Politics

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,…


Gov. Wolf Outlines Plans to Create Commonwealth Civilian Coronavirus Corps

As Pennsylvania plans to safely reopen the economy and recover from COVID-19, Governor Tom Wolf announced the creation of the Commonwealth Civilian Coronavirus Corps, a public service initiative that will support efforts this fall to increase testing and contact tracing and provide critical new job opportunities in the public health sector. “Our highest priority remains protecting public health and safety, but we must also look ahead to see how we can address future needs. To reopen our economy to its maximum potential, we will need to boost our ability to contain this highly transmissible virus,” Governor Wolf said. “The Commonwealth…


Bernstine Announces State Funding for Learning Enhancements

ELLWOOD CITY – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today announced that three school districts in the 10th District have been selected to receive a Continuity of Education and Equity Grant (CEEG) for the 2019-20 academic year. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative we don’t lose sight of how important it is for us to deliver the best possible education to every child,” said Bernstine. “This funding will help schools purchase equipment, so teachers can better connect with students ready to learn.” Those receiving grants locally are: • New Brighton Area School District – $76,000. • New Castle Area School District –…


Council’s Closing ‘Visitor Comment’ Portion to be President’s Prerogative

Ellwood City Council votes to leave closing “visitor comment” portion up to the Council President. All members of council except for Councilman James Barry, voted to adopt an ordinance to amend the council ordinance already in place as it relates to organization, order of business, conducting a meeting, and committees. The focus was centered on the “visitor comment” portion, which comes right before the adjournment of a council meeting. Visitors currently are able to speak before council’s formal motions and votes as well as immediately before adjournment after council completes business. The “visitor comment” portion of monthly council meetings was…


Ellwood City Borough Council Votes to ‘Disapprove’ Councilwoman’s Facebook Comment

Ellwood City Borough Council voted on Monday to officially “disapprove” of a Facebook comment that was posted by Councilwoman Lisa Guerrera more than a month ago. Council including Guerrera herself voted unanimously to disapprove of the comment. There was no discussion regarding the topic during Monday’s meeting. Some residents have called for Guerrera to step down from her council seat, a move Guerrera isn’t willing to make. Council does not have the authority to unseat her, nor were they asking her to step down. The vote was just a declaration of disapproval, according to Council President, George Celli. During the…