Dear Neighbor, The pandemic has stretched on for over a year now. It has touched every part of our lives and continues to do so. Read more
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
A virtual event on starting a small business in Pennsylvania from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. April 14. Read more
HARRISBURG, March 25 – State Rep. Kristine Howard will hold a virtual event on starting a small business in Pennsylvania from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. April 14 at www.RepKHoward.com The panelists will be: Meredith Klinger, division chief, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations, Pennsylvania Department of State. Donald Poligone and Tracy Donley, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Maria Smith, chairperson, SCORE Chester and Delaware counties. “With the influx of federal aid to help Pennsylvania build back better after the pandemic, people will have new funding opportunities at the local and state levels to start new businesses,” Howard said. “This virtual town hall is geared to help inform prospective business owners about the steps they can take to start new businesses in the commonwealth.” Constituents can send questions before or during the event to RepHoward@PaHouse.net or by phone at 610-251-1070. The event will be livestreamed on www.RepKHoward.com . Those interested in learning about the event can call her office at 610-251-1070. Read more
MALVERN, March 10 – S tate Rep. Kristine Howard, D-Chester, announced today that $23,456 in state grants to support safety and security has been awarded to Congregation Or Shalom in Berwyn . The grant, through the Nonprofit Security Grant program established by Act 83 of 2019, was approved today by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. “William Penn founded our commonwealth on the principle of religious freedom,” Howard said. “This grant money protects this foundational right by helping to ensure that everyone in our community is able to practice their religion freely and safely. “Hate has no place in our community.” Grants awarded from the program may be used by nonprofit organizations that serve people or groups often targeted by hate crimes because of race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or gender. The awards can be used for any safety or security improvement the nonprofit organization wants to put in place, including training and planning, the purchase of technology or equipment, or the improvement of the nonprofit’s facilities. The grants are provided through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program created by Act 83 of 2019 , for which Howard voted. More information on the program is available at this link . Read more
Join live at 5 p.m. March 10 for a live discussion among officials evaluating the proposed integration of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education with Chancellor Daniel Greenstein. Read more
MALVERN, Mar. 3 -- State Rep. Kristine Howard, D-Chester, announced today $3,645 in state Historical & Archival Records Care grants has been awarded to The Mill at Anselma Preservation and Educational Trust Inc. to scan and provide archival preservation of The Mill’s historical collection of original manuscripts from previous owners, oral histories, photographs, newspaper clippings, books recording daily sales, and other materials illustrating life in an important rural community centered on a colonial-era grist mill. “I am very pleased that the Mill’s efforts at preserving our colonial past are being supported by the HARC,” Howard said. “ The Mill represents an important part of our cultural heritage, giving us rare insights into local colonial history. This grant money will help the Trust increase access to our heritage through the preservation and digitization of their treasure trove of written records. “To have a sense of ourselves as a community today, it is critical that we know who we were yesterday.” HARC awards are designed to improve the preservation and accessibility of historically significant records maintained by local governments, historical societies and academic institutions. Projects may include initiatives such as digitization; arranging, describing and rehousing collections into appropriate formats, containers and environments; collection assessment; records surveys; Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 23 – State Rep. Kristine Howard will hold a virtual event on the proposed integration of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education with Chancellor Daniel Greenstein from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. March 10 at www.RepKHoward.com . “The PASSHE system has offered high quality, higher education to Pennsylvanians for decades, but the rising cost of education has either closed the doors to higher education for many potential students or required others to incur high levels of debt,” Howard said. “The proposed merger of some universities in the PASSHE system promises to strengthen the organization, enabling it to continue to provide affordable, quality higher education to Pennsylvanians and their families for years to come .” PASSHE is exploring two possible mergers – the integration of the California-Clarion-Edinboro and the Bloomsburg-Lock Haven-Mansfield schools. Each combination would operate as a single accredited entity with a single leadership, faculty, enrollment management strategy, and budget while honoring local identity.? This month, Greenstein gave the integration progress report to the PASSHE Board of Governors at its meeting, and the b oard will give its response to the plans at its April meeting. If the plans are approved, they will be the focus of two public hearings and a 60-day public comment period. The b oard will review the comments and decide whether to give Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 14 – State Rep. Kristine Howard will hold a virtual mental health resource fair at 6 p.m. Feb. 4 at www.RepKHoward.com . Howard will be joined by Colleen Drake, Foundations Behavioral Health; Trooper Jessica L. Tobin , Pennsylvania State Police; Erin Matthews, Holcomb Behavioral Health; Tanya B. Dyson , Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health ; Wendy Gaynor, Chester County Food Bank; Lisa Fowler, Theraplay Inc.; and Liia Richmond, Child Guidance Resources Center. “Many people have been affected by the pandemic due to increased financial insecurity and social isolation, to name just two,” Howard, D-Chester, said. “I’m holding this virtual mental health resource fair with subject matter experts to give people ways to improve their mental health during this period.” The event will be livestreamed on www.RepKHoward.com . Those interested in learning about the fair can call her district office at 610-251-1070. Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 11 – State Rep. Kristine Howard announced today her committee appointments for the 2021-22 session are to the Agriculture & Rural Affairs, Children & Youth, State Government and the Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness committees. “I am proud to have these opportunities to use my expertise and experience to shape and advocate for legislation that will improve the lives of all Pennsylvanians, from our youngest citizens to our esteemed veterans,” said Howard, D-Chester. “I’ll be a voice for our farmers who grow the food on our tables, and for every single Pennsylvanian by ensuring the security of our elections. “As a former child welfare investigator, I’m very glad I will continue serving on the Children & Youth Committee, as the well-being and safety of the most vulnerable members of our society are very close to my heart. “As an American committed to our constitutional right to free and fair elections, I will work to ensure that our elections are safe, secure and beyond question. As a supporter of Pennsylvania’s great agriculture industry, I will guarantee we have legislation that both regulates and protects agriculture in PA. As someone who cares deeply about the welfare of our veterans, I will strive to pass legislation that addresses their needs.” The description of the committees on which Howard will serve are the Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 5 – State Rep. Kristine Howard took the oath of office at the state Capitol today, beginning her second term representing the 167th District in Chester County. The noon swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of the 2021-22 session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Washington County Judge Brandon Neuman, a former House member, administered the oath of office. Howard served as Democratic secretary of the House Children & Youth Committee during the 2019-20 legislative session. Howard said she will focus on access to COVID-19 relief, affordable health care and prescription medication, environmental protection, opioid disaster relief, women’s reproductive rights, affordable higher education, and government transparency in the new term. She will receive committee assignments later in the month. “So many people are struggling right now,” Howard said. “I’m here to serve you and make sure that you, your family, your business and your community have the resources needed, not just to survive this pandemic, but to thrive. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me.” Howard said her 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. Her office phone number is 610-251-1070 . Residents also can learn more about Read more
MALVERN, Dec. 23 -- State Rep. Kristine Howard, D-Chester, announced today $1.5 million in state grants from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program has been awarded to West Whiteland Township to construct a new 44,000-square-foot public works facility. "This grant is great news for West Whiteland," said Howard, "not only in terms of economic growth, but also in the improved health and safety of township residents that will be made possible by the consolidation of public works resources." The representative thanked Gov. Tom Wolf for his assistance in making the grants available. RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act, have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues or other measures of economic activity. Read more
MALVERN, Dec. 11 – State Rep. Kristine Howard, D-Chester, will host a virtual workshop with the Pennsylvania Health Access Network on the Affordable Care Act and Pennie , the state’s new health insurance marketplace, at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15. “Pennie, the state’s new insurance marketplace, offers Pennsylvanians high quality, affordable health care coverage that meets their needs,” Howard said. “Deadlines are approaching, so I wanted to have this workshop where residents can learn about Pennie’s different plans and get their questions answered.” Pennsylvanians seeking individual health insurance coverage for 2021 through the Affordable Care Act will use Pennie.com instead of Healthcare.gov. Open enrollment runs through Jan. 15, but Dec. 15 is the last day to enroll for coverage to start in January. Coverage will begin in February for anyone who enrolls between Dec. 16 and Jan. 15. Anyone interested can watch the workshop at www.pahouse.com/Howard . Questions can be emailed in advance to RepHoward@pahouse.net and will be taken during the event. Anyone who needs more information should contact Howard’s office at (610) 251-1070 . Read more
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
Legislators ask for release of families, children in face of COVID pandemic, unsanitary conditions Read more
Dear Neighbor, nobody expected 2020 to go quite like it has. This has been a tough and unpredictable year, and it culminated with a difficult election that featured a turnout demonstrating very that the spirit of public participation in government is thriving. Read more
Howard Fall 2020 NL Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 17 – State Rep. Kristine Howard, D-Chester, announced today that $362,025 in Safe Schools grants were awarded to local schools to purchase safety and security-related equipment. “It is more critical than ever before that our students have a safe learning environment in which to learn and grow,” Howard said. “The Safe Schools grants will ensure our students are able to learn in a productive and safe environment.” The following schools received funding for equipment: Great Valley School District $25,000 Villa Maria Academy High School $16,784 Church Farm School $23,716 Bishop Shanahan High School $ 20,430 Assumption B.V.M. $16,318 Pope John Paul II $20,937 SS Peter and Paul $24,937 St. Norbert $22,093 Upland Country Day School $24,923 Windsor Christian Academy $19,693 Woodlynde School $17,588 West Chester School District $24,606 Downingtown School District $25,000 The following school district received funding for School Resource Officer: West Chester Area School District $60000 The following school district received funding for safety programs: West Chester School District $20,000 The Read more
In August, the Philadelphia Inquirer published an investigative piece on a disturbing series of incidents of sexual abuse occurring at Devereux over a period of many years, and in several states. Since I have worked in child welfare as a volunteer child advocate for children in foster care in Philadelphia and, more recently, as a child abuse investigator for Chester County Children Youth and Families, I have known of Devereux. I cannot say that I expected these revelations, but I cannot say that they are surprising. In the child welfare and social work field, work in institutional care is not preferred, and like other aspects of child welfare work, is subject to burnout among staff. I have a constituent who sends me almost daily communications about staffing issues in the behavioral health field, with the concern being that there are steadily decreasing qualifications for work with children, the disabled, in special education, etc. Indeed, the Inquirer article pointed out that employees at Devereux were paid $14.86 per hour in 2020, a raise from $12.50. To put that in context, my 17-year-old just started his first job, at Target, earning $15 per hour stocking shelves. While that work is necessary, I think we can all agree that the full-time care of children with special needs is a job that should be able to offer greater incentives to bring in qualified people than Target, especially when Devereux charges as much as $84,000 per client. Read more
MALVERN, Oct. 23 – State Rep. Kristine Howard, D-Chester, introduced H.B. 2932 which would require public utility companies to offer customers the option of reporting their monthly payments to credit bureaus to demonstrate a history of on-time recurring payments. “The economic fallout caused by the pandemic has caused many consumers to miss payments, hurting their credit scores,” Howard said. “Consumers striving to establish or repair their credit find an unbalanced system only reporting negative, delinquent payments, while other on-time payments go unreported. “My bill would help consumers build up good credit by requiring that public utilities offer their customers the choice of opting to have their utility payments reported to credit reporting agencies, including timely payments. This measure will allow consumers to opt-in at any time, with no restrictions or expiration date.” According to Howard, Experian was the first credit reporting agency to offer consumers the ability to have on-time utility and rent payments credited to their report to improve their credit score, but the other agencies have yet to offer anything similar. “It’s time we change this credit reporting system to benefit hardworking consumers who pay utility bills on time. My bill would provide a lifeline and help people recover from the financial crisis caused by the pandemic,” Howard said. The bill has been referred to the House Consumer Read more
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