News Center

Lawmakers hear from healthcare workers, first responders, administrators and advocates impacted by hospital consolidation

(Oct 12, 2021) Rep. Dan Williams

EAST BRANDYWINE, Oct. 12 -- Last month, Tower Health announced that it will sell Chestnut Hill Hospital in Philadelphia and close Jennersville Hospital in West Grove, Pa. With the fate of Tower’s Brandywine, Phoenixville, Pottstown, and Reading hospitals up in the air, local healthcare workers, first responders, administrators and advocates addressed concerns and impacts on quality and access to health care, and township services. The event, called Saving Community Hospitals: Keeping Care Close, took place at 11 a.m. today at East Brandywine Township Building, 1214 Horseshoe Pike, Downingtown. “The pandemic has exposed how badly people need close and affordable healthcare,” said Rep. Dan Williams, D-Sadsbury Township. “Discussion today emphasized that we need to keep healthcare facilities open and improve care. Hospital consolidation can be a good thing if healthcare workers are respected and services to patients are upgraded.” Hospital administrators, Andrew Wigglesworth, vice president of Wojdak Government Relations, and Bill Ryan, vice president of Einstein Health Network/Urban Health Care Coalition, described how hospitals are dependent on Medicare or Medicaid, sharing that more than 62% of payers use that public funding mechanism. The funding mechanism results in strains on hospitals and could lead to more consolidations, such as those happening in the region. “Closures and consolidations impact our seniors and put stress Read more

 

Williams announces $99K grant for Downingtown

(Sep 08, 2021) Rep. Dan Williams

DOWNINGTOWN, Sept. 8 – State Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, announced today that Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency has approved the Chester County Intermediate Unit #24 request of $99,705 in federal SOR funds to implement the LifeSkills Training program in the middle and high schools of 12 school districts. LST is a classroom-based tobacco-, alcohol-, and drug abuse–prevention program for upper elementary and junior high school students. LST targets students who have not yet initiated substance use or are early-stage users with the goal of preventing or ending tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug abuse by raising student awareness of the negative consequences of substance use, encouraging the resistance of social influences to drink, smoke, use illicit drugs or engage in aggressive or violence-related behaviors and more. “This federal grant money will help educate our children of the dangers to body and spirit of cigarette, alcohol and illegal drug use,” Williams said. “I hope this program will teach our children that their lives are simply too valuable to risk by indulging in such dangerous behaviors.” Through this initiative, Chester County Intermediate Unit #24 will coordinate implementation of LST within each school district. The funds will be used for the following: LifeSkills Training curriculum, materials, training, staff time dedicated to the implementation of the program, and Read more

 

Williams announces nearly $147K in Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grants for Coatesville Area School District

(Aug 05, 2021) Rep. Dan Williams

COATESVILLE, Aug. 4 – State Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, announced that the Coatesville Are School District will receive $146,900 in U.S. Department of Agriculture Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program grants which will be distributed among the following schools: Caln Elementary School , East Fallowfield Elementary School, Kings Highway Elementary School , Rainbow Elementary School, and Reeceville Elementary School. “It is critical that fresh, healthy food is regularly available to our students to support physical and academic growth, but fresh fruits and vegetables are often not easily available in schools,” Williams said. “This program addresses this problem, ensuring that students have the opportunity to eat healthy at school.” The U.S. Department of Agriculture Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program’s goals are to create healthier school environments by providing healthier food choices, expand the variety of fruits and vegetables students experience, increase fruit and vegetable consumption, and positively impact students’ present and future health. The FFVP was implemented in Pennsylvania in 2004 and is now available in all 50 states. Priority is given to schools with the highest rates of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals. Grantees must spend most of their grant on the purchase of fresh fruit and vegetables and develop a plan to establish partnerships to reduce Read more

 

Williams announces $300,000 in state funding to make residences of people with disabilities more accessible

(Aug 03, 2021) Rep. Dan Williams

COATESVILLE, Aug. 3 – State Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, announced $300,000 in Keystone Communities Program grant funding has been awarded to the Chester County Home Modification Program, which makes homes more accessible for low-income residents with disabilities. “For many of our residents with disabilities, their houses often feel like potential danger zones as they haven’t been constructed with their unique needs in mind,” Williams said. “By providing for modifications that increase safety and mobility, this state money will help our residents truly feel safe and secure in their homes.” The Chester County Home Modification Program assists low-to-moderate-income residents of Chester County with permanent disabilities to make their current residences more accessible. The CCHMP allows for a wide range of adaptive modifications, which include, but are not limited to, ramps, lifts, door and hallway widening, kitchen and bathroom modifications, visual doorbells, audio phones, and visual phone signalers. The Keystone Communities Program is designed to encourage the creation of partnerships between public and private sector that jointly support local initiatives such as the growth and stability of neighborhoods and communities; social and economic diversity; and a strong and secure quality of life. The program allows communities to tailor assistance to meet the needs of specific Read more

 

Williams announces $65K for Caln blight remediation

(Jun 04, 2021) Rep. Dan Williams

COATESVILLE, June 4 – State Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, announced $65,000 in Commonwealth Financing Authority funding for blight remediation in Caln. The funding will be used to help demolish a building on the Caln Township-owned Ingleside Golf Course and perform an asbestos abatement. Upon completion, the golf course will become a safer and more aesthetically pleasing space for its visitors to enjoy. The funds will be used for demolition and professional services costs. “I’m very glad that this funding will help make the Ingleside Golf Course a safe place which all its residents can enjoy,” Williams said. The Blight Remediation Program was created in 2020 to provide for blight remediation, including hazard mitigation, within the commonwealth, and authorizes the CFA to adopt guidelines to ensure that grants are made available to all geographic areas of the commonwealth. More information is available by contacting Williams’ office at 484-200-8256. Read more

 

Shuttered Venue Operators Grant portal reopens Saturday, April 24th

(Apr 23, 2021) Rep. Dan Williams

The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced that the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant application portal will reopen on Saturday, April 24. Updated documents and guidance will be available today (Friday, April 23rd) by clicking here . This is a grant program established by the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, and amended by the American Rescue Plan Act. The program includes over $16 billion in grants to shuttered venues, and is administered by SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance. Eligible applicants may qualify for grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue , with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million. $2 billion is reserved for eligible applications with up to 50 full-time employees. Eligible entities include: Live venue operators or promoters. Theatrical producers. Live performing arts organization operators. Museum operators. Motion picture theater operators (including owners). Talent representatives. Other requirements of note: Must have been in operation as of February 29, 2020. Venue or promoter who received a PPP loan on or after December 27, 2020, will have the SVOG reduced by the PPP loan amount. Read more

 

Comitta, Williams Announce $1.5 Million to Repair, Reopen Wagontown Road

(Apr 21, 2021) Rep. Dan Williams

WEST CHESTER (April 16, 2021) – Valley Township will receive $1.5 million in state funding to repair and reopen Wagontown Road, state Senator Carolyn Comitta and state Representative Dan Williams announced today. The project, funded through PennDOT’s Multimodal Transportation Fund, calls for reconstructing a collapsed portion of Wagontown Road, including an approximate 400-foot concrete retaining wall and associated drainage and paving improvements. The project, which is estimated to cost $2.1 million in total, will result in reopening Wagontown Road to safely restore vehicular connectivity. “This is an important investment to reopen the road, reduce traffic congestion, and help drive economic growth in Valley and the surrounding region,” Comitta said. “I look forward to continuing to work with local municipalities and my legislative colleagues to support the transportation infrastructure needs of communities like Valley Township and others across Chester County. “This $1.5 million infrastructure grant will help rebuild a portion of Wagontown Road, making it possible to reopen the road to motorists,” Williams said. “This investment will help improve the local economy by making travel more accessible in the area, increasing motorist and pedestrian safety, and decreasing environmental impacts on the road. I’m very glad that this project can now move forward to completion thanks to this grant.” Read more

 

STATEWIDE OPENING DAY OF TROUT SEASON IS THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 3

(Apr 01, 2021) Rep. Dan Williams

STATEWIDE OPENING DAY OF TROUT SEASON IS THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 3 https://www.media.pa.gov/pages/fish-and-boat-commission-details.aspx?newsid=379 ?HARRISBURG, Pa. (April 1) – Excitement is in the air for Pennsylvania’s statewide Opening Day of Trout Season on Saturday, April 3! The start time is 8:00 a.m. “Trout fishing in the spring is among Pennsylvania’s greatest outdoor traditions and anglers are gearing up for one of the most highly anticipated days of the year,” said Tim Schaeffer, PFBC Executive Director. “After a long winter and a very challenging year, we’re all looking for fun, safe, and affordable ways to get outside, relax, and spend time with our families. Trout fishing is right at the top of the list for people of all ages.” Anglers are reminded that this Saturday’s opening day is a single, statewide event for all 67 counties. This change was implemented in 2021 to provide anglers with two more weeks to enjoy trout fishing statewide, reduce travel associated with multiple opening days, and minimize overcrowding on many popular waterways to allow anglers to comply with social distancing guidelines associated with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. To participate in trout fishing, anglers ages 16 and older must obtain a Pennsylvania fishing license and a trout permit. Licenses and permits are available using the FishBoatPA mobile app, online at Read more

 

Williams appointed to Chester County Industrial Development Authority Board

(Apr 01, 2021) Rep. Dan Williams

HARRISBURG, April 1 – State Rep. Dan Williams announced today he has been appointed to the board of the Chester County Industrial Development Authority by the Chester County Commissioners. “I am both honored and excited by this opportunity to lend my expertise to help develop our county’s economy by serving on the board of the Chester County Industrial Development Authority,” Williams, D-Chester, said. “I plan to use my understanding of state government programs and the legislative process to provide guidance to the CCIDA so that it can maximize opportunities for economic development in the region.” The Chester County Industrial Development Authority provides capital financing for nonprofit organizations, manufacturing companies and first-time farmers through its Industrial Revenue Bond and Mortgage Program. Three types of tax-free vehicles are available through this program. CCIDA additionally runs the Neighborhood Improvement District program, a new financing tool for projects with significant infrastructure requirements. The Chester County Industrial Development Authority has already implemented two successful NID projects in Chester County -- Woodlands at Greystone in West Chester and Steelpointe in Phoenixville. “CCIDA helps Chester County thrive, whether it’s through neighborhood improvement projects that improve quality of life, providing financial assistance to our Read more

 

Vaccine Letter

(Feb 25, 2021) Rep. Dan Williams

vaccine letter Read more

 

Vaccine Letter

(Feb 25, 2021) Rep. Dan Williams

Vaccine Letter Read more

 

Williams announces $500,500 railroad grant

(Jan 13, 2021) Rep. Dan Williams

POTTSVILLE, JAN. 13 – State Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, today announced that East Penn Railroad LLC received $500,500 to improve track conditions by replacing approximately 4,500 ties on the Wilmington Northern line and 2,000 ties on its Quakertown line. “The East Penn Railroad operates on 110 miles of track in southeastern Pennsylvania and Delaware , serving as a lifeline to the region, bringing goods and, along with it, prosperity to our communities,” Williams said. “This $ 500,500 grant to improve track conditions on the Wilmington Northern and Quakertown lines will help ensure the continued growth of our local economies.” East Penn Railroad was one of 26 rail freight improvement projects to receive funding. The State Transportation Commission voted to approve $31.3 million for the projects through the Rail Transportation Assistance Program and the Rail Freight Assistance Program. More information on Pennsylvania Department of Transportation rail grant programs is available at the department’s Rail Freight and Ports webpage . Read more

 

Williams announces committee assignments for second term

(Jan 11, 2021) Rep. Dan Williams

HARRISBURG, Jan. 11 – State Rep. Dan Williams announced today his committee assignments for the 2021-2022 session are Aging and Older Adult Services, Human Services, Urban Affairs and Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness. Williams, D-Chester, said, “I am humbled to have these opportunities to influence legislation that will improve the welfare of our society’s most vulnerable communities like our seniors, our low-income communities, our veterans, our housing insecure individuals and families, and our communities plagued by violence. “As a member of these important committees, I have a chance to make sure that legislation that will better the lives of the powerless gets heard on the House floor,” Williams continued. “This is what representative democracy is all about. I speak for you, in your name, about your concerns and your needs in the halls of Harrisburg. That’s what being a public servant is all about.” The House committees’ descriptions are: The House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee deals with a wide range of issues to improve the lives of Pennsylvania's senior citizens. The committee works with the Department of Aging and reviews bills which affect senior citizens of the commonwealth. The Human Services Committee reviews bills pertaining to social service issues in Pennsylvania. The committee reviews the Office of Read more

 

Williams takes oath for second term

(Jan 05, 2021) Rep. Dan Williams

HARRISBURG, Jan. 5 – State Rep. Dan Williams took the oath of office at the state Capitol today to begin his second term representing the 74th District in Chester County. The noon swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of the 2021-22 session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Williams said he will focus on COVID-19 relief; economic development and job creation; maintaining public infrastructure; improving public safety; revitalizing local schools; preventing gun violence; and curbing the opioid epidemic in the new term. He will receive committee assignments later in the month. “I’m honored that the people of the 74 th District have sent me back to Harrisburg to continue to be their advocate,” Williams said. “Our society faces many challenges today, which have been intensified by the pandemic. I’ll bring needed resources to our community by building bridges with colleagues on both sides of the aisle and local leaders. I know from experience that when we work together, we can achieve the social and economic justice we all seek.” Williams said his office can help with a variety of state-related services, including home heating, children’s health insurance, prescription drug and property tax/rent rebate assistance. The phone number is 484-200-8256 . Residents also can learn more about Williams’ legislative priorities and the services his office Read more

 

Williams announces $488K in water quality, stormwater management grants

(Dec 30, 2020) Rep. Dan Williams

COATESVILLE, Dec. 30 – State Rep. Dan Williams today announced that Valley Township and the City of Coatesville received a total of $488,000 in Growing Green grants to help improve local water quality and stormwater management measures. The city of Coatesville received $300,000 to improve water quality to the West Branch Brandywine Creek by retrofitting Millview Basin and re-stabilizing the outlet structure, which will provide relief from nearby structural damage. Valley Township received $188,000 to retrofit an existing stormwater basin and swale within Valley Township. “Both of these projects will help revitalize our neighborhood’s bodies of water, and in turn, play a large role in environmental preservation,” Williams said. “Valley Township’s grant will also benefit residents who have experienced excessive flooding this year. My thanks to the governor for distributing nearly $500,000 to ensure the longevity of our community.” Growing Greener remains the largest single investment of state funds in Pennsylvania's history to address Pennsylvania's critical environmental concerns of the 21st century. Signed into law on Dec. 15, 1999. Reauthorized in June 2002, this legislation doubled the funding for the Growing Greener program and extended it through 2012. This increased DEP's portion of Growing Greener to $547.7 million from the original $240 Read more

 

Williams announces $1 million in State Funding for Garage for Coatesville’s New Train Station

(Dec 23, 2020) Rep. Dan Williams

HARRISBURG, Dec 23 – State Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, announced today that $1 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funding has been awarded to the Coatesville Redevelopment Authority/city of Coatesville to build a multimodal parking garage next to the new train station. “I was proud to support this project to build a garage for the new train station,” Williams said. “The new train station is critical to advancing the city’s plans for redevelopment and revitalization, and it will be necessary that our commuters -- whether they drive, bike or take the bus to the train station -- are able to easily access the train station.” According to Williams, the Coatesville RDA and the Coatesville 2 nd Century Alliance are working with the city to construct a new multimodal parking facility to support access to the existing rail system and allow for expanded commuter service. The 175,000-square-foot facility will have bus transportation integration, covered waiting shelters, bike racks, ample lighting, wayfinding signage, and approximately 490 parking spaces to support SEPTA, Amtrak and Link and Kraft Bus transportation services. “Transportation, public works and public safety are three of the core services that our local municipalities provide to residents and families,” state Senator-Elect Carolyn Comitta said. “New and enhanced facilities related to the Read more

 

Howard and Williams announce $1.78M in state grants to Chester County

(Dec 09, 2020) Rep. Dan Williams

MALVERN/COATESVILLE, Dec. 9 -- State Reps. Kristine Howard and Dan Williams, both D-Chester, announced today that the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency awarded $1.78 million in state grants to Chester County. “Women and children are among the most vulnerable members of our society, and we must do all we can to help them during the pandemic,” Howard said. “This state grant money will provide assistance to county and nonprofit organizations alike so they can continue to provide a safe harbor and a hopeful future to victims of violence.” “Life for parolees is challenging at the best of times, but during the pandemic, things have gotten so much harder,” Williams said. “This state funding will help Chester County’s Improvement of Adult Probation Services program aid our parolees during this critical period and so reduce recidivism, thus making our communities safer for all.” The breakdown of the awards is as follows: CAPPAC - Improvement of Adult Probation Services Funds The County Adult Probation and Parole Advisory Committee (CAPPAC) serves in an advisory capacity to PCCD to ensure reasonable and efficient administration on all matters pertaining to the Pennsylvania County Adult Probation and Parole System. Chester County Improvement of Adult Probation Services $533,144 VSAC - Federal STOP Violence Against Women Formula Read more

 

Williams: $257.4K in school safety grants for area schools

(Nov 17, 2020) Rep. Dan Williams

HARRISBURG, Nov. 17 – State Rep. Dan Williams announced today that $ 257,419.51 in Safe Schools grants were awarded to area schools that students from his district attend to purchase safety and security-related equipment. “A safe environment is a primary requirement for students to be able to thrive intellectually and emotionally,” Williams said. “This grant funding will help area schools acquire the safety and security equipment needed so students can focus on what they are at school to do—to learn.” The following schools received funding for equipment: Villa Maria Academy High School $16,784 Church Farm School $23,716 Bishop Shanahan High School $ 20,430 Assumption B.V.M. $16,318.39 Pope John Paul II $20,937 SS Peter and Paul $24,937 St. Norbert $22,093 Upland Country Day School $24,923.12 Windsor Christian Academy $19,693 Woodlynde School $17,588 Downingtown School District $25,000 Coatesville Area School District $25,000 The Pennsylvania Department of Education awards competitive Safe Schools grants to reduce unnecessary student disciplinary actions and promote an environment of greater productivity, safety, and learning. enhance anti-violence efforts between Read more

 

Howard, Williams announce $510K in COVID-19 grants

(Oct 09, 2020) Rep. Dan Williams

MALVERN/COATESVILLE, Oct. 9 – State Reps. Kristine Howard and Dan Williams, both D-Chester, announced today that area Chester County fire and EMS agencies will receive a total of $510,110 in grants to offset some of the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on their operations. Through Act 26, the state made $50 million in grants available to fire and emergency medical service organizations that were affected by the pandemic. The funding must be used for operational and equipment expenses. “Firefighters and EMS workers put their own lives at risk every day to save others, and so supporting our fire companies and EMS agencies is a priority for me,” Howard said. “I’m glad that our local fire and emergency medical service organizations are receiving this funding to continue to safely perform their jobs.” Williams said, “Our firepersons and EMS workers are among the heroes of the pandemic. I’m proud to have voted for this legislation, which helps these frontline workers carry out the essential work they do in our communities.” The grants awarded are as follows: Alert Fire Company No 1 $23,699 City of Coatsville Bureau of Fire $24,794 East Whiteland Township Volunteer Fire Association $25,342 Malvern Fire Company $25,342 Minquas Fire Company No 2 Inc $21,094 Read more

 

Williams: Modena Borough awarded $25,100 to acquire 2.5 acres for recreational activities

(Oct 08, 2020) Rep. Dan Williams

COATESVILLE, Oct. 8 – State Rep. Dan Williams announced today that Modena Borough has been awarded $25,100 from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to acquire approximately 2.5 acres in the borough for passive recreational activities. “This money will allow Modena Borough to create more public spaces where people can enjoy nature, whether they are going for walks or just sitting on a bench enjoying a beautiful day,” Williams said. “Public parks foster community as they are places where people from all walks of life can gather together.” The grant money comes from DCNR’s 2020 Community Conservation Partnerships Program Grants List . The grant program is funded with a variety of state and federal funding sources including, the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund (Key 93) which includes Key-Community and Key-Land Trust; the Environmental Stewardship Fund (ESF); the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF); Pennsylvania Trails fund (PRT - federal source); Pennsylvania Heritage Area Program (HA); and the ATV Restricted Management Account Fund (ATV). Read more

 

Lawmakers hear from healthcare workers, first responders, administrators and advocates impacted by hospital consolidation
Oct 12, 2021

Williams announces $99K grant for Downingtown
Sep 08, 2021

Williams announces nearly $147K in Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grants for Coatesville Area School District
Aug 05, 2021

Williams announces $300,000 in state funding to make residences of people with disabilities more accessible
Aug 03, 2021

Williams announces $65K for Caln blight remediation
Jun 04, 2021

Shuttered Venue Operators Grant portal reopens Saturday, April 24th
Apr 23, 2021

Comitta, Williams Announce $1.5 Million to Repair, Reopen Wagontown Road
Apr 21, 2021

STATEWIDE OPENING DAY OF TROUT SEASON IS THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 3
Apr 01, 2021

Williams appointed to Chester County Industrial Development Authority Board
Apr 01, 2021

Vaccine Letter
Feb 25, 2021

Vaccine Letter
Feb 25, 2021

Williams announces $500,500 railroad grant
Jan 13, 2021

Williams announces committee assignments for second term
Jan 11, 2021

Williams takes oath for second term
Jan 05, 2021

Williams announces $488K in water quality, stormwater management grants
Dec 30, 2020

Williams announces $1 million in State Funding for Garage for Coatesville’s New Train Station
Dec 23, 2020

Howard and Williams announce $1.78M in state grants to Chester County
Dec 09, 2020

Williams: $257.4K in school safety grants for area schools
Nov 17, 2020

Howard, Williams announce $510K in COVID-19 grants
Oct 09, 2020

Williams: Modena Borough awarded $25,100 to acquire 2.5 acres for recreational activities
Oct 08, 2020