rep.-elect Ismail Smith-Wade-El has issued the following statement: “Over the past two weeks, Lancaster City has seen four separate shootings, and what appears to have been a dangerous accidental discharge of a firearm last night. Three of these shootings took place in the 49th Legislative District. These acts of violence are taking the lives of our loved ones, devastating our friends and neighbors, and undermining the safety that we deserve to feel in our communities. “Investigations are ongoing into these shootings. While there is much we do not yet know about the circumstances of these needless acts of violence, we know all too well their devastating impact: children left without their parents and parents left without their children. From the candlelight vigils and public outpourings of emotion, we do know those who have been harmed and killed are deeply loved by their friends and family. We offer our condolences and our prayers to all affected. “Luis Oscar Sanchez, Wakiel Jones, and James Jeffery Diggs deserved better. Their families deserve better. Our blocks, our community deserves better. “Let me be clear: our vision for this community has no place for gun violence, and no place for the legal and social apathy that enables it. We all deserve to feel safe in the places that we call home and we all have a responsibility to make that vision a reality. “We deserve Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 13 – The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission has awarded more than $44,000 in state grants to historical societies and museums across Chester County, state Rep. Melissa Shusterman announced today. The grants fund projects designed to improve the preservation and accessibility of historically significant records maintained by local governments, historical societies and academic institutions. Awarded were: Chester County Historical Society - $16,956. Historic Yellow Springs - $10,454. Wharton Esherick Museum - $7,789. Graystone Society Inc. - $6,231. Historic Sugartown Inc. - $4,000. “Congratulations to all of the recipients who advocated for this statewide funding,” said Shusterman, D-Chester. “Not only do the awards reflect highly on the organizations themselves, but the investment also greatly benefits residents all across the county, because our shared cultural heritage is something we all know is precious. “Tourism created by these historic sites is a lifeblood for our communities and significant for all of Pennsylvania. Thank you to the Wolf administration for recognizing our region as a premier place to invest.” All told, PHMC awarded almost $2 million in Cultural and Historical Support Grants to 161 eligible museums and official county historical societies from 56 Pennsylvania counties. In addition, PHMC awarded $200,000 in Historical and Read more
UPPER DARBY, Dec. 5 – State Rep. Gina H. Curry, D-Delaware, will hold “Cookies & Cocoa with Rep. Curry,” a holiday open house, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 15 at her district office in the Barclay Shopping Center, 1500 Garrett Road, Suite 2G, Upper Darby. “I invite residents of the 164 th to stop by my office and share some cookies and cocoa with me,” Curry said. “Whether residents want to learn more about the state services my office provides, or they just want to stop in and say hi, my staff and I will be available to answer any questions or offer assistance.” Curry’s staff is also scheduling appointments for that evening to offer last-minute assistance filing Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program applications. Pre-registration is required; contact Curry’s office at 610-259-7016. The deadline to apply for the 2021 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program -- which provides rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2021 to income eligible seniors and people with disabilities – is Dec. 31. Applications can also be filed online at mypath.pa.gov . For questions about the Curry’s open house or Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program assistance, residents should call 610-259-7016 or email RepCurry@pahouse.net . Read more
POTTSTOWN, Dec. 2 – As part of Pottstown’s continued economic revitalization, State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and Sen.-Elect Tracy Pennycuick, R-Berks, Montgomery, today announced that they have secured $500,000 in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) funding for the American Keg Co. in Pottstown to expand operations. The American Keg Co., the only domestic stainless steel keg manufacturer in the country, has been selling American-made kegs and producing stainless steel at its Pottstown factory since 2015. Looking to expand to supply larger craft breweries and traditional brewers, American Keg Co. will use the $500,000 to help with the purchase and installation of new equipment, including a new deep press and a mini service line, which would allow for the production scale needed. “This type of project is exactly what Pottstown needs to continue its economic and community revitalization,” Ciresi said. “That’s why I advocated for this state funding, which will help American Keg expand its manufacturing operations here in Pottstown, create local jobs, expand our tax base, and produce more products here at home.” When completed, this expansion will create 15-19 new Pennsylvania manufacturing jobs, increase local and state tax revenue, and result in a bigger Made-in-USA footprint in an industry dominated by imported products. “Manufacturing Read more
PAOLI, Nov. 21-- State Rep. Melissa Shusterman is pleased to announce Delaware Valley Friends Schoo l , located in the 157 th Legislative District, has been awarded $2.5 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funds. Phase One of the expansion and renovation project will include sitework, extensive stormwater management systems, a new building addition with more classrooms and offices, a new accessible school entrance, an outdoor café courtyard, renovations to the current cafeteria, and a full-size kitchen. “These improvements will help the Delaware Valley Friends School meet the needs of a growing student body,” said Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery. “As co-chair of the House Autism and Intellectual Disability Caucus, and as a person who could have benefited from a unique approach to learning, I know how important it is to have a school that addresses the needs of kids who learn differently. I am proud to have this school right here in our district and I’m happy I was able to assist in securing this funding.” Head of School Kirk Smothers commented, “DVFriends is tremendously grateful to Representative Melissa Shusterman and Senator Carolyn Comitta for recognizing the school's important mission and helping to secure a $2.5M RACP grant. The funds will enable the school to continue its trajectory of growth and serve even more students Read more
BUCKS COUNTY – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Tina Davis (D-141) announced $2 million in state funds from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) will go to a redevelopment project in Bristol Township, transforming a warehouse space and creating both short-term construction jobs and permanent jobs in the area. “This warehouse redevelopment project would be a welcome addition to Bristol Pike and the township, creating jobs for the construction phase and permanent jobs upon completion,” said Senator Santarsiero. “I’d like to thank Governor Wolf for supporting my request to dedicate RACP funds for this project, which will help grow Bristol Township’s local economy.” “These state funds will help support the ongoing revitalization of manufacturing industries in the area through the redevelopment of an industrial and logistics warehouse,” Rep. Davis said. “I thank Gov. Tom Wolf for allocating these RACP funds to this project which will create new jobs and support industry, energizing Lower Bucks’ economy.” The current property holds a low-occupancy hotel located at 6201 Bristol Pike. The property has been rezoned as Heavy Manufacturing, paving the way for the redevelopment. The project will include demolition of the current structure and construction of a 130,000 SF industrial and logistics warehouse that will include the addition of private water, Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 18 -- Members of the House Democratic Caucus’ Southeast Delegation unanimously re-elected Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, as chairwoman for the 2023-24 legislative session. As chairwoman, O’Mara will lead the 43-member delegation on legislative initiatives and negotiations within the chamber. The Southeast Delegation is the new majority caucus’ largest and fastest-growing delegation, consisting of members from Berks, Bucks, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Montgomery and York counties. “I’m so grateful to once again serve as chairwoman of the Southeast Delegation. As leader of the caucus’ largest delegation, I’m able to lift up the voices of the people we represent and the issues that matter most to the people of Delco and the surrounding region,” O’Mara said. “I’m humbled to lead this group of lawmakers for the next two years and I look forward to what we can accomplish working together.” O’Mara will begin her third term in office and second term as delegation chair after she is sworn in in January 2023. She said that in her new term, she will continue to focus on supporting veterans and first responders, increasing access to mental health services, preserving the commonwealth’s environment and addressing the student debt crisis. A photo of O’Mara in the House chamber may be downloaded here: Read more
HARRISBURG, NOV. 15 – State Reps. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., and Gina Curry, D-Delaware, held a news conference Monday to mark Student Homelessness Awareness Week and educate the public about the prevalence of students experiencing homelessness in Pennsylvania. In the 2020-21 school year, 32,666 students in Pennsylvania schools were homeless or living without adequate housing. “It’s unacceptable that more than 32,000 of our students have recently experienced homelessness or have dealt with inadequate housing. While that number represents a decrease from previous years, it’s still too high,” Bullock said. “We want residents of the commonwealth to recognize that education provides stability and support to youth experiencing homelessness and is a key to preventing future homelessness. We need to do everything we can to support education and our students.” Out of 786 local education agencies in Pennsylvania, 713 are receiving McKinney-Vento subgrants to abate the challenges in their communities. The McKinney-Vento Act states that an individual or family who lacks a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence is considered homeless. Identifying homelessness can be difficult. According to experts, families experiencing homelessness often keep their situation and circumstances hidden from friends, program staff and others. Many families say that they worry about being judged or are fearful of child welfare involvement. Read more
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