Category: Covering The Commonwealth

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Shapiro Administration has been on the ground in Berks County since flooding in July, continues to help businesses and homeowners recover

Declaration gives affected small businesses and homeowners in Berks County and surrounding counties access to low-interest loans; SBA will also be hosting in-person loan application assistance in Reading, PA

Harrisburg, PA – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has granted an administrative declaration of a disaster, making loans available for businesses and homeowners impacted by July flooding in Berks County. Impacted residents in the surrounding counties of Chester, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Montgomery and Schuylkill may also be eligible for assistance.

“I was in Berks County meeting with local officials and community members immediately following the flooding, and I promised that my Administration would be there to help them recover and rebuild,” said Governor Shapiro. “That’s why we worked with our partners in the federal government to open up access to these low-interest loans, so that businesses and homeowners can recoup unforeseen losses. My Administration will continue to work alongside our local and federal partners to help Berks County recover from the flooding.”

“Our community was unfortunately struck with devastating flooding early this summer and is still recovering from its impact. That’s why I called for federal assistance for Berks residents to have the support they need to get back on their feet,” said Rep. Chrissy Houlahan. “I’m thankful SBA has heeded Governor Shapiro’s and my calls for assistance and will grant homeowners and small business owners in southeastern Pennsylvania low-interest loans. This is essential for their recovery and to help keep our vibrant small businesses alive. My office remains committed to working hand-in-hand with federal and state agencies to provide relief to our constituents.”

Following the flooding in July, Governor Shapiro visited Berks County to offer his support, survey the damage, and meet with local officials to discuss recovery efforts. The Shapiro Administration been in close contact with officials in Berks County since the beginning of the incident. Governor Shapiro directed PennDOT to clear roads and bridges as safely and quickly as possible, partnered with the county to set up a multi-agency resource center, and directed the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to work with the local school district to ensure they’ll be able to meet education standards this year and educate kids safely.

Governor Shapiro wrote a letter to the SBA requesting disaster loan assistance following information provided by PEMA, who worked with Berks County to conduct sample surveys to determine the economic impact of the disaster.

The following types of loans are available:

  • The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program provides low-interest loans for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and most private nonprofit organizations. The SBA can provide up to $2 million to help businesses meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred. The SBA tailors the repayment term of each disaster loan to the borrower’s financial capability.
  • The SBA’s Business Physical Disaster Loans can help businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. Private, non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc., are also eligible.
  • The SBA’s Home Disaster Loans can help homeowners or renters repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles.

The SBA will open a Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) in Reading, PA to assist businesses and homeowners in person:

Albright College Roessner Hall

1940 North 13th Street

Reading, PA 19604

The DLOC will open to the public Tuesday, Oct. 3 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Standard hours of operation will be Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The DLOC will be closed on Sundays and Monday, Oct. 9 in observance of the Columbus Day holiday. The DLOC end operations on Tuesday, Oct. 17 at 4 p.m.

Loan applications will also be made available online or by mail. For additional information on low-interest SBA loans or the application process, click here.

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The credit rating agency has upgraded Pennsylvania’s rating outlook to positive from stable and reaffirmed the Aa3 issuer rating, in a testament to the Commonwealth’s sound fiscal management under the Shapiro Administration

Harrisburg, PA – Today, Moody’s reaffirmed Pennsylvania’s Aa3 issuer credit rating and has upgraded the Commonwealth’s rating outlook to positive from stable, affirming that Pennsylvania’s economy and budgeting practices are strong and setting the Commonwealth up for long-term success. Governor Shapiro has a track record of fiscally responsible management, and today’s announcement is a further demonstration of the Commonwealth’s strong financial position and the importance of making commonsense investments to grow our economy and help Pennsylvania families.

Pennsylvania’s rating outlook was upgraded to positive as a result of significant increase in budget reserves over the past three fiscal years and Moody’s assessment that core rainy day reserves will remain near current levels “due to sound budget management and continued steady revenue growth.” While this assessment is only one of many metrics of Pennsylvania’s economy and fiscal stability, it is an important measurement of the Commonwealth’s financial outlook.

“Today’s rating reaffirms that our Commonwealth is on sound financial footing – and that with the commonsense investments we are making, Pennsylvania is on a path for continued economic growth,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “Together with leaders in both parties, we passed a bipartisan, commonsense budget that makes historic investments in Pennsylvania schools and businesses, supports our law enforcement and first responders, and makes our families healthier. I’m proud that Pennsylvania has been recognized for our sound financial management – and my Administration will keep working to grow our economy and ensure the Commonwealth’s fiscal outlook remains strong.”

“Sound financial management makes a difference in the lives of Pennsylvanians every day – and this rating and upgraded outlook affirms that the Shapiro Administration is making responsible decisions to ensure fiscal stability for our Commonwealth,” said Secretary of the Budget Uri Monson.

Governor Shapiro also announced that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the Annual Budget for fiscal year 2023-24 and the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting – the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting – from the Government Finance Officers Association.

The press release issued by Moody’s Investors Services can be found here and a chart of Pennsylvania’s ratings’ history can be found here.

For more information on the bipartisan, commonsense budget, visit shapirobudget.pa.gov.v

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The 2023-24 bipartisan budget invests $112 million to improve state parks and forests, spur economic growth in the outdoor recreation industry, and make Pennsylvania the largest state to open an Office of Outdoor Recreation

Connellsville, PA — Today, Governor Josh Shapiro visited Yough River Park in Connellsville, along the 150-mile Great Allegheny PassageOpens In A New Window (GAP), in Fayette County to launch Pennsylvania’s Office of Outdoor Recreation and highlight the 2023-24 budget’s $112 million budget investment in state parks and forests — the largest in decades.

“Our state parks and outdoor recreation industry are key to Pennsylvania’s economy – hosting nearly 40 million visitors each year and boosting local businesses and the local economy in and around our parks,” Governor Josh Shapiro said. “When we invest real money to make our natural resources more accessible for Pennsylvanians, it helps communities and businesses grow and thrive. The budget that I recently signed delivers on the promise of a new Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation to strengthen our communities and grow the Commonwealth’s outdoor economy.”

The Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation will be focused on growing the state’s outdoor sector, which adds $14 billion to Pennsylvania’s economy and accounts for 152,000 jobs.

The Office will coordinate efforts with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the departments of Community and Economic Development and Health, PennDOT, and others, to create a cohesive strategy for the growth and expansion of the outdoor sector.

“Governor Shapiro is making a tremendous down payment on our ability to improve visitor experiences at our state parks and forests,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. “It’s our public lands and trails that are the backbone that supports our outdoor recreation economy.”

Thanks to this budget investment, Pennsylvania becomes the largest state, by both economy and population, with an Office of Outdoor Recreation. Furthermore, the investments in state parks and forests in the budget signed by Governor Shapiro will help address a $1.4 billion backlog of needed infrastructure work, ensuring Pennsylvania remains a premier destination for outdoor recreation.

“People and organizations across the Commonwealth see the need for statewide coordination to connect communities to meaningful and competitive growth opportunities,” Pennsylvania Director of Outdoor Recreation Nathan Reigner said. “We have gathered a significant amount of input and will continue to engage with stakeholders and communities to build up the sixth largest outdoor recreation economy in the country, while maintaining the fun and adventure the outdoors provides.”

“Outdoor recreation is thriving in Pennsylvania, and we recognize the opportunity to transform this sector by expanding partnerships and making strategic investments,” DCED Secretary Rick Siger said. “DCED’s mission is to strengthen our communities and grow our economy and the focus of this new office fits perfectly within those principles. Strong outdoor recreation is also a major advantage when trying to attract and retain people and businesses – a competition that’s fiercer among states than ever before.”

Thousands of bicyclists pedal through Yough River Park in Connellsville every year impacting many businesses beyond those directly connected to outdoor recreation.

Bicycle visitors lead to shops, eateries, and accommodations catering to trail users. They in turn have attracted new housing, a medical facility, and other business growth.

“We are fortunate to have experienced significant economic revitalization from the direct impact of the Great Allegheny Passage and the boon in outdoor recreation,” Connellsville Mayor Greg Lincoln said. “Investments in the trail have created so many new opportunities for this city, and not just for outdoor recreation. The economic development brought by the trail now extends to new medical centers and new homes being built – the trail is transforming us.”

A 50-member advisory group (PDF) is helping create recommendations and actions needed for the new office to help support the outdoor economy. More than 500 people also participated during a statewide listening tour. A report with findings and action steps to guide the new office is being prepared.

The Great Allegheny Passage connects Point State Park in Pittsburgh, through Ohiopyle State Park and Pennsylvania’s Laurel HighlandsOpens In A New Window, to Cumberland, Maryland, and on to Washington, D.C., through its link with the C&O Canal Towpath.

The Commonwealth has invested tens of millions in the GAP over the past four decades, including more than $9 million in grant funding to help communities like Connellsville thrive.

DCNR manages 124 state parks, 2.2 million acres of state forest land, and works with local governments and municipalities to provide grants, planning, and other resources to communities across Pennsylvania.

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Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones, Congresswoman Madeleine Dean and her son Harry Cunnane, who is in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD), joined those in recovery, advocacy organizations, elected officials, and others Monday evening to highlight the importance of equitable and accessible supports for all individuals in recovery and to celebrate National Recovery MonthOpens In A New Window across Pennsylvania.

“People can and do recover from the chronic illness of addiction,” said DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones. “This month is a time to celebrate the gift of recovery and to remind people in recovery, and those who support them, that no one is alone in their journey. I want to thank Congresswoman Dean and her son Harry for sharing their story as a reminder that we must continue the work of eliminating stigma, making recovery supports more equitable and clearing a path for someone to take that first step on their road to recovery.”

Congresswoman Madeleine Dean, U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania’s 4th Congressional District, and her son Harry Cunnane, who is celebrating his 10th year in recovery, spoke candidly about their family’s experience with SUD to break the stigma surrounding the disease and spread awareness that recovery is possible with the right treatment and support. They discussed their perspective from the individual experience through Cunnane’s recovery journey, which is a focus of a book they wrote titled Under our Roof: A Son’s Battle for Recovery, a Mother’s Battle for Her Son.

State Senator Art Haywood, who represents Philadelphia and Montgomery counties, joined the event and shared insight as the Democratic Chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.

“To combat this crisis, we need to employ remedies that have been proven to be effective: prevention, treatment, and research,” said Senator Haywood. “We must remove the stigma around the disease of addiction and affirm every individual’s intrinsic dignity – no matter their struggles. When we hold onto hope and affirm the dignity of everyone, we can turn the page on the disease of addiction, the opioid crisis, and substance use, and begin to work towards recovery and restoration.”

The Shapiro Administration is placing a heavy focus on empowering sustained recovery and expanding access to equitable treatment services by:

Individuals looking for SUD treatment options or resources for themselves, or a loved one can call DDAP’s Get Help Now Hotline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). This helpline is free and confidential and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

National Recovery Month is an annual recognition that is observed throughout the month of September to highlight the gains made in the lives of individuals living in recovery from SUD and show that every day, people can and do recover. The 2023 National Recovery Month theme is “Recovery is For Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community.”

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Agreement Includes $8 Million For Use Towards Community Projects Across Impacted Communities In Pennsylvania

09/12/2023

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Harrisburg, PA– The Shapiro Administration has secured $100 million through a consent agreement with the Monsanto Company, Solutia INC., and Pharmacia LLC to resolve claims related to their production of products containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which damaged waterways and other natural resources across Pennsylvania.

 

PCBs, which Congress banned in 1979, are a group of man-made organic chemicals consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and chlorine atoms. PCBs have no known taste or smell, and range in consistency from an oil to a waxy solid. PCBs can accumulate in the leaves and above-ground parts of plants and food crops. They are also taken up into the bodies of small organisms and fish. As a result, people who ingest fish may be exposed to PCBs that have bioaccumulated in the fish they are ingesting.

 

“The Department has spent years protecting Pennsylvanians from PCBs,” said DEP Secretary Rich Negrin. “By securing this settlement, DEP is holding Monsanto accountable for what it did to Pennsylvania’s water and making sure that Monsanto is paying for the work the Commonwealth has done to keep its water clean. This agreement demonstrates our commitment to protecting the rights and resources of all Pennsylvanians.”

 

The $100 million settlement recovers costs that the Commonwealth has incurred because of PCB contamination and will be used for further remediation efforts. Under the agreement, $8 million will be used specifically for the communities impacted by the spread of PCBs. That fund will be invested consistent with the Administration’s commitment to promoting environmental justice across the Commonwealth. The remaining funds will be allocated amongst the agencies that have been responsible for helping to combat PCB pollution in Pennsylvania, including the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), and Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC).

 

“For decades, PCB pollution has contaminated fish in our waterways, disrupted recreational opportunities, and impaired a valuable food source for millions of Pennsylvanians,” said Tim Schaeffer, PFBC Executive Director. “On behalf of the anglers of Pennsylvania, we are proud to join our partner agencies in securing this settlement as we work to protect our cherished aquatic resources.”

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Non-construction prime contractors must pay their small diverse business and veteran-owned business enterprise subcontractors within 10 days of receipt of payment from the Commonwealth.​

Harrisburg, PA – Today, Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS) Secretary Reggie McNeil announced the Commonwealth has implemented a prompt pay policy that requires prime contractors to pay small diverse business (SDB) and veteran-owned business (VBE) subcontractors faster for goods and services provided to the Commonwealth under state contracts.

“Governor Shapiro has made clear that state government’s top priority should be serving the people of our Commonwealth, and I am pleased to announce the implementation of our new prompt pay policy that will ensure small diverse businesses and veteran-owned businesses providing goods and services to the Commonwealth are paid quickly and efficiently as we continue our efforts to improve their experience in the state contracting system,” Secretary McNeil said. “We all know the important role access to capital plays in the sustainability of our small business community, and the sooner these businesses are paid for their goods and services, the sooner they can invest it in the next opportunity that will strengthen and grow their business. By helping our small diverse and veteran-owned businesses succeed, we’re growing our economy and supporting good-paying jobs across Pennsylvania.”

The policy, which was initiated by the DGS Bureau of Diversity, Inclusion and Small Business Opportunities (BDISBO), requires prime contractors providing the Commonwealth with non-construction goods and services to pay their SDB/VBE subcontractors for their completed and accepted deliverables within 10 days of receipt of their payment from the Commonwealth. The policy will not affect the payment rate for construction programs which is statutorily mandated at 14 days.

The prompt pay policy is being implemented through the goal setting program requirements of qualifying solicitations for goods and services. Through the Letter of Commitment (LOC), both the prime and SDB/VBE subcontractors acknowledge and agree to the compliance requirements, including payment within 10 days following the submission of proper invoicing documentation for their completed and accepted deliverables. The LOC also requires execution for a proposer to successfully be awarded a state contract.

Several other improvements, in addition to the prompt pay policy, have been implemented by the BDISBO team in 2023, including:

  • reducing the time it takes to certify a small business with DGS by 33%;
  • conducting frequent Supplier Search workshops aimed at educating small minority-, women- and veteran-owned businesses on the available contracting opportunities within DGS’s construction and commodities bureaus; and
  • monthly notifications of upcoming contracting opportunities to allow for better resource planning and statewide outreach efforts to grow the pool of registered SBs/SDBs/VBEs.

To learn more about BDISBO or to certify your SB/SDB/VBE visit BDISBO online.

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Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) is urging Pennsylvania volunteer fire departments to ensure that a credentialed State Academy Fire Instructor is on site to supervise any live burn trainings that include 17-year-old junior firefighters – as required by an amendment to the Child Labor Act that went into effect in January.

While Act 155 of 2022 now permits 17-year-old junior firefighters to take part in live-burn interior firefighting training exercises, such training may only be conducted under the Pennsylvania State Academy Fire training system’s interior firefighting training module and only when a certified instructor is on site at all times. These minors must also have permission from a fire chief and from the minor’s parent or guardian to participate in such training. Fire companies in violation could be fined up to $5,000 per violation.

“The recent change in the law helps Pennsylvania’s volunteer fire companies recruit and train the next generation of volunteer firefighters, which is so important to the safety of our communities. But fire companies must likewise ensure the safety of these young volunteers by following proper safety protocols while training,” said L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker. 

This reminder comes after L&I’s Bureau of Labor Law Compliance (BLLC) assessed fines against the Northumberland County Friendship Fire & Hose Co./Shamokin Fire Department for the fire companies’ failure to have a certified instructor on-site during a live burn training during which a 17-year-old volunteer firefighter suffering non-life-threatening burns.

The Friendship Fire & Hose Co./Shamokin Fire Department was fined $1,000 for the violation.

Act 155 does not permit minors to perform tasks prohibited by the Pennsylvania Child Labor Act, regardless of their level of training and education.

“The priority during any training event must be to ensure the safety of all those who are participating,” said State Fire Commissioner Tom Cook. “It is imperative that we do everything we can to provide high-quality training that is safe, and that it meets or exceeds national standards so that inexperienced and young firefighters can develop their skills without risk of injury.”

The Pennsylvania State Fire Academy, which is administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner,  provides rigorous and safe training courses online, at its training facility in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, and through the Academy on the Road program. More information about the academy and its course offerings, including the Academy on the Road Program, is available online.

L&I’s Bureau of Labor Law Compliance responds to all complaints filed by members of the public who suspect violations of the Child Labor Act and other Pennsylvania labor laws. Anyone can file a complaint on L&I’s website using an online submission form.

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Annville, PA – September is National Suicide Prevention Month. The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) wants to remind Pennsylvania veterans that they are not alone, and help is available.

“One veteran suicide a day is too many, and the national average of 17 a day is alarming. We need to focus all our resources on assisting our veterans in crisis,” said Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the DMVA. “If you are a veteran facing a difficult time, you are not alone – DMVA can assist with a network of resources to guide you through life’s challenges. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.”

If you are a veteran in crisis — or you are concerned about one — free, confidential support is available 24/7. Call the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and then pressing 1, send a text message to 838255, or chat onlineOpens In A New Window.

The Veterans Administration (VA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) continue to partner to reduce suicide. The VA/SAMHSA Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide among our Service Members, Veterans and their Families has been a great success in bringing awareness to this public health crisis.

All 54 states and territories are now taking part in the Governor’s Challenge. The Pennsylvania Governor’s Challenge team, led by the DMVA, works with sister agencies and departments, several educational institutions, and a broad group of not-for-profit and faith-based organizations to develop and implement statewide and regional suicide prevention best practices.

Another resource available to veterans facing challenging times is DMVA’s PA VETConnect, an outreach program that enables the DMVA to concentrate services from within communities where our veterans live. This initiative allows the DMVA to utilize community-based providers to fill gaps in services for homelessness, employment, mental health, addiction and more. Click here for more information: www.dmva.pa.gov/vetconnectOpens In A New Window.

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