STATE COLLEGE, Oct. 2 – A $50,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will help support and protect waterways along the Susquehanna River Watershed, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced. Conklin, D-Centre, said the Community Conservation Partnerships Program grant will allow the Chesapeake Conservancy Inc. to begin construction of 7 acres of riparian forest buffers to help control erosion and keep the waterways clean. “These proactive steps we take now will ensure our Susquehanna River stays beautiful and clean for years to come,” Conklin said. “It’s important we do all we can to protect our environment for future recreational opportunities for our residents and visitors alike, and this grant is certainly a step in the right direction .” C2P2 grants fund planning, acquisition and development of public parks, recreation areas, motorized and non-motorized trails, river conservation and access, and conservation of open space. More information is available here . Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 – State Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, issued the following statement regarding today’s postponement of House session due to state Rep. Paul Schemel, R-Franklin, announcing he tested positive for the COVID-19 virus: “Yet again, the people’s business was shut down, because House members who believe that COVID-19 is a hoax refuse to wear a mask on the House floor, not to mention House leadership continues to hold up any action on a masking resolution. Now, just weeks before Election Day, every member exposed to Representative Schemel must quarantine for 14 days. “I pray for a speedy recovery for him, but what is it going to take to get House leadership to enforce masking rules at the state Capitol? “The people’s business has now been placed on hold until Oct. 19 because of their political grandstanding. We face serious challenges in the coming months, and it’s time for these cynical games to stop! “We must enact safe measures to keep the House open and working for the people we were elected to represent.” Read more
STATE COLLEGE, Aug. 26 – State Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, has joined several of his colleagues in urging the Wolf administration to take action to help frontline workers across Pennsylvania, especially those who have not received hazard pay. Conklin said last week’s announcement of $516,000 in federal CARES grants to employers so they could offer their employees hazard pay was helpful, but it left out emergency medical services staff, grocery store employees, pharmacy technicians and many other frontline employees. “I understand that these grants are, by nature, limited and do contain restrictions, but excluding many frontline workers from receiving hazard pay just isn’t right and it certainly isn’t fair,” said Conklin. “That’s why I joined forces with my fellow House colleagues to urge the administration to take further actions to help these workers, including the creation of another hazard pay program. “These men and women have worked under extremely stressful and trying conditions to take care of others since the start of this pandemic and moving forward they should be included in any future assistance and support programs.” This week, Conklin joined several of his colleagues in submitting a letter to the secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, which outlines their concerns and urges the creation of an additional hazard pay program to help Read more
STATE COLLEGE, Aug. 10 – An area school district and intermediate unit will receive $33,000 in grants to ensure school students have the resources they need to access remote and online learning, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced. Conklin, D-Centre, said the Continuing of Education Equity Grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Education were awarded to the following: Central Intermediate Unit - $9,600 Philipsburg-Osceola Area School District - $23,400 “With many of our schools providing remote learning options for the upcoming school year, it’s vital students have access to the tools they need to stay engaged, and for many, that could mean a laptop or assistance with internet access,” Conklin said. “This funding will ensure they have the resources they need to succeed and learn.” CEEG grants may be used to purchase computer equipment, such as laptops, tablets, and internet hot spots, or used toward providing instructional materials, such as paper lessons and coursework. Schools with the highest percentages of students lacking access to resources were given priority in receiving these grants. More information on these grants can be found at the following link: https://www.education.pa.gov/Schools/safeschools/emergencyplanning/COVID-19/ContinuityEducation/Pages/default.aspx . Read more
STATE COLLEGE, July 17 – State Rep. Scott Conklin announced that $2 million from the state’s Multimodal Transportation Fund has been awarded to repair four roadways in Rush Township, Centre County. Conklin, D-Centre, said the funding will be used to pave and install guiderails on Casanova Road, Casanova Spur, Chestnut Street, and McCord Road. “We know that safe, reliable transportation is critical to connecting our communities and I fully support these vital investments to keep our roadways safe for residents and visitors alike,” said Conklin. Act 89 of 2013 established a dedicated Multimodal Transportation Fund, which provides funding for ports and rail freight, increases aviation investments, establishes dedicated funding for bicycle and pedestrian improvements, and allows targeted funding for priority investments in any mode. More information can be found at the following link: https://www.penndot.gov/about-us/Pages/Act-89-Funding-Plan.aspx Read more
STATE COLLEGE, June 29 – Small businesses adversely impacted by the pandemic can begin applying for the COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance Program starting tomorrow, June 30, state Rep. Scott Conkin announced. Conklin, D-Centre, said the program will provide $225 million in grants to eligible small businesses to cover operating expenses incurred during the state’s shutdown order and the transition to reopening. The funding can also be used for training and guidance for business owners as they work toward reopening, Conklin added. “Our small businesses are truly the lifeblood of our communities, and this funding will assist them in their efforts to recover from the pandemic and get back on their feet,” Conklin said. “I highly encourage eligible small businesses to apply for this assistance, and to please reach out to my office if you need assistance.” Conklin said the funding will be available through three specific programs: $100 million for the Main Street Business Revitalization Program for small businesses that experienced loss as a result of the March 2020 order relating to the closure of all non-life-sustaining businesses, including those businesses that have or will incur costs to adapt to new business operations. $100 million for the Historically Disadvantaged Business Revitalization Program for small businesses that experienced loss as a result of the business closure order Read more
HARRISBURG, June 26 – Penn State University has been awarded a state grant designed to engage and educate school students about the importance of energy conservation and efficiency, state Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, announced today. Conklin said the $3,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection will be used to fund an energy education program for students in grades K-12. Students in the program will work with university students to convert a gas-powered vehicle to electric power and learn about how battery-focused transportation technology can lead to low to zero emissions. “These hands-on programs can help students learn how to make a positive impact on our environment,” said Conklin. “These innovative projects can go a long way in engaging and empowering even our youngest students to take responsible actions and truly make a difference.” Established in 1993, DEP’s Environmental Education Grants Program supports public education on greenhouse gas emissions reduction, energy conservation, water quality and renewable energy and empowers communities to develop solutions to a variety of environmental and public health issues. More information on the grants program can be found at this link: https://www.dep.pa.gov/Citizens/EnvironmentalEducation/Grants/Pages/default.aspx Read more
HARRISBURG, June 16 – State College Borough in Centre County has been awarded $280,000 to acquire, renovate and sell a single property for a low-income family, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced. Conklin, D-Centre, said the funding comes from the federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program to support affordable housing projects statewide with the goal of expanding and preserving housing for low- and very low-income Pennsylvanians. More than $10 million in HOME Program funds were provided to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. “Nothing is more important than having a place to call home,” Conklin said. “This funding helps families and individuals here locally and across our state with reliable, safe housing, including those who have been adversely impacted financially due to the current pandemic.” More information can be found at this link: https://dced.pa.gov/programs/home/ . Read more
HARRISBURG, June 10 – Grants totaling $119,219 to support several community and criminal justice efforts in Centre County have been awarded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conklin, D-Centre, said the following grants were awarded today during PCCD’s quarterly commission meeting: $100,000 to Centre Safe, formerly known as the Centre County Women’s Resource Center, to support its work with victims of child sexual abuse. $10,000 awarded to Penn State University to cover costs related to the Pennsylvania Youth Survey. This statewide survey of school students in junior and high schools is conducted every two years to assess risk factors related to violence, including bullying, and the use and abuse of drugs, alcohol and tobacco. $9,216 to Centre County Commissions to support the expansion of its body worn cameras program at the Centre County Correctional Facility. “These investments will be extremely beneficial to our communities in a number of areas, including providing vital services to help victims of crime, implement programs and assess services for youth, and also protect our county corrections officers while on duty,” said Conklin. PCCD is the state’s lead agency for criminal justice policy issues, providing support services to law enforcement agencies, victims of crime and communities. More information on PCCD Read more
HARRISBURG, May 28 – A measure that would provide one-time crisis grants to each volunteer fire and emergency medical services company in Pennsylvania passed the House unanimously today, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced. Conkin, D-Centre, said S.B. 1122 would establish the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, setting aside $50 million in federal CARES funding for fire and EMS companies to provide services during the coronavirus pandemic. Forty-four million dollars of the funds would be used for grants to fire companies, with the remaining $6 million to be used for grants for EMS companies. “These men and women have been on the front lines in responding to our communities’ needs, now more than ever, and without the ability to fundraise to stay active, it’s imperative we give them the support they need and deserve,” Conklin said. The bill now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature. Read more
HARRISBURG, May 26 – State public officials, including lawmakers, should not be granted a cost-of-living adjustment at this time due to the financial challenges brought about due to the current pandemic, said state Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre. Conklin said he voted in favor of House Bill 2487 to amend the state’s public official compensation law, allowing for a freeze to be placed on COLAs through 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic for public officials. “Pennsylvanians have been hit hard these past few months, and many of them are struggling to take care of their families while being out of work and worrying about how to pay their bills,” said Conklin. “In addition, we are anticipating a significant revenue shortfall going into the next budget cycle, and there is no reason why any public official in our state should receive a COLA now.” The measure would also freeze COLAs for the following offices and positions: governor, lieutenant governor, state auditor general, state treasurer, state attorney general, commissioners of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, and heads of state departments. Conklin said the bill, which passed unanimously in the House, now heads to the Senate for further consideration. Read more
HARRISBURG, May 11 – In an effort to ensure corporations and large businesses are held accountable and pay their fair share, state Rep. Scott Conklin has announced his intent to introduce a bill that would close a realty transfer loophole in Pennsylvania. Conklin, D-Centre, said a recent incident in Butler County occurred, where a business was sold after the creation of subsidiaries which were transferred – along with the property – to the new owner. He said the parties involved used a loophole in state law that resulted in the reduction of the amount of realty transfer fees required to be paid to the municipality and the state. “ Hard working Pennsylvanians should not have to pick up the tab for out of state corporations,” said Conklin. “Such incidents, like the one that occurred in Butler County, clearly highlight the need for my legislation, because these businesses should not be allowed to get away with fleecing taxpayers who are left to make up the difference.” More information on Conklin’s pending legislation can be found at this link: https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20190&cosponId=31740 Read more
HARRISBURG, May 7 – State Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, is encouraging area school districts to consider applying for federal funds to help them in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Conklin said the Pennsylvania Department of Education applied last week to the federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. Once approved, school districts will need to apply for the funding. “School districts have had to make enormous adjustments due to the pandemic and having their school closed, and these funds can assist in a variety of ways, including summer and after-school programs, technology purchases, and toward the cost of sanitation and cleaning supplies,” Conklin said. “I encourage districts to apply, once these funds are made available through PDE.” Conklin said area school districts are anticipated to receive the following funding amounts: Bald Eagle: $229,752 Philipsburg-Osceola: $331,454 State College: $623,032 Tyrone: $395,816 PDE expects the U.S. Department of Education to approve the state’s application within a week and is currently working on a streamlined application process for school districts to ensure the funds can be available to districts as quickly as possible, Conklin added For more information, please visit this link: https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/Education-Details.aspx?newsid=842 Read more
HARRISBURG, May 5 – A measure designed to help service organizations stay afloat during emergency disasters, including COVID-19, by allowing them to use up to 100% of gaming proceeds toward operational costs, has been reported favorably out of the House Gaming Oversight Committee, state Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, announced today. Conklin, who serves as the Democratic chair of the committee, said the current business shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic has hit these organizations hard. House Bill 777 would allow for a change to the state’s Small Games of Chance Act during an emergency-related disaster declaration connected to COVID-19. This change would allow up to 100% of game proceeds to be used to cover expenses, such as rent, payroll and utilities. Currently, the act mandates game proceeds be split 60% to charitable purposes, with the remaining 40% to be used to support the club’s operations. “These groups, which provide a place for our veterans to stay connected and support a variety of local charities, truly are the backbone of our communities, and due to the governor’s business closure order, they’re not able to raise funds, their employees aren’t allowed to work and they’re not getting paid,” Conklin said. “This bill would be a lifeline for these organizations during an emergency disaster, allowing them to eventually reopen and provide vital support to communities.” The bill Read more
HARRISBURG, May 4 – A bill to prevent recipients of federal pandemic cash payments from being required to pay state and local taxes on the funds passed unanimously in the House, state Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, announced today. Conklin said the bill, authored by state Rep. Brandon Markosek, D-Allegheny, would ensure that those who received the assistance, as part of the CARES Act that passed in Congress last month and was signed into law, would not have to pay state or federal taxes on the funds. Conklin added the funds are already exempt from federal taxation. “These funds were provided as assistance, not as income, and they shouldn’t be treated as such in Pennsylvania,” said Conklin. “Our businesses and residents need help, not an additional tax burden on top of trying to stay afloat during this crisis. We need to remain focused on doing everything we can to help them through this time and in the weeks and months to follow, and this legislation is one example of doing just that. The CARES Act included a provision to provide cash payments to individuals making less than $99,000 per year and couples making less than $198,000 annually. The bill, which has companion legislation in the Senate, will now head to the Senate for further action. Read more
PHILIPSBURG, May 1 – Centre County is among 24 counties statewide that have been moved from red to yellow status, allowing for limited reopening effective 12:01 a.m. on Friday, May 8, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conklin, D-Centre, said he was pleased that the county was able to meet the reopening criteria, based on the number of COVID-19 cases, population density, and capacity of ICU and medical/surgical beds. “Our residents have been abiding by the stay-at-home orders and many of our businesses have had to either close or significantly curtail operations,” Conklin said. “Make no mistake: this is certainly good news for Centre County, but we still must remain vigilant and continue to practice social distancing guidelines to further curb the virus’s spread.” Conklin added that counties in the yellow designation must follow these restrictions: Work-related restrictions: • Telework must continue where allowed and feasible. • Businesses with in-person operations must follow business and building safety orders. • Child care facilities open must comply with state guidelines. • Congregate care and prison restrictions remain in place. • Schools will remain closed for in-person instruction. Social restrictions • Stay-at-home order lifted for aggressive mitigation. • Large gatherings of more than 25 people are prohibited. • In-person retail is Read more
HARRISBURG, April 29 – State Rep. Scott Conklin has announced his intent to introduce legislation to suspend cost-of-living adjustments for members of the General Assembly and state administration officials. Conklin, D-Centre, said as many Pennsylvanians remain out of work and are making tough choices as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it makes sense to suspend these adjustments for a period of at least three years to offset some of the state’s anticipated revenue losses. “We can’t ask Pennsylvanians to make sacrifices and tighten their belts if we aren’t willing to do the same,” Conklin said. “Current estimates show that we will have a $4 billion shortfall in revenues as we head into the next fiscal year, and we will need to itemize every penny to ensure necessary programs and essential services can be provided. As elected officials, it’s imperative we need to do our part to ensure we don’t add an additional financial burden on our already cash-strapped residents.” More information on his forthcoming legislation can be found at this link: https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20190&cosponId=31687 . Read more
HARRISBURG, April 28 – In response to updated guidance announced by the Pennsylvania Department of State, state Rep. Scott Conklin applauded the regional expansion of allowable business activities for real estate professionals, including appraisers, notaries, home inspectors and title companies. The updated guidance would allow for in-person activities, including real estate showings, appraisals and inspections, in areas of the state deemed to be in the “Yellow Phase” of reopening, provided that all participants follow guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “These professionals can and should be allowed to conduct business, and I am confident they can safely do so, following the guidance from state and federal officials,” Conklin said. “Our entire commonwealth has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and that includes the real estate sector. Pennsylvanians who have been unable to sell or buy a home will now be able to do so, and these professionals can resume their work and help get our economy back on track.” More information on the updated guidance for real estate industry professionals can be found here: https://www.dobs.pa.gov/Documents/COVID19/Real%20Estate%20Prof%20Notaries%20Guidance.pdf Read more
In Pennsylvania, everyone counts and April 1 is National Census Day! If you haven’t already, don't forget to fill out your census form. Our population count determines our voice in government and how much federal funding we’ll receive for education, health care, transportation and more. Whether you respond online, mail or by phone , participate and help shape PA’s future. Your responses are anonymous and protected by law. To learn more, visit pa.gov/census #PAcounts #2020Census Read more
In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic affecting Pennsylvania, we wanted to provide you with the following resources and information to help you and your family in the days ahead. Please note that this webpage will be updated as needed with additional information and resources. State Services and Resources The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has created a COVID-19 guide to assist everyone. It includes information on social distancing, mental health resources, unemployment, food assistance, changes from PennDOT and resources for small business: https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/ For individuals : https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForIndividuals For families : https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForFamilies For businesses : https://dced.pa.gov/resources COVID Support for PA Businesses : The following provides information and and links to federal, state, local and private resources. https://www.pahouse.com/News/?id=113388 **Self-employed, independent contractors, gig economy workers: Apply here for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits .** https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForBusinessesUtilities Information from the PA Dept. of Labor and Industry on the federal CARES Act: https://www.uc.pa.gov/COVID-19/CARES-Act/Pages/default.aspx The following link provides you with Read more
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