Hi Folks,We hope this September edition of District Deliberations finds you all doing well. September is upon us and with it the advent of autumn. Author Helen Hunt Jackson wrote, “By all these lovely tokens, September days are here. With summer’s best of weather and autumn’s best of cheer.” Read more
“Anne is one of those outstanding Americans belonging to our ‘Greatest Generation,’” Pielli said. “It’s an honor and privilege to recognize good folks like Anne who through the years raised a family; contributed her talents to our business community, local organizations, and charities; and helped our country in time of need during World War II. We owe a lot to folks like Anne -- everyday citizens who give much and who have helped shape the wonderful community we now enjoy. Happy Birthday, Anne!” Read more
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
Hi Folks, We hope you enjoy this August email to update you on all of the work we have been doing to help improve the lives of our District constituents. In this edition, we have news on a historic budget, our latest hometown heroes, $15 million dollars in district grants, my legislative highlights, the wise whelps of our mascot, Penny the Pup, and more. Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: School Safety and Mental Health Grants Who May Apply: Eligible school entities as defined under 24 P.S. §13-1314.1-B of the PA Public School Code. Use: Funding may be used to assist schools with physical safety and/or behavioral health needs. Funds: $100 million is available to be distributed via a formula that stipulates school districts are to receive $100,000 base average and an additional amount based on their 22/23 Adjusted Average Daily Membership. Other eligible school entities are to receive $70,000. Application Deadline: September 26, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Targeted School Safety Grants for Nonpublic Schools Who May Apply: Nonpublic schools as defined under Section 924.3-A of the PA Public School Code, municipalities, law enforcement agencies, or approved vendors. Use: Funding may be used to assist schools with physical safety and/or behavioral health needs. Funds: A total of $19,665,000 in state school safety and security funds is being announced to support this initiative. Application Deadline: September 26, 2024 More information: PCCD Website PennDOT: Rail Freight Assistance Program/Rail Transportation Assistance Program Who May Apply: Railroad company, transportation organization, municipality, municipal authority, user Read more
WEST CHESTER, Aug. 5 – Beginning today, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission is holding a series of five public hearings in the region to gather public input on proposed water and sewer rate hikes, announced state Rep. Chris Pielli, D-Chester. There will be hearings in Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties over the next week. Under the proposals, the average monthly bill for a residential water customer would increase by 19.9% ($16.10). For residential wastewater customers, the average monthly bill would increase 18.4% ($14.92). The hearing schedule is as follows: Wednesday, Aug. 7 – Delaware County 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Delaware County Community College STEM Building – Room #1403 (Auditorium) 901 S. Media Line Road Media, PA 19063 Thursday, Aug. 8 – Chester County 1 p.m. New Garden Township Municipal Building 299 Starr Road Landenberg, PA 19350 Monday, Aug. 12 – Montgomery County 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Spring-Ford Area High School (Auditorium) 350 S. Lewis Road Royersford, PA 19468 "Rate hikes burden consumers, turning essential resources into a financial strain,” Pielli said. “These increases turn a basic necessity into an escalating expense, creating a barrier to access that can lead to broader social and health implications. “We have a choice, however, and it begins with testifying at the hearings. We are looking forward to a Read more
Hi folks, We hope you enjoy this summer newsletter to update you on all the work we have been doing to help improve the lives of ourdistrict residents. In this issue, we have news on a historic budget, our latest hometown heroes, $15 million in district grants, my legislative highlights, the wise whelps of our mascot, Penny the Pup, and more. Read more
Hi, Folks!This budget delivers a win for all Pennsylvanians. It builds a better future for all of us. It reflects the priorities shared by House Democrats and Governor Shapiro and demonstrates our ability to lead and work together despite a divided government to deliver for Pennsylvanians. Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Local Share Account: Monroe County Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development agencies, or redevelopment authorities within Monroe County or the five contiguous counties to Monroe (Carbon, Lackawanna, Northampton, Pike, and Wayne). Use: Public interest projects, community improvement projects, economic development projects, or roadway improvement projects. Funds: Funded by gross terminal revenues of certain licensed gaming facilities. Application Deadline: September 30, 2024 More information: DCED Website Local Share Account: Category 4 Facilities Program (Berks, Cumberland, Westmoreland, and York Counties) Who May Apply: Municipalities, counties, redevelopment authorities, or economic development agencies in a county hosting a Category 4 licensed gaming facility. Use: Projects in the public interest. Funds: Funded by gaming revenues from Category 4 licensed facilities. Application Deadline: September 30, 2024 More information: DCED Website Local Share Account: Luzerne County Who May Apply: All Luzerne County municipalities and the Luzerne County Redevelopment Authority. Use: Projects in the public interest. Funds: Funded by 2% of gross terminal revenues of certain licensed gaming facilities. Application Deadline: September 30, 2024 More information: DCED Website Local Read more
We hope this June edition of District Deliberations finds you all doing well. Writer and Sportscaster, Al Bernstein once said, “Spring being a tough act to follow, God created June.” June means the start of summer and many noteworthy events like, Pride Month, Juneteenth, Father’s Day and …the “Budget Season.” Read more
“We should do everything in our power to help our veterans,” Pielli said. “That same attitude should be extended to the families of veterans. That’s why my colleagues, Representative Dan L. Miller and Representative Joe Webster, and I worked to create House Bill 1963. This simple change will make the lives of veterans and their families that much easier after this abrupt and unfortunate change. As a veteran, I’ve come to learn that when our men and women serve our great nation, their family also serves. This legislative consideration is the least we can do for our veterans and their families.” Read more
WEST CHESTER, May 30 – State Rep. Chris Pielli, D-Chester, is urging local PECO electric and natural gas consumers to participate in an upcoming public input hearing arranged with the Public Utility Commission regarding the energy company’s request to the PUC to raise its rates. “Customers deserve to have a voice at the table,” Pielli said. “This rate increase can make life that much harder for our neighbors.” According to Pielli, PECO asked the PUC on March 28 to increase rates for electric ($575 million more per year) and natural gas ($111 million more per year) distribution services. If the rate increase is approved, consumers will be paying significantly more, according to information from the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate. The in-person hearing for Chester County residents will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, June 10 at the Kennett Square Borough Building located at 600 S. Broad St. Pre-registration is not required to testify at an in-person public hearing. There will be a sign-up sheet in the hearing room. Interested residents are encouraged to visit the PUC’s website at puc.pa.gov for tips on offering testimony at public input hearings, along with how to handle any exhibits people wish to submit during testimony. People with questions may contact Pielli’s office by calling 610-696-4990 or by emailing reppielli@pahouse.net with “PECO rate Read more
“Our future depends on the health of our environment,” Pielli said. “We are extremely lucky to be blessed with such natural beauty in Chester County. Thankfully, our neighbors want to protect and preserve it. I thank the Pennsylvania DEP for giving the Stroud Water Research Center this funding, so that our high school students can have the resources and support they need to help keep Chester County clean and healthy.” Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: Wild Resource Conservation Program Who May Apply: Counties, municipalities, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, conservation districts, and municipal authorities. Individuals, state government agencies, and for-profit businesses may be eligible depending on the project. Use: Grant applications will be accepted for species surveys, conservation, and management. Funds: Funding comes through the Wil Resource Conservation Fund and a portion of the Environmental Stewardship Fund. Grant size varies, but the average grant award is $30,000. Application Deadline: July 1, 2024 More information: DCNR website Department of Community and Economic Development: Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) The NAP is broken down into five components: The Neighborhood Assistance Program Tax Credit, the Special Program Priorities, the Neighborhood Partnership Program, the Charitable Food Program, and the Enterprise Zone Program Tax Credit. Please visit the link below for specific information on each component. Who May Apply: Depending on the program, eligible applicants include neighborhood organizations that hold a ruling from the IRS as nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organizations, and organizations operating as food banks, food pantries, or emergency food providers. Use: Use varies by program, but priorities for this funding Read more
Hi Folks, I hope this May edition of District Deliberations finds you all doing well. The great naturalist Edwin Way Teale once said, “All things seem possible in May.” Indeed, this month offers us the opening act of nature’s beauty in color, fragrance, and vibrancy promising new beginnings and possibilities. One can only hope these pleasantries foreshadow a productive budget month in June! Read more
“In order for Pennsylvania to succeed, we need to be more welcoming to businesses,” said Pielli. “For purposes of efficiency and consistency, my bill would change the requirement so all companies doing business in Pennsylvania have the same reporting date. Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Education: Public School Environmental Repairs Program Who May Apply: School districts, area career and technical schools, charter schools, and regional charter schools that operate school buildings. Use: Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, the remediation and/or abatement of lead in water sources and paint, asbestos, and mold inside school buildings of eligible school entities. Funds: Up to $75 million in state funds will be competitively awarded. There is no minimum funding request. The maximum funding request is $10 million. One application per entity will be accepted, but the application may consist of more than one project in more than one school building. Application Deadline: June 30, 2024 More information: PDE Website Department of Agriculture: Farm-to-School Grant Program Who May Apply: Any school district, school, charter school, private school, or center with pre-K classes, kindergarten classes, elementary classes, or middle school classes through 8 th grade that participates in a Federal Child Nutrition Program. Use: The purpose of the Farm-to-School Program is to educate prekindergartners through eighth graders and their families about the importance of choosing healthy, locally produced foods and increase awareness of Pennsylvania agriculture. Eligible projects will achieve this purpose. Funds: $500,000 is available for Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Indigent Defense Grant Program Who May Apply: Counties Use: Salaries and benefits for staff, recruiting efforts to find/retain staff, training and development courses for staff, efforts to improve data collection, and any cost associated with gaps or needs in providing indigent defense, among other things. Funds: A total of $6,750,000 is expected to fund up to 67 grants (one in each county). Application Deadline: , May 23, 202d4 More information: PCCD Website Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (via Department of Homeland Security): Nonprofit Security Grant Program Who May Apply: Non-profit organizations may apply as a sub applicant through PEMA. PEMA is the direct applicant to the Department of Homeland Security. Use: Funds are to be used to enhance the protection of soft targets/crowded places. Funds: $274,500,000 in federal funds are available for this national funding opportunity. $3,277,500 in funding is targeted toward Pennsylvania. Application Deadline: May 29, 2024, at 5 p.m. More information: PEMA Website Historical and Museum Commission: Historical & Archival Records Care Grant Who May Apply: Local government entities and nonprofit organizations Use: Projects must relate to some aspect of Pennsylvania’s history and funds may be used for preservation of Read more
I've recently introduced a PA House resolution (HR 404) to urge Congress to support and pass the Major Richard Star Act (H.R. 1282). The Congressional Act is named for Retired Army Major Richard Star, who passed away in 2021 after a fight with Stage 4 lung cancer. Read more
Hi Folks, We hope this April edition of District Deliberations finds you all doing well. They say April showers bring May flowers, and on that note, we should be in full bloom soon. April is also a significant month for several world religions who observe major events like Easter, Passover, and Eid-Al-Fitr – the end of Ramadan. Read more
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121 West Miner StreetSuite 1EWest Chester, PA 19382-3236
P*: (610) 696-4990
Hours of Operation - M-F 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
530 E. Union StreetWest Chester, PA 19382-4206
Hours of Operation - Every Third Wednesday of Every Month from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
115 B East WingHarrisburg, PA 17120
P*: (717) 705-2075