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 Versailles will use the funds to replace outdated equipment and install new technology to aid first responders at two intersections in the borough.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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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.
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September 18, 2015
Harrisburg – Sept. 18, 2015 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today that the Senate Republican stopgap budget plan is a non-starter because it represents one-third of an already-vetoed budget and it does not include property tax relief or a reasonable Marcellus Shale extraction tax.
Brewster voted against the $11.22 billion Republican stopgap budget proposal. The Republican short-term budget, which would fund government through Oct. 31, 2015, was approved along party lines.
The Senate Republican stopgap budget (Senate Bill 1000) is roughly one-third of the Republican budget (House Bill 1192) that was vetoed by Gov. Tom Wolf in late June. Wolf has said that he plans to veto the stopgap if it reaches his desk.
Brewster’s comments:
“The Republican stopgap budget is simply a non-starter. The plan does not include property tax relief, nor does it have a responsible Marcellus Shale extraction tax that is tied to additional education funding.
“It is simply one-third of an already vetoed spending plan. Appropriately, the governor has pledged to veto this short-term effort. A stopgap spending plan addresses funding issues temporarily, but may result in more distress over the long-term. The whole exercise is a waste of time.
“Instead of working toward a comprehensive spending plan that includes real dollars for education, job creation, human services or deficit reduction, Republicans have refused to compromise and negotiate toward a resolution of the budget impasse.
“The governor has offered compromises and solutions on the two main Republican issues — pension reform and liquor sales — yet they continue to be inflexible. After more than two months of refusing to compromise, the best the Republicans can do is offer an unacceptable, short-term, short-sighted, deficient plan.”
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June 26, 2015
Harrisburg, June 26, 2015 – State Sen. Jim Brewster today said people have until June 30 (Tuesday) to apply for a job with the Pennsylvania State Police.
“I urge men and women interested in a law enforcement career to look into this opportunity,” Brewster said. “The State Police is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious law enforcement agencies; and troopers receive a starting salary of $57,251.”
Brewster said people can obtain information, get an application and apply online at www.patrooper.com.
From the pool of applicants, numerous candidates will be invited to take a written examination in August. Those who pass the written examination are then asked to take an oral examination. Those who successfully emerge from the examination process must also pass a physical fitness test, polygraph test, background investigation and medical and psychological evaluations before being appointed as a cadet.
Cadets must complete an intense and sometimes grueling 27-week training course before they become troopers. To apply, applicants must:
- Be at least 20-years-old when they apply; and be between 21 and 40 by the date they become a state police cadet.
- Possess a high school diploma or a GED certificate, plus an associate’s degree or 60 semester credit hours at an accredited institution of higher education at the time of application. Certain waivers to the education requirement are available.
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February 27, 2015
Harrisburg – Feb. 27, 2014 – Senate Democrats outlined their liquor modernization plan today, a day after the House of Representatives passed an ill-conceived privatization plan.
“No banker would back it and no business would implement it,” Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) sponsor of the Senate Democratic proposal said today about the House plan (House Bill 466). “The plan that passed the House takes the wrong approach at precisely the wrong time — it makes zero business sense and there are better alternatives.
“Under valuing a profitable asset and selling it off at fire-sale prices is no way to proceed.”
Brewster was vice-president of operations at Mellon Bank and has decades of experience in private business.
He said the modernization plan produced by Senate Democrats, introduced as Senate Bill 15, has the potential to produce an extra $150 million annually. The state’s liquor system generated $320 million in liquor taxes, $124 million in sales taxes and $80 million in net profits last year on more than $2.24 billion in sales.
The lawmaker said the Senate Democratic modernization plan would:
- Remove the cap on the number of stores that can operate on Sunday and extend the permitted hours of operation from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.;
- Improve opportunities to partner with grocery stores to increase the number of stores-within-a-store;
- Offer customer-service programs to improve customer experiences in stores;
- Sell lottery tickets within wine & spirits stores;
- Require final determinations on store lease arrangements within 90 days;
- Join with other states on purchasing arrangements to help secure the very best price;
- Fashion demand reforms such as allowing beer distributors to sell smaller quantities than cases, and permits for direct wine shipments to homes.
“We have a valued asset in our wine-and-spirits stores and they can be a tremendous resource for our taxpayers for years to come if we modernize and adapt,” Brewster said. “The last thing we should do is sell off an asset for a below-market price in an attempt to serve an ideological impulse.
“The Senate Democratic plan would improve convenience, create better access, provide service and delivery options while preserving thousands of jobs.”
The House-passed privatization plan, which involves selling 1,200 licenses, has been sold as a way of plugging the $2.3 billion budget hole created by the Republicans and former Gov. Tom Corbett. However, according to a Republican fiscal analysis, the plan will only raise a small portion of $2.3 billion in one-time revenue in 2015-16.
The House privatization plan passed 114-87. Gov. Tom Wolf has indicated his opposition to the plan.
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February 11, 2015
Harrisburg – Feb. 11, 2014 – Gov. Tom Wolf’s plan to use the proceeds from a new 5 percent gas severance tax to fund education is being applauded by state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland).
“Using shale tax revenues to rebuild education following the severe cuts made by the Corbett administration is the right thing to do,” Brewster said. “These cuts have impacted our schools and burdened our taxpayers and new resources are desperately needed.
“The proposed 5 percent tax will not harm the industry and connecting it to education will help close the funding gap that has developed as a result of short-sighted policy and an ineffective shale impact fee.”
Brewster said that Corbett cut $1 billion from education during his tenure. The senator said that the entire education community has suffered as a result.
In mid-December, Brewster announced his plan to use severance tax revenue to make investments in education. Brewster’s “Extraction for Education” plan parallels Wolf’s proposed “Pennsylvania Education Reinvestment Act” in several ways, including the call for a 5 percent shale tax levy, the retention of impact fee payments to communities under the umbrella of the tax ceiling and the direct tie to education.
Brewster introduced his plan this session as Senate Bill 395. He said he expects consideration of a severance tax plan to be a part of budget negotiations this year.
“I am pleased that the governor has announced a reasonable shale extraction tax and that he plans to use the proceeds of the tax to support education,” Brewster said.
According to the governor’s office, the new levy will generate in excess of $1 billion by the end of 2017. The plan is modeled after the tax structure now in place in neighboring West Virginia.
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February 5, 2015
Harrisburg, February 5, 2015 – Calling it a way to reach and assist more constituents, Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) today announced that he will be staffing four satellite district offices over the next three months.
“These additional area locations will make it more convenient for people to obtain state government services,” Brewster said.
Brewster said he will provide services at the following locations:
Baldwin Borough Building
3344 Churchview Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15227
Second Wednesday in February, March and April
February 11, March 11, and April 8 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Brentwood Borough Building
3624 Brownsville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15227
Second Tuesday in February, March and April
February 10, March 10, and April 14 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Forward Twp. Municipal Building
1000 Golden Circle, Elizabeth, PA 15037
First Wednesday in February, March and April
February 4, March 4, and April 1 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
West Elizabeth Borough Building
800 4th Street, West Elizabeth, PA 15088
First Wednesday in February, March and April
February 4, March 4, and April 1 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Brewster said he and his staff stand ready to help constituents with PennDOT services, higher education aid, birth and death certificate applications, notary applications, and senior citizen information ranging from PACE to Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications.
He said the offices can also help cut government red tape and have access to extensive information on legislation, state government issues, programs and services.
Brewster also has full-time district offices in McKeesport (412-664-5200), Monroeville (412-380-2242) and New Kensington (724-334-1143).
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February 2, 2015
Harrisburg – February 2, 2015 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) will serve another year as secretary of the board of the Port Authority of Allegheny County.
“There are many challenges that we face in public transportation and many hurdles that have to be overcome,” Brewster said. “I am confident that by working together we can rebuild and restructure our public transit system to meet the needs of the citizens of Allegheny County.”
Brewster is a veteran of the board and serves on the Financial Audit Committee. He is a member of the Senate Transportation Committee and was a strong advocate of the $2.3 billion transportation finance law (Act 89) that has bolstered funding for road, bridge and mass transit systems.
“The Port Authority board works well together in trying to address transportation needs,” Brewster said. “The board members are all dedicated and committed to making our transportation network better.”
Brewster said that board is working on a number of initiatives such as smart card technology and real-time vehicle tracking.
The Port Authority has 2,600 workers and serves more than 200,000 riders on a daily basis.
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December 17, 2014
Harrisburg – Dec. 17, 2014 – To better manage the cost of higher education and cut tax liability this year, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) today reminded students and parents that contributions to an approved college savings plan by Dec. 31 are tax deductable.
“The high cost of a college education is a real challenge for students and parents,” Brewster said. “A 529 plan helps families manage costs and provides a means to reduce tax obligations.”
Brewster noted that state Treasurer Rob McCord’s office is offering free enrollment in the PA Guaranteed Savings Plan and the PA 529 Investment Plan.
“There are a great many resources available to help students, parents and families deal with the high cost of college,” Brewster said. “Establishing a PA 529 plan and making contributions is an excellent way for families to both save for college and lower tax bills at the same time.”
The treasurer reported that there are now nearly 200,000 accounts with more than $3.3 billion in assets that are being managed by his office.
Taxpayers can deduct up to $14,000 per beneficiary in PA 529 contributions from Pennsylvania taxable income on their state tax returns for 2014. Married couples filing jointly can deduct up to $28,000 per beneficiary if each spouse has taxable income of at least the amount deducted.
The PA 529 College Savings Program is offering free enrollment ($50 savings) for all new PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) accounts opened by Dec. 31.
Brewster said that if students, parents, guardians or others need more information or want to enroll, they can visit www.PA529.com. To take advantage of the $50 savings, use enrollment code Brewster when prompted.
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December 16, 2014
Proposal features shale tax levy, education trust fund, fee credit
Harrisburg – Dec. 16, 2014 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) will soon introduce a plan that would earmark revenue from a new shale gas extraction tax for public schools while retaining current well impact fees that support local government operations.
“My ‘Extraction for Education’ proposal is simple, reasonable and credible because it uses the proceeds of an extraction tax to support education,” Brewster said. “Yet it also retains funds that are currently generated from impact fees for use by local and state government. Pennsylvania taxpayers, school children, teachers and others who are involved in the education community have paid a high price because the Corbett administration has failed to embrace a responsible shale gas extraction tax.”
Brewster said a 5 percent levy would generate between $700 million to $1 billion. His plan calls for distributing this revenue via a new basic education subsidy formula that is now being developed by a bipartisan legislative commission.
Under the plan, shale drillers would be able to credit current impact fee expenses (Act 13) against their severance tax liability. That way, the senator said the effective tax rate is 5 percent, which would keep the industry competitive. The current impact fee equates to an estimated 1.8 percent tax over the life of the well, he added.
“It is important that energy companies pay a reasonable tax for a Pennsylvania resource, but we also need to balance well fees and market competitiveness so we don’t harm the industry,” Brewster said.
Brewster said he was encouraged that Gov.-elect Tom Wolf campaigned on using a robust shale tax to fund education. He said the governor elect’s support for a responsible shale tax is critical. The lawmaker said he hopes his plan will be the basis for further legislative discussions.
Targeting new dollars for education is important because Gov. Tom Corbett and his administration cut $1 billion from schools, Brewster noted. School districts have never recovered from the funding reduction and homeowners have seen their property taxes rise. Approximately 75 percent of school districts have raised taxes as a result of the underfunding of schools in Pennsylvania.
According to figures cited by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission – the state agency responsible for collection and distribution of the state’s current impact fee — more than $200 million was generated from impact fees (Act 13) every year since 2011. A portion of the funds collected from the well impact fee are distributed to local municipalities to cover the impact of drilling in their communities.
Under the Brewster proposal, all revenues from his proposed extraction tax would be placed in the “Extraction for Education Fund” and all dollars would be spent in support of education.
“All funding earmarked for the Extraction for Education Fund will be used to help schools, taxpayers and children and not siphoned off for other purposes,” Brewster said. “We have to make the connection between the extraction tax and education clear.”
In 2011, Brewster authored legislation linking an extraction fee to education support (SB 1286). However, the bill was never acted on by the Senate.
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December 9, 2014
McKeesport – Dec. 9, 2014– State Sen. James Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today that the holiday season will come early for many anglers this year as a result of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s “Catch the Value” discounted
license promotion.
“This is by far the best time to buy your fishing license for 2015 and beyond,” Brewster said. “Fishing is a great activity for the whole family and now we can enjoy Pennsylvania’s streams and lakes for a lower price.”
Under the promotion, prices for 2015 licenses will be reduced by $1 for annual resident, non-resident, and senior fishing licenses throughout the fishing season. Additionally, anglers who purchase their licenses during the month of December will receive $3 off of the three-year multi-year license and $5 off of the five-year multi-year license.
Brewster, an avid outdoorsman, noted that these discounts also apply to the purchase of gift vouchers, making a 2015 fishing license an ideal gift for the holiday season.
“Through the ‘Catch the Value’ program, fishing licenses are at historic lows,” Brewster continued. “This holiday season, consider a fishing license for the angler in your life, and give the gift that keeps on giving.”
During this discount period, the price of licenses will be as follows: a resident annual license, $20; non-resident annual license, $50; senior annual resident, $9; 3-year resident, $60; 3-year non-resident, $150; 5-year resident, $100; and 5-year non-resident, $250. An optional 2015 fishing license button, which serves as a valid display requirement, is available for $5. Each online transaction is subject to a $1.70 processing fee.
More information and a list of issuing agents can be found at www.fishandboat.com.
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December 5, 2014
McKeesport, December 5, 2014 – Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) today announced a $ 95,000 state grant for the City of Arnold to implement a five year financial management plan and operation strategy.
“These funds will help officials from Arnold establish a sound financial strategy moving forward,” Brewster said. “I am hopeful this will lead to a number of helpful efficiencies, improved management practices and long range cost savings.”
As former mayor of nearby McKeesport, Brewster said capitalizing on proven planning strategies, workable contingency planning and capitalizing on a host of other best practice financial and management tools can have an extensive impact on a community’s viability.
Brewster said he will continue to work with city leaders to obtain state funds to support efforts aimed at improving Arnold’s infrastructure and economic standing.
The grant is being administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Early Intervention Program.
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November 6, 2014
Harrisburg – Nov. 6, 2014 – State Sen. Jim Brewster’s district offices in Monroeville, McKeesport and New Kensington will serve as donation/drop off sites for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program.
“Toys for Tots is a wonderful program that helps others during the holiday season,” Brewster said. “I am happy to be a part of the program and I hope that having my district offices as toy drop off sites will make it easier for more individuals to get involved and donate.”
Brewster said he is pleased to team up with the Marines in support of their Toys for Tots program because it helps so many children. In 2012 the program had collected more than 16.8 million toys and distributed them to more than seven million children.
The location of Brewster’s offices and the drop off sites:
Monroeville District Office
One Monroeville Center
3824 Northern Pike, Suite 1015
Monroeville, PA 15146
412-380-2242
McKeesport District Office
201 Lysle Boulevard, Suite 100
McKeesport, PA 15132
412-664-5200
New Kensington District Office
New Kensington City Hall
301 11th Street, Suite L
New Kensington, PA 15068
724-334-1143
Offices are open Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Contact Kathy Jo Osman at 412-664-5200 or at kosman@pasenate.com with any questions.
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November 3, 2014
Harrisburg – Nov. 3, 2014 – Help with home heating costs is available to eligible families through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) reminded area residents.
“Families can use LIHEAP funding to offset heating costs,” Brewster said. “Recent winters have been very cold and heating costs have hobbled too many families in our region.”
Brewster said that LIHEAP offers aid in the form of grants to eligible applicants. Once approved, the cash grant is forwarded to the energy company on behalf of the family and is credited on the bill.
Eligibility is determined by household income. In order to take advantage of LIHEAP, an individual homeowner or renter must earn less than $17,505 in income. For a family of four, the income threshold increases to $35,775. Proof of income, family size and a recent heating bill is needed as a part of the application process, Brewster said.
The lawmaker said that those applying for assistance do not have to be on public assistance or have and an unpaid heating bill to be eligible.
Information and program applications are available at www.compass.state.pa.us or call 1-866-857-7095.
In addition, Brewster said anyone who needs help completing the application can visit one of his district offices in Monroeville, McKeesport or New Kensington or by visiting www.senatorbrewster.com
LIHEAP enrollment begins today and continues through April 3 for the 2014-15 heating season.
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October 21, 2014
MONROEVILLE – Oct. 21, 2014 – To help families obtain health care insurance through the federal Affordable Care Act, state Sen. Jim Brewster and the Consumer Health Care Coalition will hold an information session for the public at 5 p.m., Nov. 5, at Penn State-Greater Allegheny.
“ACA is making a significant difference in the lives of people who have lived without insurance and the peace of mind many Pennsylvanians enjoy,” Sen. Brewster said. “I am looking forward to presenting this important evening of information with the coalition to ensure that residents of the 45th Senatorial District are able to meet the new deadlines and obtain coverage.”
The Consumer Health Coalition received a federal grant to help families get insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
The training will, among other things, discuss open enrollment, how to enroll and where consumers can go for assistance. An overview of the new Healthy PA program will also be shared. Healthy PA reforms Pennsylvania’s Medical Assistance program so that coverage will be extended to more than 600,000 eligible residents.
To reserve a seat at the session, residents should RSVP to Kathy Jo Osman at 412-664-5200 or kosman@pasenate.com.
WHAT: Sen. Jim Brewster, Consumer Health Coalition to present ACA information session
WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 5
TIME: 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
WHERE: Ostermayer Room in the Penn State-Greater Allegheny Student Community Center, 4050 University Drive, McKeesport
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October 17, 2014
Harrisburg – Oct. 17, 2014 – State Sen. Jim Brewster today reminded all area students and parents of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) Financial Aid Seminar that is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
“I encourage all students who are thinking about going to college to consider attending the financial aid seminar,” Brewster said. “Learning how to manage college costs, finding out about financial assistance and understanding the time deadlines is very important.”
The PHEAA Financial Aid Seminar will be held at Penn State Greater Allegheny’s Ostermayer Room, Student Community Center, 4050 University Drive in McKeesport.
Representatives from PHEAA will be on hand to detail the financial aid application process and what financial aid may be available to students and their parents.
Brewster said that registration is required. Those interested should contact Kathy Jo Osman at (412) 664-5200 or kosman@pasenate.com questions or to register for the event.
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December 24, 2012
McKeesport, December 24, 2012 – Sixty-three straight wins and four consecutive PIAA Class A football championships won by the Clairton High School Bears will be honored by the state Senate early next year, state Sen. James Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today.
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[/frame]“The Clairton Bears football team’s 63 game winning streak and four consecutive state championships is an incredible achievement,” Brewster said. “It is my honor to host the team and recognize their achievements on the Senate floor and in front of my Senate colleagues.”
Clairton stretched its winning streak to 63 on December 14 with a 20-0 win over Dunmore in the state title game. The win capped a 16-win season for the Bears.
“We often hear of the problems experienced by economically struggling schools like Clairton, while academic and athletic achievements are passed over,” Brewster said. “The hard work the players and coaching staff put in to build this record is an accomplishment that deserves to be acknowledged.”
The Bears’ winning streak is the longest in the nation.
“The football team’s success has energized the community and brought it together,” Brewster said. “It is a success story featuring the overcoming of challenges and taking advantage of opportunities that deserves to be told and heard statewide.”
Brewster said he plans on sponsoring a resolution honoring the Bears and thanking them for their dedication, perseverance and resolve in building the record over the last four years.
“Clairton has had a long history of achievement on the football field and the classroom,” Brewster said. “It is fitting that the players, coaches, parents, supporters and the town itself be honored.”
“High school sports are a source of pride and I will be pleased to honor the Bears, their coaches, fans and supporters when they visit Harrisburg early next year,” Brewster said.
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December 11, 2012
McKeesport, December 11, 2012 — State Sen. Jim Brewster is reminding constituents that the filing deadline for the 2011 Property Tax and Rent Rebate is Dec. 31.
“In these difficult economic times when every penny counts, it’s important that seniors and other qualified people take full advantage of this Lottery-funded program, “Brewster said. “If you have not filed yet, please check and see if you are eligible for benefits.”
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[/frame]Brewster said the Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program provides financial assistance for homeowners and renters who are 65 years or older, widows or widowers over the age of 50, and permanently disabled persons over the age of 18.
The program’s income eligibility limit for qualifying homeowners is $35,000. The rebate ranges from $250 to $650 depending on the individual’s gross income. Some homeowners may receive larger rebates than requested, based on income and/or property taxes, because they may qualify for a supplemental property tax rebate up to $975. Qualifying renters must have an income under $15,000 and their rebate ranges from $500 to $650.
Brewster said he and his local staff stand ready to help seniors obtain applications and apply for their rebate.
“Since the Lottery’s inception in 1972, proceeds have provided over $27.6 billion in benefits for senior citizen programs,” Brewster said. “I will continue to support efforts to protect the viability of the Lottery, as well as the programs it funds.”
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October 22, 2012
Harrisburg – October 22, 2012 – The selective tax credit plan pushed by Republicans in the General Assembly is regressive public policy that makes government pick winners and losers among businesses, state Senator Jim Brewster (D-McKeesport) said today.
The legislation allowing employers to keep 95 percent of the state personal income tax they withhold from new employees’ paychecks if the company reaches certain job-creation and job-quality benchmarks passed the Senate 33-16 and the House 111-80 on Wednesday.
Brewster voted against the plan.
“This legislation is poor public policy because it essentially is making an employee pay the employer to have a job,” Brewster said. “Plus, given today’s reported spike in the unemployment rate, it is clear that we need a comprehensive job creation strategy not a selective approach that helps some businesses at the expense of others.”
Brewster said Pennsylvania’s September unemployment rate of 8.2 percent is now 0.4 percent above the level it was in November of 2010 when Governor Corbett was elected. Since that time the national rate has declined by 2 a full percentage points.
“The bill creates the situation where one business is pitted against another in the pursuit of skilled labor,” Brewster said. “The firms that do not receive the tax credit are at a business disadvantage and may experience a deficit of skilled labor.”
The McKeesport lawmaker said that the tax credit legislation muscled through the General Assembly last week is somewhat duplicative since there is already a job creation tax credit program in place. Unfortunately, that program was slashed by the Corbett administration from $22.5 million to $10.1 million this year, he said.
Brewster said that the bill, while ill-advised public policy, was made much better through changes made in committee. The measure was altered to cap the total corporate benefit at $5 million per year, require businesses to create 250 jobs over 5 years and end the benefit in 2018.
“The Corbett administration’s failure to address job loss in a comprehensive fashion has compelled the General Assembly to address the issue on an individual and limited basis. That presents both short-term problems and even longer term issues and is not conducive to job creation,” Brewster said.
“We need an approach to job creation that combines tax credits, job training, infrastructure investment wrapped in a long-term strategy that builds on economic strengths and addresses weaknesses,” Brewster said. “Senate Democrats have put together a plan called PA Works that will create jobs and boost economic development.”
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