October 21, 2014
Harrisburg – Oct. 21, 2014 – Grants totaling $350,000 for two recreation projects in state Sen. Jim Brewster’s district were approved today by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA).
A grant of $250,000 was approved for the City of New Kensington while $100,000 was earmarked for North Versailles Township. The funding was granted through the CFA’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program.
“The grant money provided by the state will help improve recreation facilities in these communities,” Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said. “Finding resources at the state level to improve a community’s quality of life is critical and I am pleased that this funding has been made available.”
Brewster said that the grant for New Kensington will be used to upgrade Memorial Park. The renovations include rehabilitating the tennis courts and building a new deck hockey rink. The funding from the state will also enable new lighting to be installed and drainage improvements completed. The total cost for the Memorial Park project is estimated at $300,000.
“The CFA’s support of park rehabilitation projects helps economically hard-hit areas cope with the costs of refurbishing community resources,” Brewster said.
In North Versailles, the $100,000 will be used to update structures in West Wilmerding Park. These improvements include resurfacing basketball courts, adding two deck hockey courts in addition to installing a 4-seat swing set with rubber safety surfacing underneath the play area. The grant is also to be used for removing graffiti and for the creation of a walking trail.
The total cost for the North Versailles project is $170,600.
“As a former mayor, I know well the needs of communities and how difficult it is to find resources to pay for park improvements,” Brewster said. Brewster served as mayor and a member of council in McKeesport prior to his election to the state Senate.
-30-
October 21, 2014
MONROEVILLE – Oct. 21, 2014 – To help families obtain health care insurance through the federal Affordable Care Act, state Sen. Jim Brewster and the Consumer Health Care Coalition will hold an information session for the public at 5 p.m., Nov. 5, at Penn State-Greater Allegheny.
“ACA is making a significant difference in the lives of people who have lived without insurance and the peace of mind many Pennsylvanians enjoy,” Sen. Brewster said. “I am looking forward to presenting this important evening of information with the coalition to ensure that residents of the 45th Senatorial District are able to meet the new deadlines and obtain coverage.”
The Consumer Health Coalition received a federal grant to help families get insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
The training will, among other things, discuss open enrollment, how to enroll and where consumers can go for assistance. An overview of the new Healthy PA program will also be shared. Healthy PA reforms Pennsylvania’s Medical Assistance program so that coverage will be extended to more than 600,000 eligible residents.
To reserve a seat at the session, residents should RSVP to Kathy Jo Osman at 412-664-5200 or kosman@pasenate.com.
WHAT: Sen. Jim Brewster, Consumer Health Coalition to present ACA information session
WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 5
TIME: 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
WHERE: Ostermayer Room in the Penn State-Greater Allegheny Student Community Center, 4050 University Drive, McKeesport
-30-
October 21, 2014
McKeesport, Oct 20, 2014 – State Sen. Jim Brewster hosted today’s “Officer Frank Miller Jr. Memorial Ramp” dedication ceremony in McKeesport.
“The naming of this roadway will serve as a reminder of Officer Miller’s sacrifice,” Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said. “Frank Miller was a young, dedicated public servant who lost his life while on duty protecting the citizens of McKeesport.”
Brewster was joined at the ceremony by Officer Miller’s parents, Gwen and Frank Miller Sr, and other members of the family, McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko, McKeesport Chief of Police Bryan J. Washowich, McKeesport Councilwoman Jamie Brewster-Filotei and city police officers.
Miller was killed while on duty in McKeesport in 1993.
Brewster prime-sponsored the legislation (SB 1225) naming the ramp for Officer Miller. His bill was signed into law in June as Act 68. The ramp is located on the McKeesport side of the McKeesport-Duquesne Bridge to State Route 148.
“I am honored to be joined by Officer Miller’s parents and family members along with officials from McKeesport as we continue to honor Frank Miller and his service to our community,” Brewster said.
Brewster said local police need more resources and funding to better protect citizens. He mentioned pending legislation (SB880) he sponsored that would increase salaries for part-time police officers as a “good first step.”
-30-
