Matzie statement on the reopening of Three Mile Island nuclear power generating station

(Sep 20, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Sep. 20 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, the majority chair of the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee and the chair of the House Nuclear Energy Caucus, issued the following statement on today’s announcement that Constellation Energy will restart the idled Three Mile Island Reactor 1 by 2028: “Pennsylvania is a net exporter of power generation, but our power grid is facing demands like never before in our history. “Restarting Reactor 1 at Three Mile Island gives us more capacity and more flexibility to face demands - it’s not just clean power generation, it’s billions in tax revenue and thousands of good-paying jobs to boot, with even more jobs created in supporting industries. “What makes this even better news is knowing there’s already one of the biggest companies in the world lined up as a customer – Microsoft has agreed to purchase the emissions-free energy generated to power their data centers. “Now, the responsibility is on the industry and regulators. I am confident the permitting process will undergo the utmost scrutiny before the facility can re-start and I urge Constellation and all levels of government to be transparent with the public every step of the way.” It is estimated the TMI restart will create more than 3,000 direct jobs and more than $3 billion in annual economic activity. Pennsylvania is the Read more

 

The Reality of Pennsylvania’s Need for Transportation Funding

(Sep 19, 2024)

The Reality of Pennsylvania’s Need for Transportation Funding Pennsylvania’s transportation policy touches every facet of our lives. From the roads, bridges, rails, ships and planes we ride on to the packages we pick up on our porch, transportation policy created at the federal, state and local levels is ever-present. As chairman of the Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee, I take that reality seriously, whether we’re voting on legislation in Harrisburg or gathering information in the field. The only way we can generate solutions for our transportation problems and elevate Pennsylvania’s reputation as a leader in transportation is to reach across the political aisle and work together to have these important conversations with leading industry experts. It’s why the committee I lead is holding several public meetings across the state this summer and fall. We face significant challenges. Pennsylvania has more roads and bridges than New York, New Jersey, and all the New England states combined. We have roads that we must police, plow and pave. Currently, PennDOT is facing an annual budget shortfall of $9.4 billion. This doesn’t include all the local roads and bridges that are maintained by local governments, which need relief as well. But we’re not just talking about roads and bridges. This series of public meetings is focusing on all aspects of Read more

 

Prokopiak testifies in support of property tax freeze

(Sep 18, 2024)

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE State Rep. Jim Prokopiak D-Bucks County www.pahouse.com/ Prokopiak Prokopiak testifies in support of property tax freeze HARRISBURG, Sept. 18 – State Rep. Jim Prokopiak today testified before the House Finance Committee in support of legislation aimed at freezing property taxes for longtime homeowners. House Bill 2536 , which Prokopiak sponsored, would amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to enable the legislature to pass legislation that gives property tax relief to homeowners who have lived in their homes for at least 10 years. This is known as a Longtime Owner-Occupant Program or LOOP. A LOOP gives property tax relief to homeowners who have lived in their homes for at least 10 years by exempting or deferring property tax increases even if their home assessment values increase in future years. The state constitution currently allows for Philadelphia and Allegheny counties to offer a LOOP. Prokopiak's bill would make it possible for the General Assembly to allow LOOPs statewide. “Property tax reform is one of the biggest needs throughout the state and within my district in Bucks County,” Prokopiak said. “LOOPs help longtime homeowners stay in their homes, especially in areas where housing Read more

 

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

(Sep 17, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Office of the State Fire Commissioner: Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program Who May Apply: All fire companies, emergency medical services, and volunteer rescue squads Use: Eligible projects include but are not limited to facility renovations, equipment purchases, debt reduction, training, education, and recruitment and retention. Funds: Awards may range from $2,500 to $20,000 for fire/rescue companies and $2,500 to $15,000 for EMS companies. Application Deadline: October 20, 2024 More information: OSFC Website Drug and Alcohol Programs: Substance Use Disorder Drop-In Centers Who May Apply: Applicant must have at least two years of experience as of July 1, 2024, in providing SUD prevention, intervention, harm reduction, treatment, or recovery support services, drop-in center services or relevant services and shall have the capacity to provide SUD drop-in center services to individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) and other concurrent SUD. Use: DDAP will provide funds from the Opioid Settlement to drop-in centers or other human service organizations looking to expand their community-driven harm reduction support services to increase overdose prevention and linkage to SUD treatment and recovery support services. The goal is to provide hope, support, and resources to assist those on their road to recovery Funds: DDAP expects to award approximately 14 grants totaling $1,875,000 each. Application Read more

 

House Consumer Protection Committee hears testimony on Matzie bill to reauthorize PA One Call System

(Sep 17, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Sept. 17 – The Pennsylvania House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee heard testimony today on Majority Chairman Rob Matzie’s bill to reauthorize the state’s soon-to-expire PA One Call System . Matzie, D-Beaver, said he hopes to expedite getting H.B. 2189 through committee and up for a House vote because the legislation – set to expire in December 2024 – is critical for safeguarding workers and preventing major damage to underground utility lines. “PA One Call requires landowners to dial 8-1-1 at least three days before starting any digging project to alert utilities, so they can mark underground pipes and cables before excavation begins,” Matzie said. “It’s a system that has kept workers safe and prevented major damage to underground equipment for nearly 50 years, and we can’t allow it to lapse. “Our committee has brought stakeholders to the table to review my bill, and our priority now is to get it reported out of committee and brought up in the House for a full vote as soon as possible, so we can keep these critical protections in place.” Matzie’s bill would reauthorize One Call for an additional seven years and add needed updates to the law. Rep. Matzie’s comments on the bill are available here: 091724 Matzie Consumer Hearing AM.mp4 Read more

 

Nearly $40K for Pottstown Borough to provide critical law enforcement upgrades and support for crime victims

(Sep 16, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Sept. 16 – Pottstown Borough has received $39,935 in funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to provide for critical law enforcement equipment upgrades and support crime victims, state Rep. Joe Ciresi said. The funds can be used to address the following: improve crime reporting, help law enforcement upgrade equipment, support victims of crime and victim service providers, and support county jail-based medication-assisted treatment for individuals with substance use. “This state funding will address two critical needs: the necessity for better crime reporting and funding to support victims of violent crimes. The FBI has a fantastic reporting system that enables local and state police to track and therefore crack down on crime trends,” Ciresi said. “Thanks to this grant, Pottstown Borough will be able to upgrade its law enforcement equipment so it can report its data to the FBI to get more accurate data so the Pottstown Borough police can do their jobs more efficiently and effectively and Pottstown will be a safer place to live and work.” By upgrading its law enforcement system so it can report crime statistics to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Incident-Based Reporting System, Pottstown Borough will be able to accurately capture and track jurisdiction and state-specific crime trends. Pottstown Borough can use the funding to support victim service providers who aid Pennsylvanians Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El’s statement on Shapiro’s Housing Action Plan

(Sep 13, 2024)

LANCASTER, Sept. 13 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, today issued this statement on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s executive order creating Pennsylvania’s first Housing Action Plan: “It is my guiding belief that having a home is a human right and a matter of justice, and so I wholeheartedly support Governor Shapiro’s Housing Action Plan, which puts at the forefront many of the issues I have fought for, first on the Lancaster City Council and now as state representative: the need to expand affordable housing options and provide support to the unhoused in Pennsylvania. “Housing insecurity has had a wide-ranging, devastating impact on our communities, from unemployment to educational disparities to the gun violence epidemic. “Though we have made historic investments in education in the past two budgets, all of that work will be undermined if parents and their kids don’t have a home to call their own. All of our work to build a work force will come to nothing if workers can’t afford to live in Pennsylvania. “Shapiro’s plan will provide a roadmap to increase housing availability, affordability, and quality through a coordinated, multi-agency, data-driven approach to effectively address Pennsylvania's current housing challenges. “Affordable housing is the keystone to Pennsylvania’s future success. “I applaud Governor Shapiro for taking this step to provide for the Read more

 

Rep. Parker applauds Gov. Shapiro for closing gap in women’s healthcare

(Sep 13, 2024)

State Rep. Darisha Parker, D-Phila., made the following statement regarding the $3 million in state funding made available for schools to purchase menstrual products: “Menstrual equity happens when barriers to obtaining products are broken,” Parker said. “The lack of access to menstrual products can cause more problems than embarrassment. When women are forced to use unhygienic products such as socks, newspaper or old t-shirts, it can cause serious and lifelong health problems. “This funding will empower students to complete their education without fear of sickness or embarrassment. I am incredibly thankful for First Lady Lori Shapiro’s advocacy for women and her willingness to listen to women’s health experts like Lynette Medley, founder of the nation’s first menstrual health hub, The Spot Period, about possible solutions to achieve menstrual equity for all. “I’m so grateful for Governor Shapiro’s $3 million allocation to help students in Pennsylvania live their lives freely and maintain their health and dignity. “This is the first step, we still have more work to do. I’m eager to return to legislative session and continue the fight for women by insisting the Pennsylvania Senate bring my Menstrual Equity legislation up to be voted on and signed into law.” Parker added that House Bills 850 and 851 both passed the House in June and urges her colleagues in the Senate to consider this Read more

 

PA Safe Caucus praises governor’s relaunch of Office of Gun Violence Prevention

(Sep 10, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Sept. 10 – House and Senate leaders of the PA Safe Caucus applauded Gov. Josh Shapiro’s move Tuesday to reestablish the Office of Gun Violence Prevention as part of an effort to marshal every possible resource to keep Pennsylvanians safe. “Pennsylvanians are wondering if they will be safe at a concert or a grocery store or their house of faith, or if their children might encounter an unsecured firearm at a friend’s house or will one day hide under a desk while a school shooter thunders down the hallway,” said House PA Safe Caucus Co-chair Dan Frankel. “I’m proud to partner with a governor who doesn’t find any of that OK and doesn’t think we are powerless to stop it.” The Office of Gun Violence Prevention falls under the purview of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which is led by Lt. Gov. Austin Davis. It will bring together public safety and public health experts, gun violence survivors and advocates and leaders from across Pennsylvania to address and prevent gun violence. “I applaud Governor Shapiro for taking the necessary steps to ensure safety for our communities. For decades, Republicans in the Pennsylvania legislature have blocked almost every attempt to regulate firearms, and the result has been beyond tragic for our communities,” said House PA Safe Caucus co-chair Anthony Bellmon. “This renewed office will make sure that gun Read more

 

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

(Sep 10, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Main Street Matters Who May Apply: Units of local government, redevelopment and/or housing authorities, nonprofits, economic development organizations, housing corporations, community development corporations, business improvement districts, neighborhood improvement districts, downtown improvement districts, and similar organizations incorporated as authorities. Use: A flexible tool for use in community and economic development for a variety of uses including planning activities, façade grant programs, business improvement grant programs, accessible housing programs, and district development grants. Funds: $20 million was allocated for this program in the 2024/25 budget. Individual grant awards vary depending on the type of grant. Application Deadline: November 15, 2024 More information: DCED Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Violence Intervention and Prevention Program Who May Apply: Community-based organizations (i.e., active, registered 501(c)(3)s), institutions of higher education, municipalities, counties, and district attorneys. Use: Reducing community violence through, among other things, increasing access to support services and behavioral health, providing health services and intervention strategies, providing mentoring and other intervention models, and fostering and promoting communication between schools, the community, and law enforcement. Read more

 

Policy Committee highlights economic redevelopment in Erie

(Sep 10, 2024)

“This project has invested in the lives of people, not only wrapping their arms around the youth in the community but also stepping in to help young adults by providing the guidance they need in order to transition to the workforce,” said Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus chairman and hearing host Rep. Napoleon Nelson, who represents portions of Montgomery County. “We cannot expect to see success until we focus on how to improve the lives of the people in our communities.” Read more

 

Roundtable discusses positive impact of Erie County wineries

(Sep 09, 2024)

“While it might shock many of my colleagues in Harrisburg, the largest and arguably best wine-making region outside California is located right here in Erie County,” said House Majority Policy chairman Ryan Bizzarro, who hosted the House Majority Policy Committee roundtable and tour with his fellow members of the House Majority Erie Delegation. “I love promoting what Erie does best, and wine making happens to be one of our hallmarks – an agricultural and economic treasure.” Read more

 

PA House Transportation Committee meets in Reading to discuss transportation’s impact on PA

(Sep 09, 2024)

The Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee met in Reading last week to hear from experts on Pennsylvania's transportation funding needs, according to committee Chairman Ed Neilson, D-Phila. “We can properly fund public transportation agencies in all 67 counties without raising taxes,” Neilson said. “We must act now because this isn’t just a SEPTA problem or a Philadelphia problem. This is a statewide problem that affects rural and urban communities.” The committee heard testimony from Bryan Barbin, the deputy secretary of Taxation for the PA Department of Revenue; he highlighted the impact of Pennsylvania’s mass transit infrastructure on the state’s economy. “In 2022, the Berks County economy was estimated to generate $23.8 billion in gross domestic product while Philadelphia County, the largest in Pennsylvania, generated $123 billion in gross domestic product,” Barbin said. Barbin also went into great detail about Gov. Josh Shapiro’s state budget proposal regarding public transit, explaining how investing in public transit will save on road repairs from wear and tear and lead to less overall cost in the long term. “A strong investment in mass transit not only promises to save on overall operating costs but also champions a significant environmental victory. By enhancing public transportation, we can cut greenhouse gas emissions by 55% per trip compared to driving, making every dollar spent Read more

 

House Transportation Committee meets in Luzerne County to discuss transportation’s impact on PA

(Sep 09, 2024)

The Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee met at the Luzerne County Transportation Authority to hear from experts on Pennsylvania's transportation funding needs, according to committee Chairman Ed Neilson, D-Phila. “We saw a real-life example in the LCTA: investing wisely in our transit systems cuts back on overall operating costs, providing less financial burden to the taxpayers and people who rely on public transportation daily,” Neilson said. “As state lawmakers, we have a responsibility to serve the people of Pennsylvania, and it’s clear that investing in our public transit system would be a great service to everyone in the commonwealth.” Bob Fiume, executive director of LCTA and vice-chair of the Pennsylvania Public Transportation Association, spoke to the committee on the significant impact that public transit has on all 67 counties in Pennsylvania. “We connect people to their jobs, educational opportunities, and lots of important services,” Fiume said. “This includes access to medical care, nutrition access for seniors, access to jobs, and continued independence for transit-dependent populations.” Fiume described how the completion of LCTA’s new building, which serves as administrative offices, vehicle storage, and a maintenance facility, is crucial to the authority. “This new building now houses our administrative offices, our vehicles, a Compressed Natural Gas fueling station for Read more

 

Williams announces $74K grant for Octorara School District

(Sep 09, 2024)

COATESVILLE, Sept. 9 – Octorara Area School District has been awarded $74,171 to make its schools more environmentally safe thanks to a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, state Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, announced today. “Children in the Octorara School District will be able to learn in a safer and healthier educational environment thanks to this funding brought to them by a Democratic budget,” Williams said. “As a community activist and as a state representative, I have fought long and hard so our children get what they need to succeed, and that begins with learning in a clean and safe facility. Thanks to this funding, the Octorara School District will receive the funding they need to make critical improvements to protect the welfare of students and staff.” The money comes from the state’s Public ?School Environmental ???Repairs Program , made possible by funding Williams voted for in the 2023-24 state budget. Grants under the program can be used by schools to fix environmental hazards in their buildings, including removing lead in water sources and in paint, as well as asbestos and mold removal and remediation. A total of $75 million was available for the competitive grant program, and 109 school districts and technical centers across the state received grants in this round. Projects require a cash match of 50% of total eligible project costs. More information is available on the Department of Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation calls for additional state funding for public transit following SEPTA’s announced plan for fare adjustments

(Sep 05, 2024)

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 5 – Members of the Philadelphia House Delegation today called on state lawmakers to work in earnest this fall to shore up public transit systems across the state, especially in Philadelphia where SEPTA is facing a $240 million annual budget deficit and is planning to increase fares. SEPTA officials today announced a plan to increase fares on Dec. 1 and is planning a public hearing on the proposal for Oct. 16. “Today’s decision proves two facts: SEPTA is doing everything they can to prevent a true fare increase, and the PA Senate has to stop holding funding for transit systems hostage to political games,” said Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas, D-Phila. “We know this decision by SEPTA wasn’t made lightly. The Senate’s reckless refusal to accept the importance of public transit during this year’s budget negotiations is going to impact so many working people. “We’re ready to work with the Senate and all stakeholders to support not just SEPTA riders, but people in every county in Pennsylvania who count on transit to get to work, to school, to shop, to the doctor and more. It must be addressed now, before it is too late,” she said. In March, the delegation played an integral part in passing legislation that would provide recurring funds for public transportation in Pennsylvania. The measure would have significantly increased the transfer of revenue Read more

 

PA House Transportation Committee met at the State Capitol to discuss transportation’s impact on PA

(Sep 05, 2024)

The Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee today met at State Capitol to hear from experts on Pennsylvania's transportation funding needs, according to committee Majority Chairman Ed Neilson, D-Phila. The committee heard from Mark Markosky, president of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Pennsylvania, who explained how funding transportation is vital to Pennsylvania’s long-term economic well-being. “Funding for infrastructure projects provides high quality stable and good paying jobs for thousands of highly educated Pennsylvania residents – not just in the urban areas,” Markosky said. He said that even in rural areas, a small bridge replacement requires experts from all different sectors to determine the impact the bridge will have on the community, from engineers and environmental scientists to construction inspectors. “Funding for infrastructure projects provides high quality, stable and good paying jobs for thousands of educated Pennsylvanians,” Markosky said. David Heath, a consultant for the Aviation Council of PA, spoke of the importance of Aviation on Pennsylvania’s economy and the critical need to increase state funding for aviation infrastructure in the state. “With an annual economic impact that exceeds $34 billion, the aviation industry in Pennsylvania contributes more than 4% to our state’s Gross Domestic Read more

 

Neilson responds to SEPTA’s announced fare increases

(Sep 05, 2024)

State Rep. Ed Neilson, majority chair of the PA House Transportation Committee, released the following statement regarding proposed fare increases by SEPTA: “This is the exact scenario we wanted to avoid while we were negotiating the state budget. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania use public transit as a tool to survive. It connects them with important medical appointments, they rely on it to get their groceries, and many people rely on public transit to attend school or work. “SEPTA is not the only agency that will be affected by the budget shortfall in public transit funding; it will trickle down to all of them and have disastrous consequences for Pennsylvanians in both rural and urban communities, not to mention the damage it will do to our state’s economy. “If people do not have access to their only mode of travel and they cannot get to school or work, it sets the commonwealth up for a perilous future, where our constituents have trouble meeting their basic needs and obligations. “We’ve heard from many experts in the public transit sector during the Moving PA Forward by Investing in Roads, Bridges and Transit tour, and our tour will continue throughout the month. “My hope is that after listening to the experts on the significant impact public transit has on the entire state, we can come together and implement a solution for this funding crisis. Pennsylvanians deserve the freedom of movement, and some can only use that Read more

 

City, state leaders convene in City Hall to applaud passage of Solar for Schools

(Sep 04, 2024)

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 4 -- State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., House Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, and House Appropriations Committee Chair Jordan Harris, D-Phila., visited City Hall to celebrate the passage of the Solar for Schools Act . They were joined by lawmakers from both chambers of the state legislature, city councilmembers, and leaders in education, energy, and labor. Solar for Schools is a grant program designed to help school districts across Pennsylvania install solar panels on their grounds or roofs. By generating their own energy, districts can save millions of dollars over the life of a solar project -- while creating good-paying jobs, reducing environmental impact, and helping to keep costs low for taxpayers. Gov. Josh Shapiro signed the bill into law on July 17. "I am excited to support the Solar for Schools grant program, a transformative initiative that not only promises to reduce energy costs but also fosters a sustainable future for our schools and communities,” said Harris . “This legislation will enable us to save significant funds -- money that can be reinvested into classrooms and educational resources. Thanks to Representative Fiedler’s dedication, we’re paving the way for a greener future for Pennsylvania’s students and communities." “The Solar for Schools grant program is good for students, taxpayers, Pennsylvania’s workforce and our environment. Not 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

 

Matzie statement on the reopening of Three Mile Island nuclear power generating station
Sep 20, 2024

The Reality of Pennsylvania’s Need for Transportation Funding
Sep 19, 2024

Prokopiak testifies in support of property tax freeze
Sep 18, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Sep 17, 2024

House Consumer Protection Committee hears testimony on Matzie bill to reauthorize PA One Call System
Sep 17, 2024

Nearly $40K for Pottstown Borough to provide critical law enforcement upgrades and support for crime victims
Sep 16, 2024

Smith-Wade-El’s statement on Shapiro’s Housing Action Plan
Sep 13, 2024

Rep. Parker applauds Gov. Shapiro for closing gap in women’s healthcare
Sep 13, 2024

PA Safe Caucus praises governor’s relaunch of Office of Gun Violence Prevention
Sep 10, 2024

Grants: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Sep 10, 2024

Policy Committee highlights economic redevelopment in Erie
Sep 10, 2024

Roundtable discusses positive impact of Erie County wineries
Sep 09, 2024

PA House Transportation Committee meets in Reading to discuss transportation’s impact on PA
Sep 09, 2024

House Transportation Committee meets in Luzerne County to discuss transportation’s impact on PA
Sep 09, 2024

Williams announces $74K grant for Octorara School District
Sep 09, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation calls for additional state funding for public transit following SEPTA’s announced plan for fare adjustments
Sep 05, 2024

PA House Transportation Committee met at the State Capitol to discuss transportation’s impact on PA
Sep 05, 2024

Neilson responds to SEPTA’s announced fare increases
Sep 05, 2024

City, state leaders convene in City Hall to applaud passage of Solar for Schools
Sep 04, 2024

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