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Ciresi brings $1.7 million for area transportation and infrastructure improvements: Funding will advance project to restore Reading-Philadelphia passenger rail service

(Mar 16, 2023) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, March 16 – As a longtime, successful advocate for transportation and infrastructure programs in the 146th Legislative District, State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced today that he has helped to secure 1.7 million in state grants for area transportation and infrastructure projects through the Commonwealth Financing Authority. “I am proud to have secured $1.7 million in grant funding for these significant and far-reaching projects, particularly the feasibility study that will help establish passenger service between Reading and Philadelphia,” Ciresi said. “This funding will improve our area through investments in projects to reduce traffic, make our streets safer, and increase access to residential, business and recreational areas.” The funding will be used for the following projects: $250,000 toward reconstructing and aligning Lightcap Road in Limerick Township to support the increase in traffic caused by development in the area. $200,000 for the restoration of First Avenue from Arch Street to the trailhead parking area in Royersford Borough to improve access to residences, businesses, and amenities; support the broader Royersford business climate; and ensure a safe and well-maintained connection to the Schuylkill River Trail and other connected trails. $1 million to replace outdated streetlights in Pottstown Borough with new, energy efficient LED lights and control systems, and to install crime prevention Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El and Hill-Evans introduce bill to expand PTRR Program in PA

(Mar 14, 2023) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, March 14 – State Reps. Izzy Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and Carol Hill-Evans, D-York, on Monday introduced legislation (H.B. 389) to expand the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program in Pennsylvania by equalizing income levels, increasing rebate amounts and raising the highest income bracket for homeowners and renters. “It has become too hard to afford a home in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” Smith-Wade-El said. “For many of our senior homeowners and renters, the place in which they live is a legacy of work, life, and love, and we have an obligation to protect them and that legacy by helping them stay in their homes. “Older Pennsylvanians in Lancaster and across the Commonwealth are struggling to pay for basic necessities like food and rent. Despite rising inflation and cost-of-living increases, PTRR’s income limits, rebate amounts and other provisions have not been modified to correspond to these economic changes, resulting in fewer people qualifying for the program and the program rebates failing to provide the necessary financial assistance. “In particular, the PTRR Program has too long discriminated against renters, saying that they deserve less support than homeowners. What we’re going to do differently with this legislation is make sure that all of our seniors and all of our neighbors with disabilities have the support they need to stay in their homes. “The changes Chairwoman Hill-Evans and I Read more

 

Ciresi, Haddock introduce legislation to expand property tax, rent relief

(Mar 09, 2023) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, March 9 – State Reps. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and Jim Haddock, D-Lackawanna/Luzerne, introduced this week H.B. 113, to expand the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program in Pennsylvania. “Pennsylvanians are struggling under high inflation to pay for basic necessities, especially housing,” Ciresi said. “I firmly believe that we must help our seniors and people with disabilities stay in the homes they’ve lived in for years for their own health and for community stability. Unfortunately, while inflation and cost of living has risen, PTRR’s income limits, rebate amounts and other provisions have not been updated to correspond with economic changes, so fewer people qualify for the program, and the rebates don’t provide the needed financial assistance.” “We must act now to expand PTRR as next year, thousands of seniors will lose eligibility because their Social Security cost-of-living adjustments will push them above the eligibility threshold,” Ciresi said. “It is time to make sure that our seniors can remain eligible, and that more individuals can seek assistance from this vital program.” The legislation would increase income limits for homeowners and renters to $50,000 and $25,000, respectively, recognizing the impact inflation has had since the last increase in 2006. In addition, the legislation would permanently reinstate a provision that would ensure individuals are not deemed ineligible for Read more

 

Ciresi highlights significant investment in property tax and rent relief in Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal

(Mar 09, 2023) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, March 7 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, reacted to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2023-24 budget unveiled today before a joint session of the General Assembly. “I was glad to hear a vision to invest in important and necessary priorities of property tax relief, mental health, school facilities, and public safety in Governor Shapiro’s first budget,” Ciresi said. “The call to expand the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, which I’ve proposed legislation to do , would be a significant investment in housing affordability, providing property tax and housing relief to more than half a million seniors and individuals with disabilities.” The budget proposed expanding the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program by raising income eligibility caps to $45,000 for both homeowners and renters, indexing eligibility caps to inflation, and increasing maximum rebates to $1,000. These changes, the first major update since 2006, would expand program eligibility to 173,000 individuals, and increase assistance to an additional 398,000 people. Ciresi said the proposed budget also includes an additional $671 million for basic and special education statewide, delivering an increase of $5.8 million to school districts in the 146 th District, including: Pottsgrove School District: $1.2 million. Pottstown School District: $2.9 million. Spring-Ford Area School District: $1.7 Read more

 

Pashinski, O’Mara re-introduce legislation to reform hospital closure process

(Mar 08, 2023) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, March 8 – State Reps. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Luzerne, and Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, introduced legislation recently that would bring more accountability to the process of hospital closures, ensuring that Pennsylvanians can receive uninterrupted care and that hospital systems honor their duty to their patients, staff, and the communities they serve. The legislation is a companion to state Sen. Carolyn Comitta’s S.B. 184, introduced in January. “When hospitals and health care facilities close or drastically reduce services with little or no notice, their patients, doctors, nurses, and staff suffer,” Pashinski said. “We witnessed this in Luzerne County last year with the sudden announcement and subsequent closure of First Hospital without any apparent plans in place to provide for continuity of care or help their staff transition. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would be a significant step toward ensuring health care facilities planning to close provide local communities and government agencies the time, information, and opportunity they need to adequately address these significant impacts and plan for related challenges.” “When a community hospital closes down, hundreds of thousands of people suddenly need to figure out how to access emergency health care. This especially applies to maternity wards, because if one of only two local labor and delivery units moves 30 minutes away, it creates a health Read more

 

Scott appointed to PA House committees

(Mar 08, 2023) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, March 8 – State Rep. Greg Scott, D-Montgomery, announced today he has been appointed to the Finance, Gaming Oversight, Insurance and Veterans’ Affairs and Emergency Preparedness committees for the 2023-24 session in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. “I look forward to using the breadth and depth of expertise I have developed as a magisterial district judge, in local government and as a long-term volunteer firefighter on these committees whose work shapes the laws impacting Pennsylvanians’ lives,” Scott said. “From working to reduce tax burdens on residents to enhancing veteran programs, providing oversight to the gaming and insurance industries, and supporting our firefighters and EMTs, I am eager to engage with my colleagues in my party and across the aisle to ensure that the laws that go to the House to be voted on best serve the interests of the people of Pennsylvania.” The Finance Committee reviews bills dealing with financial issues for the state, including tax collection rates and policies, and banking policies. The Gaming Oversight Committee works with the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and the Department of Revenue to evaluate bills that affect gaming in Pennsylvania, including the types of gaming allowed in the commonwealth, as well as rules for casinos and the use of gaming proceeds in Pennsylvania. The Insurance Committee reviews bills that regulate home, auto and Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El appointed to PA House committees

(Mar 08, 2023) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, March 8 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced today he has been appointed to the Committee on Committees, and Education, Housing and Community Development, Human Services and Local Government committees for the 2023-24 session in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. “I am honored that I have been named to these Pa. House committees that oversee the services that are the lifeblood of our community—education, human services, housing and local government,” Smith-Wade-El said. “I will use the knowledge and skills gained from my work on the Lancaster City Council, with the Lancaster County Homelessness Coalition and Community Action Partnership and as a community activist to evaluate the bills before the committees and advocate for legislation that will improve Pennsylvanians’ lives.” The Committee on Committees recommends to the House the names of members who are to serve on the standing committees of the House. The Education Committee reviews bills that pertain to educational funding, school choice and charter schools, teacher standards and more. The Housing and Community Development Committee was established in 2023. Formerly the Urban Affairs Committee, the committee reviews bills that pertain to cities and counties of the first, second and third class. Housing and public safety have been recent concerns for this committee. The Human Services Read more

 

Daley named House Tourism & Economic & Recreational Development Committee majority chair

(Mar 07, 2023) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, March 7 – State Rep. Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery, said she gratefully accepted appointment to the post of majority chair of the Pennsylvania House Tourism & Economic & Recreational Development Committee by Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, D-Phila., for the 2023-24 legislative session. The committee, previously named the Tourism & Recreational Development Committee, has been renamed the Tourism & Economic & Recreational Development Committee to reflect the industry’s impact on the economy. In her role as chair, Daley will have the authority to set the schedule and choose legislation for the committee to consider on improving the tourism industry in Pennsylvania. “The tourism industry generates more than $43.3 billion annually from visitor spending and provides for over half a million jobs,” Daley said. “As majority chair, I will promote legislation that fosters the development of Pennsylvania’s tourism industry to the benefit of its local businesses and communities.” The committee has jurisdiction over the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. The committee’s subcommittees include Arts and Entertainment, Recreation, and Travel Promotion. “Each year, Pennsylvania hosts over 204 million travelers from across the United States, nearly 1.3 million visitors from Canada, and 1 million from overseas markets,” Daley said. “Almost 10 million travelers visit Read more

 

Krueger elected to House Democratic Caucus administrator position

(Mar 01, 2023) Rep. Leanne Krueger

HARRISBURG, March 1 – State Rep. Leanne Krueger was elected to House Democratic majority leadership as administrator, becoming the first Democratic woman ever to earn the office, following Rep. Joanna McClinton’s election as speaker Tuesday. Krueger said that becoming a part of leadership will give her a greater platform to advocate for the people in her district, Delaware County and all of Pennsylvania. “Pennsylvanians voted for a new direction in Harrisburg, and I’m proud to be a part of that change,” said Krueger, D-Delaware. “Together with Speaker McClinton and our leadership team, I look forward to helping move the legislation and policy that are being called for by Pennsylvanians. It’s a new day in the Capitol.” Among her policy goals remain protecting access to women’s health care, passing a responsible contractor ordinance, raising the minimum wage, and supporting public education in Pennsylvania. “We have a lot of work to do, but I am energized by the promise of new vision in the Capitol and the leadership of newly elected Governor Josh Shapiro to see our commonwealth’s challenges through,” she said. The rest of the House Democratic leadership changes included state Rep. Matt Bradford, D-Montgomery, becoming majority leader, state Rep. Jordan Harris, D-Phila., becoming the House Appropriations chair, state Rep. Dan Miller, D-Allegheny, becoming whip, and state Rep. Mike Schlossberg, Read more

 

Delaware Co. House Democrats congratulate area libraries for state grants

(Feb 24, 2023) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, Feb. 24 – State House Democrats in Delaware County today are congratulating five regional libraries for earning competitive state awards to improve their facilities. The libraries were each one of only 21 libraries in 15 counties to receive the state Department of Education grants. Darby Library Co., $728,726 Norwood Public Library, $14,811 Rachel Kohl Community Library, $190,398 Radnor Public Library, $47,000 Yeadon Public Library, $26,415 “Our libraries benefit the public with outstanding programs and services, and I congratulate the librarians and staff who put in so much hard work earning these awards,” House Majority Leader Joanna McClinton said. “This funding represents taxpayer money reinvested in our communities and expands reading and learning in Delco. It’s an outstanding win-win.” “Thank you to the Shapiro administration for this investment in Norwood and all of our communities,” state Rep. Dave Delloso said. “These competitive grants reflect highly on the great work that our library employees conduct every day for their neighbors.” “Congratulations are in order for Radnor and the rest of these amazing Delco libraries on funding hard fought and earned,” state Rep. Lisa Borowski said. “Libraries are one of the most valuable resources in a community, and I look forward to seeing the many returns on this investment for Read more

 

Hanbidge congratulates Wissahickon Valley Public Library for $182,622 state grant

(Feb 24, 2023) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, Feb. 24 – State Rep. Liz Hanbidge said she congratulates Wissahickon Valley Public Library on its competitive award of $182,622 today from the state’s Keystone Grants for Public Library Facilities program. The state Department of Education grants are for the construction and rehabilitation of public library facilities across the commonwealth. Wissahickon Valley Public Library was one of 21 libraries in 15 counties to receive an award. “Wissahickon Valley Public Library benefits the public with its excellent services, so it’s fitting that it earns such a substantial and helpful award,” Hanbidge said. “This grant will go to good use expanding the library’s catalog of services and it saves local taxes. It’s always wonderful to see state money reinvested in our community.” The Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund was established by the General Assembly in 1993. The Department of Education, through the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, Bureau of Library Development, administers the public library portion of this program, which is funded from a portion of the state’s realty transfer tax. Read more

 

Howard congratulates Malvern Public Library for $35,489 state grant

(Feb 24, 2023) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, Feb. 24 – State Rep. Kristine Howard said she congratulates Malvern Public Library on their competitive award of $35,489 today from the state’s Keystone Grants for Public Library Facilities program. The state Department of Education grants are for the construction and rehabilitation of public library facilities across the commonwealth. Malvern Public Library was one of 21 libraries in 15 counties to receive an award. “The Malvern Library provides an invaluable service to the community, and I am thrilled with this award, which will enable the library to continue fostering a love of learning.” Read more

 

Scott: $42K awarded to Hancock Elementary School to purchase oven

(Feb 22, 2023) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, Feb. 22 – State Rep. Greg Scott, D-Montgomery, announced today that the Hancock Elementary School received $42,145 in Food Service Equipment grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the purchase of electric combi ovens so the school can provide hot meals to students. “Thanks to these grants, Hancock Elementary School will be able to serve hot and nutritious meals to its students,” Scott said. ”I am committed to making sure our community’s children receive all the resources they need to learn, and that begins with guaranteeing access to healthy and nutritious meals so they have the fuel to grow and flourish.” Funding for the grants is made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Grants are awarded to schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program. Schools use the grants to purchase or upgrade equipment such as refrigerators, freezers, stoves and dishwashers. More than 1 million children and students receive nutritious meals through federal school nutrition programs, which include the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, and Summer Food Service Program. The Shapiro administration and PDE are committed to ensuring that all children and students have access to healthy meals through state and federal programs and initiatives. For more information on the Pennsylvania Department of Education , Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El secures $115K for 49th District: District Office Open House Will Be Held Friday, March 3

(Feb 17, 2023) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, Feb. 17 – State Rep. Izzy Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced that he secured $115,000 in state grants for community organizations in the 49 th District and is inviting residents of the district to his District Office Open House on March 3 to learn more about the services his office provides. “ Our community organizations lift up the lives of so many in our district,” Smith-Wade-El said. “As state representative for Lancaster City, Lancaster Township, and Millersville, I am committed not just to legislating on behalf of our community, but to doing my part to encourage and support these organizations by bringing home the resources they need to give our neighbors the help they deserve.” The following groups received grants: Community Action Partnerships $20,000 to support the Crispus Attucks Community Center’s youth and community-serving programs was awarded by the PA Department of Human Services. City of Lancaster $20,000 to construct and establish the Beaver Street Pocket Park was awarded by PA Department of Community and Economic Development. City of Lancaster Bureau of Fire $15,000 to support fire services was awarded by the PA Office of State Fire Commissioner. Lancaster Township Fire Department $15,000 to support fire services was awarded by the PA Office of State Fire Commissioner. Blue Rock Read more

 

O'Mara: State laws can prevent tragedies without penalizing responsible gun owners

(Feb 02, 2023) Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara

In honor of National Gun Violence Survivors Week, I urge everyone to open their minds and their hearts to how we can stop this epidemic and save lives. Read more

 

Kazeem sworn in as state representative for Pennsylvania’s 159th District

(Jan 04, 2023) Rep. Carol Kazeem

HARRISBURG, Jan. 4 – State Rep. Carol Kazeem took the oath of office in Harrisburg Tuesday, commencing her first term as state representative for her Delaware County district. After last year’s reapportionment process, the 159th Legislative District consists of the City of Chester, Lower Chichester and Upper Chichester townships and Eddystone, Trainer, Parkside and Marcus Hook boroughs. “It’s a great honor that the residents of the 159 th District gave me the opportunity to be their advocate in our state legislature,” Kazeem said. “I look forward to bringing up the topics that our commonwealth needs to seriously discuss and enact change that will improve the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians.” Kazeem said that some of her top legislative priorities for this session include reducing gun violence, strengthening education equity, criminal justice reform and raising the minimum wage. She expects to receive her committee assignments later this month. Kazeem is one of 26 new Democratic members sworn in and one of eight Democratic freshwomen. This class of freshmen legislators is the largest and most diverse group in over a decade. Photos from the swearing-in ceremony are available on Kazeem’s website: https://www.pahouse.com/Kazeem/PhotoGallery?g=5437 . Read more

 

Davis takes oath as state representative for 141st District

(Jan 03, 2023) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, Jan. 3 – State Rep. Tina Davis took the oath of office in the state Capitol today to begin her term representing the 141st Legislative District, which comprises Bristol Township and Bristol Borough. The noon swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of the 2023-24 session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Davis said some of her priorities will be economic development and opportunity; job creation; pay equity; property tax reform; and programs assisting families, seniors and veterans. “I’m excited to be in a position to advocate for legislation to build safe, strong and healthy communities, a thriving workforce and top-notch affordable health care for all in Bristol Township and Bristol Borough,” Davis said. “I will advance a strong legislative approach to economic development, law enforcement and social services to ensure that these communities reach their full potential and are a magnet to residents and businesses. “As I have successfully done in the past, I will make it a priority to bring in grant money to support projects to improve life and expand business in our community.” Davis’ office can help with a variety of state-related services, including home heating assistance, children’s health insurance, prescription drug and Property Tax/Rent Rebate assistance. Residents can find out more by going to RepTinaDavis.com . Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El takes oath for first term

(Jan 03, 2023) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, Jan. 3 – State Rep. Ismail “Izzy” Smith-Wade-El took the oath of office today in the state Capitol to begin his first term representing the 49 th Legislative District, which comprises part of the city of Lancaster, Lancaster Township and Millersville Borough. The noon swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of the 2023-24 session of the Pennsylvania House. Smith-Wade-El is also scheduled to be installed as treasurer of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus during its installation of officers at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 4. The installation will be streamed live on the PLBC website or on the PLBC’s Facebook page. Smith-Wade-El said some of his priorities in his first term are affordable housing, justice and public safety; high-quality affordable healthcare for all; LGBTQ rights; cannabis decriminalization; high-quality education for children regardless of Zip code; workers’ rights; climate action; returning power to local government, and reproductive rights and health care. “I am honored to represent the 49 th District in the PA House of Representatives,” Smith-Wade-El said. ‘I am looking forward to drawing on my depth of skills and experiences acquired as an activist and president of the Lancaster City Council to improve our residents’ quality of life, make our communities safer and stronger, and increase economic opportunities for all.” Read more

 

Daley takes oath for sixth term

(Jan 03, 2023) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, Jan. 3 – State Rep. Mary Jo Daley took the oath of office at the state Capitol today to begin her sixth term representing the 148 th Legislative District, which comprises Whitemarsh Township, Lower Merion Township and Narberth Borough. The noon swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of the 2023-24 legislative session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Daley said some of her priorities will be improving health care for women and children, ensuring high quality health care is available to all, protecting the environment and implementing sustainable energy policies. “I am proud the residents of the 148 th District have chosen me to again to represent their interests in Harrisburg,” Daley said. “Every day, I am fighting to ensure our residents live in strong, safe communities, are supported by an expansive and durable social net and top-notch affordable health care and can send their children to high performing public schools. I believe that my work in the 148 th will help bring improved quality of life for all.” Daley said her office can help with a variety of state-related services, including home heating assistance, children’s health insurance, prescription drug and Property Tax/Rent Rebate assistance. Residents can find out more by going to RepMJDaley.com . Daley’s office is located at 312 Old Lancaster Road , Read more

 

$50,000 Equipment Grant awarded for Bucks County Technical High School

(Dec 22, 2022) Southeast Delegation

LEVITTOWN, Dec. 22 – State Rep. Tina Davis, D-Bucks, announced today that Bucks County Technical High School has been awarded the maximum grant of $50,000 by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the purchase of new equipment to help train students in skills required for high-demand occupations . “This money will help Bucks County Technical High School in its mission to provide our young people with the educational opportunities necessary to develop the in-demand skills required for high-paying jobs,” Davis said. “As I have said before, the development of a highly trained workforce in Bucks County is a magnet for companies. This state grant is a wise investment in our economic future.” Under PDE’s program, Bucks County Technical High School has received the maximum grant of $50,000. This grant must be matched dollar-for-dollar from local sources. The development of career and technical centers and high schools has been a priority for the Wolf Administration in its goal of developing a world-class 21 st century workforce. In the past eight years, the number of career and technical education students earning industry-recognized credentials has increased by 49.5 percent, and the number of credentials earned by students enrolled in CTE programs has grown by 32.6 percent. There are more than 80 CTCs in Pennsylvania that offer a combination of classes and hands-on learning Read more

 

Ciresi brings $1.7 million for area transportation and infrastructure improvements: Funding will advance project to restore Reading-Philadelphia passenger rail service
Mar 16, 2023

Smith-Wade-El and Hill-Evans introduce bill to expand PTRR Program in PA
Mar 14, 2023

Ciresi, Haddock introduce legislation to expand property tax, rent relief
Mar 09, 2023

Ciresi highlights significant investment in property tax and rent relief in Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal
Mar 09, 2023

Pashinski, O’Mara re-introduce legislation to reform hospital closure process
Mar 08, 2023

Scott appointed to PA House committees
Mar 08, 2023

Smith-Wade-El appointed to PA House committees
Mar 08, 2023

Daley named House Tourism & Economic & Recreational Development Committee majority chair
Mar 07, 2023

Krueger elected to House Democratic Caucus administrator position
Mar 01, 2023

Delaware Co. House Democrats congratulate area libraries for state grants
Feb 24, 2023

Hanbidge congratulates Wissahickon Valley Public Library for $182,622 state grant
Feb 24, 2023

Howard congratulates Malvern Public Library for $35,489 state grant
Feb 24, 2023

Scott: $42K awarded to Hancock Elementary School to purchase oven
Feb 22, 2023

Smith-Wade-El secures $115K for 49th District: District Office Open House Will Be Held Friday, March 3
Feb 17, 2023

O'Mara: State laws can prevent tragedies without penalizing responsible gun owners
Feb 02, 2023

Kazeem sworn in as state representative for Pennsylvania’s 159th District
Jan 04, 2023

Davis takes oath as state representative for 141st District
Jan 03, 2023

Smith-Wade-El takes oath for first term
Jan 03, 2023

Daley takes oath for sixth term
Jan 03, 2023

$50,000 Equipment Grant awarded for Bucks County Technical High School
Dec 22, 2022