October 2, 2018
Transportation grant validates Brewster’s work in seeking significant investment
Harrisburg – Oct. 2, 2018 – Nearly $3 million in grant funding will help bolster downtown McKeesport, expand the Steel Valley Trail, connect the new Multimedia Center and fund improvements to the city’s parking garage, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) announced today.
“This massive investment will yield tremendous benefits for years to come,” Brewster said. “We aggressively sought state funding to help the city transform its downtown, tie-in new development with an expansion of the trail, enhance tourism and rehabilitate nearby parking to attract more visitors to the city.”
The $2.9 million state multimodal grant to McKeesport was one of 43 approved statewide.
Brewster said he envisions the development of a secure, lighted elevated track that encompasses an area along the RIDC property that will generate foot and bike traffic and add to the work now being done at the former Daily News building. He said the new Multimedia Center will be a focus point of activity.
“This is incredibly exciting news for the region,” Brewster said. “The expansion of the trail, coupled with the new energy and activity at the center — including excellent access to nearby parking –creates even more commercial opportunities in the city.”
Brewster credited Gov. Tom Wolf for approving the funds for the project. He said McKeesport Mayor Mike Cherepko along with the many officials involved in the effort to bring the former Daily News building back should be extremely pleased with the funding. He said the officials worked exceptionally hard to bring dollars and development back to the city’s center.
“This is a big development project for the downtown area,” Brewster said. “Now, it is up to all the officials involved to effectively use the state grant funding to complete the critical work and make the next phase of the development a success.”
Brewster said the trail expansion and new multimedia center will generate additional commercial activity it the vicinity of the trail and in the downtown area. He said there will be substantial spinoff benefits once the grant funding is applied and the area improved.
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September 19, 2018
McKeesport, Sept. 19, 2018 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) and Rep. Austin Davis (D-Allegheny) will host a Senior Wellness and Safety Expo in McKeesport on Thursday, Sept. 27.
The Expo will be held at the McKeesport Palisades at 100 Fifth Avenue in McKeesport. The event will open at 10:30 a.m. and close at 1:00 p.m.
“Helping seniors in the community connect with services and benefits that assist them is a top priority,” Brewster said. “By hosting events such as this we are able to increase awareness and provide access to many community services that improve the well-being of Pennsylvania seniors.”
“This event will highlight community services, opportunities, and assistance for seniors,” Davis said. “We encourage seniors and their families to attend the expo for the chance to discuss and find more information on a variety of programs available in the community.”
Services and organizations at the expo will include offering free flu shots, available without proof of insurance, and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Outreach Unit to connect veterans with available services.
More information on the September 27 expo is available at Brewster’s district offices. His offices are located at One Monroeville Center, 3824 Northern Pike, Suite 1015, Monroeville (Phone: 412-380-2242); 201 Lysle Boulevard, Suite 100, McKeesport (Phone: 412-664-5200); and New Kensington City Hall, 301 11th Street, Suite L, New Kensington (Phone: 724-334-1143).
Davis’ district offices at 627 Lysle Blvd, McKeesport (Phone: 412-664-0035), 3910 Main Street, Suite 5, Munhall (Phone: 412-476-3046), and 551 Ravensburg Blvd, Clairton (Phone: 412-233-2505).
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September 10, 2018
Harrisburg – Sept. 7, 2018 – Finding new ways to reduce gun violence remains a top priority for cities and communities, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today following the announcement that McKeesport received $149,999 in state funds to help reduce gun violence.
“The funding will allow McKeesport to deploy even more resources in the fight against gun violence,” Brewster said. “The city has been working in concert with law enforcement, the housing authority, school district and other entities on strategies to halt gun violence.”
Brewster, who formerly served on council and as mayor of McKeesport, is currently the chair of the city’s housing authority. He said he knows the importance of using all resources to combat gun violence.
The funding will be channeled to the city through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency for the McKeesport Gun Violence Reduction Program. The state dollars will be used to employ proactive policing, intervention strategies, community outreach and aspects of community policing.
Grant funding can be used for personnel, equipment and consulting.
Gov. Tom Wolf said today that seven other municipalities, in addition to McKeesport, have been awarded grants. A total of $1.5 million was released for the program.
“As a former councilman, mayor, chair of the housing authority, and ranking member of the Senate’s Law and Justice Committee, I realize the incredible challenges cities, school districts, and housing authorities face in dealing with gun violence,” Brewster said. “State resources combined with local initiative can help save lives and protect communities.”
Brewster said he is pleased that the grant was approved and will work to help make more state resources available to fund additional local safety programs. He said that the efforts of his office, McKeesport Mayor Mike Cherepko, District Attorney Steve Zappala, state Rep. Austin Davis (D-Allegheny) and other local officials in finding funding to support anti-gun violence initiatives are critically important.
“My hope is that the anti-gun violence grant program can be expanded so that more communities facing gun violence challenges are able to receive assistance,” Brewster said.
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September 5, 2018
Harrisburg – Sept. 5, 2018 – The Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) in West Mifflin has been awarded a $500,000 state grant to aid renovations of the campus, according to state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland).
“Facilities at the PIA campus in West Mifflin will be significantly improved as a result of these new state funds,” Brewster said. “PIA is a well-established school dedicated to training students for jobs in aviation.
“These new dollars will help the institute continue its critical mission.”
The funding will be used to renovate several areas on the campus. The rehabilitation project includes new entry doors, building upgrades, reconfiguration of the learning center, replacement of the HVAC system, as well as lighting and technology improvements.
The funding has been earmarked through the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.
Brewster credited the governor with seeing the value of the project.
“The governor’s support of this project was critical, and I am pleased that he was engaged and delivered the funding,” Brewster said.
Brewster said that both he and state Rep. Bill Kortz (D-Allegheny) who serve West Mifflin and the surrounding areas are strong supporters of PIA. He said they welcome more state investment for the school because of the job opportunities that are created for its students.
The estimated total cost of the project is $1.3 million.
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August 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.”
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August 1, 2018
McKeesport – Aug. 1, 2018 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today that “The Wall That Heals” Vietnam Veterans Memorial Replica and Mobile Education Center is coming to McKeesport’s Renziehausen Park.
Funded by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, the Wall That Heals is a three-quarter sized replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C.
The Wall will be escorted to its place in Renziehausen Park on Aug. 7 by more than 200 motorcycle riders and police. The procession will begin at 5 p.m. at Olympia Shopping Center in McKeesport and move to the park where wall setup will begin on Aug. 8.
The wall will be displayed at Jimmy Long Field in Renziehausen Park from Thursday Aug. 9 to Sunday Aug. 12. The opening ceremony will be at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 9. At the opening ceremony, there will be a pinning presentation honoring more than 40 Vietnam veterans.
Reading of the names will take place at various times on Aug. 10 and Aug. 11.
The closing ceremony will be on Sunday, Aug. 12 at 11 a.m. Admission is free, and visitors are welcome around the clock.
What: “The Wall that Heals”
When: Opening Ceremony, Thursday Aug. 9 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Jimmy Long Field, Renziehausen Park | 2100 Eden Park Boulevard | McKeesport, PA
July 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.
June 11, 2018
Harrisburg, June 11, 2018 – Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said the property tax and rent rebate program has extended its application deadline to December 31, 2018.
The program assists seniors and individuals with disabilities reduce their property tax and rent bills. Depending on income, seniors may be eligible for rebates of up to $650.
“The extension will give seniors and individuals who may be eligible to receive assistance through the property tax and rent rebate program more time to apply for help,” Brewster said. “Extending the deadline to the end of the year gives residents the opportunity to gather information and complete applications.”
The original deadline for the program was June 30.
Brewster reminds residents who qualify for the program that it is free to apply and his district office is equipped to assist those looking to fill out an application.
“I encourage any individual who thinks they may be eligible for property tax and rent rebates to visit with my staff at any of my district offices or during satellite office hours,” Brewster said. “My staff is very experienced at completing the applications and will be able to answer any question about the program.”
Eligible residents for the program are Pennsylvanians age 65 and older, widows and widowers age 50 and older, and people with disabilities age 18 and older.
Nearly 600,000 seniors and disabled individuals received assistance through the program in 2017.
Since the Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program’s inception through the Department of Revenue in 1971, more than $6.7 billion in property tax and rent relief has been granted to older and disabled adults in Pennsylvania.
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May 25, 2018
Harrisburg, May 25, 2018 – Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) says Allegheny County Airport has received grant funding for restoration and improvement projects.
“Allegheny County Airport is a crucial transportation hub for the area,” Brewster said. “Investing in transportation infrastructure is essential and this funding will be a great help in improving travel to and from Allegheny County Airport.”
Brewster says the airport will receive $888,000 in funding to support the $1.2 million restoration of the airport’s terminal building.
Allegheny County Airport is one of seventeen locations that were approved for funding through the state’s Aviation Transportation Assistance Program.
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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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February 28, 2018
Harrisburg – February 28, 2018 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) today announced three state grants to local entities totaling $75,000 to develop and market the Pennsylvania beer industry.
“The Pennsylvania Malt and Brewed Beverages Industry continues to grow, create jobs and contribute to our economy,’ Brewster said. “I’m pleased that these state grant dollars will be used locally to foster interest in this growing industry.”
The grants include:
- $35,000 to the Pittsburgh District of the Master Brewer’s Association of Pennsylvania for its Professional Development and Education Program: The funds will be used to provide professional speakers, technical seminars and other professional development opportunities to help local brewers improve the quality and marketing of beer;
- $30,000 to the Pittsburgh Brewers Guild to create an innovative and interactive online and print guide for breweries across Allegheny County — focused on increased knowledge of unique local brewing traditions, tourism and economic impact. The senator discussed the grant recently with guild members at the Rivertowne Brewing Company in Export, Westmoreland County, recently; and
- $10,000 to Hops on Lots Pittsburgh to work with the community to create of an urban hop farm to supply a local brewer that could brew a truly local beer for the community.
The grant program was established by Act 39 of 2016. These grants were part of the 13 announced statewide today.
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February 26, 2018
Harrisburg – February 26, 2018 – State Sen. Jim Brewster today announced $122,000 grant to upgrade traffic signals and warning devices with LEDs located throughout Allegheny Township.
“This funding program improves safety at signalized intersections through automated enforcement at locations where data shows red-light violations have been a problem,” Brewster said. “The funds should also help with safety, mobility and relieving traffic congestion.”
The Automated Red-Light Enforcement program is administered by PennDOT. The Allegheny Township grant was one of 41 issued today.
“I will continue to seek state support for projects that improve highway safety and efficiently moderate the flow of traffic,” Brewster said.
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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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May 24, 2017
Harrisburg – May 24, 2017 – State Sens. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) and Vincent J. Hughes (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) reacted to today’s release of the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee report, which examined the financial impact of charter schools in Pennsylvania.
Brewster and Hughes have been long-time advocates of changing the state’s charter school law. Both senators have introduced legislation that includes a wide range of charter reforms.
“The Legislative Budget and Finance Committee study gives the General Assembly an excellent analysis of how charter schools operate vis-à-vis local school districts and where improvements can be made,” Brewster said. “The report includes a long list of recommendations that, if adopted, will aid public schools and provide charters with a reasonable path forward.”
Hughes, who serves as Democratic chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said that the charter law needs to be examined and reworked with reasonable and responsible changes that improve accountability and better serve students and taxpayers.
“Our charter law needs to be changed significantly with reforms that make sense,” Hughes said. “Charter schools play a role in our education system and have a place, but they cannot be positioned in such a way that they financially put our traditional public schools in a bind.
“The report from the LBFC reinforces the idea that the current system needs to be reformed.”
Brewster, who is vice chair of the committee, has offered a comprehensive charter reform measure (Senate Bill 670), which would realign and redefine how local school districts, charter schools, students and taxpayers interact. Hughes’ legislation, Senate Bill 198, would provide local school boards with the tools to better oversee charter schools in their school districts.
The LBFC report included several recommendations, including the following:
- Allowing fiscal considerations to be considered by school districts, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), Charter Appeal Board and the courts for new and expanded public charter applications;
- Permitting school districts to negotiate charter per pupil payment rates and methods;
- Eliminating mandates for transportation that are inconsistent with services offered for district-operated schools;
- Requiring parents who place students in charters to first register with school district and then notify the district of changes in status;
- Modifying the PDE funding intercept process to allow school districts to verify that it is responsible for payment prior to funding being intercepted by the department;
- Eliminating public school districts’ responsibility for charter school compliance with compulsory attendance requirements;
- Requiring greater transparency and fiscal accountability addressing such items as shell ownership, leasing, state payments, and conflict of interest policies; allowing audits of funds transferred to associated entities and for-profits; prohibiting the guaranteeing of loans where there is no direct school involvement; and requiring charter to timely submit financial records for the district to review; and
- Requiring all “brick and mortar” charter school students from multiple districts to obtain regional charters.
Several of the accountability and transparency provisions noted in the report are already pieces of Brewster’s and Hughes’ bills.
Brewster said there are significant political and financial issues to deal with when the legislature is moving forward with charter reform but he said he thinks common ground can be found and a better charter law produced.
“The law needs to be changed to include financial reforms, accountability measures and alterations to how the charter school appeal board operates,” Brewster said. “The recommendations made by the LBFC, combined with provisions in my legislation, Senator Hughes’ bill and others would go a long way toward improving how charters interact with local school districts.”
“There are many ideas to incorporate and plenty of work to do to achieve a better charter law,” Hughes said. “Our local school districts and charter schools both need to be treated fairly. We can strike that balance.”
Brewster said that he wanted to thank the members of the LBFC and its staff for its excellent work in preparing the report and the recommendations.
Editor’s Note: A copy of the LBFC report is available online: http://lbfc.legis.state.pa.us/Resources/Documents/Reports/584.pdf
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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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