Community resources compiled by Lancaster NUZ 92.9 for our community Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center (PIRC): Provides free, high-quality legal services to vulnerable immigrants, including representation in […]
0
0
By: Danielle Smith
The shortage of educators and school staffers has reached a crisis level in some Pennsylvania public schools.
The state will need to fill thousands of vacancies for teachers, principals and administrative staff by August of 2025 – according to a report from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Billy Hileman, president of the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers, said there’s been a decline in enrollment for teacher education programs at universities in the past decade.
But one exception can be found at Pittsburgh’s Brashear High School. Hileman said it aims to inspire and prepare students interested in pursuing teaching careers.
“There are students in the Pittsburgh Public Schools who do the Teacher Academy who do become teachers, who otherwise might not have,” said Hileman, “partly because of the really wonderful teachers who have been part of that effort. Expanding that in more public schools across our state, can make a difference.”
Pennsylvania serves more than 1.7 million students in grades K-12.
This year, the Shapiro Administration unveiled a $379,000 grant to create an apprenticeship program to produce more certified teachers for Pennsylvania schools.
Susan Kemper Patrick, senior researcher with the Learning Policy Institute, said having a diverse group of teachers is crucial – particularly for students of color.
However, she noted that the teaching workforce in the U.S. has remained predominantly white over the past three decades.
At a recent national forum on the teacher shortage, she said figures from the 2020-to-2021 school year show only 20% of public school teachers in the nation were Black.
“Higher salaries are associated with lower teacher turnover,” said Kemper Patrick. “And a recent national study of teachers of color across the country found that among those surveyed, increasing salary was the top strategy to recruit and retain more teachers of color.”
Kemper Patrick said some states have managed to get substantial pay increases for teachers in the past five years, but it remains low overall.
She said as of 2021, the average starting salary for a teacher with a bachelor’s degree was over $42,000 a year.
0
0
By: Danielle Smith
A proposed pumped-storage hydroelectric facility for Cuffs Run near the Susquehanna River in York County has been challenged by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
The foundation filed a motion to intervene in the proceedings with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which is considering granting a preliminary permit to build a 1.8-mile-long dam for the project.
Harry Campbell, science policy and advocacy director for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, said they are working to stop the project in order to protect the unique Cuffs Run area and its ecological benefits for future generations.
“If approved, this project would destroy it about 580 acres of prime farmland, fields and forests, some of which have not been disturbed in about 100 years,” Campbell pointed out. “Those farms, fields and forests exist harmoniously with and in support of a plethora of plant and animal life.”
The foundation is circulating an online petition and encouraged Pennsylvanians to provide comments before Sunday.
The stream is home to naturally reproducing brook trout. Advocates worry the $2.5 billion project would also be harmful to the Susquehanna River. Campbell noted about 40 families would be displaced.
“For those who call Cuffs Run home, it’s more than just a place to live. It’s their heritage and they want it to be part of their legacy,” Campbell asserted. “This project just simply is the wrong idea in the wrong place. In order to honor that heritage and that legacy, we need to preserve this area.”
Campbell emphasized the Cuffs Run project is about 993 acres of land draining into a 2.5-mile unnamed tributary. He added in terms of stream habitat, the rocks, pebbles and woody material have been identified as among the best in the region for supporting critters living in the water.
0
0
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:
Beaver:
Berks:
Bradford:
Bucks:
Chester:
Clarion:
Clearfield:
Dauphin:
Lackawanna:
Lancaster:
Lebanon:
Northampton:
York:
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
0
0
Lancaster, Pa – First Lady Lori Shapiro met with members of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women and visited Patients R Waiting in Lancaster to learn more about how the organization is addressing the maternal mortality crisis by providing Black and Latina expectant moms with doula support and discuss steps the Commonwealth can take to improve access to women’s health care.
Patients R Waiting is focused on increasing the pipeline of minority clinicians and supporting minority clinicians in practice to help eliminate the disparities in care that hold women of color and low-income families back. 1 in 4 students in the United States miss school at some point due to a lack of access to period supplies. In Pennsylvania, Black women are two times more likely to die related to pregnancy and childbirth than white women.
The Shapiro Administration has taken big steps to close the gaps in women’s health care that too often hurt low-income families and communities of color. During his first year in office, Governor Josh Shapiro secured $2.3 million to expand maternal health programming – the first-ever state investment in reducing maternal mortality – and signed Senate Bill 262 to ensure improved access to timely data on maternal health and maternal mortality in Pennsylvania.
In his latest budget, Governor Shapiro has proposed an additional $2.6 million to continue capacity-building to enhance prenatal care, promote maternal health education, address racial disparities, and strengthen support systems, ensuring that every pregnant woman in Pennsylvania receives the comprehensive care necessary for a safe and healthy pregnancy and childbirth. On top of that, the Governor is calling for $3 million to provide feminine hygiene products in schools at no cost to students.
“Providing period products should not be treated like a luxury. For young girls, they are as much of a necessity as toilet paper,” said First Lady of Pennsylvania Lori Shapiro. “This funding will help move past antiquated stigma, provide essential health products for students, and reduce the trauma and stress of women and girls who don’t currently have access – but do have need – for period products.”
“The Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women is committed to improving health outcomes for all women and girls in the Commonwealth, which is why we are thrilled with the investments that Governor Shapiro proposed in his budget,” said Moriah Hathaway, Executive Director, Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women. “Commissioners like Dr. Sharee Livingston provide insights on how we can alleviate health disparities and create health systems that value, support, and listen to women and girls.”
Pennsylvania’s young women and girls deserve peace of mind so they can focus on academic learning, attendance, and health. This is an issue First Lady Shapiro has engaged on directly, visiting nonprofits that work to ensure girls have access to feminine hygiene products and hearing directly from them about the importance of that access.
“To address health disparities, particularly racial health disparities, we must address the contributing factors that allow them to exist,” said Dr. Sharee Livingston, Founding Board Member, Patients R Waiting. “At Patients R Waiting, we aim to increase diversity in medicine and strengthen the perinatal workforce – two solutions that research shows us work.”
Read more about the Governor’s budget proposal here.
0
0
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:
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:
“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.
0
0
Lancaster, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health and local healthcare providers encouraged all Pennsylvanians to stay up to date on their vaccinations to protect against the flu and COVID-19 heading into respiratory disease season during a news conference today at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital.
“Getting vaccinated remains the most effective way to protect yourself against respiratory viruses circulating this fall and winter. It’s also safe to receive both the flu and COVID-19 vaccinations at the same time, as I did today,” said Acting Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. “Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are crucial because they slow the spread of disease, prevent severe illness, and lower the likelihood of hospitalizations, especially among children, older adults, and people who have weakened immune systems.”
The flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are updated to protect against new virus variants circulating in Pennsylvania, and the United States. Health care providers recommend these vaccinations for people six months of age and older. Vaccinations are especially important for high-risk groups including people 65 and older, people with certain medical conditions, and those at a higher risk of developing complications from respiratory illness.
For the first time ever, a vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), is available for people 60 years and older and residents in their third trimester of pregnancy. Residents interested in getting vaccinated for RSV should contact their health care provider to determine eligibility and availability. For infants in their first winter season there is also an RSV immunization available.
Respiratory viruses share similar symptoms, including fever; cough; sore throat; shortness of breath; a runny or stuffy nose; headaches; body aches; chills and fatigue. For residents at higher risk for more serious illness due to age or health status, it is recommended to visit a health care provider and get tested early to be eligible for antiviral medications, which are available for the flu, COVID-19, and RSV. These medications ease symptoms, shorten the length of a viral infection and reduce the risk of serious health outcomes if started early in the illness course.
“As a family physician, I take care of newborns to our most elderly members in our community, and getting vaccinated helps protect every one of those patients. Vaccination not only protects you but also helps to reduce transmission and protects the most vulnerable individuals in our community,” said Dr. Michael R. Ripchinski, Chief Physician Executive at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital. “Right now is the best time to receive the flu, COVID, and RSV vaccine to help prevent a potential surge in respiratory infections and keep our communities safer.”
Most insurance plans cover flu, COVID-19 and RSV immunizations, but for people who are underinsured or uninsured, the COVID-19 vaccine is available through local State Health Centers, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and the CDC Bridge Access Program. For children who qualify, COVID-19 and flu vaccines, as well as other routine childhood immunizations are available at no cost through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program.
“Fear of an unforeseen bill should not be the reason any Pennsylvanian forgoes the flu or COVID-19 vaccine. For those Pennsylvanians with comprehensive health insurance, your health insurer will cover the full cost of your vaccine if you go to an in-network provider. You will not have to pay anything for the vaccine, including a copay, coinsurance, or deductible, for providers that are in-network,” said David Buono, Deputy Insurance Commissioner for the Office of Market Regulation at the Pennsylvania Insurance Department. “If you do not have comprehensive health coverage, the COVID-19 vaccine may still available at no cost through these other programs. Cost should not be and does not need to be a deterrent to any Pennsylvanian who wants a vaccine.”
If any consumer has questions about their insurance or an issue with their insurance, like a bill for a vaccine they should not have received, they may contact PID by visiting insurance.pa.gov or by phone at 1-877-881-6388.
For more information and to find a nearby vaccination location visit vaccines.gov. Additionally, the Pennsylvania Department of Health recently launched a respiratory virus dashboard to keep residents informed about the impact the various respiratory diseases are having across the state. The dashboard is updated weekly.
0
0
Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Nancy A. Walker today announced the availability of $800,000 in grant funding to support Veterans Employment Program (VEP) projects committed to connecting veterans with competitive job opportunities and helping address barriers to gainful employment.
The VEP initiative is designed to help veterans, members of all Reserves units and the Pennsylvania National Guard, and spouses of veterans and service members translate their military skills to civilian life. Eligible applicants include local workforce development boards, non-profit and non-governmental entities, community-based organizations, education and post-secondary institutions, labor organizations, business associations and economic development groups.
“Pennsylvania is home to more than 700,000 veterans – the fourth largest veteran population in the nation. Because of their sacrifice, we must ensure these individuals have access to every opportunity they need to successfully transition back into civilian life,” said Secretary Walker. “VEP funding is not only an investment in veterans and their families – it helps employers reach an untapped labor pool that will ultimately strengthen Pennsylvania communities and the Commonwealth’s economy.”
Governor Josh Shapiro has identified workforce development as a top priority of the Administration through an expansion of job-training, career and technical education, and apprenticeship programs that give Pennsylvanians, including veterans and their families, the freedom to chart their own course.
According to the Coordination of Veterans Services In Pennsylvania: A Task Force and Advisory Committee Report, in March 2021, many veterans choose to engage in educational pathways after separation from the armed forces but do not complete the education due to PTSD and/or financial problems. In addition, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, active-duty military spouses earn approximately 26.8 percent less than their non-military spouse peers and 63 percent are underemployed, due to barriers such as interview bias, skills gaps, and licensing requirements.
“The transition from military service to civilian life is challenging. Our servicemembers and their families deserve every advantage we can offer to ensure a stress-free and successful transition,” said Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “These grants will reduce the stress of the transition process and provide veterans one less thing to worry about as they begin their new career. We are grateful to L&I and the Shapiro Administration for recognizing the exceptional skills veterans bring to the workplace, and for helping them find meaningful employment.”
One grant will be awarded to a program serving only Delaware County, a region with a disproportionately high number of veteran residents than in other Pennsylvania counties while three other awards will be provided across Pennsylvania.
Successful applicants will identify opportunities for new and innovative projects to expand veteran employment opportunities, close funding gaps, or supplement existing initiatives for more comprehensive services. Applicants also need to demonstrate how they would bring together businesses, education, workforce, community, and other partners to achieve employment support for veterans.
Applications are due by 4 p.m. on November 15, 2023.
More information about Veterans Employment Program grant funding and other available grant opportunities can be found on L&I’s website.
LanChester NUZ 92.9 provides links to web sites of other organizations in order to provide visitors with certain information.
A link does not constitute an endorsement of content, viewpoint, policies, products or services of that web site.
Once you link to another web site not maintained by LanChester NUZ 92.9, you are subject to the terms and conditions of that web site, including but not limited to its privacy policy.
For full transparancy, the verbatim URL address will appear below.
Click on the link below to continue.
Click the link above to continue or CANCEL
