Sen. Brewster Welcomes New Medical Marijuana Dispensary to Region
McKeesport, February 25, 2019 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) today said he is pleased that the Cresco Yeltrah’s CY+ medical marijuana dispensary is opening shop today in New Kensington.
“The state’s medical marijuana law has helped patients who suffer from numerous painful and debilitating medical conditions,” Brewster said. “It has also provided economic opportunity and jobs throughout Pennsylvania’s agricultural and business sectors.”
Brewster said the new dispensary will provide greater convenience for area patients with both its location and new purchasing system that enables recurring patients to avoid lines in the dispensary by ordering their medication online.
In June of 2017, Brewster welcomed a medical marijuana grower and processor (PurePenn LLC) to a five-acre site on Industry Road in McKeesport. The business was one of the first in Pennsylvania to receive an operational permit.
“PurePenn has been a good local business and will help spur additional economic interest and investment throughout the city,” Brewster said. “I am pleased with how the medical marijuana law has worked so far.”
Last week, Brewster called for a statewide ballot referendum on recreational marijuana. He said a referendum would help gauge public support for his proposal that would use the estimated $580 million in revenue proceeds to establish statewide substance abuse treatment facilities and address drug overdose and addiction.
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Brewster Calls for Statewide Vote on Marijuana Legalization
Harrisburg – February 21, 2019 – To provide lawmakers with more information about how Pennsylvanians view the legalization of marijuana, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) is calling for a statewide non-binding referendum.
“Citizens should have an avenue to express their opinion on whether marijuana should be legalized,” Brewster said. “Putting marijuana on the ballot will serve as an information tool that can help lawmakers gauge the views of all citizens.”
Brewster said he will soon introduce legislation to put the referendum question on the ballot for the general election this November.
The state Auditor General estimates that legalization would generate $580 million in revenue. Brewster said he would target revenue proceeds to establish statewide substance abuse treatment facilities and address drug overdose and addiction.
Nationwide, 130 people die from drug overdoses every day.
The lawmaker added that the revenues would be sufficient to construct new facilities to help those struggling with mental health issues. Brewster said this would not only aid families and save individuals, but it could help prevent random mass shootings and other crisis situations involving individuals with mental health disorders.
The referendum would likely be a precursor to the General Assembly’s consideration of whether marijuana should be legalized. Brewster said he realizes this is an extraordinary step, but a necessary one given the issue.
“Lawmakers need to focus on how we can best consider legalization. One of the best ways is to ensure that members are well-informed about the views of their constituents,” Brewster said.
Brewster said a simple question posed to voters for informational purposes will give lawmakers a sense of the level of public support. The referendum would also provide a breakout of regional differences.
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Let Pennsylvanians Decide: Put Marijuana on the Ballot
Op-ed by Sen. Jim Brewster
Let all citizens have their say on legalizing marijuana.
At our fingertips is a potential $581 million generated annually from legalized marijuana that could be used to establish substance abuse treatment facilities to help stem the deadly tide of drug overdoses and deaths across our state.
Nationwide, 130 people die from drug overdoses every day.
The funding would also be significant enough for Pennsylvania to embark on aggressive in-patient treatment programs and build new facilities to help those who are struggling with mental health issues. This not only would save individuals and families, it would also help prevent random mass shootings and other tragedies.
The state Auditor General estimates legalizing marijuana would yield at least $580 million in tax revenue. Deploying that level of funding to treat drug abuse and mental health would save thousands of lives and relieve untold suffering.
Yet, before we can dedicate that money to help those in need, the General Assembly must first act to legalize marijuana. To make informed judgements, not only will citizens have to be educated, but lawmakers will have to reorder their thinking. Putting a question on the ballot and having voters cast votes for or against legalization can serve as a tool to inform.
It is appropriate that citizens have an avenue to express their opinion. Legalizing marijuana is a big step and extraordinary action should be taken to ensure that the issue is fully vetted. The results of an informational referendum would give lawmakers a real sense of the level of public support. It would also help show regional differences and interpret citizen preferences.
Some argue that it is time that Pennsylvania add its name to the list of the other states that have legalized marijuana. Others have pumped the brakes, arguing that marijuana is a gateway drug and that other drug problems would be exacerbated by legalization.
Admittedly, there are many legislative and legal hurdles ahead before the issue can be placed on the ballot. Perhaps the most substantial is the federal government’s designation of marijuana as a controlled substance and that its use, sale or distribution remains illegal. Since the 1930s the federal government’s view has been clear and unchanged regardless of how many states have legalized medical or recreational marijuana.
Ignoring federal law is not for the faint of heart. However, other states have already ventured down this path without retribution.
Before that high federal hurdle is cleared, there undoubtably will be a legislative challenge to putting the question on the ballot and letting citizens decide. Past efforts to authorize a referendum were derailed by legislative opponents and courts who claimed that referendums were an unconstitutional delegation of power. Those were different days with different facts and circumstances.
This latter issue can be addressed by the nature and design of the ballot question itself. Put in its proper context, a question put before the voters simply asking their views for informational purposes is not an official action; rather, it is an information gathering tool.
The first step toward legalization was taken when Pennsylvania approved the use of medical marijuana. The next issue is to ascertain if Pennsylvania is willing to take the leap and legalize marijuana. Finally, we must determine how best to utilize tax proceeds.
The use of a ballot question to better understand how legalizing marijuana is viewed by a broader swath of Pennsylvanians would provide invaluable guidance as the legislature takes up this issue.
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Senator Brewster Celebrates the Grand Opening of the New Tube City Center for Business and Innovation
Sen. Brewster McKeesport Tube City Center Ribbon-Cutting :: February 11, 2019
Brewster Hails Projects to Bolster Mon Valley Economy
New Tube City Center, Great Allegheny Trail, transportation center projects detailed
McKeesport – February 11, 2019 – At a ceremony at the former Daily News building in downtown McKeesport today, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) celebrated the grand opening of the new Tube City Center for Business and Innovation and detailed how a new elevated trail and multi-modal transportation center will bolster the fortunes of the Mon Valley.
“The projects detailed today represent millions of dollars in new investments in the region and its people,” Brewster said. “They will help ignite even more interest in the valley and attract even more investments.”
Brewster and McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko hosted grand opening activities.
“This is truly a new and exciting day for the Mon Valley,” Brewster said. “The Tube City Center will be a focal point for business innovation and entrepreneurism. The new center will create opportunities in media, education, government service and business.
“Plus, the new trail and transportation center will open the McKeesport area for tourism and even more economic growth.”
The Tube City Center will include offices of the Mon Valley Independent, Tube City Community Media, Allegheny County District Attorney Mon Valley Support Center, Center for Media Innovation at Point Park University and Flashover Fire Apparatus and Equipment Company.
At the ceremony, Brewster recognized Trib Total Media and its President and Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Bertetto for the donation of the building and the work that was done to transform the structure that formerly housed the McKeesport Daily News into the Tube City Center.
He also hailed the efforts of Allegheny County District Attorney Steve Zappala for locating the new Mon Valley Support Center in the building.
“This new office will be an incredible resource and will provide immense benefits for all communities throughout the Mon Valley,” Brewster said.
He said the new building will have local offices for the Mon Valley Independent which will help expand coverage of the valley and Tube City Community Media will operate a radio station out of the facility. Brewster thanked the media outlets for their commitment to locating in the new building.
In addition to the other entities located in the center, Point Park University’s Center for Media Innovation will operate out of the facility. Brewster said that this is an incredible addition to the region’s education opportunities enabling more students to gain invaluable experience.
Currently there is one other business that decided to locate in the center. The senator said that the Flashover Fire Apparatus and Equipment Company has retained office space in the building.
Brewster said the other projects outlined at the event – the lighted and elevated Great Allegheny Passage trail and the new Port Authority of Allegheny County Transportation Center — are perfect fits for the region.
Last year, Brewster helped secure a $2.9 million grant to transform a portion of the Great Allegheny Passage trail and create a lighted, elevated trail adjacent to the Monongahela River. Brewster said the goal is to reroute the current trail away from the main roads and connect with an overlook over the river, then descend and connect with current trail near McKees Point.
The project also includes funds to refurbish the Lysle Boulevard Parking Garage and construct an elevated walkway to the Tube City Center.
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Joint State Legislative Hearing in Clairton Focuses on Improving Air Quality
Clairton, February 7, 2019 – With an overflow crowd of steel workers and concerned citizens in attendance at Clairton City Hall, a joint state Senate-House Democratic Policy Committee hearing was held today on ways to improve air quality, community notification procedures and emergency response.
The hearing was held in Clairton at the request of state Senator Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) and Representative Austin Davis (D-Allegheny). It was prompted by a December 24, 2018, fire at the Clairton Coke Works that resulted in emissions of high levels of sulfur dioxide and damage to the facility’s gas processing system.
“We need to see to it that air quality standards are properly monitored, and that local emergency response and community notification procedures are accurate and timely,” Brewster said. “To accomplish this goal, we must bring together officials from U.S. Steel, the Allegheny County Department of Health, local governments, labor organizations and emergency responders. We need to both address air quality issues and protect good paying jobs in the industry.”
Davis added, “Improving the air quality in our communities is my top priority. I appreciate the testimony of all stakeholders. As we look to improve air quality it’s imperative that we look for effective ways to do so.”
The hearing was jointly chaired by state Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-Northampton/Lehigh) and state Rep. Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster).
“Being raised in the shadow of the Bethlehem Steel plant, I am well aware of the seriousness of air quality issues and how communities such as Clairton must balance an economic reliance on good industrial jobs against health and environmental issues,” Boscola said.
Sturla added, “I thank Representative Davis for bringing this important issue to the House Democratic Policy Committee’s attention. This joint public hearing helps ensure that all perspectives are heard as the legislature looks for effective ways to improve air quality.”
Claiming that U.S Steel is committed to keeping the coke works operational and doing more to improve its environmental efforts, Chris Masciantonio, who serves as Director of Government Affairs & Public Policy for U.S. Steel, said, “The Mon Valley community is more than just the company’s home; it’s our company’s birthplace and where our employees work and live. The safety of our employees, our partnering contractors and our neighboring communities is paramount to our efforts.”
Masciantonio argued that placing the plant on hot idle, as some environmentalists have urged, would be a lengthy, difficult and costly process.
Don Furko, who serves as president of the United Steelworkers Local #1557, added, “Simply put, if U.S. Steel ends up idling batteries, our members will lose their jobs. This will begin a chain of events that will have a devastating impact on them, their families and our communities across the Mon Valley.”
Members of environmental organizations and Dr. Deborah Gentile of Pittsburgh testified that residents of the Mon Valley have been exposed to pollutants for decades. They said the pollution level and related health threats were compounded by the recent fire and emission exceedance.
Some of the environmentalists called for greater U.S. Steel efforts to comply with health and safety dictates and reduce pollution discharges. They also called on the Allegheny County Department of Health to step up monitoring, enforcement vigilance and provide more responsive public notification when problems arise.
Dr. Karen Hacker, director of the county health department, said the department has already ramped up its enforcement efforts. She said her agency has imposed direct enforcement orders and civil penalties. She said the department’s expanded legal team has also stepped up inspections, toughened penalties and collaborated with state and federal environmental enforcement agencies.
“The department will continue to be proactive and aggressive to improve air quality in our county, as our actions indicate,” she said. “We will continue to improve our communication via our current strategies through additional opportunities such as mobile phone applications and direct communication with citizens, municipal leaders and legislators.”
The hearing follows a January 22 public meeting in Clairton. Brewster, Davis and Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) and Rep. Bill Kortz (D-Allegheny) and Austin Davis (D-Allegheny) were also updated on January 25 by officials from the Allegheny County Health Department.
Joining Brewster, Boscola and Costa at today’s hearing were Senators Wayne Fontana (D-Allegheny) and Lindsey Williams (D-Allegheny). In addition to Davis, Sturla and Kortz, Representatives Summer Lee, Ed Gainey, Dan Miller, Brandon Markosek and Sara Innamorato (all D-Allegheny) attended.
Those who testified included:
Panel from U.S. Steel Corporation:
- Chris Masciantonio, Director of Government Affairs & Public Policy
- Mike Rhoades, Plant Manager, Clairton Coke Works
- Tishie Woodwell, General Manager, Environmental Affairs
- Kurt Barshick, General Manager, Mon Valley Works
- Jim Futrell, Vice President of Market Research and Analysis, Allegheny Conference on Community Development
Panel from Allegheny County Health Department:
- Dr. Karen Hacker, Director
- Jim Kelly, Deputy Director for Environmental Health
- Michael Parker, Solicitor
- Dr. LuAnn Brink, Chief Epidemiologist
Panel from area unions:
- Don Furko, President, United Steel Workers Local 1557
- Jeff Nobers, Executive Director, Builders Guild of Western Pennsylvania
- Ken Broadbent, Business Manager, Steamfitters Local Union 449
Panel of health and environmental advocates:
- Dr. Deborah Gentile, Physician, Pediatric Alliance
- Rachel Filippini, Executive Director, Group Against Smog & Pollution
- Matt Mehalik, Executive Director, Breathe Project
- Ashleigh Deemer, Western Pennsylvania Director, PennEnvironment
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Brewster: Sunday Hunting Bill Approved by Senate Committee, Moves to Full Senate
Harrisburg – February 6, 2019 – Legislation to permit the Pennsylvania Game Commission to authorize hunting on a limited number of Sundays throughout the year (Senate Bill 147) was approved yesterday by the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee, said Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland), who is one of the prime sponsors of the measure.
“This is the necessary first step in the legislative process to authorize hunting on three or four Sundays throughout the year,” Brewster said. “Our goal in moving the bill is to generate dialogue and compromise on the number of days allowed for hunting, protections for farmers, management of public lands and dealing with chronic wasting disease.”
Brewster joined with Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) in authoring the legislation.
“If Sunday hunting is ultimately approved, it will open a new revenue stream – without raising taxes – to better protect our public lands, preserve habitat and provide funds to study Chronic Wasting Disease, which is impacting Pennsylvania’s deer herd,” Brewster added.
The bill was approved by the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee by an 8-3 vote.
“Hunting on a very limited number of Sundays will open our state game lands and generate more tourism and economic dollars,” Brewster said. “Taking this initial step is important because we can now engage the full Senate and forge a compromise with farmers, environmentalists and others who expressed interest in the issue.”
Brewster said he envisions a scenario where the game commission would authorize Sunday hunting on three or four days. He said he is open to further changes in the measure to address concerns expressed by farmers, the environmental community and property owners.
“We have a chance to work with groups across the state to develop a well-honed piece of legislation that meets the needs of all concerned,” Brewster said. “The first step was to move the bill from committee and build momentum.”
Brewster said he is hopeful the Senate will consider the legislation when it returns following several weeks of budget hearings.
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Brewster Applauds Direction of Proposed Budget, Investment in Schools, Workforce, No New Taxes
Harrisburg – February 5, 2019 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) issued the following statement concerning Gov. Tom Wolf’s $34.1 billion General Fund budget request.
Wolf proposed his budget during an address before a joint session of the General Assembly today in Harrisburg.
Brewster said the proposed budget includes $200 million more for basic education, an additional $50 million for special education and, for higher education, a 1.5 percent increase for state system schools. He said the plan also includes $50 million for early childhood education.
The governor’s proposal also focuses on improvements in career training and job development. The plan calls for $4 million to increase grants to the Manufacturing to Career Training program and another $6 million for adult career and technical training programs to better focus skill development and enhance career readiness.
Brewster’s statement follows:
“The governor’s plan includes sensible and reasonable programs and initiatives without increasing taxes. The focus on education and workforce development is welcomed as is the additional funding for job creation.
“I applaud the governor’s call to increase the minimum wage because not only does it help families immediately, it saves the state taxpayer dollars in the long run. The governor also renews his commitment to efficiency and effectiveness in delivering state government services and focuses on programs and initiatives that will generate returns.
“On taxes, the governor has called, once again, to close the Delaware Loophole and lower the corporate net income tax. This is fair and practicable and will deliver long-term benefits for the state’s economy.”
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Senator Brewster remarks on Governor Wolf’s Budget Address
State Legislative Hearing on Air Quality, Community Notification Issues Set for Clairton Next Week
In the wake of the Clairton Coke Works fire, the state Senate and House Democratic Policy committees will hold a joint public hearing on ways to improve air quality, community notification procedures and emergency response.
The hearing is scheduled for noon on Thursday, February 7 at the Clairton Municipal Building, 551 Ravensburg Blvd, Clairton, Pa 15025.
The hearing is being held in Clairton at the request of state Senator Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) and Representative Austin Davis (D-Allegheny). It was prompted by a December 24 fire at the Clairton Coke Works that resulted in emissions of high levels of sulfur dioxide and damage to the facility’s gas processing system.
“We need to see to it that air quality standards are properly monitored, and that local emergency response and community notification procedures are accurate and timely,” Brewster said. “To accomplish this goal, we must bring together officials from U.S. Steel, the Allegheny County Department of Health, local governments and emergency responders to find workable solutions. I am committed to doing my part at the state level to meet this challenge.”
Davis added, “Improving the air quality in our communities is my top priority. I look forward to the testimony of all stakeholders. As we look to improve air quality it’s imperative that we look for effective ways to do so.”
The hearing will be jointly chaired by state Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-Northampton/Lehigh) and state Rep. Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster).
“Being raised in the shadow of the Bethlehem Steel plant, I am well aware of the seriousness of air quality issues and how community’s such as Clairton must balance an economic reliance on good industrial jobs against health and environmental issues,” Boscola said.
Sturla added, “I thank Representative Davis for bringing this important issue to the House Democratic Policy Committee’s attention. This joint public hearing will ensure all perspectives are heard as the legislature looks for effective ways to improve air quality.”
The hearing follows a January 22 public meeting in Clairton. Brewster, Davis and Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) and Rep. Bill Kortz (D-Allegheny) and Austin Davis (D-Allegheny) were also updated on January 25 by officials from the Allegheny County Health Department.
Expected testifiers include:
Panel from U.S. Steel Corporation:
- Chris Masciantonio, Director of Government Affairs & Public Policy
- Mike Rhoades, Plant Manager, Clairton Coke Works
- Tishie Woodwell, General Manager, Environmental Affairs
- Kurt Barshick, General Manager, Mon Valley Works
Panel from Allegheny County Health Department:
- Dr. Karen Hacker, Director
- Jim Kelly, Deputy Director for Environmental Health
- Michael Parker, Solicitor
- Dr. LuAnn Brink, Chief Epidemiologist
Panel from area unions:
- Don Furko, President, United Steel Workers Local 1557
- Jeff Nobers, Executive Director, Builders Guild of Western Pennsylvania
Panel of health and environmental advocates:
- Dr. Deborah Gentile, Physician, Pediatric Alliance
- Rachel Filippini, Executive Director, Group Against Smog & Pollution
- Matt Mehalik, Executive Director, Breathe Project
The hearing is open to the public and media coverage is welcome.