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PA House Judiciary Committee approves four measures

(1 day ago) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

HARRISBURG, May 14 – The Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee, chaired by state Rep. Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery), advanced bills today aimed at strengthening public safety, supporting working families, and protecting vulnerable populations across the Commonwealth. The legislation addresses compassionate release for seriously ill incarcerated individuals, parental rights, child exploitation laws and oversight of illicit vapor products. “Today’s committee action reflects our commitment to practical, thoughtful and bipartisan solutions that respond to real needs in our communities,” Briggs said. “These bills tackle everything from criminal justice reform to public health and safety, and I’m proud to move them forward with support from both sides of the aisle.” House Bill 150 , sponsored by state Reps. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., and Torren Ecker, R-Adams/Cumberland, would reform Pennsylvania’s current compassionate release program. It would establish an expanded process for seriously ill incarcerated individuals to petition the court for sentence modification modeled after the federal First Step Act. The bill includes strong public safety measures and would relieve strain on state correctional medical resources. House Bill 526 , introduced by state Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, would update Pennsylvania’s law that protects parents who breastfeed in public by making it clear Read more

 

Shusterman’s Equal Pay Bill approved by House

(May 05, 2025) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

“To attract and keep our workforce, Pennsylvania must ensure we are competitive with our neighbors,” Shusterman said. “Currently, the pay gap in the Commonwealth trails not only behind the national average, but also behind five of our six neighboring states. The pay gap leads to less income for women to support their families. It also means women experience higher rates of poverty, lower financial earnings over a lifetime, and less money saved for retirement than their male colleagues. It’s past time that our Commonwealth ensures all Pennsylvania workers receive equal pay for equal work.” Read more

 

E-Blast: SEPTA Presser, Upcoming Shredding Event & more!

(May 01, 2025) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

Yesterday, I joined my colleagues from the legislature for a press conference on the crucial need to properly fund SEPTA. SEPTA is vitally important to the lives of the residents of Chester County. Our economy depends on SEPTA's regional rail line to attract and keep families and businesses in our community. Residents depend on SEPTA to travel to medical appointments, work, school and entertainment events. It’s unfathomable to think of life in our area without the Paoli-Thorndale line, and we must do absolutely everything we can to adequately fund SEPTA.  Read more

 

Proposed SEPTA cuts threaten Paoli/Thorndale line, anger suburban lawmakers

(May 01, 2025) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

“The Senate leadership is refusing to protect our jobs, our hospitals, our businesses and our property values,” state Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester, said at Wednesday’s press conference at Paoli Station. “Yet they are fine with collecting our taxes.” Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Apr 22, 2025) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Environmental Protection: Watershed Planning and Restoration Grant Who May Apply: Incorporated watershed associations, counties or municipalities, county conservation districts, council of governments or other authorized organizations including nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and municipal authorities. Use: Examples of eligible projects include existing WIP revision or updates and design and construction of BMPs, including riparian forest buffers, streambank fencing, agricultural erosion and sediment control and nutrient and manure management practices; animal waste storage systems, animal concentration area/animal heavy use area protection and barnyard runoff controls; design and construction of stormwater control measures; AMD treatment systems and other projects that will reduce nonpoint source pollution in watersheds where streams are impaired. Funds: Funds are provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and authorized through Section 319(h) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Application Deadline: June 20, 2025 More information: DEP Website Department of Environmental Protection: Growing Greener Plus Grant Who May Apply: Counties Use: To update a county’s Act 167 plan. Funds: Funding was included in the Fiscal Year 2024-25 state budget and grants will range from $40,000 to $60,000 depending on the county’s Read more

 

E-Blast: Reproductive Rally, Session Recap & more!

(Apr 11, 2025) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

Earlier this week, SEPTA announced a budget proposal that would mean sweeping service cuts across rail and bus lines along with a near 22% rate hike. In the proposed budget, the Paoli/Thorndale regional rail line will face reduced service starting in August this year and will be eliminated entirely in January 2026. Read more

 

Members of PA House Southeast Delegation respond to SEPTA's proposed service cuts & rate hikes

(Apr 10, 2025) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

Pennsylvania House lawmakers who represent Delaware, Chester and Montgomery counties are expressing concern in response to the budget proposal SEPTA released today that would make drastic service cuts and fare increases to address its budget deficit. Read more

 

Chester County lawmakers to introduce bill that would require approval from the Department of Health before hospitals can be purchased

(Apr 09, 2025) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

HARRISBURG, April 9 – State Rep. Dan Williams is introducing legislation alongside Reps. Kristine Howard and Melissa Shusterman, all D-Chester, that would require approval from the Department of Health before a hospital or hospital system can be purchased. One in three hospital mergers and acquisitions lead to a full or partial hospital closure . In Chester County , Tower Health purchased Jennersville and Brandywine Hospitals, which both closed less than 5 years after the acquisition. These sales often lead to broken promises, unexpected closures and reduced services to customers, Williams said. “When hospitals close, jobs disappear and patients are forced to travel further distances for potentially lifesaving care. These closures create major challenges for our communities,” Williams said. “When a life is on the line, the miles and minutes matter, which is why we are introducing this bill to protect residents and frontline workers from such abrupt closures.” The bill would require the Department of Health to review applications, hold public hearings and prepare impact statements on the effect of the buying and selling of the healthcare services that the hospital or hospital system provides. We cannot allow our health to be dictated by business interests,” said Howard. “Department of Health approval will ensure continued access to quality care and keep the focus on patients, not profits.” Read more

 

Powell, Howard, Daley & Shusterman advocate for reproductive rights in Harrisburg

(Apr 07, 2025) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

HARRISBURG, April 7 – State Reps. Lindsay Powell, Kristine C. Howard, Mary Jo Daley and Melissa Shusterman rallied for reproductive rights today in the state Capitol Rotunda, alongside Planned Parenthood PA advocates. “In this post-Roe era, the blurred lines between legality and restriction have dangerously entangled law, politics and human life,” Powell, D-Allegheny, said. “Elected officials take an oath of office to defend the rights of the people, not strip them away for the sake of political agendas. This is a battle we cannot afford to lose.” “While abortion remains legal in Pennsylvania, it is heavily regulated by the Abortion Control Act, a Reagan-era law that became the playbook for abortion restrictions nationwide,” Howard, D-Chester, added. “My legislation, the Reproductive Freedom Act , would eliminate this law and replace it with a much more perfect statutory scheme, a more rational and compassionate model positioning Pennsylvania as a leader in reproductive rights.” "Our state must be a place where personal freedoms are protected and where every resident can access health care without interference," Daley, D-Montgomery, and co-chair of the PA Women's Health Caucus, said. "By supporting these safeguards, we affirm our shared commitment to personal liberty, civil discourse and the protection of every Pennsylvanian’s right to seek care safely and freely." “We Read more

 

E-Blast: Childcare Rally, Healthcare Protections & more!

(Mar 27, 2025) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

It's been another busy week in Harrisburg, this week I joined my colleagues in advocating for legislation to put children first in the Commonwealth. We’ve already had success with the expansion of the Childcare tax credit, but now we look to keep fighting for an additional $55 million in the state budget to recruit and keep child care programs in Pennsylvania! This investment combined with my early childhood education legislation will provide families with great access to quality care and education for their children. Read more

 

E-Blast: Coffee & Conversation, Equal Pay Rally & more!

(Mar 21, 2025) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

The turnout for my Coffee & Conversation event at Tredyffrin Public Library was incredible, with nearly 100 people attending to share their concerns about government at all levels. It is an honor to represent such an engaged community. Our next event is coming in April! Read more

 

PA House Dems launch CARE Package for juvenile justice reform

(Mar 18, 2025) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

Bills proposed to protect children in the juvenile justice system, save taxpayer dollars Read more

 

Pennsylvania lawmakers rally for equal pay; Where does PA rank nationally?

(Mar 17, 2025) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

Read more

 

Shusterman rallies for equal pay in Harrisburg

(Mar 17, 2025) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

“Creating equal pay means increasing economic gains in the Commonwealth,” said Shusterman. “That is a commonsense win for everyone but most importantly, for women and their families. When you get paid less, that means less money for household expenses, retirement, or children’s clothing and food.” Read more

 

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

(Mar 12, 2025) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Funds Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to state, county, or municipal forensic crime laboratories to support activities that improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services. Use: To improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services throughout Pennsylvania, with an emphasis on combating opioids and synthetic drugs through laboratory accreditation, the certification of forensic scientists, and the purchase of laboratory equipment. Funds: A total of approximately $785,000 in federal Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvements funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund four to six grants with budgets not to exceed $185,000 over the 15-month project period. Application Deadline: April 10, 2025 More information: PCCD Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: DCED Website Department Read more

 

Transportation, Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Mar 06, 2025) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) Who May Apply: Municipalities, councils of government, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agency, ports (rail/freight) Use: The MTF provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure a safe and reliable system of transportation exists in Pennsylvania. The program is intended to provide financial assistance in order to improve public transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit revitalization. Funds: Requests must have a total eligible cost of $100,000 or more and no request shall exceed $3,000,000 for any project. Application Deadline: July 31, 2025 More information: DCED Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: DCED Website Department of Agriculture: Farm Vitality Planning Grant Who May Apply: Farmers, prospective farmers, and others may apply. Use: Strategic business Read more

 

E-Blast: Coffee & Conversation, Fire & EMS Grants & more!

(Feb 25, 2025) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

Last week, the PA House Democratic Policy Committee held a hearing on how the state can combat animal fighting and why it is significant for our communities. Thank you to state Rep. Mary Isaacson for getting proceedings rolling, to Janette Reever, Global Anti-Animal Fighting expert for Humane World for Animals, and Patrick Noll, Humane Officer for the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area, for testifying on this gruesome issue. Read more

 

2025 Winter Newsletter

(Feb 20, 2025) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

The 2025-2026 House Session has officially begun! My colleagues and I are back in Harrisburg, ready to pass new legislation that will improve the lives of all Pennsylvanians. Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Feb 19, 2025) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: PA Small Water and Sewer Program Who May Apply: Municipalities or a municipal authority Use: Projects that involve the construction, improvement, expansion, repair, or rehabilitation of a water supply system, sanitary sewer system, storm sewer system, or flood control projects that are owned and maintained by an eligible applicant. Funds: Projects must have a total cost of not less than $30,000 and not more than $500,000. A total of $50 million was allocated in the fiscal year 2024/25 Fiscal Code. Application Deadline: April 30, 2025 More information: CFA Website Commonwealth Financing Authority: Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Councils of Governments, Authorized Organizations, Institutions of Higher Education, Watershed Organizations, for profit businesses. Use: Planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects. Funds: Grant requests shall not exceed $250,000. Application Deadline: May 31, 2025 More information: CFA Website Commonwealth Financing Authority: Baseline Water Quality Data Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Councils of Governments, Authorized Organizations, Institutions of Higher Education, Watershed Organizations, for profit businesses. Use: Eligible Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Feb 11, 2025) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

Below are multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: All-Terrian Vehicle and Snowmobile Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, non-profit and for-profit organizations Use: All-Terrain Vehicle and Snowmobile projects include the planning, acquisition of land, development, rehabilitation, maintenance, purchase of equipment for maintenance and construction, and development of educational programs related to ATV and/or snowmobile trails and facilities. Funds: Funding comes from the ATV Management Restricted Account and the Snowmobile Restricted Account as authorized by Act 97 of 2016. There is no match requirement for this funding; however, applications that provide match funding will be given additional consideration. Application Deadline: March 31, 2025 More information: DCNR Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Medical & MH Pilots for CSA Victims Who May Apply: Any for-profit entity, non-profit entity, an entity affiliated with a CAC or MDIT (e.g., public agency or hospital), or unit of local government. Schools (including colleges and universities) are considered governmental units and are eligible to apply. Use: The goal of this specific solicitation is to support the development and implementation of innovative pilot projects that enhance or expand medical and mental health services for Read more

 

PA House Judiciary Committee approves four measures
1 day ago

Shusterman’s Equal Pay Bill approved by House
May 05, 2025

E-Blast: SEPTA Presser, Upcoming Shredding Event & more!
May 01, 2025

Proposed SEPTA cuts threaten Paoli/Thorndale line, anger suburban lawmakers
May 01, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Apr 22, 2025

E-Blast: Reproductive Rally, Session Recap & more!
Apr 11, 2025

Members of PA House Southeast Delegation respond to SEPTA's proposed service cuts & rate hikes
Apr 10, 2025

Chester County lawmakers to introduce bill that would require approval from the Department of Health before hospitals can be purchased
Apr 09, 2025

Powell, Howard, Daley & Shusterman advocate for reproductive rights in Harrisburg
Apr 07, 2025

E-Blast: Childcare Rally, Healthcare Protections & more!
Mar 27, 2025

E-Blast: Coffee & Conversation, Equal Pay Rally & more!
Mar 21, 2025

PA House Dems launch CARE Package for juvenile justice reform
Mar 18, 2025

Pennsylvania lawmakers rally for equal pay; Where does PA rank nationally?
Mar 17, 2025

Shusterman rallies for equal pay in Harrisburg
Mar 17, 2025

Grant Memo: Transportation, Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 12, 2025

Transportation, Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 06, 2025

E-Blast: Coffee & Conversation, Fire & EMS Grants & more!
Feb 25, 2025

2025 Winter Newsletter
Feb 20, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Feb 19, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Feb 11, 2025