November 1, 2018
McKeesport – Oct. 30, 2018 – Sen. Jim Brewster (D- Allegheny/Westmoreland) announced today that $450,000 in School Safety and Security grants were awarded to various school districts in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties. The grant funding was authorized by the School Safety and Security Committee within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.
“Pushing resources out to schools quickly was one of the top priorities of the School Safety and Security Committee,” Brewster said. “Districts can use the funds to help protect students and make our school buildings safer and more secure.”
Brewster is a member of the School Safety and Security Committee. He was appointed earlier this year.
Local school districts that received the $25,000 grant allocation include:
- Baldwin-Whitehall School District (Allegheny County)
- Brentwood Borough School District (Allegheny County)
- Clairton City School District (Allegheny County)
- Duquesne City School District (Allegheny County)
- East Allegheny School District (Allegheny County)
- Elizabeth Forward School District (Allegheny County)
- Gateway School District (Allegheny County)
- McKeesport Area School District (Allegheny County)
- Plum Borough School District (Allegheny County)
- South Allegheny School District (Allegheny County)
- West Mifflin Area School District (Allegheny County)
- Woodland Hills School District (Allegheny County)
- West Jefferson School District (Allegheny County)
- Burrell School District (Westmoreland County)
- Kiski Area School District (Westmoreland County)
- New Kensington-Arnold School District (Westmoreland County)
- Leechburg Area School District (Westmoreland County)
- Penn-Trafford Area School District (Westmoreland County)
Gov. Tom Wolf signed Act 44 into law in June of 2018 which established the School Safety and Security Committee. The committee was charged with developing criteria for school safety and security assessments along with issues surveys to measure their safety and security preparedness. It also administers grants to schools to improve safety and security.
There was a total of $52.5 million allocated to the School Safety and Security Grant Program for the 2018-2019 fiscal year.
-30-
October 25, 2018
Harrisburg – Oct. 24, 2018 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today that legislation to help ambulance services recoup costs of responding to emergencies is set to become law.
“This legislation will financially help ambulance companies who respond to emergencies,” Brewster said. “Insurance companies will no longer be able to expose emergency responders to costs simply because services were refused.”
Brewster said that the legislation (House Bill 1013) passed unanimously in the Senate and state House of Representatives in the last week of session. The bill was presented to the governor for his signature into law on Oct. 17.
“This is clearly a step forward in the effort to help our local first responders,” Brewster said. “Ambulance services respond to emergencies regardless of cost and they should not bear the responsibility if an insurance company determines that medical help was not necessary.”
Brewster has long been a supporter of emergency services. He said that his experience in local government underscored his appreciation for the work of emergency responders.
“Emergency responders put their lives on the line to help others,” Brewster said. “This new law will help them continue their life-saving work.”
-30-
October 18, 2018
Harrisburg – Oct. 18, 2018 – A $40,000 grant has been approved for the Allegheny County Conservation District to reduce pollution runoff from Round Hill Park in Elizabeth Township, according to state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland).
“Reducing pollution runoff requires focus and resources,” Brewster said. “The grant to fund work at Round Hill Park will improve the environment and eliminate pollutants that get into our water systems.”
Brewster said the funds are made available from a legal settlement with Sunoco related to the Mariner East 2 pipeline project. There were 61 projects approved to receive a piece of the $12.6 million settlement.
The Sunoco settlement funds were awarded not only for pollution abatement, but also for invasive species removal, reforestation, farm runoff and other projects designed to address water quality.
Brewster said he would continue to seek funds for other critical environmental projects in the region.
-30-
October 12, 2018
Harrisburg – Oct. 12, 2018 – Baldwin Borough in Allegheny County and New Kensington in Westmoreland County are set to receive grants to support their recycling efforts, according to state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland).
Baldwin will receive $264,681 and New Kensington $98,716.
“Recycling grants help municipalities deal effectively with reducing waste and extending the life of landfills,” Brewster said. “Recycling helps the environment and provides a way to remove waste.
“Recycling is a win for municipalities, citizens and the environment.”
The Wolf Administration said today that $37 million will be distributed to nearly 200 local and county governments for recycling efforts.
Brewster said the funds can be used not only to bolster recycling, but funds may also be employed in leaf litter collection and education.
“I am pleased that this grant funding was approved and certain that it will be put to good use in New Kensington and Baldwin,” Brewster said.
The lawmaker said that the funds were approved under the Department of Environmental Protection’s Recycling Development and Implementation Grant program.
Under the program, municipalities are eligible for up to 90 percent funding.
-30-
October 10, 2018
Dravosburg, Elizabeth Volunteer Fire Companies Receive Grants
Harrisburg – Oct. 9, 2018 — Two local fire companies In the Mon Valley were awarded grants to help combat wildfires in state forests and undeveloped areas, according to state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland).
Dravosburg Volunteer Fire Department No. 1 is slated to receive $2,775 and Elizabeth Volunteer Fire Co. $10,000 to respond to wildfires.
“Our volunteer fire companies do an extraordinary job in responding to fires and emergency situations, not only in built up areas but also in forests and more rural regions,” Brewster said. “These grants will help equip firefighters and provide training in dealing with forest or brush fires.”
There were 132 grants for fire companies approved statewide. The total grant funding available this year is $646,891.
Since 1982, more than $12.5 million in grant funding has been approved. The funding was received through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“We simply must do more to support our fire services,” Brewster said. “These dollars will be put to good use in both Dravosburg and Elizabeth.”
Brewster said fires in forests and undeveloped areas are difficult to manage and often require special equipment and training.
“These grants are a tool that we can use to help local fire companies save lives and property,” Brewster said.
Last year, nearly $600,000 in grant funding was released to 129 volunteer fire companies.
-30-
October 5, 2018
McKeesport – October 4, 2018 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) today announced a total of $154,000 in state grants to improve safety and security in local schools.
“This funding will help establish safety programs, hire additional security personnel and purchase security-related equipment,” Brewster said. “I’m pleased with this round of state support and will continue to seek additional dollars to make our schools safer and more secure.”
The statewide grants were announced today by the state Department of Education following a report issued by the recently-established Pennsylvania School Safety Task Force. Brewster was the first state lawmaker to call for such a statewide task force, which provides an encompassing review of school safety procedures and makes recommendations for improvements.
Local schools receiving funds today include:
- $20,000 for the McKeesport School District (violence prevention program);
- $30,000 Baldwin-Whitehall School District (hire/train school security officers);
- $30,000 Plum Borough School District (hire/train school security officers);
- $30,000 Elizabeth Forward School District (hire/train school security officers);
- $30,000 Allegheny Township (hire/train school security officers)
- $14,000 for the Westinghouse Arts Academy (equipment);
Brewster said another round of grant funds will be coming from the new $60 million School Safety and Security Grant program he supported in this year’s state fiscal budget. Those grants will be administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). The deadline for schools to apply for the PCCD grants is Oct. 12.
“Following the tragic school shooting in Florida last year, I am pleased to see that local schools are working to bolster school security and safety,” Brewster said. “It is imperative that we continue taking steps to provide a safe and positive learning environment for all students.”
# # #
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.
-30-
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).
-30-
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.
-30-
September 6, 2018
Harrisburg – Sept. 6, 2018 – A $500,000 state grant for environmental upgrades at the Three Rivers Marine and Rail Terminals in Glassport has been secured by state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland).
“This is an important project for the facility,” Brewster said. “The grant will be used to ensure that the environmental upgrades to the ponds on site meet all state standards.”
Brewster said the project includes synthetic liners and outfalls for two ponds. He said that officials at Three Rivers Marine and Rail Terminals have worked with state and county environmental officials to ensure that all requirements are met.
“The redevelopment of our region, including the growth of business and jobs, requires state investment,” Brewster said. “Finding state resources to complete local projects will pay dividends for years to come.”
Brewster said that the funding was approved through the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.
Brewster said that he, along with state Rep. Bill Kortz (D-Allegheny) who represents Glassport in the state House of Representatives, know the importance of securing state funding of local projects. He said he and Kortz actively seek funding from various state programs, including those on the state’s capital budget.
The senator said that Gov. Tom Wolf was instrumental in helping find the dollars for the grant.
“The governor has stepped up and worked to fund important grants for worthwhile projects,” Brewster said.
The state Department of Environmental Protection has worked closely with Three Rivers Marine and Rail Terminal on the project.
-30-
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.
-30-
August 10, 2018
McKeesport – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) visited “The Wall That Heals” Vietnam Veterans Memorial Replica and Mobile Education Center in McKeesport’s Renziehausen Park.
Funded by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, the Wall That Heals is a three-quarter sized replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C.
The Wall was escorted to its place in Renziehausen Park on Aug. 7 by more than 200 motorcycle riders and police. The procession began at 5 p.m. at Olympia Shopping Center in McKeesport and moved to the park where wall setup began on Aug. 8.
The wall is displayed at Jimmy Long Field in Renziehausen Park from until Sunday, Aug. 12. The opening ceremony was at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 9. At the opening ceremony, a pinning presentation honored more than 40 Vietnam veterans.
Reading of the names took place at various times on Aug. 10 and Aug. 11.
The closing ceremony will be on Sunday, Aug. 12 at 11 a.m. Admission is free, and visitors are welcome around the clock.
August 3, 2018
Harrisburg – Aug. 3, 2018 – State Senate Democratic Game and Fisheries Committee chair Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) today praised retiring Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director John Arway for being a leader on environmental issues and a friend to anglers in Pennsylvania.
Arway recently said that he will retire in November. He has been with the commission for 38 years and served as its executive director since 2010.
Brewster’s comments follow:
“I have had the great fortune to work with John Arway as a result of my committee responsibilities. He has always been the consummate professional. John is committed to helping preserve outdoor recreation opportunities and promoting fishing for anglers of all ages.
“In John’s nearly two generations with the commission, he has left a lasting imprint. His leadership, skill and dedication have been appreciated. During his tenure, he had to deal with many tough issues and fiscal challenges, yet he kept the mission of the commission in focus.
“My thanks to John for his years of service and my best wishes for a happy, fulfilling retirement.”
-30-
August 1, 2018
McKeesport – Aug. 1, 2018 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today that “The Wall That Heals” Vietnam Veterans Memorial Replica and Mobile Education Center is coming to McKeesport’s Renziehausen Park.
Funded by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, the Wall That Heals is a three-quarter sized replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C.
The Wall will be escorted to its place in Renziehausen Park on Aug. 7 by more than 200 motorcycle riders and police. The procession will begin at 5 p.m. at Olympia Shopping Center in McKeesport and move to the park where wall setup will begin on Aug. 8.
The wall will be displayed at Jimmy Long Field in Renziehausen Park from Thursday Aug. 9 to Sunday Aug. 12. The opening ceremony will be at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 9. At the opening ceremony, there will be a pinning presentation honoring more than 40 Vietnam veterans.
Reading of the names will take place at various times on Aug. 10 and Aug. 11.
The closing ceremony will be on Sunday, Aug. 12 at 11 a.m. Admission is free, and visitors are welcome around the clock.
What: “The Wall that Heals”
When: Opening Ceremony, Thursday Aug. 9 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Jimmy Long Field, Renziehausen Park | 2100 Eden Park Boulevard | McKeesport, PA
July 12, 2018
Harrisburg – July 12, 2018 – Over $1 million in grant funding has been approved for three local municipalities to pay for traffic signal improvements and enhanced safety at heavily used intersections, according to state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland).
PennDOT’s “Green Light-Go” funding was approved for Monroeville ($226,709), Versailles ($265,191) and White Oak ($601,808) in Allegheny County. The program is designed to reimburse local municipalities for signal upgrades and intersection safety improvements.
“These grants funds will help our local communities improve safety and security in heavily used intersections,” Brewster said. “Protecting motorists and pedestrians, while improving traffic flow, is critical.
“Our communities are committed to making investments that will positively impact motorists and pedestrians for years to come.”
Monroeville’s grant funding is earmarked for traffic signal upgrades at Monroeville Boulevard and Wyngate Road. Versailles will use the funds to replace outdated equipment and install new technology to aid first responders at two intersections in the borough.
The grant for White Oak will address issues at six intersections. The funds are targeted for equipment upgrades related to vehicular and pedestrian traffic and helping first responders manage intersections in the borough.
Seventy municipalities shared in the $31 million that was distributed in this round of funding.
-30-
March 28, 2018
Harrisburg – March 27, 2018 – Hundreds of millions of dollars per year are committed to school construction and rehabilitation projects in Pennsylvania; and if Sen. Jim Brewster’s (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) new legislation is approved, there would be no state reimbursement for buildings that are not equipped with state-of-the-art school safety features.
“Given the tragic school shootings, we have to explore all ways of improving school safety and keeping our children safe,” Brewster said. “New or refurbished school buildings must be equipped with state-of-the-art safety features to prevent trespass, stop assailants and secure space for children.”
Brewster’s legislation would prohibit state reimbursement for any school building construction or rehabilitation through Pennsylvania’s “PlanCon” process unless baseline safety elements are included in the plans. PlanCon is the acronym for the state’s Planning and Construction Workbook where school districts are reimbursed for approved school construction projects.
Brewster said the installation of safety stops, emergency lights and panic buttons, impenetrable strong glass, secure access points and surveillance cameras should be part of a “school security blanket.”
“Specific baseline school safety features would be approved through a statewide school safety panel so that experts would have the opportunity to express their ideas about best practices,” Brewster said.
The western Pennsylvania lawmaker is sponsoring legislation to create an 11-member commission that would be responsible for recommending new policies and procedures to protect students. He said recommendations related to school building safety is a perfect example of why a statewide commission is necessary.
“School districts are working exceptionally hard to protect students, but new, sophisticated threats require a fresh approach to school building safety,” Brewster said. “Taxpayers, students, teachers and administrators should be confident that a school building is protected from external and internal threats.”
Brewster said his proposal is a commonsense idea that can be quickly and easily implemented. He expects to introduce the measure within the next several weeks.
-30-
March 16, 2018
Harrisburg- March 16, 2018 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D- Allegheny/Westmoreland) announced today that Extra Space Management, Inc. of West Mifflin Borough in Allegheny County will receive a $84,176 grant for the installation of a rooftop photovoltaic power generation facility (solar panels) on the roof of their self-storage facility.
“Pennsylvania has abundant natural resources — solar being just one of them. I am pleased that we can earmark state grant money so local businesses can access energy efficient technologies,” Brewster said.
Extra Space Management will be using the Solar Energy Program funds to engineer, purchase, and install the solar photovoltaic system on their roof. The total cost of the project is $269,588, with Extra Space Management providing $175,392 in matching funds for the project. The company has owned and operated managed self-storage properties across multiple states and regions since 1977.
The grant program is administered jointly by the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) under the direction of the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA).
The Solar Energy Program (SEP) provides financial assistance in the form of grant and loan funds to promote the use of solar energy in Pennsylvania. Businesses, economic development organizations, municipalities, counties and school districts are all eligible to apply for the grants.
The use of the solar photovoltaic system will provide up to 98 percent of Extra Space Management’s power demand, and will generate 106,600 kilowatts of electricity per year.
-30-
March 9, 2018
McKeesport – March 9, 2018 – In the wake of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, where 17 students died, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) today proposed placing an armed security guard at all school buildings that conduct classroom instruction.
“It is clear to me that we need to have an armed security officer in each school building where classroom instruction is taking place,” Brewster said. “Students must be better protected.
“Parents deserve assurance that school buildings are safe and secure environments.”
Brewster said his plan to add armed security to each school building would be part of a menu of school safety ideas considered by his proposed statewide school security panel. Last week, Brewster called for the creation of the panel to examine school security ideas and present recommendations for safety upgrades.
“The recent accounts of horrific school shootings where students have been killed or wounded by armed assailants — should prompt action by lawmakers,” Brewster said. “A statewide school safety panel could evaluate a range of ideas and use proposals from experts on safety and security.
“There have a been many ideas offered about how we can improve school safety,” the McKeesport lawmaker said. “We need to be open-minded and willing to consider both conventional and non-conventional school safety proposals.”
Brewster said metal detectors, automatic emergency doorstops, police call buttons and other security ideas are excellent proposals that would help secure buildings from armed assailants. He added that armed security personnel would augment these safety initiatives.
Brewster’s legislation would create an 11-member Statewide School Safety Panel responsible for reviewing proposed changes to strategic plans, analyzing existing safety procedures and studying new ideas, technologies and strategies. The panel would make recommendations, policy suggestions and design plans to help school officials protect students.
“There should be an ongoing panel of experts who can recommend new policies and procedures we can use to protect children in school and on buses,” Brewster said. “We need to understand how schools are providing protection now and seek ideas about improving safety standards.
“The panel could stipulate specific training and requirements applicable to all school security officers and identify how the costs can be equitably apportioned between the state and school district,” he added. “Many schools have implemented security procedures and strategies that could be used by other schools to better protect students when there are threats.”
-30-
January 11, 2018
McKeesport – Jan. 11, 2018 – On the heels of Gov. Tom Wolf announcing a disaster declaration for the heroin and opioid epidemic, Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) today called on the governor to go even further and endorse mandatory treatment for any person charged with a non-violent crime who is treated by first responders for an overdose or addiction.
“The governor has been very aggressive in taking executive action to battle heroin and opioid abuse,” Brewster said. “We need the governor to recognize that mandatory treatment is the most significant and effective step that can be taken to resolve the problem once and for all.”
Brewster has put his ideas concerning mandatory treatment into bill form. He introduced a package of legislation (Senate Bills 710-712) called “Prevention, Recovery and Enforcement Act” that is designed to address each component of the crisis. His legislation includes measures that would limit opioid prescriptions, impose mandatory treatment, and add stiff penalties for drug pushers who possess illegal guns.
“The governor’s disaster declaration will open up resources that can be used in the fight to stop opioid and heroin abuse and I am very pleased that he took this step,” Brewster said. “It focuses energy and attention on the problem. The next phase in dealing with the crisis is getting at the root cause and addressing it through mandatory treatment of those who are treated by first responders or face criminal charges.”
Brewster said there should be both civil and criminal referrals for mandatory treatment. He also supports Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa’s (D-Allegheny) legislation that would enable family members to seek mandatory treatment for loved ones.
The McKeesport lawmaker said that it was clear to him that long-term mandatory treatment is necessary given the recidivism of those who complete short-term treatment regimens. He said that testimony of experts from the medical community at Senate hearings indicates that at least nine months of treatment for those addicted is necessary.
“Whether long-term treatment is offered at a residential treatment facility or through an intensive outpatient process that is heavily monitored, it’s clear that what is being done now is not sufficient and too many loved ones are being lost to the drug abuse,” Brewster said.
Brewster said he realizes that there are costs involved in mandatory treatment, but noted that many patients could be covered through Medicaid and that other funds could be released through a redirection of drug forfeiture funds and savings from reduced corrections costs.
-30-
June 21, 2017
Harrisburg – June 21, 2017 – The 2nd Annual “Going for the Goal Sprint Triathlon” will get underway on Sunday, June 25 at 8:00 a.m. at McKeesport High School in McKeesport, Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today.
“This event attracts exceptional athletes from all over the country to compete and experience the beauty of the Mon Valley,” Brewster said. “While an athletic competition, the triathlon has also become an exciting way to showcase the many resources and opportunities in the McKeesport area.”
The triathlon consists of three events: 300-yard swim in the high school swimming pool, 8.5-mile bike ride through the Great Allegheny Passage trail and a 5K run through beautiful Renziehausen Park.
If you are interested in signing up, individually or as a team, simply go to www.parunners.com to register. Same day registrations will also be accepted. Any questions contact Event Coordinator Alison Piccolino at 412-398-1256.
The triathlon will benefit the McKeesport Trail Commission and programs operated by the McKeesport-White Oak Kiwanis.
Brewster has partnered with the McKeesport Hospital Foundation, McKeesport Area School District, City of McKeesport, the McKeesport Trail Commission and McKeesport-White Oak Kiwanis to put the program together.
“There has been a lot of teamwork involved by all partners and supporters of the triathlon,” Brewster said. “We have worked together to create a health and wellness event that people of all ages can enjoy.”
This year’s “Going for the Goal Sprint Triathlon” will also be the kick-off for “Live Well City of McKeesport”.
This initiative made possible by the City of McKeesport and McKeesport Area School District’s collaboration with the Allegheny County Health Department’s Live Well Allegheny campaign.
This initiative focuses on bringing awareness to building healthy lifestyles for all residents in the city. County Executive Rich Fitzgerald will be joining the event this year to congratulate the community on focusing on an important county campaign while also cheering on the triathlon participants.
“We are all looking forward to a competition that harnesses the energy of the region, creates good will for local residents and highlights the growth of the area,” Brewster said.
The triathlon has significant local support from businesses and community groups.
-30-
December 11, 2015
Harrisburg – Dec. 11, 2015 – Commonwealth Court’s ruling that the Department of Education cannot shift tax relief money to pay charter schools validates objections raised by Mon Valley lawmakers that were reinforced by Senate Democrats’ efforts to stop payments, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today.
“The ruling validates concerns Representatives (Bill) Kortz, (Marc) Gergely and I raised in October about charter and cyber-charters trying to access property tax relief funds earmarked for school districts,” Brewster said. “Payments to charters and cyber-charters should not be put in front of property tax relief dollars for taxpayers.
“Senate Democrats then followed up by asking the treasurer to hold off paying charters until legal issues were resolved.”
In a Dec. 9 ruling, Commonwealth Court ordered the state Department of Education to stop the redirection of property tax relief funds to charters. Once a state spending plan is approved, the payments can be made as long as they are not from property tax relief monies.
Reps. Gergely (D-Allegheny) and Kortz (D-Allegheny) along with Brewster sought a meeting in mid-October with education department officials to detail their concerns.
Typically, charter and cyber-charter payments are deducted from basic education subsidies. Given the lack of state budget and no state subsidy payments, charters requested that other available funding be used for reimbursement.
“School districts face difficult fiscal challenges that were compounded by the state budget impasse. Attempts by charters to divert tax relief funds would have made a bad situation worse,” Brewster said. “The court’s order clears up the matter and prevents an inequity.”
Brewster said that it is way past time for a state budget — with sufficient support for education – to be approved. Legal actions, such as this court case, would be unnecessary if an agreement would have been reached on a state spending plan, he said.
The state was slated to make a $45 million payout to charter schools in late October, with 312 school districts diverting funds to charters.
Brewster cited McKeesport school district as an example of the imbalance when charters step before taxpayers. He said that McKeesport should receive $1.2 million in property tax payments but charters would have taken $1.17 million of that disbursement.
Property tax relief funds are generated through gaming revenues.
CONTACT: Tim Joyce
412-380-2242
TJOYCE@pasenate.com
October 16, 2015
Harrisburg – Oct. 16, 2015 – Mon Valley lawmakers are demanding that the PA Department of Education halt the scheduled payment of state funds to charter schools and cyber-charters until state funds are first paid to public schools or a more equitable distribution formula is developed.
State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland), Reps. Marc Gergely (D-Allegheny) and Bill Kortz (D-Allegheny) said they have asked for a meeting early next week with Education Secretary Pedro Rivera to formally request a better handling of the matter.
“Public schools are facing incredible difficulties because of the lack of a state budget,” Brewster said. “Now, the little funding they are getting outside of the basic subsidy is being hijacked by charter schools.
“The fact that charters are moving ahead of public schools is ridiculous.”
Charter schools are slated to receive a disbursement next week from funds generated from gaming revenues. Normally, funding for charter schools is deducted from basic education subsidies. However, as a result of the budget impasse the basic funding stream is not available. Since those funds are not available, the funds are then deducted from other state payments.
“Schools in the Mon Valley are facing hardship and financial stress and are struggling to stay open until a budget is finalized,” Kortz said. “During a budget impasse, it is ludicrous that any funds would be deducted from payments for public schools before they receive their subsidy payments.”
According to figures released by the McKeesport Area School District, they were slated to receive $1.2 million in property tax relief payments. Charter schools are slated to take $1.17 million leaving McKeesport with $41,000. Clairton reportedly is set to lose more than $230,000 in gaming reimbursements to charters.
“It is hard to believe that public schools could be dealt another blow in a state budget impasse,” Gergely said. “Public schools should not have to stand behind charter schools in the payment line.
“This is an extraordinary situation and the fiscal pain that school districts and taxpayers feel should not be made worse by taking away funds and giving them to private schools.”
Brewster said that given the exceptionally difficult financial times brought on schools by the budget impasse, PDE should suspend the disbursement of funds to charters and cyber-charters until all school districts understand how payments are processed.
“State statutes that cover the distribution of funds to schools are clearly not equipped to deal with equity issues when there is an extended budget dispute,” Brewster said. “We need to look at these laws as part of a comprehensive review.”
He said that he would work with Kortz, Gergely and other lawmakers on legislation to ensure that this situation does not happen in the future and that public schools are protected.
-30-
Contact: Tim Joyce
Phone: 412 380-2242
Email: tjoyce@pasenate.com
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.”
-30-
July 21, 2015
Shale tax devoted to education; retains local government share
Harrisburg – July 21, 2015 – As Pennsylvania continues operating without a General Fund spending plan, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today that his “Extraction for Education” proposal could help move talks forward and bring closure to key budget issues: enhanced education funding and a new Marcellus Shale extraction tax.
In late June, the Republicans passed a $30.2 billion plan without input from Gov. Wolf or legislative Democrats. Wolf vetoed the proposal. The Republican plan did not include a new shale extraction tax and would have provided little new money for education.
Brewster said both sides need to come together and work on a dedicated education funding plan via a shale extraction tax. His plan, he said, could help lay the foundation for a comprehensive budget solution because it would smooth over differences on key issues.
“My plan would place a responsible Marcellus Shale extraction tax layered over the current Act 13 impact fee,” Brewster said. “The effective rate of the levy is 5 percent, which is reasonable and clearly in line with energy extraction taxes in other states.
“New tax revenues generated as a part of my plan would be entirely dedicated to education funding.”
Brewster’s “Extraction for Education” plan (Senate Bill 395) would cap the total severance tax levy and make the effective rate 5 percent. Under the plan, impact fee expenses (Act 13) would be credited against a shale driller’s extraction tax liability.
Brewster said that education funding, a reasonable extraction tax, property tax relief and covering a $1.3 billion structural deficit are critical budget issues that remain unresolved.
In March, Gov. Tom Wolf proposed a bold funding plan that would reverse the $1 billion in education cuts over the last four years. His budget proposal also calls for property tax relief and significant increases in education funding.
Brewster said a 5 percent energy tax may generate an estimated $700 million depending on the price of gas. His plan specifically calls for the new revenues from the tax to be combined with additional state funding and distributed via the new basic education subsidy formula that was developed by the Basic Education Funding Commission.
“Shale drillers have a responsibility to pay a reasonable tax for reaping a Pennsylvania resource,” Brewster said. “Under my plan they can be assured of a specific rate and their revenues would be used specifically to help school students and taxpayers.”
The lawmaker added that it is critical that a new energy extraction tax be levied at a rate that ensures market competitiveness. Brewster was in private business for more than 20 years prior to his election to the Senate, rising to vice president of Mellon Bank in Pittsburgh.
“I’ve put my years of experience in private business and banking to use in helping me craft the approach so that it is balanced,” Brewster said. “My plan is fair to the industry and the citizens of Pennsylvania.
“All funds that are generated will be used to help schools, taxpayers and children and not be used for anything else,” Brewster said. “The relationship between the shale extraction tax and education must be clear.”
Brewster said he is hopeful that Republican leadership will join with Gov. Wolf and Democratic lawmakers in forming a budget that prioritizes property tax relief, school funding and job creation.
-30-
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.
# # #
