Category: Covering The Commonwealth

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Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Office of Commonwealth Libraries (OCL) today announced that nearly $4.5 million in funding has been awarded to 17 libraries in 14 counties for the construction and rehabilitation of public library facilities. Supporting public libraries is part of the Shapiro Administration’s work to invest in Pennsylvania communities and create opportunity across the Commonwealth. Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal builds on that work by proposed bold investments in Pennsylvania schools, businesses, and communities.

“Pennsylvania’s libraries provide critical resources and services to the residents of their communities, and this funding will enable them to continue those efforts in state-of-the-art spaces,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin. “By investing in our libraries, we are investing in the health of our towns and cities and all of the people who call them home.”

Award recipients were selected through a competitive grant process. The Keystone grants help public library facilities improve their operations, install equipment, and upgrade security systems.

Libraries receiving the Keystone Grants for Public Library Facilities include:

Allegheny:

  • Shaler North Hills Library, $149,452.50
  • South Fayette Township Library, $750,000
  • Dormont Public Library, $50,000
  • Pleasant Hills Public Library, $208,202

Beaver:

  • Carnegie Free Library of Beaver Falls, $69,000

Berks:

  • Hamburg Public Library, $750,000

Bradford:

  • Monroeton Public Library, $62,323

Bucks:

  • Bucks County Free Library: James Michener Library Branch, $157,478.50

Chester:

  • Easttown Library, $45,000

Clarion:

  • Redbank Valley Public Library, $51,735.09

Clearfield:

  • Joseph & Elizabeth Shaw Public Library, $329,262

Dauphin:

  • Hershey Public Library, $166,708

Lackawanna:

  • Lackawanna County Library System: Scranton Public Library: Nancy Kay Holmes Branch, $333,700

Lancaster:

  • Manheim Community Library, $750,000

Lebanon:

  • Lebanon Community Library, $68,500

Northampton:

  • Memorial Library of Nazareth and Vicinity, $250,000

York:

  • Guthrie Memorial Library, $294,975

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.

Grants pay up to 50 percent of eligible costs in planning, acquisition, construction, and rehabilitation of public libraries. Examples of fundable projects include but are not limited to: ADA upgrades, roof improvements, replacement windows, energy efficiency upgrades to HVAC systems, facility expansion, and new construction.

PDE’s Office of Commonwealth Libraries supports, develops, and provides library services for learning and advancement. For more information on the Pennsylvania Department of Education, please visit the Department of Education website

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The company, which designs, engineers, and makes all of its residential and commercial heating products in the Commonwealth, will construct a new 45,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Lancaster.

Pennsylvania is open for business, and the Shapiro Administration is committed to strengthening our manufacturing industry.

Harrisburg, PA – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro announced the Commonwealth is investing more than $3.2 million in U.S. Boiler Company to support the residential and light commercial heating product manufacturer’s growth in Pennsylvania. Headquartered in Lancaster for over 30 years, the company’s $5.5 million expansion project will create at least 15 new jobs and retain 117 existing jobs.

U.S. Boiler Company is constructing a new 45,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at 2930 Old Tree Road in Lancaster that will house state of the art production lines, conveyors and storage racking. This expansion will allow the company to increase production of its most popular family of low-emission, high-efficiency boilers, Alta.

Pennsylvania is successfully competing with other states and countries to attract and retain business – like U.S. Boiler Company, which chose the Commonwealth over North Carolina for its latest expansion. Since January 2023, Governor Shapiro has announced more than $1.2 billion in new private sector investment in Pennsylvania as a direct result of his Administration’s work.

“When strong manufacturers like U.S. Boiler Company choose to grow in Pennsylvania, it sends a clear message around the world that we are open for business and we have what companies need to thrive,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “I’m competitive as hell and my Administration is doubling down on our efforts to work at the speed of business and make Pennsylvania a leader in job growth and economic development.”

This investment builds on Governor Shapiro’s commitment to growing and strengthening our economy, creating real opportunity and a better future for Pennsylvanians. His 2024-25 budget proposes more than $600 million in total new and expanded economic development investments, including $25 million for the newly proposed Main Street Matters program to support small businesses and commercial corridors, $20 million to support large scale innovation and $500 million in PA Sites funding to bring more commercial and industrial sites online.

Governor Shapiro and Secretary Siger also recently launched the Commonwealth’s first Economic Development Strategy in nearly two decades – building on the Shapiro Administration’s work to make Pennsylvania a leader in innovation and economic development and to create economic opportunity for all Pennsylvanians.

“Since day one, the Shapiro Administration has been aggressive in our efforts to attract new companies and support existing Pennsylvania businesses,” said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. “Today’s announcement is the latest example of our commitment to building a stronger, more dynamic business environment in Pennsylvania. This project preserves union jobs, increases a home-grown company’s manufacturing capacity, and utilizes a green space ― a true win for our Commonwealth.”

U.S. Boiler Company received a funding proposal from the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for a $3 million Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) loan, a $177,000 Pennsylvania First grant, and a $45,000 workforce development grant to train workers.

Established in 1992, U.S. Boiler Company is a manufacturer of residential and light commercial heating products. Headquartered with its sole operations in Lancaster, its products are manufactured for exclusive use in North America. U.S. Boiler Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Burnham Holdings, Inc., also headquartered in Lancaster.

“Burnham Holdings and U.S. Boiler have been committed to Pennsylvania for decades,” said Christopher Drew, President and CEO, Burnham Holdings Inc. “The Commonwealth’s support of this project, which expands USB’s production capacity for its best-selling low emission, high-efficiency boiler product, the Alta, is a win for U.S. Boiler and a win for Pennsylvania.”

“The Commonwealth’s support for our over 200 union and non-union employees is a testament to Governor Shapiro’s desire to see Pennsylvania manufacturing grow and flourish,” said Keith Diller, President, U.S. Boiler Company.

The project was coordinated by the Governor’s Action Team, an experienced group of economic development professionals who report directly to the Governor and work with businesses that are considering locating or expanding in Pennsylvania.

“Manufacturing remains the leading sector of Lancaster County’s economy, contributing 17.2% of our GDP and 16.7% of our total employment,” said John Biemiller, Director of Business Retention and Expansion for EDC Lancaster County. “This investment by U.S. Boiler Company strengthens their local operations and further builds the industrial base in this community.”

 

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Governor Shapiro and Secretary Schmidt lead task force of federal, state, and local partners to protect democracy and ensure safe, secure elections in Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, PA – As part of his commitment to ensure safe and secure elections in Pennsylvania, Governor Shapiro has established the Pennsylvania Election Threats Task Force. Led by Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt, the Task Force is comprised of federal, state, and local security, law enforcement, and election administration partners who are working together to share information and coordinate plans to mitigate threats to the election process, protect voters from intimidation, and provide voters with accurate, trusted election information.

“Pennsylvania is the birthplace of American democracy, and we are working to continue defending Pennsylvanians’ fundamental freedoms and ensure we have a free, fair, safe, secure election this November. As Attorney General, I brought law enforcement leaders at every level together to ensure our elections remained free from fraud, interference, and intimidation here in Pennsylvania – and I made a commitment to continuing that work as Governor,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “We take our responsibility as stewards of our democracy seriously and the Election Threats Task Force will ensure all levels of government are working together to combat misinformation, safeguard the rights of every citizen, and ensure this election is safe, secure, free, and fair.”

As Attorney General, Shapiro went to court dozens of times to defend Pennsylvanians’ right to vote and ensure every legal vote was counted. He prosecuted voter fraud and voter intimidation cases, upholding the rule of law and protecting Pennsylvanians’ rights.

In recent years, Pennsylvania has strengthened election administration and improved election integrity by adopting new, state-of-the-art voting systems with auditable paper trails that changed how voters cast their ballot, as well as the introduction of no-excuse mail-in voting in 2020.

“In recent years, we’ve seen bad-faith actors attempt to exploit these changes by spreading lies and baseless conspiracy theories, and attempting to delegitimize our safe, secure, and accurate elections,” said Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt. “This task force has been working together to develop and coordinate plans to combat this dangerous misinformation and continue providing all eligible voters with accurate, trusted election information. Together with Governor Shapiro and our local, state, and federal partners, we will continue working to ensure we have another free and fair, safe and secure election.”

In 2018, the Wolf Administration convened an Inter-Agency Election Preparedness and Security Workgroup, which met on a regular basis and played an invaluable role in coordinating election preparedness efforts through the beginning of the Shapiro Administration.

At Governor Shapiro’s direction, the Department of State recently convened the Election Threats Task Force to continue that work and include additional key law enforcement partners. The task force’s purpose is to establish clear, strategic communication and information sharing among public agencies and officials to identify and mitigate threats to the election process.

Among the participants are representatives from key entities at every level of government, including:

  • Governor’s Office
  • Office of General Counsel
  • Department of State
  • Department of Military and Veteran’s Affairs
  • Office of State Inspector General
  • U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Pennsylvania
  • Pennsylvania’s Office of the Attorney General
  • County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP)
  • Representatives from among the Commonwealth’s county election directors
  • U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  • Pennsylvania State Police
  • Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Office of Administration’s Office of Information Technology
  • Governor’s Office of Homeland Security
  • Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency
  • Pennsylvania National Guard

“Every eligible Pennsylvania voter has the right to cast their vote safely and securely,” said Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris. “The Pennsylvania State Police is committed to working with our partners to ensure voters are safe and any threats are mitigated.”

In addition to the creation of the Election Threats Task Force, the Shapiro Administration and the Department of State have also recently increased face-to-face public interactions, produced handouts that provide critical nonpartisan information on voting and election security, and created a fact-check webpage on vote.pa.gov.

For more information about election security in Pennsylvania, visit the Department of State’s website, vote.pa.gov.

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Governor Shapiro unveiled his higher education blueprint in January after working with higher education leaders from across the Commonwealth to improve access and opportunity for Pennsylvania students.

Governor Shapiro believes that now is the time to invest – and his plan ensures higher education will be an economic driver for Pennsylvania, support students, and address workforce shortages while maintaining Pennsylvania’s $14 billion surplus.

Reading, PA – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro and Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid Mumin toured Reading Area Community College (RACC) with Senator Judy Schwank to learn how RACC is giving students the freedom to chart their own course to successful careers and addressing critical workforce needs – like the lack of nurses – in Pennsylvania.

Governor Shapiro and his Administration are currently working with higher education institutions and leaders to build out the Governor’s new blueprint for higher education. After today’s tour, the Governor and local leaders highlighted the need to take action and create more opportunities for Pennsylvania students, giving them the freedom to chart their own course while driving economic growth and prosperity for our Commonwealth. Governor Shapiro and Secretary Mumin highlighted RACC’s focus on high-need fields like nursing and its commitment to serving first-generation students, especially from Pennsylvania’s growing Latino community.

“After 30 years of disinvestment, too many of our colleges and universities are running on empty, and not enough students have affordable pathways through college and into good jobs. Pennsylvania currently ranks 49th for state investment in higher education, and 48th in higher education affordability. I want to be number one on that list – not number 49,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “My blueprint for higher education will create opportunity for Pennsylvania students and families and drive economic growth and prosperity in our communities. I know some folks look at my plan and say it’s too bold and that we can’t afford it right now. But I say we can’t afford not to invest right now – we have a $14 billion surplus, and we are facing real challenges in education and with our workforce that will hold us back in the future if we don’t take action right now. It’s time to build on this new blueprint for higher education in Pennsylvania and leave a lasting legacy on this Commonwealth.”

In January, Governor Shapiro unveiled his new blueprint for higher education in Pennsylvania – focused on competitiveness and workforce development and grounded in access and affordability. Under the Governor’s plan, higher education will serve as an economic driver for Pennsylvania, prepare workers for the future, and address workforce shortages by:

  • Creating a new system to address Pennsylvania’s needs that unites our PASSHE universities and 15 community colleges under a new governance system.
  • Increasing access and affordability, including ensuring Pennsylvanians making up to the median income pay no more than $1,000 in tuition and fees per semester at state-owned universities and community colleges.
  • Increasing transparency and improving outcomes by proposing that investments in publicly funded colleges and universities be distributed on the basis of a predictable, transparent, outcomes-focused formula that will incentivize colleges and universities to focus on what’s most important to the Commonwealth.

Pennsylvania currently ranks 48th for affordability and 49th for state investment in higher education – and Governor Shapiro knows we must take action to improve access and opportunity for Pennsylvania students. To support this new system and address the historic lack of investment in Pennsylvania’s higher education system, the Governor’s 2024-25 budget proposes:

  • $975 million in this new governance system that unites our community colleges and PASSHE schools – a 15 percent increase in the state investment in state-owned universities, community colleges, and the students they serve.
  • Recommends an increase in financial aid for students who attend the schools under the new governance system, so that Pennsylvanians making up to the median income will pay no more than $1,000 in tuition and fees per semester beginning in FY2025-26.
  • Increases Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) state grants by $1,000 for eligible students from a family that makes up to the median income, bringing the maximum award up from $5,750 to $6,750 beginning in FY2025-26.
  • Invests $279 million annually starting in FY2025-26 so Pennsylvania students can attend college in-state with a limited debt load after they graduate and can enter the workforce ready to start their careers and build a future in our Commonwealth.

“With his new Blueprint for Higher Education, Governor Shapiro intends to help Pennsylvania’s postsecondary institutions to collaborate and innovate on behalf of current and future learners,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin. “By giving learners the ability to chart their own course, we enable them to build their future on their own terms. By giving learners access to affordable postsecondary options aligned to workforce needs, we are providing them with infinite possibilities of success.”

“I believe in the promise of public education and that every student deserves the opportunity to chase their dreams and pursue their happiness in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Thanks to the bold leadership of Governor Shapiro, we now have a proposal that aims to modernize higher education in Pennsylvania, and it’s a much-needed initiative,” said Senator Judy Schwank. “There is a lot of hard work ahead, and I’m excited to partner with the Shapiro Administration to develop a public higher education system that effectively meets the needs of our students and the communities they call home.”

“I am looking forward to working with Governor Shapiro and his administration in helping students attain an affordable college education, while balancing the financial needs of the Commonwealth,” said Dr. Susan Looney, president of Reading Area Community College. “As always at Reading Area Community College, our first priority is, and will always remain, advancing the positive outcomes of our students and their families; and preparing them for successful careers in the workforce.”

“During my time at RACC, I have loved every minute of it and take pride in being able to attend this school every day. RACC provided me with these opportunities of growth that would not have been possible without it, and I am incredibly grateful for that. When the Governor and Secretary of Education come to town to visit a school that doesn’t get enough recognition, it makes a buzz,” said RACC student Jonathan Pensado. “For you gentlemen, the consensus was very positive. And it’s for a reason, you stand on the side of education, the side of human rights, and Governor Shapiro makes TikToks which is pretty cool.”

“My journey at RACC started a few years back. I was nervous to start because like many Latinos that come to the United States of America, I knew little to no English, not enough to hold a conversation. I decided that I must leave the fear and start because I wanted to do better, make my family proud, and more importantly make myself proud. I took ESL classes, and after completing them, I went on to do the prerequisites classes to be able to apply to become an Licensed Nurse Practitioner after completing my semesters and graduating,” said RACC student Wilfri Peña Rodriguez. “I am currently in my last semester of Nursing and am on my way to becoming a Registered Nurse. RACC has been fundamental in my journey. I will forever be grateful for the encouragement, guidance, and opportunities that I’ve received from teachers, staff, and friends that I’ve made along the way.”

For more information on how Governor Shapiro’s blueprint for higher education and proposed budget will create opportunity for Pennsylvanians and build affordable pathways to a college education, visit shapirobudget.pa.gov.

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On September 1, 2023 at 00:00 PA State Police- Avondale received a report of potential child abuse in the 700 block of Unionville Road, East Marlborough Township, Chester County, PA. The investigation is being handled by PSP Avondale.

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Submission Deadline Is Jan. 26, 2024

​Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that high school students from around the state are invited to participate in the seventh annual PennDOT Innovations ChallengeOpens In A New Window, which encourages students to use their problem-solving, creative and strategic-thinking abilities to solve real-world transportation challenges in a competition among their peers. The Innovations Challenge is open to all students in grades 9-12, regardless of their school’s learning model.

For this year’s challenge, students are asked to develop a plan for the replacement of an aging multi-lane roadway that will reconnect previously separated neighborhoods and incorporates community needs, such as accommodating bicycle and pedestrian traffic, allowing for new business development and ensuring the smooth flow of traffic. The proposed solution should also consider additional costs to restore the affected community.

“The transportation planners of the future are key to reestablishing communities that have been disconnected by infrastructure,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “I’m confident we will see some fresh and creative solutions to this issue.”

Regional Innovations Challenge winners will be selected and invited to present their solutions to the PennDOT Secretary and a panel of judges, who will determine the statewide winner. For this year’s challenge, the Associated Pennsylvania Constructors (APC)Opens In A New Window has donated $2,500 and the American Council of Engineering Companies of Pennsylvania (ACEC/PA)Opens In A New Window has donated $1,500 for a combined total award of $4,000 to the statewide winning team.

“PennDOT is always looking for bright minds to join our team. I hope that participation in the Innovations Challenge will help steer a cohort of students to the possibilities of a future career in the transportation industry,” Carroll said.

For complete Innovations Challenge details, visit www.penndot.gov/innovationOpens In A New Window and click on the blue Innovations Challenge tile on the right side of the page. The submission deadline is Jan. 26, 2024.

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Harrisburg, PA – Today, Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt reminded eligible Pennsylvanians that the Oct. 23 deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 7 municipal election is only two weeks away. Ensuring that our elections are conducted freely, fairly, and securely – and that every eligible voter can make their voice heard – are top priorities of the Shapiro Administration. 

 

“Voting is the most fundamental way to participate in our democracy,” Schmidt said. “But you can’t vote if you’re not registered. I urge every eligible Pennsylvanian who isn’t yet registered to get registered by Oct. 23.” 

 

To be eligible to vote, an individual must be: 

 

  • a U.S. citizen for at least 30 days before the election, 
  • a resident of Pennsylvania and the election district in which the individual plans to register and vote for at least 30 days before the election, and 
  • at least 18 years old on the day of the election.  

 

Schmidt encouraged Pennsylvanians to use the Online Voter Registration (OVR) system, which is a fast and convenient way to register to vote. In addition to registering through the OVR system, eligible voters can register to vote by mail or apply in person at:   

 

  • a county voter registration office,   
  • county assistance offices,   
  • Women, Infants & Children (WIC) program offices,  
  • Armed Forces recruitment centers,  
  • county clerk of orphans’ courts or marriage license offices,  
  • area agencies on aging,  
  • county mental health and intellectual disabilities offices,  
  • student disability services offices of the State System of Higher Education,  
  • offices of special education in high schools,  
  • Americans with Disabilities Act-mandated complementary paratransit providers, and 
  • Department of Transportation (PennDOT) driver and photo license centers.   

New this fall at all PennDOT driver and photo license centers is a form of automatic voter registration, which provides eligible Pennsylvanians with a convenient way to apply to register to vote when they obtain a new driver’s license or ID card or renew their existing identification. The Shapiro Administration launched the automatic registration initiative as part of its continued commitment to ensuring free, fair, and secure elections. 

Regardless of which way eligible Pennsylvanians choose to register, county elections offices must receive their voter registration application by 5 p.m. Oct. 23.  

 

“Registered voters also can request a mail-in or, if applicable, an absentee ballot and vote from the convenience of their home,” Schmidt added. “Every vote – regardless of whether it’s cast in person or via mail ballot – is precious, and I encourage all eligible Pennsylvania voters to make their voice heard in this municipal election.”   

 

Voters who wish to vote by mail-in or absentee ballot must apply by 5 p.m. Oct. 31. The deadline for county boards of elections to receive mail-in and absentee ballots is 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 7. Voted mail ballots received after that time do not count, even if they are postmarked before the deadline. 

  

Voters who prefer to vote in person on Election Day can find their polling place on vote.pa.gov.  

 

Eligible voters will have the opportunity to choose candidates in the following races:  

 

  • Pennsylvania Supreme Court justice,  
  • Superior Court judge,  
  • Commonwealth Court judge,  
  • Court of Common Pleas judges,  
  • Magisterial District Judges, and  
  • Local officials, such as county commissioners, borough council members, township supervisors and school board members.   

 

The Department’s candidate database lists county and statewide judicial candidates.   

 

The Department’s voter information website, vote.pa.gov, is available in English, Spanish, and Chinese, and it offers county boards of elections contact information as well as tips for first-time voters and members of the military. Voters also can familiarize themselves with the voting system they will use if they vote in person on Election Day.  

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Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) today announced changes made by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to SNAP income and benefit limits.

“SNAP is the nation’s most important anti-hunger program that helps more than 1.9 million Pennsylvanians to afford food for themselves and their families, and these updates to SNAP benefits will help recipients to expand their purchasing power and meet their nutrition needs,” said DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh. “DHS will always help Pennsylvanians facing food insecurity keep food on their tables, and I strongly encourage anyone who may need food assistance to apply for SNAP.”

FNS annually evaluates SNAP’s income eligibility standards, the maximum thrifty food plan, and the minimum benefit amount. These mass grant changes will benefit all SNAP recipients; SNAP benefit levels may increase as a result of these updates, and no one will experience a decrease in benefits.

Below are the SNAP income limits beginning October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024:

 

Household Size  Maximum Gross Monthly Income 
1  $2,430 
2  $3,288 
3  $4,144 
4  $5,000 
5  $5,858 
6  $6,714 
7  $7,570 
8  $8,428 
9  $9,286 
10  $10,144 
Each additional member  +$858 

 

Factors that could contribute to a household’s higher SNAP allowances and income limits in Pennsylvania include household size, monthly income, and if a member of your household is 60 years of age or older or has a disability.

Additionally, below are the changes to the Maximum Thrifty Food Plan effective October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024. The Maximum Thrifty Food Plan is the maximum amount of SNAP benefits a household can receive.

Household Size  Maximum Thrifty Food Plan 
1  $291 
2  $535 
3  $766 
4  $973 
5  $1,155 
6  $1,386 
7  $1,532 
8  $1,751 
9  $1,970 
10  $2,189 
Each Additional Member  $219 

 

There is no change to the minimum benefit this year; the minimum benefit remains $23 through September 30, 2024.

The best way to determine if your household will qualify for SNAP and the amount of your monthly benefit  is to apply. Current recipients should continue to report income and address changes to DHS and submit any semi-annual reviews or renewals they receive during this period to not risk an interruption of their benefits in the future.

Under Federal guidelines, SNAP benefits do not expire as long as the recipient’s EBT card remains active, which means that the household’s EBT card must be used at least once every nine months. SNAP recipients can check their current EBT balance, make transaction inquiries, and request card replacements from DHS’s EBT contractor, Conduent, at 888-328-7366. Alternatively, recipients may check their EBT balance and transaction history using the free myCOMPASS PA mobile app on both Apple and Android devices.

Planned EBT Outage

DHS is also alerting SNAP recipients of planned, temporary Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) service outages occurring on both October 12, 2023, and October 14, 2023, between 3:00 am and 9:00 am. DHS’s EBT contractor, Conduent, is conducting these outages in order to upgrade systems and improve client services.

The brief outages will impact all EBT services, to include point-of-sale EBT transaction processing, SNAP online shopping transactions, and additional web services; EBT users will not be able to complete transactions during these times.

EBT balance and transaction inquiries can be requested from Conduent at 888-328-7366.

Applications for public assistance programs can be submitted online at www.dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS. On-site County Assistance Office (CAO) services are available if recipients cannot access online services or need assistance that cannot be accessed through the COMPASS website, the myCOMPASS PA mobile app, or by calling the Customer Service Centers at 1-877-395-8930 or 215-560-7226 for people in Philadelphia.

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