Scott Applauds Ceremonial Signing of HB 1664 by Governor Shapiro

(Oct 28, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Oct. 28 — State Rep. Greg Scott is celebrating a key legislative victory as Gov. Josh Shapiro held a ceremonial signing of for H.B. 1664 this week. Scott said this important bill requires insurance companies to provide medical practitioners with multiple payment options, allowing them to choose the method that best suits their practice. “After months of hard work and collaboration, I’m thrilled to see H.B. 1664 officially become law,” said Scott. “This bill will empower dental offices and other medical facilities across Pennsylvania to operate with greater flexibility, ensuring they can focus on providing top-notch care to their patients without the added stress of limited payment methods.” “Fees from electronic credit cards can cost larger medical practices $1 million a year and small clinics as much as $100,000. These costs are then passed on to patients," said state Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny. "I’m proud to partner with Representative Scott and help make this aspect of health care fairer for providers and more cost-efficient for patients." The legislators said passage of H.B. 1664 marks a significant step forward in ensuring that Pennsylvania’s medical practices are treated fairly by insurers, granting them the ability to opt into payment systems that align with the needs of their office. This newfound freedom will help Read more

 

Rep. Greg Scott Announces Over $1.5 Million in Local Share Account Grants for Community Projects

(Oct 25, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Oct. 25 — State Rep. Greg Scott proudly announced that more than $1.52 million in Local Share Account grants has been awarded to support key community development and infrastructure projects in Montgomery County. The funds, which are distributed through the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, will enhance essential public services and infrastructure improvements in the region. “As a representative, my priority is to secure resources that directly impact our community’s well-being and growth,” said Scott. “These grants, funded by our state’s gaming revenues, allow us to address critical needs and move forward with important projects across Montgomery County. I’m grateful to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for supporting these investments in our future.” Grant recipients and projects include: $70,133 to Conshohocken Borough – The grant will fund the purchase a new police vehicle to operate in Conshohocken Borough. $49,030 to East Norriton Plymouth Whitpain Joint Sewer Authority – The funds will enable the replacement of an existing scum concentrator at the authority’s wastewater treatment plant. $150,000 to the Montgomery County Redevelopment Authority – The grant will purchase vehicles for use by Elmwood Park Zoo's staff to traverse over 16 acres on a non-stop rotation. $352,766 to the Read more

 

Lawmakers applaud $84,067 state grant for Norristown Area School District

(Sep 09, 2024)

"Every child deserves a safe and healthy learning environment, free from environmental hazards. The $84,067 grant awarded to the Norristown School District is a crucial investment in the safety and well-being of our students and staff. By addressing issues like asbestos, mold and lead, we're taking an important step toward ensuring our schools are places where our children can succeed," Scott said. Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Sep 04, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Local Share Account Statewide Who May Apply: Counties, municipalities, municipal authorities, economic development agencies, redevelopment authorities, land banks, or councils of government. Non-profits may partner with an eligible applicant to apply on their behalf. Use: Projects in the public interest. Projects that improve the quality of life of citizens in the community. Eligible projects must be owned and maintained by an eligible applicant or a nonprofit organization. See program guidelines for specific eligible uses of funds. Funds: The PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects in the public interest. Grant requests must be at a minimum $25,000 and no more than $1,000,000. Application Deadline: November 30, 2024 More information: DCED Website Department of Education: Hunger-Free Campus Grants Who May Apply: Institutes of Higher Education. Use: Funding may be used to ensure students have access to healthy, nutritious food. Funds: Institutions with 3,000 or fewer students are eligible for $20,000 awards. Institutions with 3,001 to 7,000 students are eligible for $40,000 awards. Institutions with greater than 7,000 students are eligible for $60,000 awards. Application Deadline: September 23, 2024 More information: PDE website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR Read more

 

Summer 2024 Newsletter

(Aug 28, 2024)

Check out my Summer 2024 Newsletter! Full of legislative updates and news from the community! Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Aug 26, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Endowment Act – Treatment and Training Who May Apply: Eligibility of these funds is open to any for-profit entity, non-profit entity, an entity affiliated with a CAC or MDIT (e.g., public agency or hospital), or unit of local government. Schools (including colleges and universities) are considered governmental units and are eligible to apply. Use: To support the training of medical and mental healthcare providers who treat children and adult survivors of child sexual abuse. Funds: A total of $200,000 in Endowment Act funding is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund approximately four projects with budgets not to exceed $50,000 over the 2-year project period. Application Deadline: October 4, 2024 More information: PCCD Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Agriculture: Farm Vitality Planning Grant Who May Apply: Farmers, prospective farmers, and others may apply. Use: Strategic business planning to expand or diversify farms or support transition of ownership. Funds: $500,000 in funding is available. Grants shall not exceed $7,500. Application Deadline: Applications will be received until funds are exhausted. More information: Pennsylvania Bulletin Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Recruitment Incentives for Law Enforcement Who May Apply: Local law enforcement agencies, campus or university police, railroad or street Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District

(Aug 13, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: School Safety and Mental Health Grants Who May Apply: Eligible school entities as defined under 24 P.S. §13-1314.1-B of the PA Public School Code. Use: Funding may be used to assist schools with physical safety and/or behavioral health needs. Funds: $100 million is available to be distributed via a formula that stipulates school districts are to receive $100,000 base average and an additional amount based on their 22/23 Adjusted Average Daily Membership. Other eligible school entities are to receive $70,000. Application Deadline: September 26, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Targeted School Safety Grants for Nonpublic Schools Who May Apply: Nonpublic schools as defined under Section 924.3-A of the PA Public School Code, municipalities, law enforcement agencies, or approved vendors. Use: Funding may be used to assist schools with physical safety and/or behavioral health needs. Funds: A total of $19,665,000 in state school safety and security funds is being announced to support this initiative. Application Deadline: September 26, 2024 More information: PCCD Website PennDOT: Rail Freight Assistance Program/Rail Transportation Assistance Program Who May Apply: Railroad company, transportation organization, municipality, municipal authority, user Read more

 

Abney, PLBC hear Allegheny County Jail officials over voting access

(Jul 31, 2024)

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

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District

(Jul 23, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: STOP Violence Against Women Statewide Training & Technical Assistance: Law Enforcement Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to any potential applicant who can produce the training and technical assistance opportunities to meet the goals and objectives of the program. Use: Funds for the proposed project shall be used to implement training and technical assistance to law enforcement officers to align with STOP Implementation Plan goals and objectives, including to enhance the capacity of local communities to develop and strengthen effective law enforcement and prosecution strategies to combat violent crimes against women and to develop and strengthen victim services in cases involving violent crimes against women. Funds: Projects should not exceed a total of $105,000 over a three-year period. Application Deadline: August 23, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: STOP Violence Against Women Statewide Training & Technical Assistance: Prosecution Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to any potential applicant who can produce the training and technical assistance opportunities to meet the goals and objectives of the program. Use: Funds for the proposed project shall be used to provide training and technical assistance to Pennsylvania Prosecutors to improve the Read more

 

Scott, Venkat: Bill to require insurers to provide multiple payment options to reimburse health care providers passes General Assembly

(Jul 10, 2024)

HARRISBURG, July 8 — State Reps. Greg Scott and Arvind Venkat said a crucial piece of legislation that aims to protect health care practitioners and their patients from unfair reimbursement practices imposed by some insurers is headed to the governor’s desk. House Bill 1664 would address how certain insurers require claims payments to be made through credit or debit card equivalents, which involves the insurer providing a series of numbers that the health care provider must enter on a website or credit card terminal. This process forces health care practices to absorb transaction fees, sometimes as high as 5%, or pass these additional costs on to patients. Insurers sometimes even receive a percentage of the transaction fee. Many health care offices, particularly those run by small business owners, are not fully equipped to handle end-to-end electronic claims processing, especially for bulk claim payments. As a result, these practices may be forced to upgrade their payment systems simply to be paid for the services they provide to patients covered under an insurer’s plan. This requirement unfairly restricts their business practices and increases operational costs. "In passing House Bill 1664, we're taking a significant step to ensure fairness in health care reimbursement practices,” said Scott, D-Montgomery. “This legislation would be a victory for dentists and their patients, ensuring that Read more

 

Expungement Clinic with Legal Aid of Southeastern PA

(Jul 10, 2024)

Join me for an Expungement Clinic with Legal Aid of Southeastern PA on Wednesday, July 24, from 12-2 PM at my district office, located at 1019 W Main St., Norristown, PA. This clinic offers a valuable opportunity for those seeking to clear their criminal records and start fresh. Experienced legal professionals will be available to provide guidance and assistance with the expungement process. If you or someone you know could benefit from this service, don't miss this chance to receive free, confidential help. I look forward to seeing you there and helping our community move forward. RSVP here. Read more

 

PA House passes bill to ban license plate flipping devices

(Jul 08, 2024)

HARRISBURG, July 8 – Legislation ( H.B. 2426 ) introduced by state Reps. Pat Gallagher, D-Phila., and Greg Scott, D-Montgomery, that would explicitly ban license plate flipping devices, today passed the Pennsylvania House. License plate flipping devices enable a license plate on a vehicle to be changed to another license plate either manually or electronically. When affixed to vehicles, these devices can be used to conceal a license plate, modify its appearance, or switch one license plate to another. Drivers can use these devices to evade identification for purposes such as avoiding tolls, reckless driving, or even more nefarious criminal activity. “There are currently many ambiguities in our state law that allow individuals to use these devices as loopholes to get out of making payments they owe,” Gallagher said. “My city of Philadelphia recently took action on this issue by prohibiting these devices in the city, and now it’s time for the entire state of Pennsylvania to follow suit.” “House Bill 2426 is a significant step toward ensuring accountability on our roads,” Scott said. “License plates are crucial for vehicle identification, and it's essential that our laws explicitly prohibit the use of license plate flipping devices that allow drivers to evade this identification. These devices can be used to avoid tolls, engage in reckless driving, and even commit more Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District

(Jul 08, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Local Share Account: Monroe County Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development agencies, or redevelopment authorities within Monroe County or the five contiguous counties to Monroe (Carbon, Lackawanna, Northampton, Pike, and Wayne). Use: Public interest projects, community improvement projects, economic development projects, or roadway improvement projects. Funds: Funded by gross terminal revenues of certain licensed gaming facilities. Application Deadline: September 30, 2024 More information: DCED Website Local Share Account: Category 4 Facilities Program (Berks, Cumberland, Westmoreland, and York Counties) Who May Apply: Municipalities, counties, redevelopment authorities, or economic development agencies in a county hosting a Category 4 licensed gaming facility. Use: Projects in the public interest. Funds: Funded by gaming revenues from Category 4 licensed facilities. Application Deadline: September 30, 2024 More information: DCED Website Local Share Account: Luzerne County Who May Apply: All Luzerne County municipalities and the Luzerne County Redevelopment Authority. Use: Projects in the public interest. Funds: Funded by 2% of gross terminal revenues of certain licensed gaming facilities. Application Deadline: September 30, 2024 More information: DCED Website Local Read more

 

House Transportation Committee approves bill to ban license plate flipping devices

(Jun 24, 2024)

HARRISBURG, June 24 – Legislation ( H.B. 2426 ) introduced by state Reps. Pat Gallagher, D-Phila., and Greg Scott, D-Montgomery, that would explicitly ban license plate flipping devices was approved today by the House Transportation Committee. License plate flipping devices enable a license plate on a vehicle to be changed to another license plate either manually or electronically. When affixed to vehicles, these devices can be used to conceal a license plate, modify its appearance, or switch one license plate to another. Drivers can use these devices to evade identification for purposes such as avoiding tolls, reckless driving, or even more nefarious criminal activity. “There are currently many ambiguities in our state’s law that allow individuals to use these devices as loopholes to get out of making payments they owe,” Gallagher said. “My city of Philadelphia recently took action on this issue by prohibiting these devices in the city, and now it’s time for the entire state of Pennsylvania to follow suit.” “House Bill 2426 is a significant step toward ensuring accountability on our roads,” Scott said. “License plates are crucial for vehicle identification, and it's essential that our laws explicitly prohibit the use of license plate flipping devices that allow drivers to evade this identification. These devices can be used to avoid tolls, engage in reckless Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Technology, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jun 20, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Broadband Development Authority: COVID-19 ARPA Capital Projects Fund Digital Connectivity Technology Program Who May Apply: Libraries, community schools, municipalities, workforce training organizations, not-for-profit organizations, and other community anchor institutions. Use: Acquisition of digital connectivity technology that facilitates broadband internet access and promotes digital literacy and skills training. Funds: $20 million in federal ARP money is available for this program. Application Deadline: August 19, 2024 More information: DCED Website Department of Agriculture: Very Small Meat and Poultry Processor Program Who May Apply: Applicants must meet the federal definition of a very small meat and poultry processing operation and currently be operating under a grant of inspection or planning to get a grant of inspection upon completion of project. Use: Grant reimbursement is available for eligible costs associated with meeting the requirements to obtain a grant of inspection, opening a new very small meat and poultry processing operation, expanding the capacity of a current very small meat and poultry operation, or a combination of those purposes. Funds: Funding is limited to no more than $100,000 per applicant. Application Deadline: August 2, 2024 More information: PDA Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Read more

 

Cancer, pregnancy issues and more discussed during hearing about forever chemicals or 'PFAS'

(Jun 06, 2024)

The cancer-causing forever chemicals known as PFAS are front and center in Harrisburg. A State House committee is holding a hearing on banning the use of the chemicals in many consumer products. Read more

 

Pa. House committee holds hearing on bill that would ban PFAS in consumer products

(Jun 06, 2024)

The Pennsylvania House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee held a hearing Tuesday on a bill that would ban PFAS in consumer products. Read more

 

Environmental Resources & Energy Committee hosts hearing for Scott’s bill to eliminate the use of PFAS in household products

(Jun 03, 2024)

HARRISBURG, June 3 – The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee convened a critical public hearing on state Rep. Greg Scott’s H.B. 2238 today. This legislation was introduced in April and is designed to eliminate the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, more commonly referred to as PFAS, in household products. Scott noted that PFAS exposure has been linked to medical problems such as cancer, immune system suppression, high cholesterol, pregnancy induced hypertension, liver damage, increased risk of thyroid disease and infertility. PFAS chemicals are found in items such as firefighting foam, cookware, dental floss and feminine hygiene products, and are referred to as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment. The hearing today included six testifiers, ranging from people representing environmental activist groups to higher education faculty. Speakers urged the bills’ passage from both human health and environmental preservation perspectives. House Bill 2238 has 30 co-sponsors, including Reps. Mandy Steele, Tarik Khan and Ben Sanchez. “The use of PFAS chemicals in commercial products is a man-made problem. They had a choice, and they chose profit over people,” said Scott, D-Montgomery. “The prime sponsors, and our staff, have worked diligently on this legislation. We have sought, reviewed and received information from over 60 Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(May 30, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: PA Statewide Drug and Alcohol Toll-Free Call Center Who May Apply: Applicant must be able to manage a statewide 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year Drug and Alcohol (D&A) Toll-Free Call Center. Use: DDAP will enter into a grant agreement with one entity to manage and oversee all aspects of the D&A Call Center to provide confidential referral services to consumers and their families seeking drug and alcohol treatment and who are experiencing difficulty as a result of substance use disorder (SUD). Funds: Up to $6,788,000 for five years for one grantee through DDAP’s Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant federal funding. Application Deadline: June 18, 2024 More information: DDAP Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Agriculture: Farm Vitality Planning Grant Who May Apply: Farmers, prospective farmers, and others may apply. Use: Strategic business planning to expand or diversify farms or support transition of ownership. Funds: $500,000 in funding is available. Grants shall not exceed $7,500. Application Deadline: Applications will be received until funds are exhausted. More information: Pennsylvania Bulletin Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Recruitment Incentives for Law Enforcement Who May Apply: Read more

 

Reps. O’Mara, Scott, Khan, and Mayor Tuerk call for passage of bill focusing on first responders’ mental health

(May 02, 2024)

“Our first responders are the backbone of our communities, rushing into dangerous and traumatic situations to keep us safe. Their selfless service often takes a toll on their mental well-being and receiving the care they need can be blocked by barriers and proof of ‘abnormal working conditions’,” Scott said. Read more

 

Scott Applauds Ceremonial Signing of HB 1664 by Governor Shapiro
Oct 28, 2024

Rep. Greg Scott Announces Over $1.5 Million in Local Share Account Grants for Community Projects
Oct 25, 2024

Lawmakers applaud $84,067 state grant for Norristown Area School District
Sep 09, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Sep 04, 2024

Summer 2024 Newsletter
Aug 28, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Aug 26, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
Aug 13, 2024

Abney, PLBC hear Allegheny County Jail officials over voting access
Jul 31, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
Jul 23, 2024

Scott, Venkat: Bill to require insurers to provide multiple payment options to reimburse health care providers passes General Assembly
Jul 10, 2024

Expungement Clinic with Legal Aid of Southeastern PA
Jul 10, 2024

PA House passes bill to ban license plate flipping devices
Jul 08, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
Jul 08, 2024

House Transportation Committee approves bill to ban license plate flipping devices
Jun 24, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Technology, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jun 20, 2024

Cancer, pregnancy issues and more discussed during hearing about forever chemicals or 'PFAS'
Jun 06, 2024

Pa. House committee holds hearing on bill that would ban PFAS in consumer products
Jun 06, 2024

Environmental Resources & Energy Committee hosts hearing for Scott’s bill to eliminate the use of PFAS in household products
Jun 03, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
May 30, 2024

Reps. O’Mara, Scott, Khan, and Mayor Tuerk call for passage of bill focusing on first responders’ mental health
May 02, 2024