HARRISBURG, Sept. 12 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, secured an $80,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for emergency structural repairs at Friendship Ambulance. Friendship Ambulance is the EMS division of the Royersford Fire Department. “When Friendship Ambulance contacted me with their urgent request, I immediately started looking for state funding so that the company could continue to serve our communities,” Ciresi said. “This is an example of government responding as it should to emergency situations – quickly and efficiently. I am glad and proud that I was able to secure this grant without delay so these important repairs can happen, and Friendship Ambulance can continue its focus on the health and well-being of our residents.” “In our time of need, we reached out to state Representative Joe Ciresi,” said George Gilliano, president and director of EMS and chief of EMS Operations. “He came to our aid and was able to secure an $80,000 grant so we could get this emergency repair done as soon as possible.” According to Friendship Ambulance, the concrete used for the main structural support across all three ambulance bays had deteriorated, harming the structural integrity of the building and creating a risk of collapse. With funding secured by this state grant, construction is now underway to replace the concrete with steel beams to re-support the Read more
MEDIA, Sept. 10 -- U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, D-Delaware/Chester/Montgomery, state Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, and other members of the PA House Democratic Southeast Delegation celebrated the recent enactment of state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler’s Solar for Schools program Monday morning. Solar for Schools is a new state grant program designed to help school districts across Pennsylvania install solar panels on school grounds or roofs. The grants will cover up to 50% of the cost of solar projects for schools and can be paired with federal funding available through the Inflation Reduction Act. “My colleagues and I in Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act. This provides incentives for schools, nonprofits, and houses of worship to deploy wind, solar, and other renewable energy technologies to generate clean electricity,” Scanlon said. “I'm so excited that decades after I was on the school board, our state legislature, led by Representative Fiedler, stepped up and took this really important step so our school districts can do renovations, implement solar energy and other clean energy options, and reap the savings of those options. The IRA is an essential step, but it can’t be the last step.” "Solar for Schools is not just an opportunity to bring clean energy and good jobs to our school communities. It’s an innovative way to pair state and federal funds to benefit Pennsylvania’s Read more
COATESVILLE, Sept. 9 – Octorara Area School District has been awarded $74,171 to make its schools more environmentally safe thanks to a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, state Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, announced today. “Children in the Octorara School District will be able to learn in a safer and healthier educational environment thanks to this funding brought to them by a Democratic budget,” Williams said. “As a community activist and as a state representative, I have fought long and hard so our children get what they need to succeed, and that begins with learning in a clean and safe facility. Thanks to this funding, the Octorara School District will receive the funding they need to make critical improvements to protect the welfare of students and staff.” The money comes from the state’s Public ?School Environmental ???Repairs Program , made possible by funding Williams voted for in the 2023-24 state budget. Grants under the program can be used by schools to fix environmental hazards in their buildings, including removing lead in water sources and in paint, as well as asbestos and mold removal and remediation. A total of $75 million was available for the competitive grant program, and 109 school districts and technical centers across the state received grants in this round. Projects require a cash match of 50% of total eligible project costs. More information is available on the Department of Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 9 – Chester-Upland, Chichester and Interboro school districts and Delaware County Technical School today were awarded state grant funding to help address environmental hazards in their school buildings, according to state Reps. Carol Kazeem, Leanne Krueger and Dave Delloso, all D-Delaware. Chester Upland School District received $821,912 while Chichester was awarded $1.04 million. Interboro was awarded $290,761. DCTC also received $80,095 for environmental remediation needs in its Aston and Folcroft buildings. The money comes from the state’s Public School Environmental Repairs Program , made possible by funding Krueger, Kazeem and Delloso voted for in the 2023-24 state budget. Grants under the program can be used by schools to fix environmental hazards in their school buildings, including removing lead in water sources and in paint, as well as asbestos and mold removal and remediation. “No student or staff member should have to learn or work in a building full of lead, asbestos and mold, yet this is what many young people and adults across the state -- some right here in Delaware County -- faced with each new school year and for far too long because local tax sources were stretched too thin,” Krueger said. “I fought to include funding to fix and clean up our schools in last year’s state budget and again this year. I am grateful to see schools like Chester-Upland finally get the Read more
Pennsylvania state representatives Lisa Borowski and Jennifer O'Mara said they secured a $40,000 state grant that will be used to buy and install AEDs at all VFW and American Legion posts in Delaware County by the end of the year. The state representatives are partnering with the Newtown Square Fire Company, which will provide VFW staff members with training on how to use AEDs. Read more
“There are places where health care is a luxury across our commonwealth,” state Rep. Lisa Borowski said. “There is a growing number of health care deserts. And this is due to the steady increase of health system consolidations and closures. Sadly, Delaware County is becoming one of those places.” Read more
State Reps. Lisa Borowski and Jennifer O’Mara, along with the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association, will hold a public event at 2 p.m. on Sept. 16 to celebrate a $40,000 grant they helped secure to place automatic external defibrillators in all American Legion and VFW posts in Delaware County. Read more
“It’s one thing to voice your support for veterans. It’s another to demonstrate it,” Rep. Tim Brennan (D-29) said, in a statement. “Time and again, this community demonstrates its respect for the people who have served our country, and I’m proud I get to be a part of that.” Read more
HARRISBURG, Aug. 23 – State Rep. Patty Kim, D-Cumberland/Dauphin, and state Rep. Dave Madsen, D-Dauphin, today announced a state grant for $350,000 to the Broad Street Market . The Department of Community and Economic Development grant will go toward operating expenses, roof repairs and HVAC upgrades at the market. “This state funding saves significant costs for the urgently needed restoration of Broad Street Market,” Kim said. “I look forward to seeing this project continue to move forward and am happy to have helped the market and the many businesses that make Harrisburg thrive.” “We look forward to seeing a new design and more progress at the Broad Street Market, as it navigates its comeback,” Madsen said. “All eyes are on this reconstruction, and I’m happy that Rep. Kim and I were able to help deliver needed help.” “This funding commitment is an absolute game-changer for the Broad Street Market, which recently became financially solvent for the first time since last year’s fire, in conjunction with the financial sustainability plan put in place earlier this year,” said Eric Hagerty, chair of the market’s Board of Directors. “We will now be in a position to do more than barely make ends meet – we will be able to invest in the market’s facilities and address some long-standing needs for the businesses that operate at the market and the community Read more
HARRISBURG, Aug. 22 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, introduced two bills earlier this summer to make it easier for residents to remain informed and participate in Pennsylvania Utility Commission rate cases: H.B. 2495 which would allow ratepayers to submit public comments to the PUC online, and H.B. 2496 which would require the outside of envelopes to indicate if they contain a notice of a proposed rate change. “Utility services such as water, wastewater and electricity are essential to modern daily life,” Ciresi said. “As our residents’ health and well-being are dependent on these services being safe, reliable and affordable, they need to be able to easily communicate to the PUC their concerns about utility rate changes and acquisitions which will have a direct and substantial impact on their quality of life.” Utilities are currently required to send ratepayers notice of proposed rate changes and include instructions on how to submit public comments by mail. According to Ciresi, the current notification system is neither efficient nor effective as notices can get lost in the volume of other notices sent by utilities and other companies. “We’re in the 21st century, and we are still expecting the public to send comments through the mail,” Ciresi said. “My legislation would modernize the PUC ratemaking process, making it more accessible to the public. These bills would call additional attention to Read more
I’m proud to bring back our tax dollars to support local projects. These two grants, which together total $852,112, will provide most of the funding needed for the estimated $1.1 million project budget. Read more
“Everyone deserves to be safe at work – that means free from physical harm as well as mental or psychological abuse,” said McClinton, who represents portions of Delaware County and Philadelphia. “While there are laws on the books to protect workers from environmental hazards, we need to do more to protect people from workplace psychological hazards like bullying and oppressive treatment that create toxic work environments and cause undue stress and anxiety for workers.” Read more
“A right to have an abortion, but no access to an abortion is no right at all,” said Rep. Heather Boyd, who represents portions of Delaware County and hosted the hearing. “Reproductive health care and abortion access needs to be protected in Pennsylvania. We know reproductive health care saves the lives of patients in the 21st century, and the last thing a patient needs is a lawmaker determining what health care is appropriate for others – especially absolute strangers.” Read more
ROYERSFORD, Aug. 9 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced that $92,994 in state funding has been awarded to five Pottstown School District Pre-K and elementary schools to provide fruits and vegetables to students under the federal Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. Schools receiving the grants are: Barth Elementary School $20,196 Franklin Elementary School $22,308 Lincoln Elementary School $20,856 Pre-K Counts Annex Building $6,666 Rupert Elementary School $22,968 Through the program by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the schools will receive reimbursement for the cost of making free fresh fruits and vegetables available to students during the school day. These fresh fruits and vegetables must be provided separately from the lunch or breakfast meal in one or more areas of the school during the school day. “This funding will help Pottstown schools provide healthy snack alternatives to our students during the day, helping to make healthy eating a habit,” Ciresi said. “This funding will also help give Pottstown’s school children the tools to make healthy choices for themselves. Students will learn that fruits and vegetables are not only the smart choice, but also the tastiest.” The goal of FFVP is to introduce children to fresh fruits and vegetables, to include new and different varieties, and to increase overall acceptance and consumption of fresh, unprocessed produce. Read more
NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE State Rep. Brian Munroe D-Bucks County www.pahouse.com/Munroe Munroe presents check to Warminster Township Police Department Funding will be used for body cameras WARMINSTER, Aug. 6 – State Rep. Brian Munroe presented a $250,000 check to Warminster Township Police Department Chief Jim Donnelly today to help fund the purchase of body cameras for the police officers. Munroe, a retired police officer, secured the funding through the state Department of Community and Economic Development. “Protecting our police and giving them the resources that they need to do the job in the 21 st century is a top priority for me,” Munroe said. “Body cameras are now an essential piece of a police uniform, and I am more than proud and happy to be able to help provide those resources.” “Warminster Township and the Warminster Board of Supervisors are thrilled with the amount of support we have received for our police department,” Warminster Supervisor Judy Hoover said. “The body cameras will certainly add to the ability of our already excellent police department to protect our citizens.” Munroe represents the 144 th Legislative District composed of Ivyland, Warminster, Warrington and Read more
State Rep. Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny, addresses access to voting during a hearing in Pittsburgh on July 30. HARRISBURG, July 31 – Led by state Reps. Aerion Abney, Napoleon Nelson, Rick Krajewski, Anthony Bellmon and Greg Scott, the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus on Tuesday heard from Allegheny County officials over incarcerated peoples’ right to vote from jail. The caucus held a news conference in Pittsburgh during their Lunch and Learn Event with guests, including Allegheny County Jail Assistant Deputy Warden Connie Clark, County Elections Manager David Voye, Lorraine Cross of the Black Political Empowerment Project, Amy Kleissas from the League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh, Destiny of Faith Church Rev. Brenda Gregg, and Teresa Minor Spencer of West End Power. "Even behind bars, the right to vote is a beacon of hope, reminding us that every voice matters, and that redemption and civic duty are intertwined," said Abney, D-Allegheny. “Voting from jail underscores the principle that rehabilitation includes reintegration into society, fostering a sense of responsibility and participation in democratic processes.” Discussion centered on allowing incarcerated individuals to vote and how that emphasizes the idea that justice and democracy are inclusive. "The vote is the great equalizer; it bridges the gap between those inside and outside prison walls, ensuring that all citizens Read more
HARRISBURG, July 30 – Pennsylvania House Tourism, Recreational and Economic Development Committee Chair Rep. Mary Jo Daley said she is pleased with a $15 million state budget increase to attract more tourists to the commonwealth’s many great restaurants, hotels, bed and breakfasts and resorts. “Pennsylvania is a four-seasons destination, with each of our great state’s regions offering educational, historical and recreational opportunities to travelers,” said Daley, D-Montgomery . “Providing more resources to the state’s Tourism Office helps bring more attention to all that Pennsylvania has to offer and, in turn, generates even more revenue for our state.” Gov. Josh Shapiro has been promoting Pennsylvania as the “Great American Getaway,” and the budget earmarks $19 million for tourism marketing to boost Pennsylvania’s economy, attract more visitors and support good-paying jobs. “We’re thrilled that tourism marketing received a $15 million increase in the 2024-25 budget to help boost our economy, attract more visitors, and support good paying jobs in Pennsylvania,” said Anne Ryan, deputy secretary of tourism for the Department of Community and Development . “Tourism, which is a key piece of Governor Josh Shapiro’s economic development strategy, generates over $76 billion and supports more than 486,000 jobs each year. We are working hard to encourage the tens of Read more
HARRISBURG, July 23 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi’s bill that will make it easier for relatives to claim a deceased person’s property being held by the state has been signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro as Act 65 of 2024. “The process of claiming unclaimed property as an heir can be complicated, expensive and burdensome – so much so that many would rather give up than continue with the process, especially if the sum is small,” said Ciresi, D-Montgomery. “Act 65 will slice through the red tape and simplify the current process of claiming unclaimed funds to help the people of Pennsylvania get what’s rightfully theirs.” According to Ciresi, the Pennsylvania Treasury holds some $4 billion in unclaimed property, such as uncashed checks, lost stocks or bonds, or closed bank accounts. Due to an inconsistency in inheritance law, some categories of relatives have had a harder time legitimately claiming that property on behalf of their deceased relatives. Surviving spouses, children, parents and siblings could file for unclaimed property using a notarized sworn relationship affidavit, saving them the effort and expense of having to open or re-open the deceased’s estate. But grandchildren, nephews, nieces and others could not claim by affidavit even if they are the closest surviving relative. Act 65 will allow grandchildren and their descendants, nieces and nephews and their descendants, and grandparents of the deceased Read more
HARRISBURG, July 18 – At state Rep. Joe Ciresi’s request, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has agreed to hold two hearings in Limerick Township on the proposed $126.7 million rate hike for Aqua Pennsylvania Inc and Aqua Pennsylvania Wastewater Inc. on Monday, Aug. 12 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Spring-Ford Area High School (Auditorium), 350 S. Lewis Road, Royersford 19468. Aqua Water proposes to increase its annual operating revenues for water services by approximately $112 million (18.7%). Aqua Wastewater seeks a corresponding increase in its annual operating revenues for wastewater services by $14.6 million (20.1%). In total, the proposed rate increase requests would increase the company’s total annual operating revenues by approximately $126.7 million. “The time is now to act and have our voices heard about how these proposed skyrocketing rate hikes will have a devastating impact on our monthly household budgets, particularly on our seniors who live on a fixed income,” Ciresi said. “I am grateful that the PUC has scheduled two hearings in Limerick Township, where wastewater rates already doubled just a few years ago, so as many of our residents as possible can share how these outrageous rate increases will affect their quality of life.” Although Aqua made the request to the PUC saying the rate increase was necessary to pay for infrastructure investments, Ciresi pointed out that customers’ bills already Read more
HARRISBURG, July 22 – Pottstown School District was awarded a $17,200 workforce grant from the PA Department of Education to develop a new generation of special education teachers, state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced today. “Kids in special education classes need teachers who are specially trained to understand their unique needs and provide the necessary support so they can flourish intellectually, socially and emotionally in school,” Ciresi said. “Especially important in light of a statewide teacher shortage, this money will create new learning opportunities for Pottstown School District students. By raising awareness of career paths and job opportunities in special education, this will help recruit the teachers needed to provide a top-notch education for all students.” The Developing Future Special Educator grants will help local education agencies design and implement student-focused experiential learning opportunities for supporting students with disabilities and learning about career opportunities in the field of special education. The program builds on the department’s efforts to develop a teacher pipeline and retention program to guarantee that learners of all abilities across the state are guaranteed access to a top-notch education for years to come. Read more
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