August 24, 2012
McKeesport – August 24, 2012 – Sen. Jim Brewster today announced that his staff will be holding September office hours at outreach offices in numerous locations.
“This schedule helps accommodate constituents and allows my staff to meet face to face with more people to get a better understanding of local issues and problems,” Brewster said. “Holding these outreach hours saves many people a trip and brings quality service to my constituents.”
The outreach offices will be open throughout September at the following locations:
Sen. Brewster has full-time district offices in Monroeville, One Monroeville Center, 3824 Northern Pike, Suite 350 (412) 380-2242; McKeesport, 201 Lysle Boulevard, Suite 100 (412) 664-5200; and New Kensington, New Kensington City Hall, 301 11th Street, Suite L (724) 334-1143.
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May 29, 2012
McKeesport – May 29, 2012 –Sen. Jim Brewster today announced that his staff will be holding June office hours at outreach offices in numerous Allegheny County locations.
“This schedule helps accommodate constituents and enables my staff to meet face to face with more people to get a better understanding of local issues and problems,” Brewster said. “Holding these outreach hours saves many people a trip and brings quality service to my constituents.”
The outreach offices will be open throughout June at the following locations:
- Clairton Municipal Building at 551 Ravensburg Blvd. on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon through June 26;
- Duquesne City Hall, 12 South Second Street, on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. till noon through June 27;
- Glassport Borough Building, 440 Monongahela Ave., on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon through June 28; and
- Jim Brewster Community Center, Corner of Ohio and Brown Way, McKeesport, on Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. through June 28.
Brewster has full-time district offices in Monroeville, One Monroeville Center, 3824 Northern Pike, Suite 350 (412) 380-2242; McKeesport, 201 Lysle Boulevard, Suite 100 (412) 664-5200; and New Kensington, New Kensington City Hall, 301 11th Street, Suite L (724) 334-1143
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April 5, 2012
McKeesport, April 5, 2012 — Calling it a serious public safety issue, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) today said lawmakers must find a way to replace retiring state troopers.
“We cannot expect the state police to provide more service with significantly fewer troopers,” Brewster said. “Failing to solve this problem will compromise police protection, lead to unacceptable delays – and endanger people.”
Brewster said expected state police retirements in the coming years would reduce the number of troopers to 3,924 by 2015, or 765 fewer than the department’s authorized complement. Unless funds are provided to train new cadets, he said the problem will only worsen in future years.
In his 2012-13 budget address, Gov. Tom Corbett proposed freezing state police funding at this fiscal year’s level and only provided enough dollars to train 115 new troopers – only about a third of the number necessary to maintain adequate staffing levels.
Brewster said the state police average 150 retirements a year. He said there have already been 180 retirements this year, with still three months remaining in the fiscal year.
“While we all recognize that this is a difficult budget year, state police service is not an area we can skimp on,’ Brewster said. “The General Assembly needs to find a reliable and dedicated means to adequately fund the state police. A restructuring of the Marcellus Shale Extraction fee distribution could provide the necessary funds.”
Apart from the expected wave of retirements, Brewster said state police resources have already been stretched thin in recent years due to newly imposed state and federal mandated responsibilities. He added that the recession has also compelled a growing number of municipalities to disband their local departments and rely solely on the state police for primary police service.
According to state police statistics, troopers patrol 70 percent of Pennsylvania’s municipalities and 83 percent of the state’s land area.
“If we don’t adequately fund the state police, we will begin to see stations close down, response time suffer and unacceptable backlogs in many of the laboratory and specialized services the department provides,” Brewster said.
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February 13, 2012
McKeesport, February 13, 2012 – State Sen. Jim Brewster today said there are still available slots for his remaining two student aid seminars for local students and their parents.
“In this difficult economy, students and parents should explore every possible grant and loan opportunity,” Brewster said. “These free seminars are aimed at helping families understand what’s out there, what they may qualify for and how to apply.”
Brewster said refreshments will be available at the seminars, which focus on financial aid and the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application process. They will be held:
· Saturday February 25 from 10 a.m. to noon in the auditorium at Penn State New Kensington; and
· Saturday March 3 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Ostermeyer Room of the Student Community Center at Penn State Greater Allegheny.
Attendees are required to register. Please contact Kathy Jo Osman at 412-664-5200 or email her at kosman@pasenate.com with any questions or to RSVP.
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August 16, 2011
McKeesport, Aug. 16, 2011— Families saving for college have a unique opportunity to start paying for college credits at the current credit rates through a state-run college savings plan, state Sen. Jim Brewster said today.
He said families that enroll in the Pennsylvania 529 College Savings Program by Aug. 31 can lock in this year’s credit rates. As of Sept. 1, credit prices will likely rise due to increases in tuition rates for this coming academic year.
“The 529 College Savings Program is a safe and smart way for families to invest in their child’s higher education,” Brewster said. “I encourage folks to look into taking advantage of this window, enrolling for free online and buying college credits now under today’s tuition credit prices.”
Brewster said free enrollment in the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan is available through September.
Click here to visit the PA 529 website to use the coupon code SAVE NOW to have the $50 enrollment fee waived upon enrolling in the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan.
The Pennsylvania 529 College Savings Program allows families to invest in their child’s college education through two plans: the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan, in which growth is tied to the rate of college tuition inflation; and the PA 529 Investment Plan, in which investment returns are determined by financial markets.
“These are great opportunities for parents to save for their child’s college education,” Brewster said. “With tuition rates increasing nearly every year, this is a solid and affordable college savings plan.”
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August 5, 2011
McKeesport, August 5, 2011 – State Sen. Jim Brewster today detailed a new state law that protects PACE/PACENET recipients from losing their eligibility due to small Social Security cost of living increases.
“A Social Security COLA should be welcome news for seniors, not some threat to their prescription drug program eligibility,” Brewster said. “This new law I supported will hold PACE/PACENET enrollees harmless for three years. During that period, I hope to find the means to extend this eligibility protection even further.”
PACE and PACENET provide comprehensive prescription coverage to seniors and covers most prescription medications, including insulin, syringes and insulin needles. Brewster said that without the change, about 9,000 people receiving PACENET would have lost their benefits while an estimated 21,000 PACE enrollees would have had to move to PACENET, making them responsible for higher co-pays.
To be eligible for PACE or PACENET, one must be 65 years of age or older, a state resident for at least 90 days prior to applying for benefits, and cannot be enrolled in the Department of Public Welfare’s Medicaid prescription benefit. Eligibility for both programs is determined by previous year’s income.
To qualify for PACE, a single person’s income cannot total more than $14,500. For a married couple, combined total income must be less than $17,700. Once you are enrolled in PACE, you will be sent a benefit card and pay no more than $6 for each generic prescription medication and no more than $9 for each brand name prescription.
PACENET’s income limits are slightly higher than those for PACE. A single person’s total income can be between $14,500 and $23,500. A couple’s combined total income can be between $17,700 and $31,500. PACENET cardholders that do not enroll in a Part D plan will pay a nominal deductible each month at their pharmacy, which will be calculated through the cost of their medications. In addition, the individual will pay no more than $8 for each generic prescription medication and no more than $15 for each brand name.
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August 2, 2011
MCKEESPORT, August 2, 2011 – State Sen. Jim Brewster is opposing the Pennsylvania American Water Company (PAWC) request to raise local water rates by 13 percent. He is urging local citizens to speak out on the issue at a local hearing in Dravosburg next week.
The Public Input Hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, August 10 at 6 p.m. in the Dravosburg Borough Building, 226 Maple Avenue, Dravosburg, PA 15034.
In a June 2 letter, Brewster urged the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to reject the rate request. He argued that many residents from Dravosburg and Liberty are on low or fixed incomes and cannot afford a water rate hike at this time. PAWC has requested hiking its annual rates for the two communities from $581.40 to $658.44 (13.3 percent).
Under law, the PAWC must obtain Public Utility Commission (PUC) approval to increase water rates. At his request, Brewster said the PUC has agreed to schedule this hearing to gather public input on the rate hike request. A final decision on the rate hike request must be made by January 28, 2012.
“This is your opportunity to speak out and let your voice be heard,” Brewster said. “I think it is important that the public provide the PUC with a very strong and clear message on this proposed rate hike and how it would impact families.”
Brewster urged residents to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early, sign up if they wish to testify, and bring an extra copy of any written statement to submit for the record. If you have questions about the hearings or how to testify, contact the Office of Consumer Advocate toll-free at 1-800-684-6560 or by e-mail at consumer@paoca.org.
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June 29, 2011
Harrisburg, June 29, 2011 – While disappointed that more state dollars were not restored to local school districts, Sen. Jim Brewster today said the additional state dollars earmarked in the final state spending plan should help local schools make ends meet this year.
“While I readily admit that it was a difficult state budget to balance, I remain disappointed that our governor and majority Republicans insisted on cutting nearly a billion dollars in school subsidies,” Brewster said. “To me, it is unconscionable for Harrisburg to sit on a $700 million dollar surplus while it shortchanges our local schools. This will force school boards to raise local property taxes, furlough teachers and cut vital educational programs.
In his March, budget address, Gov. Corbett proposed cutting statewide school district funding by $1.1 billion. Pressed by Democrats, state lawmakers restored approximately $200 million in the final budget agreement. Brewster said the state could have raised additional resources to restore even more educational dollars.
“This budget should have included impact fees on the drilling companies. My legislation calls for a seven percent impact fee, in which 50 percent of the revenue would go directly towards funding public education.”
Brewster praised the Democrats for their work trying to restore some of the deep cuts made to the school districts.
“My fellow Democrats and I worked hard to get this increased funding for our public schools,” Brewster said. “I will continue to fight for public education, our students and our taxpayers.”
The following is a breakdown of state support (restored money over what Corbett proposed in parenthesis) for local schools:
- Allegheny Valley — $2.275 million ($163,106)
- Burrell — $5.478 million ($195,976)
- Clairton City — $6.752 million ($526,117)
- Deer Lakes — $5.651 million ($417,330)
- Duquesne City — $8.502 million ($2.82 million)
- East Allegheny — $5.964 million ($159,369)
- Elizabeth Forward — $8,783 million ($633,097)
- Gateway — $6.840 million ($466,187)
- Highlands — $10.676 million ($324,132)
- Kiski Area — $14,956 million ($577,820)
- McKeesport Area — $22.978 million ($1.47 million)
- New Kensington-Arnold — $10.948 million ($752,877)
- Penn-Trafford — $13.525 million ($762,875)
- Plum Borough — $12.260 million ($832,534)
- South Allegheny — $9.198 million ($465,825)
- Woodland Hills — $13.778 million ($650,799)
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June 29, 2011
Harrisburg, June 29, 2011 – Calling it a “significant, yet inadequate” budget restoration, Sen. Jim Brewster today said he and state Rep. Marc Gergely were able to obtain an additional $2.825 million in state funding restorations for the Duquesne School District.
This hikes the state subsidy to Duquesne by about 33 percent over the $5.787 million the governor proposed in March,” Brewster said.
“Even though the district’s high school students now attend other schools, it is imperative that the state adequately fund an appropriate education for Duquesne students in grades K through eight. I will continue to work with Representative Gergely and other legislative colleagues to seek a lasting and permanent solution on how best to fund and educate Duquesne’s students.”
Brewster said the state could have provided additional funds to schools statewide if they would have tapped into the state’s $700 million budget surplus or imposed a moderate tax on the gas drilling industry.
“I will continue to be an ardent supporter of the Duquesne School District and all public education students,” Brewster said.
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June 29, 2011
Also Blasts State Community Takeover Bill
HARRISBURG, June 29, 2011 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) today said the new state budget and a state takeover bill aimed at struggling cities will hurt working families, spur drastic local tax increases and could force school districts and municipalities to mergers.
Brewster said the measures, which Republicans crafted behind closed doors with no Democratic input, would also hurt law enforcement and first-responders if mergers become a reality.
“Revenue has been ripped from our communities and school districts,” Brewster said. “This drop in state support will add undue burdens on already cash-strapped families.
“Look for a state takeover in a community near you. The passing of SB 1151 will allow the state to strip the rights of voters by usurping their elected leaders. This bill implements a management board and makes 53 communities across the state vulnerable to having the state take over their government’s operational and fiscal affairs.
Brewster said the “hypocrisy” of the budget can be summed up by governor’s unwillingness to impose an impact fee on one of the largest, most profitable industries in the world; and at the same time, refusing to use the state’s budget surplus, estimated at $700 million, to negate some of the brutal cuts to education, health care and emergency programs for homeowners.
“The ill effects of the budget will emerge with time and then, the good people of Pennsylvania will see firsthand what their governor has done to them, their families and their communities,” Brewster said.
The budget bill (HB 1485) passed the Senate by a vote of 30-20, along party lines. It is now in the House of Representatives for concurrence. Senate Bill 1151 passed the Senate 29-21, and is also under consideration in the House.
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June 24, 2011
McKeesport, June 24, 2011 – Sen. Jim Brewster today announced a total of $100,000 in state business development grant funds for local Enterprise Zone projects in Braddock, Clairton, Duquesne, McKeesport, North Braddock, Rankin and Swissvale.
“This funding is aimed at helping financially disadvantaged communities revitalize, attract new investment and improve their business climate,” Brewster said. “I will continue to seek state dollars to supplement local economic development and job creation efforts.”
Brewster said the purpose of being designated an Enterprise Zone is to promote job growth and to help municipalities take advantage of business expansion opportunities that may arise. Businesses located within a designated Enterprise Zone have access to the lowest Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority, Machinery and Equipment Loan Fund, Small Business First (PIDA/MELF/SBF) interest rates, tax credits for real property improvements, Socially and Economically Restricted Business (SERB) status for an advantage when bidding on state contracts, and Act II funding.
“In short, being located in a designated Enterprise Zone guarantees access to the lowest interest rates and lowest start-up costs when starting, growing or expanding a business,” Brewster said. “This program is aimed at helping these communities become more financially attractive places to open, relocate and or expand their business.”
Administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development, the two $50,000 grants will be issued to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Duquesne and Enterprise Zone Corporation of Braddock.
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June 20, 2011
HARRISBURG – June 20 – As Republican lawmakers and Gov. Tom Corbett continue to adjust the state’s final spending plan behind closed doors, state Sen. Jim Brewster and state Rep. Marc Gergely are pressing that funding for the Duquesne City School District be included in the budget.
The state budget that passed the state House in May slashed funding for Duquesne by 36 percent and eliminated the special $2 million payment that was part of a legislative agreement to keep the school open.
“For too long, the school children and parents in the Duquesne City School District have been left to twist in the wind as they await their fiscal fate,” Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said. “This has become a tremendous strain and has needlessly created anxiety.”
Gergely (D-Allegheny) added, “Republican budget negotiators must meet the needs of Duquesne and provide answers to the students and parents about the future of the school.”
Several years ago, lawmakers crafted a relief plan that closed Duquesne High School in 2007, but retained the district’s elementary and middle school programs. The high school students were disbursed to East Allegheny and West Mifflin School Districts.
The state House passed a Republican budget that would cut $3 million in funding for Duquesne (from $9.86 million to $6.28 million).
“The closing of the high school and the integration of the students into the education programs at East Allegheny and West Mifflin was agreed to as a means to relieve fiscal pressure,” Gergely said.
The district pays $2.6 million in tuition to cover the cost of educating the senior high students. The district is considering laying off 35 of its remaining 94 teachers in an effort to provide a bare-bones education.
“The teacher layoffs combined with a pay freeze, the elimination of sports and extracurricular activities that has been suggested as a way to deal with the deficit doesn’t solve the fiscal problems,” Brewster said. “While we discuss these draconian actions, the state is sitting on a $500 million state revenue surplus that can be used to replenish funds for Duquesne.”
Gergely added, “Duquesne students should not be a pawn in the budget games that Republicans are playing – when there is $500 million plus in revenues that are available.”
Both Brewster and Gergely said they are hopeful they can fashion a long term solution for Duquesne and provide some guidance for the district’s children in future years.
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June 17, 2011
Harrisburg, June 17, 2011 – Sen. Jim Brewster will attend the sixth annual “Blessing of Our Rivers, Boats, City and People” event at the McKeesport marina beginning at 10 a.m. tomorrow.
“This event shines a spotlight on something positive in the City of McKeesport,” Brewster said. “The marina is a destination not only for the Mon Valley, but as a Trailhead of the Great Allegheny Passage.”
The service is sponsored by the Jericho People, McKeesport Area Ministerium and city government.
The new River Rescue boat will also be christened. The McKeesport Firefighters will give a demonstration of the new river patrol boat and it will be dedicated in honor of Senator Jim Brewster. He was McKeesport mayor at the time of the boat’s purchase.
“First responders need the best equipment because they are in the business of saving lives,” Brewster said. “They will be able to do their jobs more efficiently with the use of a modern patrol boat as well as continue to provide assistance to nearby river communities.”
A prayer walk will take place after the boat blessings. The event will conclude with a continental breakfast.
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June 8, 2011
Harrisburg, June 8, 2011 – State Sen. Jim Brewster today provided the following statement on the death of former Sen. Albert V. “Bud” Belan, who represented parts of Allegheny and Westmoreland counties between 1989 and 2000:
“I am deeply saddened by the death of my good friend and mentor, former Senator Bud Belan.
Buddy was a strong man, influential leader and a public official whose word was his bond. He was well liked and held the interests of those he represented at heart – in everything he did and everything he accomplished.
Whether it was during his years as a local district justice, or later as a state senator, Bud Belan had an indelible sense of fairness and an abiding dedication to causes in support of working families.
He will be missed. I extend my deepest condolences to his family at this difficult time.
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June 2, 2011
McKeesport, June 2, 2011 – State Sen. Jim Brewster today said the application deadline for the state Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program has been extended to December 31.
“I hope seniors will use this additional time to check their eligibility and apply for benefits,” Brewster said. “People should realize that eligibility and rebate amounts were expanded a few years ago.
“My staff and I stand ready to help seniors obtain applications and apply.”
The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded.
The maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975.
Brewster said over 500,000 people have already applied for benefits this year. He said the Department of Revenue will begin sending out benefit checks in July.
Applicants can also obtain Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms (PA-1000) and related information online at www.revenue.state.pa.us or by calling, toll-free, 1-888-222-9190.
The program is funded through Lottery and gaming proceeds.
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May 6, 2011
MONROEVILLE, May 6, 2011 – State Senator Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) today announced he will introduce legislation that would place a 7 percent extraction tax on gas drilling to restore education funds, initiate public works projects that benefit local municipalities and protect Pennsylvania’s environment.
Brewster’s legislation would also mandate that those who work at drilling sites be trained to prevent and respond to drilling-related emergencies.
“Instituting a moderate tax on Marcellus shale drilling companies would ensure that we have the financial resources to restore education funds, pay for adequate environmental protection and fund local road, bridge and sewage system improvements,” Brewster said.
“There is no reason why we should not pursue a reasonable extraction tax that meets the needs of Pennsylvania. The Marcellus and Utica shale deposits are a resource that will serve us throughout this century. It’s a resource that belongs to all Pennsylvania and all of our taxpayers should benefit. It’s time Pennsylvania joins all other gas-producing states in implementing a reasonable tax on drilling companies.”
The Brewster legislation calls for a 7 percent Marcellus Shale extraction tax that would generate up to $280 million annually. His proposal is modeled after an extraction tax plan (Senate Bill 1155) that passed the state House last year. Brewster’s bill differs in that it would fund education and enable gas drilling companies to reduce their tax liability by hiring Pennsylvania workers and investing in community projects such as parks, libraries and other facilities.
“We want to reward companies that hire Pennsylvania workers and invest in Pennsylvania communities,” Brewster said. “My plan offers these companies tax credits that could cut their overall tax liability to as little as 5 percent.”
The proceeds of the revenue will be split three ways: 50 percent will be earmarked for education; 25 percent is targeted for state environmental protection and support of environmental programs as well as an escrow account specifically set aside for emergencies, and 25 percent of the revenue will be placed in a local government services account.
In addition to the severance tax, Brewster’s legislative package requires additional training for any employee who works or has access to well-sites and drilling pads. Under the proposal, all workers would be required to complete a health and safety apprenticeship training program coordinated through local unions and community colleges.
“The health and safety component of my legislation is an important part of protecting workers, local citizens, our waterways and environment,” Brewster said. “The new training component would ensure that workers who are in the field are trained to handle on-site emergencies that may arise.”
“Pennsylvania finds itself experiencing what is a current day gold rush within our state; gas extraction from Marcellus shale. This new industry has the opportunity to grow in wealth and revenue for at least the next 50 years,” said Brewster. “In addition, we find our most cherished institution, public education, in need of funding. The new revenue from the gas extraction tax can be used to fund education and enable our schools to continue educating our leaders of tomorrow, as well as, train our workforce for the gas extraction industry. These two entities are perfect partners.”
Brewster made his announcement at the Boyce Campus of the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC). He was joined by Dr. Charles Martoni, the school’s president. Rep. Sid Michaels Kavulich (D-Lackawanna), who is working with Brewster on the legislation, is preparing a House version of the legislation.
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May 5, 2011
McKeesport, May 5, 2011 – State Sen. Jim Brewster today announced a $1 million state grant for the Municipal Sanitary Authority of New Kensington.
Brewster said the money comes from Pennsylvania’s H2O PA program, which provides grants for infrastructure improvements and is funded through slot machine proceeds.
“I am pleased that a portion of gaming proceeds are used to fund worthy water and sewer projects statewide,” Brewster said. “I will continue to seek state funds that support local infrastructure improvement efforts.”
Brewster said the grant, which was approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority today, would replace the sanitation authority’s treatment plant headworks system by constructing a new influent pump station and screening facilities. They would also modify existing structures (including grit removal and odor control systems) and build a new secondary aeration blower/electrical building.
The project also includes installing a new non-potable water system including new pumps and building a new non-potable water building.
Brewster praised the grant program and how it uses casino proceeds rather than tax dollars for vital local infrastructure projects.
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April 27, 2011
HARRISBURG, April 27, 2011 — The state Senate today unanimously adopted Sen. Jim Brewster’s resolution recognizing the 68th anniversary of the sinking of the S.S. McKeesport.
Nazi submarines torpedoed and sank the freighter on its return trip to America on April 29, 1943. The sinking launched one of the most violent North Atlantic battles of World War II.
The ship’s crew stood by their guns until ordered to abandon ship. One crewman died. The sinking launched a sea battle that lasted several weeks and in which 47 German U-boats were sunk. It marked the first victory of military convoy escorts over U-boats.
“The S.S. McKeesport will always be a great source of pride to McKeesport residents – and all Americans,” Brewster said. “It is important to continue to recognize the S.S. McKeesport and its contributions during World War II.”
There is a memorial to the ship located at McKees Point Marina on 5th Avenue and Water Streets across from the Palisades. A rededication ceremony has been scheduled for this Friday, April 29, at 11 a.m.
The freighter, first launched in 1919, was pressed into military service during World War II. The ship had its finest moment in 1940 when it was used to deliver $1 million in emergency food supplies to refugees who had fled the advancing German army in Marseilles, France. The delivery prevented more than one million people from starving to death.
The Brewster resolution recognizes the sinking, those who served on board and those who bravely took part in the rescue mission.
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April 19, 2011
McKeesport, April 19, 2011 – Calling it an opportunity to get a first- hand look at the state’s new booming gas drilling industry, State Sen. Jim Brewster today joined fellow Democrats for a tour of several well sites in southwestern Pennsylvania.
“Much has been written, said and debated about this new Marcellus Shale industry that promises to be such a boost for our economy and job market,” Brewster said. “This tour will provide me an opportunity to get a first-hand look and talk to the folks who operate and work at these drilling sites.”
The tour was arranged by Sen. Tim Solobay (D-Washington). The lawmakers are expected to visit several well sites, a gas processing center, and rehabbed drilling site.
Brewster said he plans on asking industry representatives questions about community impact, the prospect of hiring more Pennsylvania workers, their thoughts on being assessed a possible severance or impact fee and what steps they can take to protect the region’s water supply and environment.
“Both the Marcellus Shale and Utica natural gas formations will provide a great deal of economic promise for many years to come,” Brewster said. “Our task is to make sure that Pennsylvania workers have an opportunity to get jobs in this industry — and that sufficient steps are taken to protect our environment and communities.”
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April 15, 2011
Bill would save over $1 Billion to Restore Education Funding and More
McKeesport – April 15, 2011 – State Sen. Jim Brewster and fellow Senate Democrats have unveiled a budget plan that would generate $1.14 billion in savings to restore funding for basic and higher education, safety net programs, mortgage assistance and other vital programs.
“There seems to be near universal support for restoring some or all of these budget line items,” Brewster said. “Our proposal restores funding without raising taxes or cutting other vital services or programs.
Brewster said the Democratic plan is in response to Gov. Tom Corbett’s March budget proposal where he called for steep funding cuts to school districts and colleges, social services, hospitals, health insurance programs, job creation programs and county subsidies.
The Senate Democratic plan would:
- save $750 million from fiscal responsibility initiatives in Public Welfare, Corrections, procurement and by maximizing revenues;
- save $290 million through a tax fairness initiative would place a moderate tax on gas drillers while freezing the governor’s other proposed corporate tax breaks; and
- generate $100 million more by giving the state store system more procurement and marketing flexibility.
Brewster said Senate Democratic appropriations officials have projected $300 million fiscal year-end revenue surplus – far higher than the $78 million projected in the Corbett budget proposal. He said the higher surplus would hopefully enable lawmakers to make even more restorations.
Brewster added that creating jobs remains the key to solving the state’s revenue and economic woes. He and his fellow Senate Democrats have proposed a sweeping jobs plan called “PA Works” that would create jobs, leverage private funds and generate economic investment.
“There are some great ideas in both our jobs and budget restoration plans,” Brewster said. “I hope legislative Republicans and the governor provide us an opportunity to fully air, discuss and mix some of these solutions into the final budget this year.”
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April 15, 2011
HARRISBURG, April 5, 2011 – State Senator Jim Brewster today announced that low-income residents now have until April 15 to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
“LIHEAP officials recently determined that there is enough funding to extend the filing deadline by a couple weeks,” Brewster said. “I hope low-income homeowners and renters take advantage of this opportunity and see if they qualify for benefits.”
LIHEAP provides home heating energy grants and crisis grants to help low-income families pay their heating bills. Eligibility for the program is based on household size, type of fuel, and income.
Brewster said eligibility levels and grant amounts have recently been expanded to people earning up to $35,280 for a family of four. He said that under the new guidelines, nearly 533,376 Pennsylvanians are eligible for LIHEAP assistance.
LIHEAP applications are available at Senator Brewster’s local offices or by calling toll-free at 1-866-857-7095. For more information, or to obtain an online application, visit www.dpw.state.pa.us/foradults/heatingassistanceliheap.
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April 7, 2011
McKEESPORT, April 7, 2011 — State Sen. Jim Brewster today announced a $1.3 million state grant for the Accelergy Corporation’s Facility located at the University of Pittsburgh’s Applied Research Center (U-PARC) in Harmar Township.
“This grant, which will fund the means to produce cheaper and cleaner coal and waste coal conversions, is a plus for consumers, our local economy and our environment,” Brewster said. “I am pleased state government is investing in this worthy project.”
Brewster said the company is planning for an Integrated Coal and Biomass to Liquid facility in the township. He said the two-year project could result in a cheaper and more secure supply of fuel than gasoline, diesel and jet fuels. He said the fuel would have a smaller carbon footprint than petroleum-based fuels and reduce greenhouse and toxic ash emissions from electrical power and other manufacturing plants.
The total project cost is $5.5 million.
Funding was provided by the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s (CFA) Alternative Energy and Clean Energy Program. The CFA board approved the grant today.
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March 24, 2011
Monroeville – March 24, 2011 – Sen. Jim Brewster has been appointed to serve on the board of the Monroeville Convention Visitors Bureau.
“I am thrilled to serve on the board and will work to further partner state government and its resources with efforts to bolster the Monroeville community’s appeal as a tourism and economic hub,” Brewster said.
“It is imperative that we do all we can to encourage business investment, tourism and job creation.”
Appointed by the Monroeville Municipal Council, Brewster will finish an unexpired term on the five-member board – and serve until the end of 2014.
The board oversees VisitMonroeville, which was established in 1987 to increase and serve the convention, trade show, and travel industry. The agency also works to promote local businesses and services – including hotels, restaurants, and retail businesses. The staff works closely with the staff of the new Monroeville Convention Center to market and promote the region as a low-cost, high-quality location for trade shows and conventions.
Additional information is available at www.visitmonroeville.com.
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March 16, 2011
Harrisburg – March 16, 2011 – Sen. Jim Brewster today introduced legislation that would expand the use of a successful state small business loan program.
“It is imperative that we do all we can to encourage business investment, expansion and job creation” Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said. “My bill would increase the use and effectiveness of the Small Business First Loan program.
Administered by the state Department of Community and Economic Development, the program currently provides low-interest financing of up to $200,000 for land and building acquisition, construction, machinery/equipment purchases and working capital.
Under Brewster’s proposal, the program’s loan amounts would be increased by $50,000; interest rates reduced by an average of 0.5 percent; and loan periods expanded by up to three years to spur greater program use and make more funding accessible to small businesses.
Brewster, who worked for many years as a bank manager, said his legislation is part of the state Senate Democratic Caucus’ six-point “Pa Works” program. The package of bills would stoke Pennsylvania’s economy, create 28,000 jobs and cut state spending by $150 million. He said Pa Works would help small businesses be more competitive, strengthen and streamline workforce training programs, make targeted investments in clean and green energy industries, invest in public works projects, save money by streamlining government programs and lower small business taxes.
“We all agree that creating jobs is the key to improving our state’s economy,” Brewster said. “My legislation fits this bill by optimizing a proven business loan program.”
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March 9, 2011
Harrisburg – March 9, 2011 – Sen. Jim Brewster today provided the following reaction to Gov. Tom Corbett’s budget address:
“While spending cuts and better spending practices will need to occur at every government level, we must resist ‘passing the buck’ to local governments and school districts. The governor’s proposed budget cuts to education would force municipalities to raise taxes to make up for the loss of state funding to their school districts.
“This is the time to focus on new revenue. One way to do this is to tax the drilling companies extracting gas from Marcellus Shale across the commonwealth. There are approximately 5,800 permitted wells across Pennsylvania and we are the only major gas-producing state without a severance tax.
“A few weeks ago, my Democratic colleagues and I proposed a six-point plan aimed at stoking our economy and creating jobs while reducing state spending. We must put people to work. The democratic package, “PA Works,” would help small businesses be more competitive, strengthen and streamline workforce training programs, make targeted investments in clean and green energy industries, invest in public works projects, save money by streamlining government programs and lower small business taxes.
“I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the months ahead to pass a budget that spurs economic development, and protects our public schools and local municipalities.”
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