March 13, 2021
McKeesport, March 13 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) is encouraging Allegheny County residents who are struggling to pay rent and utilities to apply for financial assistance on Monday, March 15.
Eligible county residents will be able to apply for rent and utility assistance from the Emergency Rental Assistance Program online at https://covidrentrelief.alleghenycounty.us. The program, administered by the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, will distribute $79.9 million in federal funding to county residents who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. That includes those who:
- have at least one person who qualifies for unemployment, has lost income, or suffered financially due to COVID-19;
- are at risk of experiencing homelessness;
- have a total income below 80% of the Area Median Income for Allegheny County.
“There is a light at the end of the tunnel, especially as more and more people are vaccinated, but so many in our community have taken a financial hit because of the pandemic,” Brewster said. “This program can help people struggling with rent and utility payments to find a little help. I encourage anyone who needs assistance to apply for the program.”
Drop-in centers with internet access and computers will also be available across the county for those who need assistance with the application. Two of those centers will be located in Senator Brewster’s district at The Wander Building, 337 Fifth Avenue, McKeesport, and at Greater Valley Community Services, 300 Holland Avenue, Braddock.
ACTION-Housing can help with applications over the phone at 412-248-0021.
February 19, 2021
HARRISBURG – February 19, 2021 – State Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) and Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler (D-Philadelphia) were joined by several Democratic House and Senate members from a cross Pennsylvania on Friday to call for repairs to hazardous and toxic schools across Pennsylvania.
Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland), Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) and Rep. Kyle Mullins (D-Lackawanna) pointed to public school buildings in their districts in desperate need of repair during the virtual press conference. The legislators spoke in support of recently unveiled proposals in the House and Senate pushing for significant investment in school infrastructure.
“Today’s event addressed conditions in schools all across the commonwealth, and make no mistake, these same hazardous and toxic conditions exist in communities represented by the Republican caucuses,” Sen. Hughes said. “Rural, suburban and urban communities alike face daunting challenges because of our aging public school buildings. We cannot wait any longer to act. I am grateful to my colleagues for their support on this legislation, as well as the awareness they are helping raise for this important issue.”
The first proposal would expand the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) by $1 billion to help address health hazards in public school buildings across Pennsylvania. Gov. Tom Wolf put forth the RACP proposal as a top priority in his recent 2021-22 budget address.
“Our schools were already dangerous places for students, educators and staff before the pandemic hit,” Rep. Fiedler said. “As we seek to make schools safe in the age of COVID, we are determined to also remediate the lead, asbestos and other toxins. Our coalition is powerful. Together, we are committed to investing state dollars in our public buildings and giving communities across Pennsylvania the schools they deserve!”
The second proposal would create the Public School Building Emergency Repair and Renovation Grant program, distributing grants to public schools for emergency repairs including lead and asbestos abatement or remediation, HVAC repair or replacement, electrical system repair or replacement, plumbing repair or replacement, roof and window repair or replacement and other repairs or replacements that present a health or safety issue. This proposal would rely on federal funding provided through the American Rescue Plan.
“Safe and healthy school environments are vital to the success of our students, teachers and staff,” Sen. Brewster said. “As a former educator, I know firsthand the importance of a safe environment for a student’s physical health and academic achievement. While touring schools throughout the district and discussing concerns with numerous school officials, it is evident that assistance in bringing our public school buildings up to date is a top priority. The proposals discussed this morning will give districts the opportunity to make these necessary upgrades.”
Pennsylvania has some of the oldest school buildings in the nation. Most school buildings were constructed between 1950 and 1959. More than 200 buildings constructed prior to 1950. The aging buildings pose many health hazards including lead in the drinking water; asbestos in cracked floor tiles; mold outbreaks in classrooms; broken boilers in the winter; and no air conditioning in the summer.
“Pennsylvania students’ ability to access a quality education is fundamental to our Commonwealth’s future,” Sen. Schwank said. “But how can we expect our students to learn if they are in unfit and unsafe classrooms? Too many schools were in terrible physical condition even prior to the pandemic. They should have been repaired long ago, and now we are facing a crisis. If we truly want to provide a safe environment for our students, faculty and staff these bills must be passed.“
Legislators are hopeful to gain bipartisan support for the initiative to repair schools statewide. Beyond the clear benefits in creating healthier, safer schools, they point to the potential economic impact from the jobs that would be created as a result of the infrastructure investment.
“No child’s health, safety, or the quality of their education should be safeguarded any less simply because of what school district they happen to live in,” Rep. Mullins said. “It is long overdue that state leaders finally rectify these chronic inequities across our school districts and recognize these as matters of civil rights and public health.”
In 2018, the Public School Building Construction And Reconstruction Advisory Committee released the PlanCon final report. The legislature has not funded programs to address the facilities issued raised in the PlanCon report. Conditions in many districts have worsened, and become more costly, as a result of inaction.
Click here to watch the full press event.
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January 29, 2021
(Harrisburg – January 29, 2021) – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) will again serve as Secretary of the Board of the Port Authority of Allegheny County.
“We face many challenges in public transportation,” Brewster said. “We are in the middle of challenging times so it important that we work together to solve these problems by rebuilding our public transportation system to meet the needs of the region.”
Brewster is a veteran of the board and serves on the Financial Audit Committee. He is a member of the Senate Transportation Committee and a strong advocate for funding to fix our roads, bridges, and mass transit systems.
“The Port Authority board works well in trying to address transportation needs,” Brewster said. “The board members are all dedicated and committed to making our transportation network better.”
The Port Authority has 2,600 workers and serves more than 200,000 riders on a daily basis.
January 27, 2021
Harrisburg, January 26, 2021 – Seven schools in the 45th Senate District will share more than $100,000 in state grants aimed at food service improvements, state Sen. Jim Brewster announced today.
“We know that too many students show up to school hungry and making sure that they are fed is critical to their academic achievement,” Brewster said. “Food-service investments in schools pays long term rewards for local school districts.”
The local schools were among 59 that successfully competed with others from across the state for a total of $875,000 in grants that were announced today by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
“Success in this competitive program means our schools are serving students well and planning carefully for the future,” Brewster said. “I thank these school employees for their efforts and congratulate them on their success.”
Funding for the grants is made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and they’re awarded to schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program.
The grants can be used to purchase or upgrade equipment such as refrigerators, freezers, stoves, and dishwashers.
Schools in the 45th Senate District who won grants are:
Elizabeth Forward Middle School (Elizabeth Forward School District)
Plum Senior High School (Plum Borough School District)
Turtle Creek Elementary STEAM Academy (Woodland Hills School District)
Edgewood Elementary STEAM Academy (Woodland Hills School District)
Martin School (New Kensington-Arnold School District)
Harrison Park Elementary School (Penn-Trafford School District)
Level Green Elementary School (Penn Trafford School District)
For details about the grant amounts and projects funded, click here.
January 15, 2021
(Harrisburg – January 15, 2021) – The McKeesport Housing Authority will again be led by Senator Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) who has volunteered his time for the 31st consecutive year.
“It has been a privilege to lead the McKeesport housing authority,” Brewster said. “We have achieved many things during my tenure as chair, but we have more to do.
“Now more than ever, it is important that affordable housing is available.”
Brewster said that quality, affordable housing is an important element of a strong, healthy community. He said that he will continue to work with the members of the authority to solve issues and deliver secure housing.
The authority is responsible for more than 1,000 units including senior, handicapped-accessible, and neighborhood sites.
The McKeesport Housing Authority is the third oldest housing authority in Pennsylvania. It was created under the auspices of the United States Housing Act of 1937. In addition to providing housing, the authority works in concert with other organizations to provide community assistance programs.
For more information on Sen Brewster’s activity in the McKeesport community and the McKeesport Housing Authority, visit senatorbrewster.com
January 15, 2021
Harrisburg – January 15, 2021 – After a contentious and controversial election and court battle for the 45th District, State Senator Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) has again been appointed Democratic chair of the Senate Law and Justice and Game and Fisheries committees, two of the most influential and prestigious committees in the Senate, because of his considerable experience and knowledge in the fields.
“Serving as chair on these committees is an honor and privilege,” Brewster said. “There are significant issues to be discussed and key decisions will have to be made.”
Brewster has served as Democratic chair of both committees in the last two-year legislative session.
The McKeesport lawmaker was also reappointed to seats on the Senate’s Banking and Insurance, Education and Transportation committees.
“As a member of key committees that handle issues that are important to my district, I can ensure that the needs of our region are met,” Brewster said.
On education, Brewster has led the effort to reform charter schools. He has fought for additional dollars for education and supports a responsible energy extraction tax on Marcellus Shale drillers that will provide funding not only to bolster basic education, but also to fund school safety and environmental protection initiatives.
Brewster serves as member of the statewide School Safety and Security Committee, established under Act 44 in 2018, and has become known as a fierce advocate for more safety in schools.
“There are key problems in education that need to be fixed,” Brewster said. “I’ve sponsored bills to reform charter schools, aid school safety initiatives, and ensure that we have more resources for our children to learn.”
The lawmaker said his appointment to the Transportation Committee will ensure that issues that arise relative to the construction of the Mon-Fayette Expressway and mass transit will be addressed. Brewster has long been an advocate of the Mon-Fayette Expressway and rapid expansion of mass transit into underserved areas.
“Building and expanding the reach of transportation systems that serve Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties continues to be a priority,” Brewster said.
Brewster said his appointment to a seat on the Banking and Insurance Committee provides an opportunity to utilize his expertise and experience in banking to have significant impact on crafting better banking laws.
“In addition to dealing with the ongoing problems from the pandemic, including helping families and small businesses, I plan to continue fighting for quality, safe education for our children and reliable transportation projects to attract new businesses to the region,” Brewster said.
January 13, 2021
Takes oath of office today in Harrisburg ceremony
Harrisburg – January 13, 2021 – State Senator Jim Brewster (D) was sworn in today for another term in the Pennsylvania State Senate, serving constituents in portions of Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties.
“It is an honor and privilege to serve the citizens in the 38 communities that are a part of the 45th District,” Brewster said. “I will continue to pursue a broad agenda that is focused on families.
“My legislative proposals include measures to promote job creation, economic development, tax relief, education support and safety, and help for those who are in need.”
The lawmaker has also proposed plans to help small businesses and families during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to institute a responsible energy extraction tax on Marcellus Shale drillers and to use the revenue to fund education and environmental protection. He is also the prime sponsor of a package of bills to reform the legislature and make it more transparent, including eliminating per diems, state vehicles, and a gift ban.
Brewster was first elected to the Senate in a special election in 2010. He was re-elected in 2012, 2016, and 2020.
Brewster said there are great challenges ahead for lawmakers this session. A budget deficit and the continuing challenges from the pandemic, he said. Even amid these substantive and difficult issues, he said that there was an opportunity to address issues involving local government.
“As the former mayor of McKeesport, I know the difficulties that economically-stressed communities face,” Brewster said. “Lawmakers in Harrisburg also need to focus on addressing the problems of small cities and struggling communities across Pennsylvania.”
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January 1, 2021
December 28, 2020
McKeesport, PA − December 28, 2020 − Senator Jim Brewster today announced the Port Authority of Allegheny County approved a two-year contract with Amalgamated Transit Union Local 85.
“I am happy to support our courageous employees and our Port Authority Administration for working hard to produce a contract that is fair,” said Senator Brewster, who is also a member of the Port Authority Board. “This contract will enable us to continue providing a valuable service to the general public.”
The Port Authority’s Board approved the contract on December 23rd for the agency’s 2,300 bus and rail operators, service personnel, maintenance and administrative employees, and first-level supervisors.
“This agreement is good for the taxpayers, the riders, and the employees who have worked hard, especially during this difficult year to provide quality service,” said Brewster. “I would like to congratulate everyone who was involved in getting this done.”
December 23, 2020
McKeesport – December 23, 2020 – Senator Jim Brewster today announced more than $6 million in state grants that will go to projects in the 45th senatorial district.
“I was happy to advocate for these important projects, and I am excited to see them come to fruition thanks to this investment from the state,” said Senator Brewster. “Each of the projects funded today will bolster our region’s economy.”
The funding comes from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), a Commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects.
One of the projects funded will be the expansion of PurePenn in McKeesport. The medical marijuana manufacturer will receive $2,000,000 to conduct an interior build-out which will include mechanical, electrical, fire protection, and other interior building components.
“This investment in McKeesport has been a job creator and a real contributor to the regional economy”, said Brewster. “I am looking forward to what comes for the area from this substantial funding.”
Also, UPMC St. Margaret’s Family Health Center in New Kensington will receive $1,250,000 for a new clinical space to accommodate more patients, provide room for team and group meetings, and offer swing spaces for outside social service agencies.
The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank will receive $1,000,000 to improve overall efficiency and support distribution of more fresh produce.
In addition to these investments, the Braddock Carnegie Library Association is slated to receive $1,000,000 to implement the first comprehensive building renovation and preservation plan in the 132-year history of the Braddock Carnegie Library.
And finally, the Former Westinghouse HQ/Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center in Monroeville will receive $1,000,000 as it moves forward with efforts to provide university, government and industrial researchers with access to systems for high-performance computing, communications, and data storage.
December 8, 2020
McKeesport – December 8, 2020 – State Senator Jim Brewster today announced the following state tax credit monies for COVID-19 relief and community development initiatives.
“I was pleased to support this initiative that will help our communities overcome some of the challenges caused by the pandemic,” Brewster said. “The dollars will also help kick-start some vital economic and community development initiatives in our neighborhoods.
Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank in Duquesne
- $1,435 million to serve over 260,000 people in an 11-county area in southwestern Pennsylvania. The food bank expects to distribute the equivalent of more than 35 million meals to food to struggling families this fiscal year.
Tube City Renaissance in McKeesport
- $13,500 to address blight, safe housing, quality of life and employment opportunities. The density in housing fosters greater health risks to individuals and families living in crowded apartments or rundown homes with little access to safe and adequate housing. The organization is looking to renovate a vacant home on Cornell.
Westmoreland County Action in New Kensington
- $160,000 to develop and renew downtown with community involvement and staying focused on the needs of residents. Create a temporary site for the farmers market during construction of the New Kensington Market House and Community Center, provide food/supplies and infrastructure needs for the community related to COVID, and more.
McKees Point Development Group in McKeesport
- $360,000 to stabilize housing stock and create new home ownership opportunities, by working with Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh; Rehabilitate and resize the downtown business district while creating new businesses opportunities. Maximizing the potential for job creation related to the tourism industry by targeting development toward the key historical/recreational area surrounding the Penn McKee Hotel, the Marina at McKees Point, and the Great Allegheny Passage.
Mon Valley Initiative
- $160,000 in Braddock to focus on residential stabilization. Expected to make a positive impact on over 700 low-income people in Braddock with Braddock Library’s numerous programs, adjusted for COVID-19 impacts. During the six-year plan, they will sell six newly built homes and secure financing for eight rental units.
- $380,000 in Clairton for home construction projects that are in pre-development, including the Clairton Inn, a mixed-use project with 49 residential apartments and 5 commercial spaces. Along with a focus to improve home ownership rates, provide direct health and human services, including the provision of 1,200 meals to families, connecting residents to health services, youth programming, and training residents on the use of NARCAN.
Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh
- $37,500 in McKeesport. The group’s goal is to enhance the quality of life for low-income residents through renovations allowing homeowners to remain living independently. Targeted repairs further stabilize homeownership and value of their neighborhood, enhancing the economic revitalization of McKeesport as a whole.
- $41,250 in Clairton for home repairs and neighborhood revitalization. Will serve at least nine residents, repair seven homes, retain jobs, and utilize local and minority-owned contractors as much as possible.
Administered by the state Department of Community and Economic Development, the tax credits are distributed through Neighborhood Partnership Programs.
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November 20, 2020
McKeesport – November 20, 2020 – State Senator Jim Brewster today issued the following statement on the final 2020-21 state budget:
“With the dire impact of the pandemic as the backdrop, I am pleased that the legislature was able to hold the line on taxes while fully funding key programs and initiatives,” Brewster said.
The harsh economic impact from the pandemic complicated this year’s budget planning and necessitated difficult and innovative decisions, such as using over $4 billion in one-time funds and supplemental federal dollars to balance the budget.
In the year ahead, we will need to re-examine spending priorities and base projections on more reliable and continual revenue sources.
Like all budgets, there are things I agree and disagree on. While I’m pleased that we were able to maintain support for key state programs and resources without raising taxes, I’m disappointed that we were not able to free up more dollars to help front line workers, struggling business owners and unemployed workers.
It is crucial that we focus in the coming year on ways to help these workers and businesses endure until we get this horrific pandemic behind us.”
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October 21, 2020
McKeesport – October 21, 2020 – State Senator Jim Brewster today announced over $40 million in state low-interest loan funds for two key local water projects.
“These state PENNVEST dollars will help these communities expedite the completion of these important projects,” Brewster said. “I will continue to seek state support for local public projects.”
According to Brewster, the projects include:
- Elizabeth Township will receive a $17.299 million loan to install a new pump station and conveyance system, including a new force main to convey sewage to an existing multi-municipal treatment center in McKeesport. Brewster said the project will addresses a 2016 Department of Environmental Protection consent order that will also reduce wet weather overflows into a nearby water source.
- Clairton Municipal Authority received a $23 million loan to install four membrane bioreactor basins, two effluent storage tanks, clarifiers and contact tanks. The project will address the system’s long-term control plan, reducing Combined Sewer Overflow bypasses, and reduce wet weather overflows into streams.
The projects wre approved by the PENNVEST board today. The funding for these projects comes from a combination of funds including: Growing Greener, Marcellus Legacy funds, federal grants to PENNVEST from the Environmental Protection Agency, and recycled loan repayments from previous PENNVEST funding awards.
Established in 1988, PENNVEST helps fund water and sewer projects statewide.
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September 15, 2020
McKeesport – September 15, 2020 – Nearly $1.5 million in grant funding has been approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) for nine projects in the area, according to state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland).
“The ability to secure grant dollars to fund critical local projects is helpful to our municipalities and taxpayers,” Brewster said. “The nearly $1.5 million in grant funding will be used by nine communities to complete important projects that may not be possible without additional support.”
Brewster said the funding for the projects was approved through the CFA’s Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund Program. The fund is established to support economic development projects in Allegheny County. It is funded through gaming revenues.
The grants include:
- Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank in Duquesne: $100,000 grant to build new sidewalks and ramps;
- Clairton: $100,000 for the installation of safety lighting;
- Monroeville: $100,000 to help Allegheny Petroleum purchase computer equipment to outfit its new building in the municipality;
- North Versailles: $250,000 grant to add lighting upgrades to Crestas Ballfield complex;
- While Oak Borough: through Steel Rivers COG, $100,000 grant to aid in the construction of retaining walls and add to the Center Street Extension Remediation project;
- Liberty Borough: $151,250 through Steel Rives COG, to demolish Old Liberty School;
- Plum: $150,000 grant through the Turtle Creek Valley COG, to replace storm sewer pipes as a part of the Holiday Park Storm Sewer Project;
- Healthy Village Learning Institute in McKeesport: $85,501 grant to replace obsolete windows;
- Elizabeth Borough: $376,250 grant for façade upgrades, sidewalk repairs and streetscape improvements.
Brewster has a long record of success in helping to secure federal, state, county, and local funding for key projects. He said he was pleased that the grant funding was available in this round, and that additional dollars will be secured for other projects in the next funding cycle.
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September 8, 2020
McKeesport – Sept. 8, 2020 – State Sen. Jim Brewster’s (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) effort to safely increase indoor and outdoor seating for bars and restaurants moved forward today as the Senate Law and Justice Committee approved legislation to expand capacity.
Brewster supported a bill (House Bill 2513) to increase indoor occupancy and offered a revised plan to expand seating for outdoor dining. Brewster’s amendment to increase capacity for bars passed unanimously.
Earlier this year, he wrote a letter to the governor seeking state regulatory permission for bars and restaurants to safely reopen with additional seating.
“Since the COVID-19 pandemic struck, I have been trying to make sure that our economy can reopen safely, including increasing capacity for bars and restaurants,” Brewster said. “The committee action today to increase capacity, in addition the announcement by the governor to ease restrictions, will help restaurants, bars and the hospitality industry.
Restaurants have been hit particularly hard by seating restrictions and have sought ways to safely reopen with expanded capacity.
Just prior to the committee’s action, the governor announced that he was easing restrictions on restaurants. The governor said that restaurants can increase their indoor occupancy to 50 percent beginning Sept. 21.
Brewster, who serves as Democratic chair of the Law and Justice Committee, has been a strong and forceful advocate for protecting workers and patrons while reopening the economy in the face of the pandemic.
In July, along with his colleague, Sen. Pam Iovino (D-Allegheny/Washington), Brewster offered plan to use $100 million in federal pandemic recovery funds to help restaurants and bars impacted by forced closures.
Earlier this year, the lawmaker outlined a six-point economic stimulus plan to help workers and small businesses and he detailed a safe reopening strategy for area businesses that protected workers and consumers.
September 4, 2020
McKeesport – Sept. 4, 2020 – Decisions on whether to restart interscholastic fall sports should be left to local school district officials, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today following his vote in support a bill that would leave it to school boards to decide.
“The legislation makes it clear that local school boards will make that decision — as long as health and safety protocols are in place,” Brewster said.
Brewster voted for House Bill 2787 in the Senate Education Committee on Friday for the second time following a reconsideration of Thursday’s vote. The committee voted 10 to 1 in favor of the bill, which will now be reported to the full Senate.
“The legislation enjoys strong and wide support and should be quickly passed by the full Senate,” Brewster said. “We need to give local officials discretion to make decisions once safety protections are established.”
Brewster serves on the statewide School Safety and Security Committee. In June, the committee recommended a framework to distribute more than $150 million in federal pandemic relief funds to school districts across the state. The funding was earmarked to help schools deal with COVID-19 expenses.
“We have distributed funding to local schools to help defray costs, but more needs to be done,” Brewster said. “These funds and the approval of bills to give local school districts discretion on reopening strategies and school sports are key aspects of the recovery.”
Brewster said school directors get input each day from parents, school administrators and others on reopening school sports and are well positioned to make that decision.
The McKeesport lawmaker has been recognized as a leader on boosting the economy and safely reopening in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
In March, Brewster offered a six-point economic stimulus plan to quickly regain jobs and spur a quick recovery from COVID-19. In April, he detailed a health and safety strategy to ensure that a rapid, but safe reopening, featuring more testing and protections for workers.
August 27, 2020
Harrisburg, PA – August 27, 2020 – Today, State Senators Iovino, Street, Brewster, Schwank, and Hughes joined members of the Commonwealth’s small business community via Zoom to advocate for bipartisan legislation that would help Pennsylvania businesses file claims on their business interruption insurance policies, a potential source of funds that could help prevent businesses from being forced to close their doors. Business interruption insurance is coverage that replaces income lost in the event that business is halted due to a disaster. Since the pandemic and resulting shutdown, many Pennsylvania small businesses have sought financial relief by filing claims on their business interruption insurance policies, only to be denied due to ambiguous insurance policy language.
“To confront the most daunting economic challenge of our time, we need to put in place every available option to provide safety nets and recovery tools to support our businesses and our economy – and that includes business interruption insurance,” said Senator Pam Iovino (D – Allegheny & Washington). “Businesses that have consistently paid their business interruption insurance premiums expect their insurance coverage to provide security during a time of need. They need to know that a lifeline they planned for is available and within reach, and this bipartisan bill would do just that.”
Senator Iovino’s legislation, Senate Bill 1127, is designed to clarify Pennsylvania law and specifically applies to businesses with business interruption coverage that contains a “civil authority” clause. These clauses provide protections when government action, typically taken in response to a natural disaster or similar life-threatening event, prevents the business from operating. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has characterized the pandemic as a “natural disaster and a catastrophe of massive proportions.” Also, the legislation would clarify that the presence of COVID-19 in a community constitutes “property damage.”
Under this legislation, businesses would not receive additional payment beyond what their existing coverage permits. Insurance companies would not be mandated to immediately pay claims – the normal claims review process would take place before any payments are made.
Senate Bill 1127 was referred to the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee on April 30. The next step in the legislative process would be a Senate hearing.
“The economic damage caused by the pandemic is something our communities have never faced,” said Senator Sharif Street (D – Philadelphia). Small businesses are the foundation of economic ecosystems throughout communities in the Commonwealth, we must do all we can to sustain them. As Democratic Chair of the Banking & Insurance committee I am committed to working with Chairman Scavello (R) to convene a hearing pending growing reports of businesses across communities having their insurance claims denied. This bill will ensure that we protect the small businesses that drive our economy which have been interrupted through no fault of their own. I’m proud to join Senator Iovino, a leader in this bipartisan effort. “
“Businesses that have paid insurance premiums to financially protect themselves when there is an interruption in operations – such as when the coronavirus pandemic struck – shouldn’t have to struggle when a claim is made,” said Senator Jim Brewster (D – Allegheny & Westmoreland). “Entrepreneurs and small business owners rely on insurance to cover these types of situations.
Covering losses from situations beyond the control of businesses is exactly why you buy and pay for insurance. There should be no problems when operations are suspended and claims are filed.”
Lori Poe, who co-owns The Tandem Connection Bike & Running Shop in Washington County with her husband, said “if we were able to get some reimbursement from our insurance company for the business interruptions and loss of our second store, it would help us stay above water in the winter months when we are typically very slow. We appreciate Senator Iovino, her staff, and other legislators going to bat for the small businesses in our area.”
“As President/CEO of the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce, one of the largest regional chambers in the Commonwealth, I feel compelled to advocate and to support legislation that is specifically designed to add a ‘lifeline’ to our small business community devastated by the pandemic,” said Chris Heck. “Financial relief should not be denied to those due to ambivalent insurance policy language. We support Senate Bill 1127, introduced by our PA Senator, Pam Iovino.”
“There’s no doubt about it – small businesses in Pennsylvania are suffering,” Senator Judy Schwank (D – Berks) said. “These businesses, which have done everything we’ve asked of them, should not be further penalized by their insurance carriers because of vague language.”
Jack Goodrich, a Pittsburgh attorney who specializes in business interruption insurance claims, said that “all we want to do is protect the small business owners that are the backbone of this country. They paid their premiums for years and deserve compensation now for their business losses through no fault of their own.”
“Small businesses all across Pennsylvania are bearing an undue share of the economic collapse caused by the coronavirus pandemic,” said state Senator Vincent Hughes (D – Philadelphia & Montgomery). “Taking action on business interruption insurance is a must. We should be providing every option possible to help their survival and recovery because they are the backbone of our economy.”
A downloadable video of today’s virtual press conference can be accessed here.
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August 25, 2020
McKeesport – August 25, 2020 – State Sen. Jim Brewster’s (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) call for legislative reforms including a ban on gifts for lawmakers was endorsed today by Gov. Tom Wolf.
Wolf unveiled his governmental reform and broader issue agenda for the fall and the gift ban was included among items cited by the governor. Brewster has called for the gift ban in addition to eliminating taxpayer-funded legislative per diems and car leases.
“Several years ago, I authored a package of legislative reforms including a ban on gifts for lawmakers — plus the elimination of per diems and car leases –because I thought it was the right thing to do to protect taxpayers,” Brewster said. “My effort to push these reforms forward has been well received by taxpayers in my district and throughout the state.
“The fact that the governor renewed his call for legislative reform will hopefully give my legislation the push it needs to ultimately become law.”
Brewster first introduced the reform package in the 2015-16 Senate session. His bill to ban legislative gifts was re-introduced this session as Senate Bill 646. Brewster’s bill to end legislative per diems for lawmakers is Senate Bill 644, and his proposal to do away with taxpayer-funded car leases is Senate Bill 645.
“I have been a staunch advocate for these reforms for years,” Brewster said. “Removing the access to gifts and per diems will help make government more transparent and accountable.”
Brewster said he looks forward to debating his reform proposals when the General Assembly reconvenes in September.
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August 19, 2020
McKeesport – August 19, 2020 – More than $3.7 million in state grant funding for water and sewer projects was approved for municipalities in Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said.
The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) approved grants for 16 projects in Brewster’s district through their Small Water and Sewer and H2O programs. All told, there were 11 grants in Allegheny and five in Westmoreland.
“Securing resources from the state to pay for water and sewer upgrades is critical to improving service delivery and reducing local taxpayer burdens,” Brewster said. “These funds will help complete essential projects.”
Small Water and Sewer Program projects include:
Allegheny County –
- Liberty Borough ($200,000) River Road Pump Station improvements
- Turtle Creek Borough ($229,250) Combined sewer rehabilitation
- West Mifflin ($116,268) Duquesne Avenue Culvert Replacement Project
- Monroeville Municipal Authority ($422,675) Sanitary sewer rehabilitation Woodhaven Drive
- North Versailles Township Sewer Authority ($146,942) Star Alley Lane Street sanitary sewer replacement
- Braddock ($250,000) Sewer system deficiency repairs
Westmoreland County –
- Arnold ($69,023) 14th Street outfall
- Lower Burrell ($132,352) Craigdell Road stormwater repairs
- Municipal Authority New Kensington ($148,360) Waterline replacement
- Parks Township Municipal Authority – Allegheny Township ($90,950) Water line replacement
H2O Program grants include:
Allegheny County –
- Duquesne ($500,000) Water system improvements
- Clairton Municipal Authority ($200,000) Phase II, wastewater treatment project
- Monroeville Municipal Authority ($300,000) Woodhaven Drive sanitary sewer Phase 2
- North Versailles Township Sanitary Sewer Authority ($200,000) Crestas Pump Station improvements
- Turtle Creek Maintenance Project ($100,000) Flood protection, sediment removal
Westmoreland –
- Arnold ($600,000) Combined sewer separation
Brewster, who served as mayor and on council in McKeesport prior to being elected as senator, said that it was important for local municipalities to seek state funding and that he was pleased communities throughout his district received funding in this round of CFA grants.
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August 10, 2020
Statewide, Pa. – August 10, 2020 – The Pennsylvania CDFI Network and the PA State Senator Democrats today announced $96 million in grant awards under the COVID-19 Relief Pennsylvania Statewide Small Business AssistanStatewide, Pa. – August 10, 2020 – The Pennsylvania CDFI Network and the PA State Senator Democrats today announced $96 million in grant awards under the COVID-19 Relief Pennsylvania Statewide Small Business Assistance program. The small businesses that have been approved for awards span all 67 Pennsylvania counties.ce program. The small businesses that have been approved for awards span all 67 Pennsylvania counties.
“These grants and the relief they will provide are testament to what we can do when we prioritize the right initiatives,” said Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery). “It is because of collaboration and a collective focus that today we were able to deliver help to the auto body shops, the barbershops, the beauticians, the pizza shop owners, the soul food establishments and other businesses across the commonwealth. And though we are gathering today virtually to recognize the positive impact these grants will have, it is critical to understand that there is still a great deal of need and must continue to direct resources and aid to our small business community to help it recover from the devastation of the pandemic.”
The program is part of $225 million in statewide relief championed by the senate democratic caucus in June to support small businesses economically impacted by the pandemic. The first application round drew a strong response with nearly 24,000 applications.
“We’ve seen the impact of this pandemic-fueled economic crisis on the small businesses in our communities and in the immense response to the program in the first round of applications,” said Daniel Betancourt, President & CEO of Community First Fund and Chair of the PA CDFI Network. “The PA CDFI Network is grateful for the partnership of Governor Wolf and the Pennsylvania Legislature as we move quickly to get these resources into the hands of those most impacted by the crisis.”
Of the close to 5,000 small businesses approved in the first round of funding, 50% are historically disadvantaged businesses that have traditionally experienced discrimination when seeking financial services and financial products. Over 2,400 of the businesses are also in communities targeted for business investment by state government programs like Main Street and Elm Street.
“I could not be more proud or more grateful for the great work of DCED and Pennsylvania’s CDFI Network in delivering substantive, fair, equitable, need-based assistance to our state’s main street and historically disadvantaged small businesses. Our program design and the accountability it provides to taxpayers and to our federal funders is a model for the nation,” Senator Blake (D-Lackawanna) said. “I appeal to the US Congress and to our colleagues on both sides of the aisle in Harrisburg to recognize the success of this program in assisting small businesses devastated by the pandemic and to invest further in the program so we can help even more of them.”
The program has targeted getting grants to small businesses with the greatest need and to be eligible to apply businesses had to have less than $1M in revenue and less than 25 employees. Grants ranged in size from $5,000 to $50,000 based on the revenue size of the business. More than 2,300 of the grantee business owners are low-moderate income.
“Our business community has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and is in need of immediate assistance. The grant program is targeted to help small businesses manage costs, handle expenses, and stay in operation in this exceptionally difficult time,” said Senator Brewster (D-Allegheny). “Since COVID struck our state and debilitated our business community, I have been advocating for bridge grants and sought millions in aid for impacted businesses and workers. The small business assistance grants are one of the tools we can use to bolster business, maintain jobs and help workers at a time of immense distress.”
More than two thirds of the approved awardees are women-owned businesses and 16 percent located in rural communities. The businesses represent industries that have been especially hard hit by the pandemic including retail, food and hospitality, health and wellness, and personal care.
| Industry |
Applications Approved |
Amount (Millions) |
| Restaurants & Other Eating Places |
1,608 |
$25.80
|
| Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages) |
202 |
$4.63
|
| Personal Care Services |
1,001 |
$24.52
|
| Other Amusement and Rec. Industries |
180 |
$3.46
|
| Totals |
2,991 |
$58.41
|
“For minority and women-owned businesses in Pennsylvania COVID-19 didn’t create a crisis, it laid bare the crisis our minority entrepreneurs have been facing for decades,” House Democratic Finance Committee Chairman Jake Wheatley Jr (D-Allegheny) said. “While I’m glad to see the positive impact of these grants and I urge all local community businesses to apply for the next round of grants, we need to expand investment in programs like this because it’s long past time for the legislature to address the systemic flaws that are leaving too many marginalized people behind.”
The second grant application window for the relief funds opened today, August 10, and will remain open for 15 business days closing at 11:59PM on August 28.
“Our small business owners need our help and support,” said state Rep. Carolyn Comitta, D-Chester. “After limited or even no sales due to the virus for almost five months, it would be unfair to let them suffer alone without any intervention. These grants give our small businesses hope and, I am here with my democratic colleagues to provide them whatever help they need to address this pandemic. Our business owners, their employees, and their families deserve our assistance.”
In order to get funds to businesses in need as quickly as possible, the second application window will be the final opportunity to apply for the program. Qualified applicants not awarded in the first round do not need to reapply and will be rolled into the next round for consideration.
Eligible small businesses can apply online at pabusinessgrants.com or through any one of the 17 Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) that are part of the Pennsylvania CDFI Network.
Summary_Round1
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About the PA CDFI Network
The PA CDFI Network is a coalition of 17 PA-based community development financial institutions that primarily provide financing options for small businesses. The members of the coalition are as follows:
The Progress Fund (Counties Served: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Fayette, Forest, Fulton, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lycoming, McKean, Mercer, Potter, Somerset, Tioga, Venango, Warren, Washington, Westmoreland)
Bridgeway Capital (Counties Served: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango, Washington, Westmoreland)
Northside Community Development Fund (Counties Served: Allegheny, Beaver, Greene, Lawrence, Washington)
Metro Action (Counties Served: Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill, Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming)
Rising Tide Community Loan Fund (Counties Served: Bradford, Bucks, Carbon, Columbia, Lehigh, Monroe, Northampton)
ASSETS (Counties Served: Berks, Juniata, Lancaster, Mifflin, Snyder, York)
Community First Fund (Counties Served: Adams, Berks, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Perry, Philadelphia, York)
Reinvestment Fund (Counties Served: All Counties)
PIDC Community Capital (Counties Served: Philadelphia)
Impact Loan Fund (Counties Served: Montgomery, Montour, Northumberland, Philadelphia)
Beech Capital (Counties Served: Bucks, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Erie, Montgomery, Philadelphia, York)
West Philadelphia Financial Services Institution (Counties Served: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia)
Enterprise Center Capital (Counties Served: Berks, Bucks, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia)
Neighborhood Progress Fund (Counties Served: Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia)
Entrepreneur Works (Counties Served: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia)
Women’s Opportunities Resource Center (Counties Served: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wyoming)
United Bank (Counties Served: Blair, Bucks, Cambria, Chester, Delaware, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Montgomery, Philadelphia, Union)
The members of the Executive Committee of the network are:
- Daniel Betancourt, Community First Fund — Chair
- James Burnett, West Philadelphia Financial Services Institution — Vice Chair
- Lynne Cutler, Women’s Opportunities Resource Center (WORC) — Vice Chair
- Leslie Benoliel, Entrepreneur Works — Treasurer
- Mark Masterson, Northside Community Development Fund — Secretary
- Chris Hudock, Rising Tide Loan Fund — Assistant Treasurer
August 7, 2020
McKeesport – August 7, 2020 – State Senator Jim Brewster today announced five state pandemic relief grants totaling $163,400 to area schools.
“These emergency funds will help these local schools continue to provide a quality educational curriculum during this pandemic,” Brewster said. “It is imperative that schools remain vigilant, viable and flexible. It is equally important for all branches of government to bolster their efforts with sound strategic support and resources.”
The schools include:
- Kiski Area SD $41,300
- Leechburg Area SD $17,650
- McKeesport Area SD $59,250
- Propel CS-McKeesport $13,550
- Propel CS-Pitcairn $12,300
- Propel CS-Braddock Hills $19,350
The schools received Continuity of Education Equity Grant (CEEG) funds. The emergency funds are aimed at helping administrators and school boards avoid disruptions in teaching and learning. The grants are formulated to support schools with high percentages of students unable to participate in continuity of education.
# # #
August 6, 2020
McKeesport – August 6, 2020 – State Senator Jim Brewster today announced eight state pandemic relief grants totaling $658,370 to area schools and technical colleges.
“These emergency funds will help many of these schools remain active and viable as we continue to work our way through the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Brewster said. “I will continue to seek state support for schools, businesses and workers who were set back by this devastating coronavirus.”
The schools include:
- West Mifflin Area School District $68,750
- Woodland Hills School District $76,150
- A W Beattie Career Center $100,863
- Forbes Road CTC (Career and Technical Center) $186,856
- McKeesport Area Tech Center $35,477
- Eastern Westmoreland CTC $32,949
- Northern Westmoreland CTC $45,882
- Central Westmoreland CTC $111,443
The two school districts received Continuity of Education Equity Grant (CEEG) funds. Extended statewide school closures have compelled education leaders to adapt to unprecedented disruptions in teaching and learning to ensure that students have access to quality opportunities for educational continuity. The grants are intended to provide additional financial support to local education agencies (LEAs) and schools with the highest percentages of students unable to participate in continuity of education.
The other grant funds were obtained from the federal Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) funds towards Equity Grants for Career and Technical Centers. The money is used by postsecondary institutions and adult basic education providers across Pennsylvania to help implement public health and safety plans toward the resumption of fall operations.
# # #
July 23, 2020
Senators Iovino and Brewster met today with the Southwestern PA Tavern and Restaurant Association and bar and restaurant owners to discuss the industry’s need for relief. Also in attendance were Senators Costa, Fontana, and Bartolotta, and Representatives Mihalek, Ortitay, and Miller.
Allegheny County, PA – July 23, 2020 – Today, State Senators Jim Brewster and Pam Iovino announced a comprehensive proposal to provide emergency relief to Pennsylvania’s restaurants and taverns, which have seen significant financial loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting shutdown. The seven-point plan includes a $100 million grant program to retail liquor licensees using federal CARES Act funds, as well as a suite of policy changes to financially benefit these struggling businesses.
“Restaurants and taverns are not only favorite neighborhood destinations and community staples, they are the job creators and the cornerstone of vibrant main streets across Pennsylvania, representing the third-largest sector of the state’s economy – and they are in dire need of assistance,” said Senator Iovino (D – Allegheny & Washington). “As these small business owners struggle to determine if they can hang on, they need to know that there are lifelines available to them. This plan would direct financial relief to this specific retail sector and will help position our Commonwealth for a full and lasting economic recovery.”
“Restaurants, bars and the hospitality industry has been hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and we have to provide relief,” said Senator Brewster (D – Allegheny & Westmoreland). “Too many bars and restaurants are imperiled, cannot survive under strict mitigation, or have closed their doors putting men and women out of work. We have an obligation and responsibility to move aggressively and provide help now. The assistance package we are offering today is critical for bars and restaurants and their employees.”
Brewster proposed a six-point economic stimulus package in March that included bridge grants for small businesses, including bars and restaurants. He also authored a business reopening plan in April to re-open the economy while addressing the health threat.
The full proposal to provide relief to Pennsylvania’s bars and restaurants includes the following components:
- Provide targeted assistance under the Senate Democrats’ small business assistance program to restaurants and taverns. Carve out $100 million from the remaining CARES Act proceeds to capitalize a program to provide grants to these retail liquor licensees for revenue and capital losses experienced during shutdown periods.
- Increase the wholesale licensee discount for wine and spirit purchases from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) from 10% to 15% for at least nine months, to June 30, 2021 with a gradual phased reduction back to 10% after June 30, 2022. The total savings to the retail liquor licensee community will exceed $30 million
- Waive all license renewal and permit fees that are paid by restaurants and taverns for one year from the date of implementation, representing over $35 million annually.
- Eliminate late fees/penalties for delayed sales tax payments and allow restaurants to pay off delinquent accounts by June 30, 2021.
- Allow licensees to expand their licensed premises outdoors to non-contiguous areas within a certain distance of the licensee.
- Eliminate the $500 off-premises catering permit and current cap on hours/events for an off-premises catering permit during the declared state of emergency.
- Clarify ambiguous language in business interruption insurance policies to ensure claims filed during the COVID-19 pandemic are quickly and efficiently paid to businesses (Senate Bill 1127).
Under this proposal, liquor licensees that are cited for violating public health orders or the liquor code would be subject to forfeiture of any grants received or any fees waived by the PLCB.
Senators Iovino and Brewster will work closely with Senate leadership to see that relief to Pennsylvania bars and restaurants remains a legislative priority. And they encourage all Pennsylvanians to support their local restaurants and taverns to the greatest extent possible by ordering takeout or delivery; carryoutpa.com provides a listing of local businesses across the state.
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June 16, 2020
Harrisburg – June 16, 2020 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today that the School Safety and Security Committee approved the framework to distribute more than $150 million of a total of $215 million in federal CARES Act funding.
“The action taken today by the School Safety and Security Committee is important because it will help speed the distribution of hundreds of millions in federal CARES Act funds to address pandemic related expenses,” Brewster said. “These dollars will go as grants to schools and help reduce community violence.”
Brewster said that all school districts will get a mandatory minimum grant of $120,000 plus additional funds based on daily student enrollment. Other school entities will get a $90,000 grant.
“I am pleased that these funds will be soon rolling out of Harrisburg and into local school districts,” Brewster said. “We must remain steadfast in our commitment to help school districts deal with COVID-19 expenses, while we work with community groups to stem violence.”
Brewster has served on the committee that distributes school safety grants since its inception.
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Contact: Tim Joyce
Phone: 412 380-2242
Email: Timothy.Joyce@pasenate.com
June 8, 2020
HARRISBURG – June 8, 2020 – Members of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus announced the direction of $225 million in federal CARES Act funding to aid small businesses across the commonwealth. This funding was authorized by the recently enacted COVID-19 Emergency Supplement to the General Appropriation Act of 2019 and was a centerpiece of the caucus’ PA CARES Plan.
The aid will be distributed as follows: $100 million is set to go to the Main Street Business Revitalization Program, $100 million to the Historically Disadvantaged Business Revitalization Program, and $25 million for loan payment deferment and loss reserves for loans impacted by COVID-19. The aid will be directed by the Department of Community and Economic Development to Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI), which are intimately familiar with the needs of the most vulnerable small businesses in our communities.
“I want to thank Governor Wolf for engaging leadership in the General Assembly to inform the process of moving federal aid out to those who have been most harmed by the COVID-19 pandemic. I also want to thank the leadership of the Senate Democratic caucus who worked with our members to formulate a strategic plan for the deployment of nearly $4 billion in federal assistance,” said state Senator John Blake (D-Lackawanna). “The Main Street Business Revitalization program is a reflection of that cooperation and leadership and it will meet Pennsylvania’s small business owners where they are, on Main Street, after nearly three months of lost or no sales. It will enable small business owners throughout the commonwealth to meet their insurance payments, rents, health insurance premiums, local taxes and other expenses that they otherwise could not meet due to lost sales. Finally, I want to thank the 17 CDFIs throughout the state as well as DCED for their professionalism, agility, urgency and dedication to getting this federal funding to the small businesses who need it most as quickly as possible.”
Eligible businesses will apply through one of the CDFI Network partners and will have to have been operating on or before February 15, 2020, and must have paid taxes to state and federal governments. Qualifying main street and historically disadvantaged small businesses must have 25 or fewer employees and experienced losses as a result of Gov. Tom Wolf’s March 19 stay-at-home order. Organizations seeking grants from the historically disadvantaged small businesses program must also be 51 percent owned and managed by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
“The announcement of the Main Street and Historically Disadvantaged Business Revitalization Programs will provide welcomed relief for mom and pop businesses in neighborhoods across the commonwealth,” said State Senator Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery). “Since this pandemic began, we have heard the needs of the auto body shops, the barbershops, the beauticians, the pizza shop owners, the soul food establishments and other businesses in our communities. The needs of these businesses that were unable to get much needed help from other state and federal programs were a priority in our Senate Democratic Caucus’ April 29 PA CARES Program announcement. For months, my office has worked with a network of trusted community organizations that have a proven track record of working with our small CDFIs to find a solution to assist our neighborhood businesses. I believe these programs are that solution. There is still more work to be done, but these programs are a win for Pennsylvania and its small businesses.”
Businesses will be eligible for up to $50,000 in grants. Grants can be used to cover operating expenses during the shutdown and in the transition period to reopening, technical assistance and training, debt payment relief for CDFI borrowers and loan loss reserves.
“Our small businesses all across the state made sacrifices so that we could flatten the curve of COVID-19 and save lives,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Jr. “Now as we begin to recover, our businesses will need and deserve assistance to reopen their doors, rehire their staff and serve our communities again. We thank them for their patience through this difficult time, and are ready to offer the programs, loans and assistance they need.”
Businesses will be required to submit proposals for review documenting sales losses, projected revenues, the duration of closure as a result of COVID-19, and relief receipts for other federal, state and local government aid. Eligible businesses will apply directly through a local CDFI.
“One of the goals of the pandemic-recovery stimulus plan that I offered in March, was to jump-start business operations and speed the economic recovery by making resources readily available to get more men and women back to work quicker,” Senator Brewster said. “Using federal CARE dollars to bolster business and smooth the back-to-work transition is critically important. The caucus CARES initiative includes one piece of the plan and will be especially useful to small businesses as they cover expenses and manage start-up costs. Plus, it will usher in help for small businesses who may not have been able to access other state or federal business assistance programs.”
Distributed funds will be monitored by DCED to track the total number of grants awarded under these programs including county, the number of jobs saved by the grants, the total amount of loan payment and deferment, administrative costs and more.
“Thank you to Governor Wolf and his administration for recognizing the need for our Main Street Business Revitalization Program and incorporating that proposal into the Commonwealth’s plan to support our small businesses, which represent nearly half of the private sector workforce in Pennsylvania – 2.5 million jobs,” said Senator Iovino (D-Allegheny/Washington). “Small businesses are the job creators in our communities, the revenue generators for our Commonwealth, and the cornerstone of vibrant main streets. As small business owners are struggling to hang on, this $225 million grant package is exactly the kind of lifeline that these economic drivers need to support our recovery.”
For more about the caucus’ comprehensive, people-focused COVID-19 recovery plan, visit pasenate.com/pacares.
