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.
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.
August 10, 2018
McKeesport – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) visited “The Wall That Heals” Vietnam Veterans Memorial Replica and Mobile Education Center in 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 was escorted to its place in Renziehausen Park on Aug. 7 by more than 200 motorcycle riders and police. The procession began at 5 p.m. at Olympia Shopping Center in McKeesport and moved to the park where wall setup began on Aug. 8.
The wall is displayed at Jimmy Long Field in Renziehausen Park from until Sunday, Aug. 12. The opening ceremony was at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 9. At the opening ceremony, a pinning presentation honored more than 40 Vietnam veterans.
Reading of the names took 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.
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.”
-30-
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 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.
-30-
June 21, 2018
Any loss of life is tragic, and especially so when the victim is so young – like Antwon Rose was. When our police are involved in an incident like this, it is imperative that there be a detailed, thorough and transparent review. We join others in the community in calling for the District Attorney to begin such a process. Our hearts go out to the family, friends and classmates of Antwon Rose. The death of a child is an unimaginable horror, and we cannot fully grasp their pain.
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.
-30-
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.
-30-
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.”
-30-
January 11, 2018
McKeesport – Jan. 11, 2018 – On the heels of Gov. Tom Wolf announcing a disaster declaration for the heroin and opioid epidemic, Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) today called on the governor to go even further and endorse mandatory treatment for any person charged with a non-violent crime who is treated by first responders for an overdose or addiction.
“The governor has been very aggressive in taking executive action to battle heroin and opioid abuse,” Brewster said. “We need the governor to recognize that mandatory treatment is the most significant and effective step that can be taken to resolve the problem once and for all.”
Brewster has put his ideas concerning mandatory treatment into bill form. He introduced a package of legislation (Senate Bills 710-712) called “Prevention, Recovery and Enforcement Act” that is designed to address each component of the crisis. His legislation includes measures that would limit opioid prescriptions, impose mandatory treatment, and add stiff penalties for drug pushers who possess illegal guns.
“The governor’s disaster declaration will open up resources that can be used in the fight to stop opioid and heroin abuse and I am very pleased that he took this step,” Brewster said. “It focuses energy and attention on the problem. The next phase in dealing with the crisis is getting at the root cause and addressing it through mandatory treatment of those who are treated by first responders or face criminal charges.”
Brewster said there should be both civil and criminal referrals for mandatory treatment. He also supports Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa’s (D-Allegheny) legislation that would enable family members to seek mandatory treatment for loved ones.
The McKeesport lawmaker said that it was clear to him that long-term mandatory treatment is necessary given the recidivism of those who complete short-term treatment regimens. He said that testimony of experts from the medical community at Senate hearings indicates that at least nine months of treatment for those addicted is necessary.
“Whether long-term treatment is offered at a residential treatment facility or through an intensive outpatient process that is heavily monitored, it’s clear that what is being done now is not sufficient and too many loved ones are being lost to the drug abuse,” Brewster said.
Brewster said he realizes that there are costs involved in mandatory treatment, but noted that many patients could be covered through Medicaid and that other funds could be released through a redirection of drug forfeiture funds and savings from reduced corrections costs.
-30-
October 30, 2017
Harrisburg – October 30, 2017 — Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) reminded individuals and families who need health coverage through the Affordable Care Act for 2018 that the open enrollment period begins on Nov. 1 and runs through Dec. 15.
“It is important for individuals and families to understand that they can access health care through the insurance marketplace,” Brewster said. “With the attempted repeals of the Affordable Care Act, there has been a great deal of confusion about the future of the marketplace. The marketplace will be open for enrollment in November.
“The fear is that those who can access health care through the marketplace will not sign up for coverage.”
Brewster said that lawmakers need to reverse the impression that access to health care coverage is not available.
Individuals can re-enroll or enroll for coverage by visiting HealthCare.gov or call the Marketplace Call Center 24 hours a day at 1-800-318-2596.
The Affordable Care Act has helped more than a million Pennsylvanians receive health care. More than 700,000 individuals gained coverage through Medicaid expansion and another 400,000 purchased coverage on the individual marketplace.
According to the Wolf Administration, the state’s rate of uninsured Pennsylvanians is at 5.6 percent, its lowest level ever.
“Taking a moment of time to explore the insurance marketplace to find the right insurance plan for your family is a good investment,” Brewster said. “Health insurance provides life-saving access to care and saves individuals and families money when they face medical issues.
-30-
June 21, 2017
Harrisburg – June 21, 2017 – The 2nd Annual “Going for the Goal Sprint Triathlon” will get underway on Sunday, June 25 at 8:00 a.m. at McKeesport High School in McKeesport, Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today.
“This event attracts exceptional athletes from all over the country to compete and experience the beauty of the Mon Valley,” Brewster said. “While an athletic competition, the triathlon has also become an exciting way to showcase the many resources and opportunities in the McKeesport area.”
The triathlon consists of three events: 300-yard swim in the high school swimming pool, 8.5-mile bike ride through the Great Allegheny Passage trail and a 5K run through beautiful Renziehausen Park.
If you are interested in signing up, individually or as a team, simply go to www.parunners.com to register. Same day registrations will also be accepted. Any questions contact Event Coordinator Alison Piccolino at 412-398-1256.
The triathlon will benefit the McKeesport Trail Commission and programs operated by the McKeesport-White Oak Kiwanis.
Brewster has partnered with the McKeesport Hospital Foundation, McKeesport Area School District, City of McKeesport, the McKeesport Trail Commission and McKeesport-White Oak Kiwanis to put the program together.
“There has been a lot of teamwork involved by all partners and supporters of the triathlon,” Brewster said. “We have worked together to create a health and wellness event that people of all ages can enjoy.”
This year’s “Going for the Goal Sprint Triathlon” will also be the kick-off for “Live Well City of McKeesport”.
This initiative made possible by the City of McKeesport and McKeesport Area School District’s collaboration with the Allegheny County Health Department’s Live Well Allegheny campaign.
This initiative focuses on bringing awareness to building healthy lifestyles for all residents in the city. County Executive Rich Fitzgerald will be joining the event this year to congratulate the community on focusing on an important county campaign while also cheering on the triathlon participants.
“We are all looking forward to a competition that harnesses the energy of the region, creates good will for local residents and highlights the growth of the area,” Brewster said.
The triathlon has significant local support from businesses and community groups.
-30-
May 23, 2014
McKeesport – May 23, 2014 – State Sen. Jim Brewster today announced a $65,000 state grant for Elizabeth Township to repair flood damage along a tributary of the Youghiogheny River.
“It is important that the state use its financial resources to help address health and safety concerns,” Brewster said. “The repair of a flood-damage along a tributary of the Yough in Elizabeth Township will help alleviate future flooding concerns in the basin and improve water flow in the area.”
The area that is to be repaired is in Buena Vista in a section plagued by damage caused by severe storms. The project includes 80 feet of stream bank stabilization using Gabion baskets, rock and pre-cast concrete to hamper future erosion.
Brewster, who serves as a member of the Senate’s Community and Economic Development Committee, said that mitigating flood issues is important for future redevelopment potential in the region.
“The communities in the Mon Valley has a long tradition of marshalling and harnessing our natural resources and we’ve adjusted to flood threats by making changes that help reduce future episodes,” Brewster said.
The grant is being administered by the state Department of Environmental protection.
-30-
December 13, 2013
Harrisburg, Dec. 13, 2013 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) urged Pennsylvanians to open or contribute to a 529 College Savings Program account on the behalf of a child in their lives. He said contributions made by Dec. 31 will reduce a person’s 2013 Pennsylvania state taxable income.
“This is a simple way to save money for a child’s college education while taking advantage of tax benefits on your 2013 state taxes,” Brewster said. “Consider giving a 529 plan contribution as a holiday gift before Dec. 31.”
Taxpayers can deduct up to $14,000 per beneficiary in PA 529 contributions from Pennsylvania taxable income on their state tax returns for 2013. Married couples filing jointly can deduct up to $28,000 per beneficiary if each spouse has taxable income of at least the amount deducted.
“In addition to reducing your taxable income, earnings in a 529 plan are not subject to yearly taxes as they grow, and when used for qualified higher education expenses, earnings are tax-exempt when withdrawn,” said Brewster. “Hopefully these tax benefits encourage families to plan ahead for their children’s futures.”
Brewster also said the PA 529 College Savings Program is offering free enrollment – a $50 savings – for all new PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) accounts opened by Dec. 31 at www.PA529.com. Use code TAX2013 when prompted.
To open or contribute to an account, visit www.PA529.com or call 1-800-440-4000.
-30-
May 31, 2012
McKeesport, May 31, 2012 – State Senator Jim Brewster today reminded people that he and his local staff stand ready to help people apply for the 2011 state Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program — for free.
Brewster said some businesses have solicited by mail that they will help seniors apply for the Lottery-funded property tax/rent rebate program – at a charge of up to $50.
“While these businesses can legally charge people to help them apply for a rebate, I want to remind seniors and others that there is no need to pay for such a service because my staff and I stand ready to provide that help for free,” Brewster said.
The Property Tax and Rent Rebate program benefits Pennsylvanians who are 65 years old and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older.
Brewster said he and his local district office staff can help constituents determine if they are eligible, and assist them in completing and filing their rebate application. For assistance or to obtain an application, contact any of the Senator’s District Offices:
- One Monroeville Center, 3824 Northern Pike, Suite 350, Monroeville (412) 380-2242;
- 201 Lysle Blvd., Suite 100, McKeesport (412) 664-5200; and
- New Kensington City Hall, 301 11th Street., Suite L (724) 334-1143
Forms can also be found on line at http://www.revenue.state.pa.us/ or by calling 1-888-222-9190.
“Again, I urge local seniors to not pay for something they can readily get for free,” Brewster said.
# # #
