HARRISBURG, Nov. 14 – Members of the Allegheny County Democratic Delegation today elected state Rep. Dan Miller, D-Mt. Lebanon, as chairman in the 2019-20 legislative session. Along with Miller as the chair, delegation members also selected state Rep. Anita Kulik, D-Robinson, as vice chair, and state Rep. Austin Davis, D-McKeesport, as secretary. “I’m honored to be chosen to lead the Allegheny County Democratic Delegation as we go forward together, fighting for our communities, families and middle class,” Miller said. “I cannot express how excited I am to be elected by my colleagues, and I look forward to helping move Allegheny County forward.” In addition to the delegation’s announcement, House Democrats also elected their 2019-20 leadership team. State Rep. Frank Dermody, D-Allegheny, was re-elected as the House Democratic floor leader. Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 15 – Hamilton Park in Castle Shannon will undergo rehabilitation and renovation upgrades with Wednesday’s disbursement of $185,000 in state funding, announced state Rep. Dan Miller, D-Allegheny. The grant, awarded through the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, is administered by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “When people visit Hamilton Park in Castle Shannon, we want them to leave with the intention of coming back. This grant will assist the borough in achieving that goal,” Miller said. “The upgrades that will come by way of this funding will make the park more accessible and more welcoming for years to come, which makes me more than happy to announce this grant.” Miller said the grant will be used for the renovation of pedestrian walkways; construction of an access-drive retaining wall; handicap access; landscaping; a project sign; and other site-related improvements. The Community Conservation Partnerships Program is administered by DCNR and includes the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund (Key 93), the Environmental Stewardship Fund (Growing Greener 1) and several federal funding sources. The CCPP is administered by DCNR's Bureau of Recreation and Conservation to provide financial and technical assistance to local governments, river and trail organizations, land trusts and other nonprofits for planning, acquisition and development of park, recreation, Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 16 – A total of $450,000 in Community Conservation Partnerships Program grants will fund infrastructure development and greenway planning for several Pittsburgh sites, state Rep. Jake Wheatley, D-Allegheny, announced today. The grants – awarded by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources – include $250,000 to the Sports and Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County for the development of I-579 Cap Park, spanning a portion of I-579 in Pittsburgh. “The I-579 Cap Park project is going to revitalize this area in a major way by re-establishing a physical link between downtown Pittsburgh and the Hill District,” said Wheatley, who added that the project includes construction of pedestrian paths, an event lawn and amphitheater, ADA access, and related features, including lighting and landscaping “I’m thrilled that DCNR released the funding for this project, which is going to provide new connections and amenities for residents.” Wheatley added that two other grants include $160,000 to the Pennsylvania Environmental Council Inc., to prepare a riverfront plan for the 178-acre Hazelwood Green site along the Monongahela River and a $40,000 grant to Pittsburgh City to prepare a master site development plan for the 13.4-acre Kennard Park in Pittsburgh. The grants are part of a $50 million package awarded statewide for various parks and conservation projects. Funding sources include the Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 16 – State Rep. Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, will partner with Sunshine Market to provide 25 families in the West Philadelphia community with holiday gift baskets, each including a Thanksgiving turkey. The giveaway will take place at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 19, at Sunshine Market, 16 S. 60th St., 19139. The media is invited to attend. ### CONTACT: Daniel Bixler House Democratic Communications Office Phone: 717-787-7895 ext. 6221 Email: dbixler@pahouse.net Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 16 – This week, state Rep. Jordan Harris, D-Phila., attended two roundtable events with the Center for American Progress to announce the launch of a national bipartisan clean slate campaign. On Thursday, Harris joined the group to discuss how automated record-cleaning would help to reverse both the immediate and long-term consequences that criminal records impose on future education, employment and housing opportunities. “So many people have done what was legally required of them, but have been unable to become fully productive citizens again,” Harris said. “Taking this movement nationwide will improve the economy, create jobs and provide hope to those who had a criminal conviction from decades past and have turned their lives around.” Today, Harris joined the group for a discussion on how to harness technology to close the second-chance gap without legislation. Harris said this campaign seeks to undo the effects of one-sided policy that has been in place across the country for decades. Currently, one in three Americans has a criminal record and is subject to 50,000 potential restrictions on jobs, housing, credit and other basics. These events come one month after Harris lauded Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-Delaware, for introducing H.R. 6677 , which would automatically seal a person’s federal record if they have been convicted of a nonviolent offense under Read more
NANTICOKE, Nov. 16 – State Rep. Gerald Mullery, D-Luzerne, today announced more than $70,000 in grants from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources was awarded for recreation improvement projects in Luzerne County. The Cindy Street Playground in West Hazleton received a $40,000 grant while the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor received $32,800 for trail development in Fairview and Wright townships. “It is incredibly important to provide our communities with quality recreational opportunities,” Mullery said. “I commend local partners for their work to ensure families now and for generations to come can enjoy the outdoors here in Northeast Pennsylvania, and I look forward to continuing my support in Harrisburg for these projects.” The funding for the Cindy Street Playground will be used to construct and install pedestrian walkways, parking areas, play equipment, handicap access, project signage and other related site improvements. The funding for the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor will be used to prepare a trail study to develop approximately 3 miles of trail in Fairview and Wright townships. Funding comes from the Keystone Fund, which is generated from a portion of the realty transfer tax; Environmental Stewardship Fund; ATV/Snowmobile Fund license fees; and federal money including the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The grant program provides support for Read more
Davis, his staff and representatives from Duquesne Light will present information and answer questions regarding the state’s winter heating assistance program and Duquesne’s customer assistance program. Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 16 – State Rep. Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, will partner with Saladeen Art to provide 500 families in the 191st Legislative District with turkeys for their Thanksgiving dinners. The giveaway will take place at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18 at Myers Recreation Center, 5803 Kingsessing Ave., 19143. Media coverage is invited. ### CONTACT: Thaís Carrero House Democratic Communications Office Phone: 717-787-7895 Email: tcarrero@pahouse.net Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 15 – The Southeast Delegation of the state House Democratic Caucus has elected the first African-American woman to chair the delegation, Rep. Margo Davidson, D-Delaware. Davidson is the second-most senior legislator in Delaware County. She was elected in 2010 as the first female, the first African-American and the first Democrat ever elected to represent her district. She is also the first Democratic woman ever elected from Delaware County in the history of the commonwealth. Davidson will continue to make history as chairwoman, leading the 33-member delegation which is the largest and fastest-growing delegation in the Democratic Caucus, including 16 women and five people of color. The delegation serves the people in the eight counties that make up the delegation: Berks, Bucks, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Montgomery and York. Davidson and the delegation will be selecting vice chairpeople and other officials by the second session day in January 2019. Davidson said the recent election in which the delegation gained 14 new representatives showed that people in the Southeast want legislators who will fight for what matters most to them -- good jobs, affordable health care, a clean environment, quality schools and a fair economy for everyone. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on legislative initiatives that will improve the lives of all Pennsylvanians,” Davidson said. “Now is the time to fight for social Read more
ALLENTOWN, Nov. 15 – State Rep. Mike Schlossberg, D-Lehigh, today announced more than $350,000 in grants was awarded for recreation improvements in Lehigh County. The grant program is administered through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for projects across Pennsylvania. The development of Jordan Park Skate Park in Allentown was awarded $300,000 while the Wildlands Conservancy in Lehigh and Northampton counties was awarded $52,000. “Our region has some of the best recreation spaces people could ask for,” Schlossberg said. “This does not happen by accident. It takes vision, planning, and committed partners. I am proud of the work local partners are doing to create these spaces in the Lehigh Valley to ensure they are available for future generations and I am happy to see Governor Tom Wolf’s decision to support these efforts.” The funding for the Jordan Park Skate Park will be used for construction of a skate park, pedestrian walkways, storm water management, fencing, landscaping and other related site improvements. The funding for Wildlands Conservancy will be used for construction of approximately 15 acres of riparian forest buffers along the waterways in the Delaware River Watershed. Funding comes from the Keystone Fund, which is generated from a portion of the realty transfer tax, the Environmental Stewardship Fund, the ATV/Snowmobile Fund license fees and federal monies including the Land and Water Read more
State Reps. Neal P. Goodman (D-Schuylkill), Mike Tobash (R-Schuylkill/Dauphin), and Jerry Knowles (R-Schuylkill/Berks/Carbon), as well as state Sen. David G. Argall (R-Schuylkill/Berks), today announced Auburn, Mahanoy City, Saint Clair, and Shenandoah boroughs will receive grants for community improvement projects. Read more
DARBY, Nov. 14 – Darby-area seniors who need their photo taken for a SEPTA Key senior ID can have their picture taken and applications filed during a Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority application day at Darby Recreation Center from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 20. Darby Recreation Center is located at 1022 Ridge St., 19023. Cards will be delivered by mail. State Rep. Joanna McClinton, D-Phila., and her staff will be on hand during the event to help seniors with state programs and other services. Applicants must bring a photo ID to apply – preferably either a driver’s license or state-issued ID. Seniors can no longer use paper Pennsylvania Senior Citizen Transit ID Cards or Medicare cards for SEPTA travel. A SEPTA Key Senior photo ID will be needed to take advantage of free rides on Transit and $1 Regional Rail fares. Read more
State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, has announced that Gallitzin Borough will receive a $40,000 state grant for the development of Gallitzin Athletic Field Park. Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 15 – State Rep. Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery, today announced Upper Merion Township has been awarded a $300,000 Community Conservation Partnership Program state grant for the rehabilitation of Swedeland Park, Bob White Park and Township Park. Upper Merion Township will use the grant to make improvements at the three parks, including installing play equipment with safety surfacing, handicap access, landscaping, project signs and other improvements. “Congratulations to Upper Merion Township for securing funding to enhance these three wonderful public parks.” Briggs said. “These upgrades and improvements will make our parks even more welcoming and accessible to all members of our community. I thank the township and CCPP for recognizing the important role that public parks play here in the district and across Pennsylvania.” CCPP grants are administered by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and is administered by DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation to provide financial and technical assistance to local governments, nonprofits and other organizations for planning acquisition and development of park, recreation, conservation and greenway projects. Read more
Democratic lawmakers select Dawkins to lead Philadelphia Delegation in Pa. House HARRISBURG, Nov. 14 – Rep. Jason Dawkins, D-Phila., will serve as chairman of the Philadelphia County Delegation for the 2019-20 legislative session. Democratic lawmakers of the delegation selected Dawkins during leadership elections on Tuesday. Dawkins said the leadership team is filled out by state Rep.-elect Malcolm Kenyatta, who will serve as vice chairman, and state Rep.-elect Elizabeth Fiedler as treasurer and secretary. “This new slate of leadership represents the direction of Philadelphia as a whole – inclusion, diversity, and progressive values,” Dawkins said. “I look forward to continuing my role as a leader and member of the delegation to move Philadelphia forward.” The Philadelphia delegation has been successful in pushing for legislation to address “stop-and-go” nuisance market areas, state funding for gun violence reduction, police-community relations, and getting more funding for school safety, business development and transportation grants within the Philadelphia area. “I grew up in Philadelphia, and I will continue to work tirelessly to make sure Philadelphians know they are taken care of,” Dawkins said. “By working together toward a common goal, we can ensure that Philadelphia remains an economic powerhouse for Pennsylvania.” For the last two years, Dawkins served as the delegation’s vice Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 14 – State Representative Matt Bradford, D-Montgomery, announced that he was elected into House Democratic Caucus leadership as Democratic Appropriations Committee chairman for the 2019-20 legislative session. “It’s an honor to be elected to serve as Appropriations chairman,” Bradford said. “During most of my time in the legislature, I’ve had the privilege of serving on the Appropriations committee. I learned during those years that a budget is a statement of values – almost all matters of public policy come down to the matter of funding, and that’s where you see government’s priorities. I look forward to playing even more of a role in crafting those priorities.” He joins the new Pennsylvania House Democratic leadership team comprising Leader Frank Dermody, D-Allegheny, Whip Jordan Harris, D-Philadelphia, Administrator Neal Goodman, D-Schuykill, Secretary Rosita Youngblood, D-Philadelphia, Caucus Chair Joanna McClinton, D-Delaware/Phila., and Democratic Policy Committee Chair Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster. The Appropriations Committee meets regularly while the House is in session to consider fiscal-related matters and conducts budget hearings each spring to review and evaluate the governor's executive budget proposal. In accordance with House rules, the committee also evaluates legislative proposals for fiscal implications prior to voting a bill out of committee. The committee plays a Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 14 – Brentwood Community Park will receive substantial upgrades thanks to a $697,600 state grant that will aid in the rehabilitation of the park, announced state Rep. Harry Readshaw, D-Allegheny. The grant, awarded through the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, will be administered by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “I’m happy to announce this funding that will aid in the much-needed renovation and rehabilitation of certain aspects of Brentwood Community Park,” Readshaw said. “I’m confident members of the 36 th Legislative District will be just as excited as I am once they see the impact this funding will have at this location.” Readshaw said the grant money will be used for the reconstruction of the park’s swimming pool, which will include the installment of a zero-depth entry deck for ADA compliance; installation of a pool liner and water features piping; site-fencing amenities; ADA access; and a landscaping project. The Community Conservation Partnerships Program is administered by DCNR and includes the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund (Key 93), the Environmental Stewardship Fund (Growing Greener 1) and several federal funding sources. The CCPP is administered by DCNR's Bureau of Recreation and Conservation to provide financial and technical assistance to local governments, river and trail organizations, land trusts and other nonprofits for Read more
The portions of the trail scheduled for work include those in Elizabeth Township and Lincoln Borough. Read more
State Rep. Adam Ravenstahl, D-Allegheny, announced Avalon Borough will receive $77,500 in state funding for rehabilitation of Avalon Community Park. Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 14 – Calling it a great opportunity to continue to be the voice for African-Americans and minorities across the commonwealth, state Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., was elected Wednesday to serve as the chairman of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus. “Being chosen by my colleagues to serve as the chairman of the PLBC is truly an honor. It is a tremendous responsibility that I will not take lightly,” Kinsey said. “It is the job of the PLBC to be a voice for African-Americans and people of color across Pennsylvania. As we have witnessed in recent years, minorities are facing injustice and discrimination more than ever, not only in the commonwealth but across our nation. I look forward to advancing the discussion to ensure African-Americans and people of color are equally respected and represented in Pennsylvania.” The PLBC leadership team is further made up of Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., vice chairwoman; Rep. Carol Hill-Evans, D-York, secretary; and Rep.-elect Summer Lee, D-Allegheny, treasurer. “I am honored to be reelected as vice chairwoman of the PLBC and will continue working to create opportunities and reduce barriers for black Pennsylvanians,” Bullock said. “I will keep having tough conversations with my colleagues in the House to make sure that our communities are heard and that legislation and policies from Harrisburg are inclusive of all communities.” “I am extremely honored Read more
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