Miss my latest Tele-Town Hall? Catch the discussion here.

(Mar 03, 2021)

Find out what your friends and neighbors had to say about the vaccine, the state budget and other issues that matter. Read more

 

Shusterman presents House citation to group providing COVID-19 protection

(Feb 25, 2021)

PHOENIXVILLE, Feb. 25 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester and Montgomery, recently presented a citation to a constituent who founded a group that produces and delivers essential personal protective equipment to organizations across the 157 th District and neighboring counties during the COVID-19 pandemic. The citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives honors Shai Perednik and the PA COVID-19 Makers Group, which is made up of over 200 volunteers. The group’s mission is to produce and deliver essential personal protective equipment to local medical teams. Among their achievements: 27,000 face shields created. 10,000 handmade masks created. 200 organizations helped. “The PA COVID-19 Makers Group has been a beacon of light during this pandemic. The volunteers stepped up to provide essential protection to health care workers, first responders, community organizations and nursing homes when there was a shortage,” said Shusterman. “Our world has changed in many ways, but kindness and service remain the cornerstone of what makes our community great.” Chief Rafael Henin of the Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Company, which received face masks and face shields from the group, helped to deliver the citation. Shusterman also held a virtual session to celebrate the group’s volunteers. Photos of the citation presentation can be found on state Rep. Read more

 

Shusterman hosting COVID-19 vaccine telephone town hall

(Feb 22, 2021)

PHOENIXVILLE, Feb. 22 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, will partner with local health officials to host a vaccine telephone town hall at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 2. The town hall will include input from Chester County Commissioner Maria Moskowitz and Janet Panning, a representative from the Montgomery County Office of Public Health, on vaccine rollout, accessibility, eligibility and more. Residents of the district will receive a call to their home phones around 7 p.m. that day. To “attend” the meeting, people will be asked to stay on the phone. Anyone wanting to make sure they receive the phone call, or to register a cellphone, should register at bit.ly/3s3VMsy . “My staff have been fielding countless questions, concerns and frustrations regarding the vaccine,” Shusterman said. “This event aims to connect anyone interested with public health professionals that have more information on the vaccine in a safe, accessible way.” People can listen in and ask questions or leave feedback when the meeting has ended. Questions can be submitted in advance by emailing RepShusterman@pahouse.net . Questions also may be directed to Shusterman’s office by calling 484-200-8260. Read more

 

Shusterman authors legislation to bolster small businesses, reform state lobbying practices

(Feb 17, 2021)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 17 - State Rep. Melissa Shusterman introduced three pieces of legislation that would boost Pennsylvania’s economy and reform the commonwealth’s lobbying laws. Shusterman’s H.B. 267 would ensure that early and mid-stage businesses using the Second Stage Loan program create more job opportunities in Pennsylvania, and businesses that receive loan guarantees are not only located in Pennsylvania, but stay in Pennsylvania. “The Second Stage Loan Program provides vital assistance to help businesses grow and thrive, and we want to make sure we’re boosting Pennsylvania’s economy, too,” Shusterman said. “This bill would provide a stronger economy and create sustainable jobs in my district and around the state.” The Second Stage Loan Program is a loan guarantee administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority that guaranteed loans made by commercial lending institutions to life science, advanced technology or manufacturing businesses. The program provides banks with an extra measure of security to encourage them to provide early-stage companies with working capital. Shusterman said that in order to receive a loan guarantee, her bill would require businesses to remain and conduct services within the commonwealth. Shusterman’s lobbying reform legislation, H.Bs. 268 and 269 , both currently await consideration in the House State Government Committee. House Bill 268 would institute a Read more

 

Rep. Shusterman's Jan. 2021 Newsletter

(Feb 10, 2021)

After closing out a year that was filled withhardship and loss, I’m filled with hope for abetter new year. Although we are still in thebeginning of 2021, we are already off to areassuring start as COVID-19 cases steadilydecline and we are distributing the vaccinethroughout our commonwealth. Read more

 

Regional COVID-19 Vaccination Locations

(Feb 09, 2021)

Montgomery County DVCH Norristown Regional Health Center 1401 DeKalb St Norristown, 19401 267-758-5300 https://www.dvch.org EINSTEIN MEDICAL CENTER MONTGOMERY 559 W GERMANTOWN PIKE East Norriton, 19403 484-622-1000 Erics RX Shoppe 810 Welsh Rd Horsham, 19044 215-509-5597 https://www.ericsrx.com Evergreen Pharmacy 1222 Welsh Rd North Wales, 19454 215-393-0902 Evergreen Pharmacy II Inc 702 Dekalb Pike Blue Bell, 19422 610-616-0608 https://evergreenpharmrx.com/ Horsham Pharmacy LLC 316 Horsham Road Horsham, 19044 267-282-5747 https://www.Horshamrx.com Horsham Square Pharmacy 575 Horsham Road Horsham,19044 215-674-5050 https://WWW.HORSHAMSQUAREPHARMACY.COM Jaisohn Medical Center 51 Medical Campus Drive Lansdale, 19446 215-997-2101 LaCons Pharmacy 1336 Powell Street Norristown, 19401 610-279-0140 https://www.laconspharmacy.com Lansdale Hospital 100 Medical Campus Drive Lansdale, 19446 https://jefferson.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eaFnRURFGL4npsx?utm_source=cv19banner Montgomery County EMS Office-Public Safety,EOC 50 Eagleville Road Norristown, 19403 833-875-3967 https://www.montcopa.org/3660/COVID-19-Vaccine Norristown Health Center Montgomery County 1430 DeKalb Street Norristown, 19404 610-278-5117 https://www.montcopa.org/3660/COVID-19-Vaccine Tower Health-Pottstown Hospital 1600 Read more

 

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Feb. 09): COVID-19 vaccine update

(Feb 09, 2021)

I’ve heard from many of you expressing your frustrations and grievances with Pennsylvania’s coronavirus vaccine distribution process. I share in your concerns as countless people eligible to receive the vaccine cannot access it. Read more

 

Shusterman hails legislation that could bolster food donations throughout the commonwealth

(Feb 05, 2021)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 5 – A bill that would provide food donors with legal protections for donating food in good faith passed the House today, announced state Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, who first suggested the action last session. House Bill 187 would expand the current immunity from civil and criminal liability to explicitly apply to the donation of food that has exceeded the manufacturer’s “best by” date, but is still fit for human consumption. Shusterman said she introduced an identical bill two years ago as many people misinterpret “best by” dates as expiration dates or indicators of food safety. “I’ve been fighting for this measure since 2019 and encouraging food donations is more important than ever as Pennsylvanians continue struggling from the economic impacts brought on by the coronavirus pandemic,” Shusterman said. “Too often, food that’s completely safe to eat gets thrown away because people mistake its freshness date for an expiration date. This is unacceptable as food banks throughout the commonwealth struggle to keep up with the surge in demand.” Shusterman also introduced a House resolution last year encouraging food donations. Her resolution would both encourage food donations and recognize the importance of the federal Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act and Pennsylvania’s Read more

 

Shusterman to host virtual community resource roundtable this week

(Feb 01, 2021)

PAOLI, Feb. 1 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, invites community members to her virtual roundtable this week that will highlight several local resources available to individuals in need. The roundtable will be livestreamed on her website, RepShusterman.com , at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4. Panelists joining the roundtable will be: Mojdeh Keykhah - director of development and communications, Women's Resource Center in Wayne. Mary Fuller - executive director, Phoenixville Area Community Services. Trisha Larsen - executive director, Minding Your Mind Foundation. Stacey Dougherty - director of community outreach, Laurel House. Julie Guadan - executive director, Phoenixville Senior Center. Nina Guzman - executive director, Alianzas de Phoenixville. Deborah Steeves - attorney, LegalAid of Southeastern PA. Paula Schafer - executive director, MontCo Anti-Hunger Network. Amelia Rayburn - director of education programs, Domestic Violence Center of Chester County. Walter Urban Jr. - site administrator, PA CareerLink - Chester County. Katelyn Malis - director of programs, Open Hearth. Christi Seidel - president & CEO, Surrey Services. Leslie Holt - founder, A Child's Light. “I’m Read more

 

Shusterman appointed as member of PennSERVE, state community service commission

(Jan 28, 2021)

PHOENIXVILLE, Jan. 28 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, today announced that Gov. Tom Wolf appointed her as a member of PennSERVE, a state service commission that promotes volunteering and community service for people of all ages and levels of physical ability. “The last year has been extremely difficult for millions of Pennsylvanians and I know that many who are able to help want to, they just don’t know how. Through PennSERVE, I’ll be able to coordinate volunteer efforts on a larger scale that benefit all residents of the commonwealth,” Shusterman said. Shusterman is one of two state representatives to serve on this commission. Throughout her first term, Shusterman championed policy issues benefitting individuals living with disabilities, seniors and women. She noted that working with PennSERVE will further help her develop volunteer and social opportunities to marginalized groups of people. The PennSERVE Community Service Advisory Board supports, advises and consults with PennSERVE on its core mission of encouraging civic engagement through planned and structured community service. It focuses on promotion of the service ethic and volunteerism in its strategic planning to produce and implement a long-term, comprehensive vision and plan of action for community service initiatives throughout the state. Questions may be directed to Shusterman’s office by calling (484) Read more

 

Harris names deputy whips for 2021-22 legislative session

(Jan 26, 2021)

The PA House Democratic whip, state Rep. Jordan Harris, D-Phila., today announced that state Reps. Jessica Benham, D-Allegheny; Donna Bullock, D-Phila.; Danilo Burgos, D-Phila.; Morgan Cephas, D-Phila.; Patty Kim, D-Dauphin; Kyle Mullins, D-Lackawanna; Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh; Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery; Pam Snyder, D-Greene/Fayette/Washington; and Jared Solomon, D-Phila., will serve as deputy whips for the 2021-22 legislative session. Read more

 

Shusterman announces committee assignments for second term

(Jan 15, 2021)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 15 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, today announced her committee assignments for the 2021-22 legislative session, which includes retaining her seat on the powerful House Judiciary Committee. “All of the committees I have been appointed to serve on this session deal with issues that affect people’s everyday lives and are reflective of some of my top priorities as a legislator,” Shusterman sad. “My committee assignments put me in a position where I’m able to speak up for some of our commonwealth’s most vulnerable populations and spark social and economic change.” Shusterman is now a member of the following committees. Asterisks indicate committees that she served on in her first term and will return to: *Judiciary: Reviews bills relating to law enforcement and corrections. It has oversight over a number of state agencies, including the Pennsylvania State Police, Attorney General's Office, Department of Corrections, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency and the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing. Children and Youth: Reviews bills pertaining to the youngest residents of Pennsylvania. The committee reviews bills that affect the Office of Child Development and Learning and the Office of Children, Youth and Families under the Department of Human Services. Commerce: Read more

 

Shusterman authors resolution calling for the impeachment of President Trump

(Jan 08, 2021)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 8 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, drafted a resolution urging Congress to begin the impeachment process for the second time against President Donald Trump. Shusterman wrote the resolution after violent protestors stormed and vandalized the U.S. Capitol building in the name of President Trump’s false claims of the election being stolen from him. For inciting these heinous acts against our nation’s Capitol and waiting hours to deliver an insincere call to stop and more than 24 hours to condemn this violence, Shusterman urged fellow House members to support this resolution. “This is not a partisan issue, it’s a matter of holding the president accountable for his actions. He fueled this week’s riot by condoning his supporters’ actions and encouraging crowd members to not let anyone silence them. “What happened this week was a textbook example of domestic terrorism, and our president was the ringleader. When his attempts to override an election that was proven time and again to be legitimate failed – he resorted to orchestrating a full-blown attack on our Capitol after Congress officially confirmed Joe Biden as our next president. “This is a blatant threat to our democracy, despicable act against every citizen and an extremely dangerous standard to set. No other transfer of power in the history of our nation has ever gotten violent or met with uncontainable Read more

 

Shusterman announces $256,000 grant to benefit threatened waterway

(Dec 30, 2020)

PAOLI, Dec. 30 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, today announced that Valley Forge Trout Unlimited and Tredyffrin Township received a $256,300 Growing Greener grant to help manage stormwater. The project entails designing and installing infiltration trenches to detain and infiltrate stormwater in two residential neighborhoods near the Crabby Creek watershed, a tributary of Valley Creek. Valley Creek is on the state's list of impaired and threatened waterways for sediments caused by highly erodible streambanks and Crabby Creek contains steep slopes and erodible soils. “Soil erosion is the steppingstone to an array of issues that impact our daily lives. It can destroy fertile land, worsen flooding and increase pollution, so addressing these issues at their root can have significant impacts on the prosperity of our environment,” Shusterman said. Growing Greener remains the largest single investment of state funds in Pennsylvania's history to address Pennsylvania's critical environmental concerns of the 21st century. Signed into law on Dec. 15, 1999. It was reauthorized in June 2002, doubling the funding for the Growing Greener program and extended it through 2012. This increased DEP's portion of Growing Greener to $547.7 million from the original $240 million. More information on this grant program is available at Read more

 

Shusterman applauds $4.75M grant awarded to emergency service companies and domestic violence shelter

(Dec 28, 2020)

PHOENIXVILLE, Dec. 28 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, said that two emergency services companies and a domestic violence shelter will receive $4.75 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grants. Grants will be awarded as follows: Phoenixville Fire Station will receive $1.75 million toward construction and infrastructure expenses as well as related costs for community health, safety and education. Projects include adding an office/support space and six-bay drive thru apparatus room and strengthening indoor and outdoor training capabilities. This will help the station transition from a volunteer fire company to a professional/volunteer fire company. Central Emergency Services in Upper Providence Township will receive $2 million for the construction of a fire and emergency services facility and training building. This facility will be the headquarters and primary response location for all fire and EMS services for Upper Providence Township. This specifically includes installation and construction of foundations, structural elements, interior construction and finishes for the new building and associated training building. Laurel House will receive $1 million to be used toward building renovations such as creating ADA-friendly spaces, rooms to accommodate residents with special-care needs and installing an elevator. This funding will also Read more

 

Shusterman brings home $10 million in first term, outlines priorities for next year’s session

(Dec 21, 2020)

PAOLI, Dec. 21 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, concluded her first term in office by securing $10 million in grant funding to benefit her district and elaborated on the issues that she will prioritize in 2021. Grants that Shusterman helped to secure since 2018 include financial support to strengthens schools’ safety and security, fund volunteer first responders, support survivors of domestic and child abuse, and preserve local history. She also worked with 40 area business owners to bring back $800,000 in COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business grants. “I represent a highly prosperous community where residents pay a substantial amount in taxes, so I’m proud to help bring that money back to the district to distribute to those who truly need it.” Shusterman said. “I brought $10 million home from Harrisburg in my first term and I plan to keep that momentum going for my second term.” Shusterman added that since the MontcoStrong 2021 and Chester County Main Street grant programs will soon reopen, restaurant and small business owners can contact her office for help with their application. As Pennsylvania continues its battle COVID-19, Shusterman said her top two priorities this legislative session are preserving the health and wellbeing of commonwealth residents and providing small business owners with relief Read more

 

Sappey and Shusterman announce more than $1.7M to protect and support victims of abuse

(Dec 10, 2020)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 10 – State Reps. Christina Sappey and Melissa Shusterman, both D-Chester, today applauded the awarding of more than $1.7 million in Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency grants to Chester County organizations and agencies. The funds, approved by the PCCD, will support a variety of programs and services, including adult probation services, body-worn camera initiatives, domestic abuse programs and more. “Unfortunately, we are seeing an increase in incidents of domestic violence and abuse due in part to the isolation we are experiencing during the pandemic” Sappey said. “This funding will directly help victims and give those who need rehabilitation the tools they need.” “Women, children and other victims of abuse deserve a safe space to call home and programs that can help them get back on their feet,” Shusterman said. “I am thrilled about the amount of money coming to Chester County to help these individuals reclaim their lives and move forward in a safe, healthy environment. We have to do more to help victims of abuse and their loved ones.” The grants awarded in Chester County are as follows: Improvement of Adult Probation Services Funds Chester County - Improvement of Adult Probation Services - $533,144. Federal STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Funds Chester County Commissioners Read more

 

Shusterman hosting virtual roundtable on local history

(Dec 03, 2020)

PAOLI, Dec. 3 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, invites community members to her virtual roundtable on local history and preservation next week. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8 and be livestreamed on her website, RepShusterman.com . The list of speakers for the meeting is as follows: Pattye Benson, president, Tredyffrin Historic Preservation Trust. Molly Duffy, executive director, Valley Forge Park Alliance. Rob Williams, chair, Tredyffrin Historical Commission. Julie Siglin, executive director, Wharton Esherick Museum. John O. Senior, president, Tredyffrin Easttown Historical Society. Bart Van Valkenburgh, vice president, Tredyffrin Easttown Historical Society. Bertha Jackmon, church historian, Mt. Zion AME Church in Devon. Deb Woolson, vice-chair, Friends of the Medal of Honor Grove. Ryan Conroy, chairman of the board, Historical Society of the Phoenixville Area and vice-chair, Spring-Ford Historical Society. “The 157th Legislative District has a deeply rich history. From Valley Forge’s role in the Revolutionary War to Wharton Esherick’s inspiring artwork, our community has no shortage of fascinating stories to share,” Shusterman said. “I anticipate that attendees will even be surprised to learn how our Read more

 

Shusterman announces $48K in local historical preservation grants

(Dec 02, 2020)

PAOLI, Dec. 2 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, a member of the House Tourism and Recreational Development Committee, today announced that several Chester County historical preservation nonprofits received grants from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. “Local museums and historical societies preserve our community’s stories and culture. Ensuring their success allows us all to learn from our past so we can continue modernizing our community, as well as provide enrichment and educational opportunities,” Shusterman said. “Grants like these help ensure museums’ success after surviving this year filled with hardships.” Grants have been awarded as follows: Chester County Historical Society: $16,513. Graystone Society, Inc., National Iron & Steel Heritage: $6,385. Historic Sugartown Inc.: $4,000. Historic Yellow Springs Inc.: $10,706. Wharton Esherick Museum: $4,749. American Helicopter Museum and Education Center: $6,492. Award amounts are determined using an equation based on a percentage of the eligible museum’s previous year’s operating budget. The maximum any museum could receive is $40,000. All official county historical societies receive a $4,000 minimum grant. Shusterman added that she will be hosting a Read more

 

Shusterman elected as third vice chair of Southeast Delegation

(Nov 30, 2020)

HARRISBURG, Nov. 30 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, was elected by her peers to serve as third vice chair to the Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus’ powerful Southeast Delegation. The Southeast Delegation is the Pennsylvania House’s largest delegation, comprising legislators from Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Berks, Lancaster, York and Dauphin counties. The delegation’s leadership structure is divided into two levels with vice chairs who serve the entire delegation and regional vice chairs who are responsible for their geographical area. “I’m honored to be a vice chair for the Southeast Delegation . I look forward to working with my colleagues throughout the southeastern corner of the commonwealth and lifting up the voices of fellow community members as I take on this leadership position,” Shusterman said. Shusterman proved to be an outspoken advocate for individuals living with disabilities, women’s health, reducing gun violence, environmental conservation and small business owners throughout her first term. Shusterman said she looks forward to bringing these issues to the forefront of the delegation as she begins work as a vice chair in 2021. Read more

 

Miss my latest Tele-Town Hall? Catch the discussion here.
Mar 03, 2021

Shusterman presents House citation to group providing COVID-19 protection
Feb 25, 2021

Shusterman hosting COVID-19 vaccine telephone town hall
Feb 22, 2021

Shusterman authors legislation to bolster small businesses, reform state lobbying practices
Feb 17, 2021

Rep. Shusterman's Jan. 2021 Newsletter
Feb 10, 2021

Regional COVID-19 Vaccination Locations
Feb 09, 2021

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Feb. 09): COVID-19 vaccine update
Feb 09, 2021

Shusterman hails legislation that could bolster food donations throughout the commonwealth
Feb 05, 2021

Shusterman to host virtual community resource roundtable this week
Feb 01, 2021

Shusterman appointed as member of PennSERVE, state community service commission
Jan 28, 2021

Harris names deputy whips for 2021-22 legislative session
Jan 26, 2021

Shusterman announces committee assignments for second term
Jan 15, 2021

Shusterman authors resolution calling for the impeachment of President Trump
Jan 08, 2021

Shusterman announces $256,000 grant to benefit threatened waterway
Dec 30, 2020

Shusterman applauds $4.75M grant awarded to emergency service companies and domestic violence shelter
Dec 28, 2020

Shusterman brings home $10 million in first term, outlines priorities for next year’s session
Dec 21, 2020

Sappey and Shusterman announce more than $1.7M to protect and support victims of abuse
Dec 10, 2020

Shusterman hosting virtual roundtable on local history
Dec 03, 2020

Shusterman announces $48K in local historical preservation grants
Dec 02, 2020

Shusterman elected as third vice chair of Southeast Delegation
Nov 30, 2020