October 3, 2018
Harrisburg – October 3, 2018 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) issued the following comments related to the Senate’s passage of the domestic abuse violence prevention act.
The bill which would provide additional protections for domestic violence victims who have Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders, passed the Senate today 43-5. Brewster supported the measure and provided remarks on the Senate floor about the bill.
A previous measure (Senate Bill 501) which was designed to prevent violence and protect victims of domestic abuse by removing guns from abusers passed the Senate unanimously in April.
Brewster’s statement follows:
“The action today by the Senate was a step forward in addressing domestic violence situations. Our work, however, is not finished. We need to be diligent and study new and improved ways to stop domestic violence in its tracks.
“The approach identified in the new legislation makes sense. I supported this bill and its predecessor, Senate Bill 501, because they outline a way to reduce violence and protect abuse victims from escalating violence. I believe we need to go further and provide even greater protections and prevent violence not only from guns but from other means of violence.”
Brewster’s floor remarks can be viewed below:
October 2, 2018
Transportation grant validates Brewster’s work in seeking significant investment
Harrisburg – Oct. 2, 2018 – Nearly $3 million in grant funding will help bolster downtown McKeesport, expand the Steel Valley Trail, connect the new Multimedia Center and fund improvements to the city’s parking garage, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) announced today.
“This massive investment will yield tremendous benefits for years to come,” Brewster said. “We aggressively sought state funding to help the city transform its downtown, tie-in new development with an expansion of the trail, enhance tourism and rehabilitate nearby parking to attract more visitors to the city.”
The $2.9 million state multimodal grant to McKeesport was one of 43 approved statewide.
Brewster said he envisions the development of a secure, lighted elevated track that encompasses an area along the RIDC property that will generate foot and bike traffic and add to the work now being done at the former Daily News building. He said the new Multimedia Center will be a focus point of activity.
“This is incredibly exciting news for the region,” Brewster said. “The expansion of the trail, coupled with the new energy and activity at the center — including excellent access to nearby parking –creates even more commercial opportunities in the city.”
Brewster credited Gov. Tom Wolf for approving the funds for the project. He said McKeesport Mayor Mike Cherepko along with the many officials involved in the effort to bring the former Daily News building back should be extremely pleased with the funding. He said the officials worked exceptionally hard to bring dollars and development back to the city’s center.
“This is a big development project for the downtown area,” Brewster said. “Now, it is up to all the officials involved to effectively use the state grant funding to complete the critical work and make the next phase of the development a success.”
Brewster said the trail expansion and new multimedia center will generate additional commercial activity it the vicinity of the trail and in the downtown area. He said there will be substantial spinoff benefits once the grant funding is applied and the area improved.
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September 19, 2018
McKeesport, Sept. 19, 2018 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) and Rep. Austin Davis (D-Allegheny) will host a Senior Wellness and Safety Expo in McKeesport on Thursday, Sept. 27.
The Expo will be held at the McKeesport Palisades at 100 Fifth Avenue in McKeesport. The event will open at 10:30 a.m. and close at 1:00 p.m.
“Helping seniors in the community connect with services and benefits that assist them is a top priority,” Brewster said. “By hosting events such as this we are able to increase awareness and provide access to many community services that improve the well-being of Pennsylvania seniors.”
“This event will highlight community services, opportunities, and assistance for seniors,” Davis said. “We encourage seniors and their families to attend the expo for the chance to discuss and find more information on a variety of programs available in the community.”
Services and organizations at the expo will include offering free flu shots, available without proof of insurance, and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Outreach Unit to connect veterans with available services.
More information on the September 27 expo is available at Brewster’s district offices. His offices are located at One Monroeville Center, 3824 Northern Pike, Suite 1015, Monroeville (Phone: 412-380-2242); 201 Lysle Boulevard, Suite 100, McKeesport (Phone: 412-664-5200); and New Kensington City Hall, 301 11th Street, Suite L, New Kensington (Phone: 724-334-1143).
Davis’ district offices at 627 Lysle Blvd, McKeesport (Phone: 412-664-0035), 3910 Main Street, Suite 5, Munhall (Phone: 412-476-3046), and 551 Ravensburg Blvd, Clairton (Phone: 412-233-2505).
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September 18, 2018
Harrisburg – Sept. 18, 2018 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) announced today that he was able to acquire nearly $2 million in state grant funding for a wide variety of small water and sewer and recreation projects in communities throughout the Mon Valley, eastern Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties.
“The more than $1.7 million in funding approved today is a significant investment in valuable projects in many local communities,” Brewster said. “This state grant funding will make a difference for municipalities throughout the region.”
The grants were approved at a meeting of the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) in Harrisburg.
Brewster said that he worked to secure the funding for seven Greenways, Trailways and Recreation (Act 13) grants. He said that these state dollars will add to a community’s quality of life and improve recreational opportunities for area residents.
Act 13 projects for the following communities include $125,000 for a new PVAA Recreation Building in Port Vue; Liberty Borough will receive $25,000 for the development of a Tot Lot; Dravosburg will use a $25,000 grant for improvements to Kidsville; North Braddock is slated to get $25,000 toward the renovation of a new playground in the borough; Renton Park in Plum will be improved through a $75,000 grant; Clairton will utilize $25,000 for its Community Park Trail project; and, North Versailles Township will renovate restroom facilities to make them ADA compliant at West Wilmerding Memorial Park.
“Accessing state funds for key projects helps shift the tax burden for financing local projects off the backs of already-stressed taxpayers,” Brewster said. “These grants are investments that return tax dollars to communities.”
In addition to the Act 13 grants approved by the CFA today, Brewster said another 12 Small Water and Sewer projects were also funded. These projects include:
- Versailles Borough — Sanitary sewer rehabilitation —$71,945
- Turtle Creek — George Street sanitary sewer replacement — $50,000
- Liberty Borough — Repairs of sanitary sewers — $100,000
- Duquesne — Reservoir and water line repair — $100,000
- Glassport — Sewer system rehabilitation — $100,000
- Municipal Authority New Kensington — Waterline replacement — $100,000
- Municipal Sanitary Authority New Kensington — Sewer rehabilitation — $100,000
- Lower Burrell Municipal Authority — Little Pucketa sewer rehabilitation — $210,000
- East McKeesport — Chicora sanitary sewer replacement — $50,000
- Monroeville Municipal Authority — Simpson Run lining — $100,000
- Monroeville Municipal Authority — Dirty Camp Run sewer rehabilitation — $99,819
- Clairton Municipal Authority — Dry Run sewer rehabilitation — $337,000
Brewster said that as a former mayor of McKeesport, and a longtime member of council, he was always grateful when state grant funding was approved.
“State investment in quality local projects often is the difference between completing the work on time and on budget, or delaying or suspending work on necessary repairs,” Brewster said. “I am very pleased that the advocacy on behalf of water and sewer projects was successful.”
Brewster said that his work is not finished and that he remains determined to secure even more state grant funding for projects in municipalities throughout the region.
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September 10, 2018
Harrisburg – Sept. 7, 2018 – Finding new ways to reduce gun violence remains a top priority for cities and communities, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today following the announcement that McKeesport received $149,999 in state funds to help reduce gun violence.
“The funding will allow McKeesport to deploy even more resources in the fight against gun violence,” Brewster said. “The city has been working in concert with law enforcement, the housing authority, school district and other entities on strategies to halt gun violence.”
Brewster, who formerly served on council and as mayor of McKeesport, is currently the chair of the city’s housing authority. He said he knows the importance of using all resources to combat gun violence.
The funding will be channeled to the city through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency for the McKeesport Gun Violence Reduction Program. The state dollars will be used to employ proactive policing, intervention strategies, community outreach and aspects of community policing.
Grant funding can be used for personnel, equipment and consulting.
Gov. Tom Wolf said today that seven other municipalities, in addition to McKeesport, have been awarded grants. A total of $1.5 million was released for the program.
“As a former councilman, mayor, chair of the housing authority, and ranking member of the Senate’s Law and Justice Committee, I realize the incredible challenges cities, school districts, and housing authorities face in dealing with gun violence,” Brewster said. “State resources combined with local initiative can help save lives and protect communities.”
Brewster said he is pleased that the grant was approved and will work to help make more state resources available to fund additional local safety programs. He said that the efforts of his office, McKeesport Mayor Mike Cherepko, District Attorney Steve Zappala, state Rep. Austin Davis (D-Allegheny) and other local officials in finding funding to support anti-gun violence initiatives are critically important.
“My hope is that the anti-gun violence grant program can be expanded so that more communities facing gun violence challenges are able to receive assistance,” Brewster said.
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September 6, 2018
Harrisburg – Sept. 6, 2018 – A $500,000 state grant for environmental upgrades at the Three Rivers Marine and Rail Terminals in Glassport has been secured by state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland).
“This is an important project for the facility,” Brewster said. “The grant will be used to ensure that the environmental upgrades to the ponds on site meet all state standards.”
Brewster said the project includes synthetic liners and outfalls for two ponds. He said that officials at Three Rivers Marine and Rail Terminals have worked with state and county environmental officials to ensure that all requirements are met.
“The redevelopment of our region, including the growth of business and jobs, requires state investment,” Brewster said. “Finding state resources to complete local projects will pay dividends for years to come.”
Brewster said that the funding was approved through the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.
Brewster said that he, along with state Rep. Bill Kortz (D-Allegheny) who represents Glassport in the state House of Representatives, know the importance of securing state funding of local projects. He said he and Kortz actively seek funding from various state programs, including those on the state’s capital budget.
The senator said that Gov. Tom Wolf was instrumental in helping find the dollars for the grant.
“The governor has stepped up and worked to fund important grants for worthwhile projects,” Brewster said.
The state Department of Environmental Protection has worked closely with Three Rivers Marine and Rail Terminal on the project.
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September 5, 2018
Harrisburg – Sept. 5, 2018 – The Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) in West Mifflin has been awarded a $500,000 state grant to aid renovations of the campus, according to state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland).
“Facilities at the PIA campus in West Mifflin will be significantly improved as a result of these new state funds,” Brewster said. “PIA is a well-established school dedicated to training students for jobs in aviation.
“These new dollars will help the institute continue its critical mission.”
The funding will be used to renovate several areas on the campus. The rehabilitation project includes new entry doors, building upgrades, reconfiguration of the learning center, replacement of the HVAC system, as well as lighting and technology improvements.
The funding has been earmarked through the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.
Brewster credited the governor with seeing the value of the project.
“The governor’s support of this project was critical, and I am pleased that he was engaged and delivered the funding,” Brewster said.
Brewster said that both he and state Rep. Bill Kortz (D-Allegheny) who serve West Mifflin and the surrounding areas are strong supporters of PIA. He said they welcome more state investment for the school because of the job opportunities that are created for its students.
The estimated total cost of the project is $1.3 million.
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August 3, 2018
Harrisburg – Aug. 3, 2018 – State Senate Democratic Game and Fisheries Committee chair Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) today praised retiring Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director John Arway for being a leader on environmental issues and a friend to anglers in Pennsylvania.
Arway recently said that he will retire in November. He has been with the commission for 38 years and served as its executive director since 2010.
Brewster’s comments follow:
“I have had the great fortune to work with John Arway as a result of my committee responsibilities. He has always been the consummate professional. John is committed to helping preserve outdoor recreation opportunities and promoting fishing for anglers of all ages.
“In John’s nearly two generations with the commission, he has left a lasting imprint. His leadership, skill and dedication have been appreciated. During his tenure, he had to deal with many tough issues and fiscal challenges, yet he kept the mission of the commission in focus.
“My thanks to John for his years of service and my best wishes for a happy, fulfilling retirement.”
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August 1, 2018
McKeesport – Aug. 1, 2018 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today that “The Wall That Heals” Vietnam Veterans Memorial Replica and Mobile Education Center is coming to McKeesport’s Renziehausen Park.
Funded by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, the Wall That Heals is a three-quarter sized replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C.
The Wall will be escorted to its place in Renziehausen Park on Aug. 7 by more than 200 motorcycle riders and police. The procession will begin at 5 p.m. at Olympia Shopping Center in McKeesport and move to the park where wall setup will begin on Aug. 8.
The wall will be displayed at Jimmy Long Field in Renziehausen Park from Thursday Aug. 9 to Sunday Aug. 12. The opening ceremony will be at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 9. At the opening ceremony, there will be a pinning presentation honoring more than 40 Vietnam veterans.
Reading of the names will take place at various times on Aug. 10 and Aug. 11.
The closing ceremony will be on Sunday, Aug. 12 at 11 a.m. Admission is free, and visitors are welcome around the clock.
What: “The Wall that Heals”
When: Opening Ceremony, Thursday Aug. 9 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Jimmy Long Field, Renziehausen Park | 2100 Eden Park Boulevard | McKeesport, PA
July 30, 2018
Harrisburg- July 30, 2018- Nearly a quarter million dollars in total grant funding through U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) has been awarded to Clairton, Duquesne City, East Allegheny, McKeesport, West Mifflin Area, and Kiski Area School Districts, according to state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland).
“Fresh fruits and vegetables greatly benefit our children,” Brewster said. “Proper nutrition allows them to thrive as students, but it also sets them up with healthy eating habits for the rest of their lives.”
Pennsylvania was the first state to utilize the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s FFVP program in 2004. The program was expanded to all 50 states by 2008. FFVP aims to create a healthier school environment by providing healthier food choices to students. Healthier food options, like fresh fruits and vegetables, positively impact students’ long-term health.
FFVP funding is only available to schools where 50 percent or more of students qualify for free or reduced meals. The funding will go towards the planning and purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as providing nutrition education to students.
The total amount of grant funding for schools in Brewster’s district is $247,530. The schools that will be receiving the funds include:
- Allegheny IU 3 Sunrise – $2,331.00
- Clairton Elementary School- $24,253.50
- Duquesne Elementary School- $20,812.50
- Logan Elementary School- $46,953.00
- Kiski Area East Primary School- $26,473.50
- Francis McClure Elementary School- $40,237.50
- Twin Rivers Elementary School- $43,623.00
- South Allegheny Early Childhood- $13,042.50
- Homeville Elementary School- $19,425.00
- New Emerson Elementary School- $10,378.50
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July 23, 2018
Harrisburg – July 23, 2018 – A longtime advocate of school safety upgrades, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today that he was appointed to the new School Safety and Security Committee.
The 17-member commission was created in late June with the passage of Act 44. The goal of the committee is to craft policies and provide grants to stop school and community violence.
“There is a tremendous amount of work to do to protect children in our schools and improve anti-violence efforts in our communities,” Brewster said. “This new committee has broad and sweeping power, a definitive mandate and appointees with expertise in safety and security to help bolster security and push state-of-the-art solutions.”
As a senator, Brewster has been at the forefront on school safety issues. Earlier this year, he authored a wide-ranging package of legislation to address key areas of school safety.
Brewster’s three-bill initiative included the formation of a safety committee (similar to the one contained in Act 44), a heightened focus on school building upgrades through the Department of Education’s construction process (PlanCon) and hiring of more school resource officers.
“I am hopeful the new committee will address the safety needs of school students, teachers and administrators, in addition to focusing efforts on reducing violence in the community,” Brewster said. “This effort will be ongoing and collaborative — and has the potential to craft policies and fund programs that will really make a difference in protecting our children.”
Act 44 includes a new $60 million grant program. The committee is being created through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.
Brewster said the new committee will have to get to work immediately. The new law specifies deadlines for adopting safety and security criteria to be used in school safety assessments. It must also approve guidelines for selecting security assessment providers by Oct. 31.
Grants from the program may be used for school and security assessments, conflict resolution, behavior supports, diversion, anti-violence programming, risk assessment, security planning, counseling, training and bullying prevention among other things. Community anti-violence programs will be funded through a $7.5 million set-aside.
The first meeting of the committee will be held on July 23. Brewster was appointed by Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny).
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July 12, 2018
Harrisburg – July 12, 2018 – Over $1 million in grant funding has been approved for three local municipalities to pay for traffic signal improvements and enhanced safety at heavily used intersections, according to state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland).
PennDOT’s “Green Light-Go” funding was approved for Monroeville ($226,709), Versailles ($265,191) and White Oak ($601,808) in Allegheny County. The program is designed to reimburse local municipalities for signal upgrades and intersection safety improvements.
“These grants funds will help our local communities improve safety and security in heavily used intersections,” Brewster said. “Protecting motorists and pedestrians, while improving traffic flow, is critical.
“Our communities are committed to making investments that will positively impact motorists and pedestrians for years to come.”
Monroeville’s grant funding is earmarked for traffic signal upgrades at Monroeville Boulevard and Wyngate Road. Versailles will use the funds to replace outdated equipment and install new technology to aid first responders at two intersections in the borough.
The grant for White Oak will address issues at six intersections. The funds are targeted for equipment upgrades related to vehicular and pedestrian traffic and helping first responders manage intersections in the borough.
Seventy municipalities shared in the $31 million that was distributed in this round of funding.
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June 27, 2018
Harrisburg – June 27, 2018 – The reopening of a section of U.S. 30 in East Pittsburgh that was closed due to a devastating landslide last April is excellent news for the region and will be well received by motorists and citizens, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today.
“This is excellent news for area residents who have faced travel difficulties since the road collapsed in April,” Brewster said. “The roadway is used by locals and businesses and is a main access highway.
“PennDOT has done a wonderful job in moving quickly on the repairs. All those who worked to repair the road, strengthen the foundation and promote safety should be congratulated for their hard work and diligence.”
The massive cleanup from a devastating landslide and reconstruction of a section of U.S. 30 began almost immediately following the collapse of the roadway. The slide occurred when a wall gave way.
“Local residents, motorists and businesses along the U.S. 30 corridor were impacted by the closure of the highway,” Brewster said. “The governor, secretary of transportation, District Executive Cheryl Moon-Sirianni along with other state and county officials made resources available so the work could proceed without delay.”
An estimated 21,000 vehicles a day utilize the highway. The artery had been closed in both directions.
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June 22, 2018
Harrisburg – June 22, 2018 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) today released a statement following the Senate’s passage of a $32.7 billion General Fund state budget for 2018-19.
The spending plan includes more than $160 million in new investments in education – including $100 million more for basic education in addition to increases for special education, Pre-K and Head Start. In addition, to help hold down escalating college tuition bills, the budget contains a 3.3 percent increase for state system schools and 3 percent for state-related universities.
The budget also has new dollars for a safe school initiative. Brewster is the prime sponsor a sweeping package of legislation to enhance school safety. His three-bill plan calls for a statewide safety commission, armed resource officers in schools and required security upgrades for school buildings.
The governor is expected to sign the measure before the close of the Fiscal Year on June 30.
Brewster’s statement follows:
“The budget is balanced, on-time and does not include any tax increases. It features more investments in education and school safety — initiatives I strongly support — plus job training funds that will help grow our economy and allow our workforce to be better prepared.
“For too long, we’ve had to struggle with extremely limited revenues and increased needs. While the spending plan has new dollars, and is an increase from last year, the growth is modest and it matches revenues that are available.
“Fortunately, with sufficient revenue growth, this budget was built on solid financial footing that enabled the modest plan to cover both critical demands and new initiatives.”
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June 13, 2018
Harrisburg – June 13, 2018 – Senate Republicans, without a public hearing and zero citizen input, added a radical court gerrymandering plan to a bipartisan proposal to reform the way congressional and legislative districts are drawn, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today.
“A sincere and sustained effort by good government groups to better the process of redrawing congressional and legislative lines was soiled by the partisan Republican plan to gerrymander the selection of appellate court judges,” Brewster said. “The Republicans are clearly moved to retaliate against courts after they stepped in to redraw congressional district lines.”
Brewster, and a host of Senate Democrats, support altering the current redistricting process – a five-member commission staffed with four legislative leaders – that produced a heavy Republican gerrymander of legislative districts during the last reapportionment.
Brewster backed a plan (contained in Senate Bill 22) that would establish an independent citizens’ commission to redraw congressional and legislative maps. The 11-member bipartisan panel would hold extensive public hearings while preserving court appeals for those who want to challenge the map’s constitutionality.
Republican senators inserted a court gerrymandering plan during Senate floor action yesterday. The Republican proposal would select appellate judges by district – with the likely net effect of significantly reducing the number of Democrats on the courts. The change was made without public hearings or input.
“Clearly, change is necessary to deal with Republican gerrymandering of legislative and congressional districts,” Brewster said. “However, the Republican plan to gerrymander the selection of appellate courts judges is simply wrong and its being done to retaliate against the courts because they redrew congressional lines.”
During the last reapportionment, Republicans initially attempted to move Brewster’s district to the Poconos. That plan was rejected by the state Supreme Court because it was skewed, split too many jurisdictions and failed tests for compactness and contiguity.
“I know personally the pains of gerrymandering and its potential impact on the citizens of our region,” Brewster said. “We must rebalance reapportionment and eliminate legislative gerrymandering without creating a whole new layer of political hijinks as it applies to the courts.”
Brewster said he voted against Senate Bill 22 due to the inclusion of the Senate Republican plan to gerrymander the courts.
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June 11, 2018
Harrisburg, June 11, 2018 – Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said the property tax and rent rebate program has extended its application deadline to December 31, 2018.
The program assists seniors and individuals with disabilities reduce their property tax and rent bills. Depending on income, seniors may be eligible for rebates of up to $650.
“The extension will give seniors and individuals who may be eligible to receive assistance through the property tax and rent rebate program more time to apply for help,” Brewster said. “Extending the deadline to the end of the year gives residents the opportunity to gather information and complete applications.”
The original deadline for the program was June 30.
Brewster reminds residents who qualify for the program that it is free to apply and his district office is equipped to assist those looking to fill out an application.
“I encourage any individual who thinks they may be eligible for property tax and rent rebates to visit with my staff at any of my district offices or during satellite office hours,” Brewster said. “My staff is very experienced at completing the applications and will be able to answer any question about the program.”
Eligible residents for the program are Pennsylvanians age 65 and older, widows and widowers age 50 and older, and people with disabilities age 18 and older.
Nearly 600,000 seniors and disabled individuals received assistance through the program in 2017.
Since the Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program’s inception through the Department of Revenue in 1971, more than $6.7 billion in property tax and rent relief has been granted to older and disabled adults in Pennsylvania.
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May 25, 2018
Harrisburg, May 25, 2018 – Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) says Allegheny County Airport has received grant funding for restoration and improvement projects.
“Allegheny County Airport is a crucial transportation hub for the area,” Brewster said. “Investing in transportation infrastructure is essential and this funding will be a great help in improving travel to and from Allegheny County Airport.”
Brewster says the airport will receive $888,000 in funding to support the $1.2 million restoration of the airport’s terminal building.
Allegheny County Airport is one of seventeen locations that were approved for funding through the state’s Aviation Transportation Assistance Program.
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April 20, 2018
Monroeville, April 20, 2018 – State Sen. James Brewster today announced that LifeSpan Mon-Valley at Olympia Senior Resource Center is receiving a $54,300 Lottery-funded grant.
“I am pleased that this money will be used to help the center provide quality services to our senior citizens,” Brewster said. “I will continue to seek ways to help seniors live healthy and active lives.”
The grants are administered by the state Department of Aging. Located in McKeesport, the Olympia Senior Resource Center was one of 41 senior centers statewide that were awarded grant funds today. In all, Pennsylvania has over 500 community senior centers.
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April 13, 2018
Harrisburg – April 13, 2018 – CP Industries is set to receive a $140,050 grant to support the design and testing of pressure vessels, according to state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) and Rep. Austin Davis (D-Allegheny).
“These funds represent an important investment in our manufacturing infrastructure,” Brewster said. “It is critical to develop new products and provide a path that local businesses can use to grow their product line and address market changes.
“The funding for CP Industries will help a local producer compete in the national and international marketplace.”
The funding, approved through the state’s Alternative Fuel Incentive Grant program, was one of 19 projects approved statewide. There were more than $1.6 million grants distributed.
“I welcome and support the advancement of renewable and alternative energy, especially when it’s within our own community,” Davis said. “Protecting our environment is an avenue that is necessary leading into the future.”
The lawmakers noted that the grant dollars will be used for pressure vessels involved in the storage and transportation of alternative fuel gasses such as hydrogen and CNG. The vessels produced as a result of this grant involve the transportation of hydrogen to refueling stations.
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April 12, 2018
Harrisburg, April 12, 2018 – Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said that a local housing project has received tax credits and conditional funding through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) fund.
“With the support of PHARE, Pioneer Apartments will be able to begin construction in New Kensington,” Brewster said. “Funding for housing improvements is essential to growing and bettering our communities.”
Brewster said he was pleased that the housing project involves new construction of a multi-unit facility. Pioneer Apartments will be constructed at 4th Avenue, Cherry Alley, and 10th Street in New Kensington. Once completed, the four-story building will consist of 36 units.
“Increasing housing opportunities is the right thing to do for our communities and I am grateful to see a project in New Kensington working to provide access to quality housing.” Brewster said.
The Pioneer Apartment project was approved for conditional reservation tax credits up to $1,014,283. $500,000 of conditional funding was also awarded to the project.
Monies provided through PHARE are used to address significant and persistent housing needs in communities. The PHARE fund is managed by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Authority (PHFA).
Since its creation in 1972, the PHFA has worked to provide affordable rental housing options and homeownership for older adults, low- and moderate-income families, and people with special housing needs.
PHFA has generated more than $13 billion in funding to assist with single-family home mortgage loans, to help fund the construction of rental units, and to save homes from foreclosure.
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March 28, 2018
Harrisburg – March 27, 2018 – Hundreds of millions of dollars per year are committed to school construction and rehabilitation projects in Pennsylvania; and if Sen. Jim Brewster’s (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) new legislation is approved, there would be no state reimbursement for buildings that are not equipped with state-of-the-art school safety features.
“Given the tragic school shootings, we have to explore all ways of improving school safety and keeping our children safe,” Brewster said. “New or refurbished school buildings must be equipped with state-of-the-art safety features to prevent trespass, stop assailants and secure space for children.”
Brewster’s legislation would prohibit state reimbursement for any school building construction or rehabilitation through Pennsylvania’s “PlanCon” process unless baseline safety elements are included in the plans. PlanCon is the acronym for the state’s Planning and Construction Workbook where school districts are reimbursed for approved school construction projects.
Brewster said the installation of safety stops, emergency lights and panic buttons, impenetrable strong glass, secure access points and surveillance cameras should be part of a “school security blanket.”
“Specific baseline school safety features would be approved through a statewide school safety panel so that experts would have the opportunity to express their ideas about best practices,” Brewster said.
The western Pennsylvania lawmaker is sponsoring legislation to create an 11-member commission that would be responsible for recommending new policies and procedures to protect students. He said recommendations related to school building safety is a perfect example of why a statewide commission is necessary.
“School districts are working exceptionally hard to protect students, but new, sophisticated threats require a fresh approach to school building safety,” Brewster said. “Taxpayers, students, teachers and administrators should be confident that a school building is protected from external and internal threats.”
Brewster said his proposal is a commonsense idea that can be quickly and easily implemented. He expects to introduce the measure within the next several weeks.
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March 16, 2018
Harrisburg- March 16, 2018 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D- Allegheny/Westmoreland) announced today that Extra Space Management, Inc. of West Mifflin Borough in Allegheny County will receive a $84,176 grant for the installation of a rooftop photovoltaic power generation facility (solar panels) on the roof of their self-storage facility.
“Pennsylvania has abundant natural resources — solar being just one of them. I am pleased that we can earmark state grant money so local businesses can access energy efficient technologies,” Brewster said.
Extra Space Management will be using the Solar Energy Program funds to engineer, purchase, and install the solar photovoltaic system on their roof. The total cost of the project is $269,588, with Extra Space Management providing $175,392 in matching funds for the project. The company has owned and operated managed self-storage properties across multiple states and regions since 1977.
The grant program is administered jointly by the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) under the direction of the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA).
The Solar Energy Program (SEP) provides financial assistance in the form of grant and loan funds to promote the use of solar energy in Pennsylvania. Businesses, economic development organizations, municipalities, counties and school districts are all eligible to apply for the grants.
The use of the solar photovoltaic system will provide up to 98 percent of Extra Space Management’s power demand, and will generate 106,600 kilowatts of electricity per year.
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March 9, 2018
McKeesport – March 9, 2018 – In the wake of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, where 17 students died, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) today proposed placing an armed security guard at all school buildings that conduct classroom instruction.
“It is clear to me that we need to have an armed security officer in each school building where classroom instruction is taking place,” Brewster said. “Students must be better protected.
“Parents deserve assurance that school buildings are safe and secure environments.”
Brewster said his plan to add armed security to each school building would be part of a menu of school safety ideas considered by his proposed statewide school security panel. Last week, Brewster called for the creation of the panel to examine school security ideas and present recommendations for safety upgrades.
“The recent accounts of horrific school shootings where students have been killed or wounded by armed assailants — should prompt action by lawmakers,” Brewster said. “A statewide school safety panel could evaluate a range of ideas and use proposals from experts on safety and security.
“There have a been many ideas offered about how we can improve school safety,” the McKeesport lawmaker said. “We need to be open-minded and willing to consider both conventional and non-conventional school safety proposals.”
Brewster said metal detectors, automatic emergency doorstops, police call buttons and other security ideas are excellent proposals that would help secure buildings from armed assailants. He added that armed security personnel would augment these safety initiatives.
Brewster’s legislation would create an 11-member Statewide School Safety Panel responsible for reviewing proposed changes to strategic plans, analyzing existing safety procedures and studying new ideas, technologies and strategies. The panel would make recommendations, policy suggestions and design plans to help school officials protect students.
“There should be an ongoing panel of experts who can recommend new policies and procedures we can use to protect children in school and on buses,” Brewster said. “We need to understand how schools are providing protection now and seek ideas about improving safety standards.
“The panel could stipulate specific training and requirements applicable to all school security officers and identify how the costs can be equitably apportioned between the state and school district,” he added. “Many schools have implemented security procedures and strategies that could be used by other schools to better protect students when there are threats.”
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March 2, 2018
Harrisburg – March 1, 2018 – Lt. Gov. Mike Stack and state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) will visit Twin Rivers Elementary School in McKeesport tomorrow at 1 p.m. as a part of National Read Across America Day.
Brewster and Stack will read books to kindergarten and first grade students. They will be joined by McKeesport Mayor Mike Cherepko and McKeesport Area School District Superintendent Dr. Mark Holtzman.
Who: Lt. Gov. Mike Stack
Sen. Jim Brewster
Mayor Mike Cherepko
Dr. Mark Holtzman
What: National Read Across America Day
When: Friday, March 2, 1 p.m.
Where: Twin Rivers Elementary School
1600 Cornell St.
McKeesport, PA
Your coverage is appreciated.
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February 28, 2018
Harrisburg – February 28, 2018 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) today announced three state grants to local entities totaling $75,000 to develop and market the Pennsylvania beer industry.
“The Pennsylvania Malt and Brewed Beverages Industry continues to grow, create jobs and contribute to our economy,’ Brewster said. “I’m pleased that these state grant dollars will be used locally to foster interest in this growing industry.”
The grants include:
- $35,000 to the Pittsburgh District of the Master Brewer’s Association of Pennsylvania for its Professional Development and Education Program: The funds will be used to provide professional speakers, technical seminars and other professional development opportunities to help local brewers improve the quality and marketing of beer;
- $30,000 to the Pittsburgh Brewers Guild to create an innovative and interactive online and print guide for breweries across Allegheny County — focused on increased knowledge of unique local brewing traditions, tourism and economic impact. The senator discussed the grant recently with guild members at the Rivertowne Brewing Company in Export, Westmoreland County, recently; and
- $10,000 to Hops on Lots Pittsburgh to work with the community to create of an urban hop farm to supply a local brewer that could brew a truly local beer for the community.
The grant program was established by Act 39 of 2016. These grants were part of the 13 announced statewide today.
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