Politics

Senate Committee Approves Bernstine’s Legislation to Provide More Transparency to Pennsylvanians

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) commended Senate State Government Committee Chairman John DiSanto (R-Dauphin/Perry) and members of the committee for passing his legislation that would amend the Sunshine Act to require a public agency to post public meeting agendas no later than 24 hours prior to the start of a meeting. “This bill is a commonsense and critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to increasing transparency and ensuring government officials think twice about letting important business fly under the taxpayers’ radar,” said Bernstine. “In today’s fast-paced world, it is important that we give our constituents the tools…


Wolf Administration: CARES Act Funding for Small Businesses Made Available June 30

Governor Tom Wolf announced that beginning tomorrow small businesses across Pennsylvania can apply for grants to offset lost revenue caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting shutdown order. “In unprecedented times, like those we are currently facing, collaboration is imperative to getting help to those who need it most, as quickly and effectively as possible,” said Gov. Wolf. “This joint effort between my administration, the legislature, and The Pennsylvania CDFI Network will provide critical assistance to Pennsylvania’s small businesses, putting them on better financial footing as they begin to reopen.” The COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance program, announced…


Ready To Vote PA: Toolkit for Businesses Can Increase Election Participation, Keep Pennsylvanias Safe

PHILADELPHIA (June 25, 2020) — This year was already destined to bring forth significant changes in how elections in Pennsylvania were conducted. With the introduction of no-excuse vote-by-mail and new, modern voting equipment, voters across the commonwealth faced a learning curve. The coronavirus pandemic has complicated election plans and put a premium on protecting the health of voters and poll workers. While the postponed Pennsylvania primary election was mostly smooth, there are still several reforms that lawmakers should consider that will ensure no Pennsylvania worker has to sacrifice their ability to earn a paycheck or their health to exercise their…


Bernstine Applauds Senate Committee Approval of Markie’s Law Bill

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) applauded Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne/Pike/Susquehanna/Wayne/Wyoming) and members of the committee for unanimously passing his legislation that would preclude the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole from paroling an inmate at the expiration of his or her minimum sentence if the inmate was convicted of a violent offense or an obstruction of justice while incarcerated. Bernstine’s legislation, House Bill 1855 or Markie’s Law, was named after Mark Mason, an 8-year-old from Lawrence County, who was brutally stabbed to death by a man who was paroled at the end of his minimum sentence…


BLM Supporter Demands Borough Officials Break the Silence

A Black Lives Matter supporter and Ellwood City resident attended Monday’s Borough Council meeting to demand action in support of the movement. “I need action,” said Mary Maine. “I need this town to step up.” She said she is disappointed that the town’s leadership did not attend the protests and said they have failed to recognize the movement. She said she wants borough officials to break the silence. She also expressed the same disappointment in the local media who she said failed to cover the protests that were held downtown. “To be silent is to be complacent,” she said. Maine…


Gov. Wolf Announces $225 Million Grant Program for Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19

Governor Tom Wolf announced a $225 million statewide grant program to support small businesses that were impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis and subsequent business closure order. “As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and shift our focus toward reopening our commonwealth, we need to help all Pennsylvanians recover. We need to provide assistance for those who were hurt by the pandemic and the resulting economic downturn,” Gov. Wolf said. “This new program will provide direct support to impacted businesses to cover operating expenses during the shutdown and the transition to reopening.” The funding was developed in partnership…


Senate Approves Budget/Comprehensive COVID-19 Funding Package

Facing an uncertain economic future and working to address the devastating impact of COVID-19, the Senate today (May 28) set a course for recovery by approving a $25.8 billion interim budget for Fiscal Year 2020-21 as well as a plan to direct $2.6 billion in federal CARES funding to organizations that were most severely impacted by the virus, including $40 million to help farmers and address food insecurity issues, according to Senator Elder Vogel, (R-47). The measures now go to the Governor for enactment into law. House Bill 2387is an interim spending plan that provides five months of funding for…


Council Extends Tax Deadlines, Declaration of Disaster Emergency

Ellwood City Borough Council voted to extend tax deadlines and a Declaration of Disaster Emergency during the May 18 meeting. The first resolution passed by council extends real estate tax deadlines due to Covid-19. The discount period would end July 15 with no penalty charged if taxes are paid by December 31, 2020. The second resolution passed by council extends Resolution 2020-2, adopted on March 27, 2020, the Declaration of Disaster Emergency for the full 90 days, which would expire on June 27, 2020. Mayor Anthony Court and Borough Manager David Allen gave updates regarding Covid-19. Court said he is…


Ellwood City Council to Vote on Proposal to Extend Tax Deadlines

Extensions will be on the agenda for the Ellwood City Borough Council’s May 18 meeting. Council will vote on two proposed extensions. The first is a resolution to extend real estate tax deadlines due to Covid-19. The discount period would end July 15 with no penalty charged if taxes are paid by December 31, 2020. The second is an extension of Resolution 2020-2 adopted on March 27, 2020 the Declaration of Disaster Emergency for the full 90 days, which would expire on June 27, 2020. Council will also consider approval of upcoming events as well as discussion regarding the hiring…


Bernstine Bill to Address PA Nurse Shortage, Provide Support for Health Care Professionals

HARRISBURG – Marking National Nurses Day, Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today introduced legislation that could expand the number of nursing education programs in Pennsylvania and help improve the quality of life for current nurses. Due to a discrepancy in Pennsylvania state licensure law, only regionally accredited education institutions can offer RN education programs. House Bill 2112 would clarify that applicants for licensure as a registered nurse (RN) or advanced practice nurse must have received education from an institution accredited by an agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education. This would include both national and regional accreditation agencies. “During the COVID-19 pandemic,…