Category: Equality

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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.

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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.

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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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Eligible small diverse businesses can apply for funding grants to assist with working capital, inventory, equipment, marketing, and costs to support ongoing operations.

Harrisburg, PA – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro is delivering on a major budget priority, opening the application window for small diverse businesses across the Commonwealth to apply for a total of $10.5 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.

Grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 will be awarded to historically disadvantaged businesses that were in operation on or before March 17, 2020, and were impacted economically by COVID-19. All applications submitted between February 5 and February 23, 2024, will be considered for funding.

“Since day one, I have advocated for long-overdue funding for minority-owned businesses across this Commonwealth, to support their growth and open new doors of opportunity. Today, we make good on that promise,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “I want every business owner to know that my Administration values what you bring to the table, and that we are committed to breaking down barriers to progress and helping you build generational wealth. In Pennsylvania, we are open for business – and we are working to build a Commonwealth where everyone can find and capitalize on real opportunities to grow and thrive.”

The Pennsylvania Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Network will manage the funding grant awards to historically disadvantaged small businesses, which are defined through this program as minority businesses generating annual revenues of $1 million or less and employing fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees.

Additional program priorities are in place for small businesses located within low-income census tracts, high-crime municipalities, and are located in the following designated areas: Commercial Corridors (Philadelphia), Neighborhood Business Districts (Pittsburgh), Allegheny Together Communities (Allegheny County) and active Main Street Program areas (statewide).

“Pennsylvania is open for business and the Shapiro Administration is committed to making sure that everyone has the same opportunities for success,” said Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger. “It’s vital to support small, minority-owned businesses because when they succeed, communities thrive, and Pennsylvania’s economy grows.”

These ARPA grant funds may be used for, but are not limited to: working capital, inventory, equipment, safety and security equipment, marketing, and costs to support the ongoing operation of the business.

“I’m pleased to see the application window open for a new round of historically disadvantaged business grants,” said Senator Vince Hughes. “Senate Democrats and I worked hard with other lawmakers to launch this program during the pandemic and the continued investment of $20 million will support minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses in Pennsylvania. This investment is going directly into the hands of hard working small businesses like barbershops and beauty salons, who have historically faced more barriers to business growth and success than their peers.”

An additional $8.5 million in ARPA funding will be provided for technical assistance and business development through the CDFIs and other partner organizations.

“The negative economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic consistently persists for small businesses, particularly in our low to moderate income communities across Pennsylvania,” said Varsovia Fernandez, CEO, PA CDFI Network. “Historically disadvantaged small business grants and technical assistance services will help unleash the potential of black and brown businesses to build a more equitable and inclusive economy by improving cash flow and stabilizing the foundation to invest and grow. Teaming up with Senator Hughes and Governor Shapiro to make these funds available strengthens our partnership with the Shapiro Administration to help small businesses thrive across the Commonwealth.”

Before beginning an application, potential applicants should visit the PA CDFI Network’s program landing page to review the program guidelines, connect with technical assistance partners, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), and the link to submit an application.

Funding for historically disadvantaged businesses has traditionally been provided in Pennsylvania through federal programs like ARPA. Recognizing the importance of investing in the Commonwealth’s small minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses, Governor Shapiro successfully secured first-time state funding for the Historically Disadvantaged Business program in the 2023-24 budget. The new state-funded Historically Disadvantaged Business program will open this year.

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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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Categories
COVID-19 Current Events Economy Equality National (US) Neighborhood News Protect Quality of Life

VAN HOLLEN, CARDIN URGE SBA TO PROCESS PENDING EIDL APPLICATIONS USING AVAILABLE FUNDS

Estimated read time 2 min read

Today, U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government Chair Chris Van Hollen and U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship Chair Ben Cardin (both […]