Summer 2021 Legislative Update Read more
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has been woefully underfunded for years. This is primarily due to a Republican controlled state legislature, which has consistently pushed for DEP budget cuts. Unless Gov. Tom Wolf makes environmental funding a priority in current budget negotiations, the status quo will continue. The commonwealth is expected to enact its fiscal year 2021-22 budget by the end of this month. There are essentially three parties at the bargaining table: House Republican leaders, Senate Republicans leaders, and the governor. As the Republican leaders have shown no interest in increased environmental protection funding, it is up to Gov. Wolf to fight for a stronger DEP. The commonwealth's General Fund revenues for the 2020-21 fiscal year are expected to finish more than $3 billion above official estimate, so lack of money is no excuse. The best measure of DEP’s strength over time is its number of filled positions, i.e., the number of people paid to come to work each day. In 2003, the DEP had 3,311 filled positions. This January, it had 917 less positions. That is about a 28% reduction in staff over the last 18 years. This percent staff reduction is almost double that of all commonwealth agencies over the same period. This lack of resources has compromised the department’s ability to regulate oil and gas development, monitor and reduce air and water pollution, clean up hazardous sites, and protect the Chesapeake Bay. Read more
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has been under-resourced for years. This is due primarily to a Republican-controlled legislature which has starved it of funding. The DEP must be provided with adequate money and staffing in the upcoming Commonwealth budget. The DEP is Pennsylvania’s environmental “cop on the beat”. Its job is to enforce Pennsylvania’s environmental laws and regulations. The best, although imperfect, measure of DEP’s strength over time is its number of filled positions, i.e., the number of people paid to come to work each day. In 2003, the DEP had 3,311 filled positions. This January, it had 917 fewer positions. That is about a 28% reduction in staff over the last 18 years. The 2021 Wolf budget proposed no increase in DEP staff. This lack of resources has compromised the department’s ability to regulate oil and gas development, monitor and reduce air and water pollution, clean up hazardous sites, and protect the Chesapeake Bay. Oil and Gas Program DEP’s Oil and Gas program has oversight over the almost 80,000 Pennsylvania oil and gas wells now in production. In 2015, this program had 226 filled positions. Today, it’s down to 190 positions. In January of 2020, DEP said it needed 49 additional staff to adequately administer the program. To date, it has received no additional help. In December, a high-ranking DEP official publicly stated the program is “in very Read more
Apply Online for Property Tax/Rent RebateApplications for the 2020 Property Tax/RentRebate Program can now be submitted online atwww.mypath.pa.gov. Previously, applicationscould only be submitted by mail.This program provides a state rebate on 2020property taxes or rent to income-eligible residentswho are 65 or older; widows and widowers 50 orolder; and people with disabilities 18 or older.The maximum standard rebate is $650.To be eligible, your household income mustbe $35,000 or less if you are a homeowner,or $15,000 or less if you are a renter. Whenapplying, only count half of your Social Securityor federal railroad retirement Tier I benefitstoward your total income.You can obtain information about the program,an application and free help applying throughmy district office or on the state Department ofRevenue’s website at www.revenue.pa.gov. Thestate will begin mailing rebate checks on July 1.The deadline to apply for this program is June30, 2021. Read more
There are many things Pennsylvania state government should do this year to address climate change - but won’t - given the political composition of the state legislature. But a few significant things are possible. Pennsylvania emitted about two hundred and fifteen million metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2017 (the most recent data available) making it the 5 th largest emitting state in the nation. As such, Pennsylvania should be doing things like increasing its Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard, expanding the energy conservation provisions of Act 129 and joining the Transportation and Climate Initiative Program . But with the State House and Senate firmly in Republican control it’s unlikely that any of these things will happen this year. But Pennsylvania can join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), approve methane reduction regulations for the oil and gas industry, enact legislation to expand electric vehicles infrastructure and enact legislation to authorize community solar development. These measures are possible because they can be done either by Governor Wolf through executive action or have the support of interest groups beyond the environmental community such as utility companies, labor unions or farmers. Politics is the art of the possible and these four things are possible this year. RGGI Joining RGGI is the most important thing Pennsylvania can do this year to address climate change. RGGI is an eleven-state Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 29 – State representatives and senators from Delaware County applauded a $1.5 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program award to strengthen the county’s 911 system. Through bipartisan efforts, elected officials helped secure grants to benefit more than 560,000 Pennsylvanians and help Delaware County’s first responders. This project will strengthen the security and reliability of the county’s public safety communication system. This includes 24 tower upgrades to provide acceptable county-wide communication coverage, shelter structures, an ice bridge, grounding, electric, HVAC, core work additions and 911 center equipment to communicate effectively in emergency situations with citizens, first responders and with surrounding counties in southeastern Pennsylvania. “Calling 911 and receiving a timely response has been an issue for years throughout Delaware County,” House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton, D-Delaware/Phila., said. “Thankfully, this funding will help streamline our communications system to ensure that residents in crisis can quickly receive help and support. I’m proud to see lawmakers from both the House and Senate, Democrat and Republican, come together for the safety of the people we represent.” “I’ve heard from many constituents about frustrations they’ve experienced with calling 911 since 2016,” Read more
HAVERFORD, Dec. 23 – State Rep. Greg Vitali, D-Delaware/Montgomery, today announced a $1 million state grant from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program that will support the Haverford Township Free Public Library. “We are hoping to bring new life and space to the local free public library,” Vitali said. “Libraries are one of the few places left in this world where you are not expected to pay anything to enjoy their facilities. We have to do everything we can to keep these spaces open for the public, but also ensure that they have the means to stay up to date and provide us with the services we need. This funding allows them to take those steps forward.” Vitali said the $1 million in state help will ensure that the building and facilities can fully support the library’s mission and reflect the community’s needs. The current library, located at 1601 Darby Road, will be renovated to be ADA compliant and include state of the art technologies with a redesigned layout. RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act, have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues or other measures of economic activity. For more information, contact Vitali’s district office at (610) 789-3900. ### Read more
Climate change is the most serious long-term threat to this planet, and Pennsylvania is a significant greenhouse gas producer. The most important thing Pennsylvania can do right now to combat climate change is to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Read more
Apply now for Property Tax/Rent RebateThe Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Deadlinehas been extended to Dec. 31, 2020. Applicationsfor a rebate on taxes or rent paid in 2019 areavailable at my district office or online at www.revenue.pa.gov.The program provides rebates up to $650 onrent or property tax paid by Pennsylvanians65 or older, widows and widowers 50 or older,and people with disabilities 18 or older. Theincome limit for applicants is $35,000 a year forhomeowners and $15,000 annually for renters.Half of Social Security income and all SocialSecurity cost-of living increases are excludedfrom income calculations.Claimants must reapply for rebates every yearbecause they are based on annual income andproperty taxes or rent paid each year. Spouses,personal representatives, or estates may filerebate applications on behalf of deceasedclaimants who lived at least one day in 2019.My office can help complete and submit theapplication. The state has begun mailing refundchecks to those who have already filed. Check thestatus of your rebate at www.doreservices.state.pa.us/PITServices/WheresMy/Rebate. Read more
HARRISBURG, Aug. 13 – Recently, a number of powerful Pennsylvania building trades union leaders lobbied for the passage of two bills that would hurt Pennsylvania’s efforts to reach its greenhouse gas reduction goals. Some Democrats cast votes for both bills. Democratic legislators must resist pressure from union leaders to protect and expand fossil fuel jobs. Instead they should help create good green jobs. In early July, the Pennsylvania State House passed H.B. 2025, which would effectively block Pennsylvania’s entrance into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. RGGI is a 10-state cap-and-trade program designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the electric power sector. Pennsylvania emits almost 1% of the world’s greenhouse gas and about 30% of these emissions come from its electric power sector, mainly coal- and gas-fired power plants. RGGI is the most important climate change initiative of the Wolf administration. In the days prior to the vote on H.B. 2025, the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the Pa. State Building and Construction Trades Council and other local building trade unions lobbied in support of the bill . The AFL-CIO in a letter to State House members specifically cited the loss of jobs in the coal industry as a reason for their support of the bill and their opposition to RGGI. Union support combined with the expected support of the Read more
HARRISBURG, July 20 – State Reps. Greg Vitali and Mike Zabel announced Monday a $7,500 grant for Haverford Township has been approved through the Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 19 – Pennsylvania House Democrats representing Delaware County praised residents for their diligence and sacrifice in flattening the deadly curve of COVID-19 infections following Gov. Tom Wolf’s announcement today that the county will enter Green Phase recovery efforts on June 26. During the Green Phase, aggressive mitigation tactics to control the spread of the disease are lifted, but several key defenses against it stay in effect. Personal care services, including hair salons and barber shops, must operate at 50% capacity or by appointment only; appointments or reservations also are strongly encouraged for gyms or spas. Any gathering for a planned or spontaneous event of greater than 250 individuals is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, a concert, festival, fair, conference, sporting event, movie showing or theater performance. Visitation to prisons and hospitals may resume subject to the discretion of the facility. Nursing home visitation restrictions remain in place. Restaurants and bars may be open at 50% occupancy. Casinos, theaters, and shopping malls can open at 50% occupancy. Churches, synagogues, temples, mosques and other places of congregate worship are excluded from limitations. These institutions are strongly encouraged to enforce social distancing and other mitigation measures such as masking at their gatherings. Other details can be found here . Read more
REAL ID Enforcement Deadline Extended toOctober 2021The deadline to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’slicense or ID card has been extended one year toOctober 1, 2021. At that time, a REAL ID-compliantdriver’s license or ID card, or a U.S. Passport orMilitary ID, will be necessary to board a domesticcommercial flight or enter a secure federal facility.This extension is in response to the COVID-19pandemic.PennDOT is not currently issuing REAL ID-compliantdriver’s license or ID cards. If your license is expiring,you should obtain a regular driver’s license or ID card.When REAL IDs become available again, you canchoose to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant driver’slicense or ID card. There is no requirement that anyresident obtain a REAL ID.More information for REAL ID can be found at www.dmv.pa.gov/REALID/. Read more
COVID-19 SUPPORT FOR PA BUSINESSES FEDERAL Contacts: Visit: https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/find/?type=SBA%20District%20Office&pageNumber=1 to find your local Small Business Administration (SBA) District Office Programs: Coronavirus Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources Information Visit: https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) – Loan Program and Forgiveness to help eligible businesses cover the costs of payroll, health care benefits, rent, mortgage interest, and utilities during COVID-19. Loan has a maturity of 2 years and interest rate of 1.0%. Open to small businesses, restaurants, hotels, tribal businesses, non-profits, independent contractors, and gig economy workers. Contact your local lender to see if they participate in this program! Loan period: February 15, 2020 through June 30, 2020. Visit: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/paycheck-protection-program-ppp. Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Advance Loan – Loans up to $2 million for small businesses (3.75% interest rate) and private, nonprofit organizations (2.75% interest rate) suffering as a result of COVID-19. Loans for fix debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills. Advance of up to $10,000 for small business owners experiencing loss of revenue. Loan advance will not have to be repaid! Apply here: https://www.sba.gov/disaster-assistance/coronavirus-covid-19#section-header-1 SBA Debt Relief –... Read more
Host AnnaMarie Jones welcomes PA Representatives Greg Vitali (166th District) and Jennifer O'Mara (165th District) to address navigating COVID-19 issues in SE Pennsylvania and provide informational resources. Read more
SEPTA Key Senior ID Card Expiration ExtendedSEPTA Key Senior ID Cards allow seniors to ride forfree on all SEPTA service lines in Pennsylvania. Thecards expire four years after issuance.SEPTA is providing a one-year extension of all SEPTAKey Senior ID Cards expiring in 2020. Seniors with acard expiring in 2020 will be able to continue to rideSEPTA using their current card for 12 months beyondthe printed date of expiration. For example, cards witha May 2020 expiration date will continue to be validthrough May 2021.Card holders with a Senior ID Card expiring in 2020, whostill wish to renew their card this year, can obtain samedaycard renewal at either SEPTA Headquarters, locatedat 1234 Market Street, or the SEPTA Accessible TravelCenter located at Suburban Station, 15 N. 16th Street.My district office can help complete first-timeapplications and take photos for seniors 65+ who need acard. Bring a form of identification with a date of birthon it, such as a Pennsylvania driver’s license or nondriverID, U.S. passport, or birth certificate. Read more
On Feb. 4, Gov. Tom Wolf will propose a Commonwealth budget for the 2020/21 fiscal year. This budget should address the chronic understaffing and underfunding of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental protection. Wolf’s budget last year did not propose any increase in DEP staffing and, not surprisingly, the final budget approved by the Pennsylvania General Assembly contained none. Unless the governor takes a leadership role in strengthening the DEP, it will remain in its weakened state. The DEP has suffered almost a 30 percent reduction in staff since 2002, losing over 900 positions. This staff reduction has compromised the department’s ability to monitor and reduce air and water pollution, regulate oil and gas development, plug abandoned oil and gas wells, clean up hazardous sites and protect the Chesapeake Bay. Air quality DEP’s Bureau of Air Quality has eliminated 99 positions since 2000. A 2018 DEP Air Program report indicated “… fewer Department staff to conduct inspections, respond to complaints, and pursue enforcement actions will result in less oversight of regulated industry…[and] … reduced protection of the environment and public health and welfare of the citizens of this Commonwealth.” Oil and gas program The DEP Oil and Gas program has lost 36 positions – down to 190 – since 2016. This program has the responsibility to review drilling permit Read more
SEPTA is providing a one-year extension of all SEPTA Key Senior ID Cards expiring in the 2020 calendar year. Seniors with a card expiring in 2020 will be able to continue to ride SEPTA using their current card for 12 months beyond the printed date of expiration (for example, cards with a May 2020 expiration date will continue to be valid for travel through May 2021). The changes noted above apply only to cards expiring in calendar year 2020 and do not affect new applications in any way. Same-day SEPTA Key Senior ID cards are available at SEPTA Headquarters and the Accessible Travel Center in Center City. The SEPTA Key Senior ID card offers free travel on all SEPTA transportation within Pennsylvania, including buses, trolleys, subways and Regional Rail. In the coming year, SEPTA will continue to develop a process that will allow the office of state representatives to handle card renewals in the future. Optional renewal: Even though no SEPTA Key Senior ID Cards will expire during the 2020 calendar year, cardholders with a Senior ID Card expiring in 2020, who wish to optionally renew their card in the coming year, can obtain same-day card renewal at one of the below locations: SEPTA Headquarters – 1234 Market St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19107. SEPTA Accessible Travel Center – Room #109, Suburban Station, 15 N. 16th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19107. Read more
December 2019 Newsletter Read more
This program is offered as a community service to the residents of Delaware County and is NOT OPEN to businesses, institutions or industry. Read more
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1001 East Darby RoadHavertown, PA 19083
P*: (610) 789-3900
F*: (215) 560-4197
Hours of Operation - Mon-Thurs: 9am-5pmFri: 9am-4:30pm
Ardmore Free Library108 Ardmore AvenueArdmore, PA 19003
Hours of Operation - Thursdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Handicap Accessible
30 East WingPO Box 202166Harrisburg, PA 17120-2166
P*: (717) 787-7647
F*: (717) 705-2089