March 2, 2018
Harrisburg – March 1, 2018 – Lt. Gov. Mike Stack and state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) will visit Twin Rivers Elementary School in McKeesport tomorrow at 1 p.m. as a part of National Read Across America Day.
Brewster and Stack will read books to kindergarten and first grade students. They will be joined by McKeesport Mayor Mike Cherepko and McKeesport Area School District Superintendent Dr. Mark Holtzman.
Who: Lt. Gov. Mike Stack
Sen. Jim Brewster
Mayor Mike Cherepko
Dr. Mark Holtzman
What: National Read Across America Day
When: Friday, March 2, 1 p.m.
Where: Twin Rivers Elementary School
1600 Cornell St.
McKeesport, PA
Your coverage is appreciated.
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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 28, 2018
Harrisburg, February 28, 2018 – State Sen. Jim Brewster today said he will introduce legislation that would establish a statewide school safety panel to review school and bus safety policies and procedures and help lawmakers implement standardized statewide safety procedures.
“Recent school tragedies and disturbing reports on security and background check lapses have exposed a disturbing vulnerability on the safety of our schools,” Brewster said. “Funding shortfalls and antiquated safety procedures are putting our children at risk. We must take steps to upgrade school safety and security.”
Senator Brewster School Safety Measures Featured on WPXI
To address the issue in a thorough and comprehensive way, Brewster said he would establish a 10-member statewide panel to offer diverse expertise, wide-ranging viewpoints and innovative ideas. Panel members would be comprised of law enforcement officials, educators, parents and legislators.
“Using the latest data and information, this panel would be called on to continually review proposed changes to the state’s strategic plan, analyze existing safety procedures, and study new ideas, technology and strategies to help lawmakers and education officials update statewide policies and procedures.”
In support of the panel’s efforts, Brewster said he will also call for a legislative committee to gather comprehensive data from statewide school districts, private schools and colleges to provide detailed data on school and bus safety procedures.
“This information would help form a basis by which the school safety panel, lawmakers and education officials can implement sound and substantive statewide safety procedures,” Brewster said.
The McKeesport lawmaker said there are many school safety bills in the pipeline and that it is important to gather all the information and ideas in a onetime effort to implement a strategic plan.
“Policymakers need factual and detailed information on existing procedures, problems and strategies before we can act on a comprehensive solution,” Brewster added. “We need all the facts so we can take what’s working and improve upon it.”
Brewster, who co-chairs the Legislative and Budget Finance Committee, said he will ask the committee chairman, Sen. Bob Mensch (R-Berks/Bucks/Montgomery), to have their committee conduct the comprehensive data collection – mandating that a report be completed and submitted to lawmakers no later than Dec 31.
He said the data can help assess the use, efficiency and success of various school safety measures such as armed guards, tip-lines, arming school personnel, surveillance cameras and other structural and technology enhancements. He said the data collection effort can assist and work conjunctively with efforts underway by education officials, lawmakers and other state officials.
“All options need to be on the table as we go about finding the best way to improve safety in schools and on buses,” Brewster said. “We also need to explore prospective financial resources that can support our efforts.”
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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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February 9, 2018
Harrisburg – February 9, 2018 – Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposed 2018-2019 spending plan is focused on education and jobs which is an excellent direction to take, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said, but he would also like to add dollars for programs that help all local communities.
“The governor has laid out a sensible, responsible and reasonable budget proposal,” Brewster said. “It increases funds for schools and workforce development initiatives without a broad-based tax increase.
“The budget presentation is the first step in a process leading up to the adoption of a final spending plan. My hope is that we can add new funding to this plan to help all municipalities.”
The governor’s $32.9 billion budget plan calls for an additional $225 million increase for education, with basic education receiving a $100 million boost. The plan features a new $50 million investment in workforce development and adds $12 million to support the Pennsylvania Manufacturing Training and Career Grant Program.
Brewster and his Senate Democratic colleagues earlier announced a three-bill manufacturing initiative that features significant job training investments.
Brewster, who is a member of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, said that municipal leaders have worked well with him and his office to fund key projects using state programs. However, the senator noted, with more state funding resources additional local projects can be completed.
“We have many municipalities in our region that are hurting economically due to business dislocation, an older population and shrinking tax base,” Brewster said. “It is critical that resources to help these communities are part of the final budget.
“During the course of considering this year’s budget, my plan is to look for opportunities to bolster spending lines to help economic struggling municipalities,” Brewster said. “Big cities have access to multiple revenue sources, but we need to make sure state resources are available to all municipalities and they are distributed equitably.”
The governor’s proposed budget represents a 3 percent increase over 2017-2018. The budget plan will be examined closely during three weeks of hearings beginning on February 20.
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February 8, 2018
Harrisburg, February 8, 2018 – Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said that a $65,000 state grant for Brentwood Borough has been approved for sidewalk improvements.
“This grant will help Brentwood complete much needed repairs,” Brewster said. “Repairs to these sidewalks will improve safety and it’s another way that the state can augment local public works initiatives.”
The grant funding is available through PennDOT’s Multimodal Transportation Fund. Brewster noted the grant will help improve and repair 18,000 square feet of sidewalk.
The senator is the former mayor of McKeesport and served on council for many years. As a former local official, he said he knows of the importance of using state resources to help complete local projects.
“Accessing state funding to complete projects in our cities and towns relieves local taxpayers of the burden and returns dollars from Harrisburg,” Brewster said.
The Multimodal Transportation Fund was formed in 2013. PennDOT’s Multimodal Transportation committee reviews applications submitted by local governments and organizations, and grants the funding requests for approved projects.
In Brewster’s district, there were more than $11.6 million in state grant funds from a variety of sources approved last year.
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January 23, 2018
HARRISBURG, January 23, 2018 – Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny & Westmoreland) was elected Chairman for the McKeesport Housing Authority for the 28th year.
“It is an honor to be elected chair for another year,” said Brewster. “The authority’s work in the City of McKeesport is vital. I am proud to serve on this board and for the community in this capacity.”
Brewster said he looks forward to continuing work with the other dedicated members of the board on initiatives, such as encouraging economic development, combatting urban blight, and ensuring that McKeesport residents feel safe and secure in their community.
The McKeesport Housing Authority is the third oldest housing authority in Pennsylvania. While housing is the main priority of the authority, they are involved in other aspects to better the community.
The housing authority has worked to promote healthy living discussions with UPMC and has supported McKeesport youths by offering after school programs in partnership with the YMCA.
For more information on Sen Brewster’s activity in the McKeesport community and the McKeesport Housing Authority, visit senatorbrewster.com.
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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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December 28, 2017
Harrisburg – December 28, 2017 – A total of $3 million in newly approved state grant funding will help transform a former turn-of-the century industrial edifice in Wilmerding into a new commercial hotel, and result in the construction of a new parking structure in Monroeville to accommodate a large local employer, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) and state Rep. Joe Markosek said today.
The repurposing of the former Westinghouse Castle in Wilmerding will be boosted by a $1 million grant. Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc. (BPMI) will use a $2 million state grant to construct a new parking facility for its expansion project.
“Earmarking these state grants for both projects is a wise use of state resources,” Brewster said. “The repurposing of the Westinghouse Castle is a signature project that will generate local economic activity and create jobs.
“The grant for BPMI is targeted to a large local employer who has engaged in an expansion project at its facility.”
Markosek said the state grant dollars help leverage other investment that will result in job creation, tax base expansion and even more spin-off economic benefits.
“Without question, prudent state investments such as targeting dollars to help the redevelopment of the former Westinghouse Castle, plus helping a large local employer and good corporate partner like BPMI grow, will create even greater benefits for years to come,” Markosek said. “These are important projects for our local economy and for future economic stability.”
Priory Hospitality Group is planning to transform the Westinghouse Castle into a 42-room boutique hotel with banquet space and a restaurant, and house the George Washington Museum, including artifacts and documents.
BPMI will use its state funds to build a parking structure to address the needs of the growing workforce at its complex. Plans also call for the construction of a new office building.
“BPMI is a quality corporate partner who has made a commitment to our area,” Brewster said. “I am pleased that the state has made a commitment to help this company continue its expansion.”
Markosek said the Westinghouse Castle project has unique attributes.
“The Westinghouse Castle project is a unique development that preserves the historical nature of the building while adapting the historical landmark for contemporary use,” he said.
Westinghouse Castle served as the general office building for the Westinghouse Air Brake Company. Built in 1890, the structure features Richardson Romanesque/Chateauesque architecture, which had to be rebuilt six years later when a fire destroyed its upper stories. A wing was added in 1926.
The Westinghouse Air Brake Company, originally known as Library Hall, was the first company founded by George Westinghouse.
Funding for the projects is through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, which is administered by the Budget Office. The General Assembly authorized the projects.
Brewster is the Democratic chair of the Senate Law and Justice and Game and Fisheries committees. Markosek is the Democratic chair of the House Appropriations Committee.
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December 22, 2017
Harrisburg – December 22, 2017 – American Textile in Duquesne is set to receive a $1.5 million state grant to remediate the grounds of the facility and open new space for expansion, according to state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland).
“The grant for American Textile will not only remediate the area it now uses for manufacturing but it will make even more space available for continued development,” Brewster said. “Investing state dollars of this magnitude into a local company and helping it explore new areas for expansion will result in more jobs and economic growth.”
The grant was made available through the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). RACP grants are used to fund redevelopment work, aid commercial development and promote economic development. The capital funding is authorized by the General Assembly.
“One project after another is spurring a resurgence of the Mon Valley as an economic center,” Brewster said. “American Textile is a vital part of that resurgence and is a critical part of the economic base of Duquesne.”
Brewster said that American Textile, which is located at the former U.S. Steel Duquesne Works, is now part of RIDC’s City Center of Duquesne development.
“American Textile is strategically located and will be close to the future Mon Fayette Expressway,” Brewster said. “The company continues to be a good partner and part of the future of the Valley.”
According to the state budget office which administers RACP grants, American Textile plans to remediate the current manufacturing area and the adjacent land site. The plant remediation area will be cleared of equipment/product then protected with a sealed containment. The floor will be excavated 10 to 15 feet, backfilled, then finished with an 8” thick rebar reinforced concrete slab. The site remediation of American Textile Company property will generate a 100,000-square foot site.
“I am pleased that the grant was approved and state grant dollars are being returned to our area to complete important projects,” Brewster said.
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December 22, 2017
Harrisburg – December 22, 2017 – Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) is reminding constituents that the deadline to apply for the Department of Revenue’s Property Tax and Rent Rebate program is January 2, 2018.
“The property tax and rent rebate program has been an excellent resource in providing relief to those with high property tax and rent bills,” Senator Brewster said. “I want to remind those who are eligible of the program’s Jan. 2 deadline and strongly encourage residents to apply.”
The program is available to Pennsylvanians age 65 and older, widows and widowers age 50 and older, and individuals with disabilities age 18 and older. The maximum standard rebate through the program is $650.
Brewster said his district office staff is available to assist those who need help in completing the application. There is no application fee for the program.
Senator Brewster has district offices located in Monroeville, McKeesport and New Kensington.
“My staff is experienced in assisting seniors and other residents who can benefit from this rebate program,” Senator Brewster said. “They are happy to answer questions and help with the application process.”
Since the program’s inception, $6.1 billion in property tax and rent rebates have been received by approved applicants.
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December 12, 2017
Pictured left to right Dr. Timothy P. Scott, superintendent Kiski Area School District; Sen. Brewster; Matthew Smith, assistant principal Kiski Area High School; Chad Roland, principal Kiski Area High School. Brewster, and the officials from KASD, participated in news conference with Gov. Tom Wolf to highlight the school’s participation in the College Readiness Program and its high test scores.
Harrisburg – December 12, 2017 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland), Gov. Tom Wolf, and Education Secretary Pedro Rivera helped recognize the achievement of the students from the Kiski Area High School as they increased their qualifying scores by 185 percent in AP math, science and English.
“This was quite an achievement for the students, teachers, administrators and others who were involved,” Brewster said at the Capitol event. “I wanted to congratulate the officials from the school district for their work in helping student increase their test scores.”
Kiski’s improved score ranks among the highest in the nation, according to the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI). In fact, it was among the top two schools in the country this year among those that had at least 50 qualifying scores in the 2015-16 school year.
ExxonMobil and its subsidiary, XTO, partnered with NMSI to support and implement the College Readiness Program (CRP). As a result, early last year 14 Pennsylvania schools began implementing the CRP.
Sen. Brewster, Dr. Timothy P. Scott, superintendent Kiski Area School District speaking, Gov. Tom Wolf at the Capitol news conference discussing Kiski’s success in improving STEM test scores.
CRP includes training for teachers and staff, study sessions and additional resources. CRP helps students develop strength in science, technology, English and math.
“The increase in Kiski’s scores were the result of hard work and the implementation of the program,” Brewster said. “They are getting results and their achievement should be recognized.”
According to NMSI, the CRP has expanded to more than 1,000 schools in 34 states.
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December 9, 2017
McKeesport – December 9, 2017 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) issued the following statement concerning the death of former state Senate Democratic Leader Edward Zemprelli, who passed away on Monday, Dec. 4.
Zemprelli of Clairton was elected to the Senate in 1968 and was majority leader from 1979-80. He served the citizens of the Mon Valley’s 45th Senate District from 1968 to 1988. Previously, he served in the state House of Representatives from 1963 to 1968.
During his years in the Senate, Zemprelli worked to reform the state’s banking laws, aid distressed municipalities, shore up funding for state highways and rescue the Unemployment
Compensation Fund that was drained of funds due to economic dislocation.
He was a strong advocate of issues important to working men and women and an early supporter of the Mon-Fayette Expressway.
Brewster’s comments follow:
“Senator Zemprelli served the citizens of the Mon Valley well for decades. He was a tireless defender of working men and women and was at the forefront of efforts to deal with the dislocation of the steel industry.
“He served in a time of significant change and rose to become the Senate’s majority leader, but he never forgot his roots in the Mon Valley or its people. As a lawmaker, he was heavily involved in helping communities address economic distress, developing the Mon-Fayette Expressway, reforming our state’s banking laws and ensuring that resources were available for schools.
“Senator Zemprelli was colorful and candid, and was welcomed throughout the region as an articulate and passionate public speaker. He was well-respected by his peers and put his stamp on legislation and projects that will benefit generations to come.
“On behalf of the citizens of the district he served so well, I extend my condolences to his daughter, his family and his legion of friends.
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Contact: Timothy Joyce
Phone: 412 380-2242
Email: Timothy.Joyce@pasenate.com
December 7, 2017
Harrisburg – December 7, 2017 – Four grants totaling more than $275,000 to improve recreational opportunities, preserve green space and rehabilitate community facilities in Lincoln Borough, Brentwood, Duquesne and West Mifflin have been approved by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today.
“We have to continue to make improving recreation facilities, preserving natural resources and promoting community parks a priority,” Brewster said. “The approval of the state funds for these projects will improve access and help stretch local taxpayer dollars.”
The DCNR funds were approved through the department’s Community Conservation Partnership Program. The projects slated to receive the state grant funds include:
- Allegheny Land Trust for the continued development of the Dead Man’s Hollow trail system in Lincoln Borough ($148,600);
- Duquesne City to prepare a comprehensive recreation and open space plan ($17,800);
- West Mifflin will receive funds to develop a comprehensive recreation and open space plan ($20,000);
- Brentwood Borough to rehabilitate the Brentwood Pool ($100,000).
“Helping communities develop their recreation facilities improves the quality of life and aids in strengthening a municipality,” Brewster said. “We have tremendous natural resources and community amenities.”
The grants were among the 266 projects approved statewide. The department released $44 million in state funding.
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December 4, 2017
Sign-Up Event in Braddock in December
Harrisburg – Dec. 1, 2017 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) and the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh have joined together to host an event to enroll residents who may be eligible for help in paying their heating bills, or those in need of health care through the insurance marketplace.
Brewster’s staff will be helping eligible residents sign up for the state’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP helps low-income individuals and families manage their home heating bills.
In addition, a health care navigator will be on hand to enroll those interested in accessing insurance through the Affordable Care Act.
Citizens can ask questions about health insurance and, if interested, enroll in health insurance coverage through Health Insurance Marketplace.
“The weather has turned cold and many need access to health care,” Brewster said. “I am pleased that my staff will be working with the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh to enroll those who may be eligible for assistance.”
The enrollment event will be held on Monday, Dec. 11 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Braddock Carnegie Library, 419 Library Street. To make an appointment for assistance, please call 412- 255-1471. Walk-ins will not be accepted after 3:30 p.m.
Eligibility for LIHEAP is determined by family income. Those seeking assistance should bring name, date of birth, social security numbers, recent pay documents or other proof of household income and a recent heating bill.
There are two kinds of LIHEAP grants available: a cash grant sent directly to the utility company or a cash grant for those who may be without heat.
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November 29, 2017
Trib Total Media Building Donation Ignites Business, Education Interest
McKeesport – November 29, 2017 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) today released the following statement extolling the repurposing of the former Daily News building in downtown McKeesport as a future media center saying that it “opens the doors to even more business and educational activities at the site.”
Brewster and McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko have been heavily involved in the project and the effort to reuse the former Daily News building. They have engaged in discussions about the location of a satellite office of the Mon Valley Independent, been in contact with a radio station about relocating to the site and held talks with other local businesses about the project.
Trib Total Media donated the building and will have access to space in the structure to house its staff. The project includes the proposed hosting of a Media Accelerator, which will be engaged in attracting start up multimedia companies. Other space will be used as an incubator for new educational opportunities. Preliminary discussions have been held with Point Park University.
Brewster’s statement follows:
“The donation of the building by Trib Total Media is a generous and very welcome development. The repurposing of the building as a media center and the potential engagement of Point Park University, the Mon Valley Independent and the use of the facility as a Media Accelerator is exciting. It opens the doors to even more business and educational activities at the site.
“The transfer of the property is going to benefit the entire Mon Valley, not just McKeesport. It will generate business activity in the heart of the downtown and serve as a focal point in the development of new media. New jobs will be created and start-up businesses will have the chance to grow and flourish. The innovation associated with using a former headquarters of a daily newspaper as the center of renewed interest in all media platforms is striking and will help transform the region.”
Brewster said that he was especially appreciative of the efforts of Trib Total Media President and CEO Jennifer Bertetto for her efforts in moving the project along. He said that giving the building back to the community and working to make sure the project is a success is a gift that will pay dividends for future generations.
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November 28, 2017
Harrisburg – November 28, 2017 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) today announced that he will hold office hours at his satellite office in Turtle Creek on the first Tuesday of each month.
Previously, the office hours were held on the first Wednesday.
“We have had great success in helping constituents through my satellite district offices,” Brewster said. “It is important to reach out into the community to provide the services that are available in my permanent offices.”
The new office hours are on the first Tuesday of each month from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Human Services Corp., 413 Penn Ave. Extension in Turtle Creek.
“My staff will be available to help residents with state-related issues, complete home heating assistance applications and property tax and rent rebate forms in addition to birth certificate paperwork and other services,” Brewster said. “We hold the office hours in the community so that those who are unable to travel can still get the help they need.”
Brewster’s permanent district offices are in Monroeville, McKeesport and New Kensington.
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November 17, 2017
Harrisburg – November 17, 2017 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today he was pleased that more than $380,000 in Safe Schools grants have been awarded to several school districts in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties.
“The funding is critical in providing a safe learning environment for our children,” Brewster said. “The grants can be used for training and compensating school resource and police officers, plus pay for safety programs and equipment.”
Brewster said that the wide range of funding will augment local efforts and enhance education opportunities for all students, while bolstering safety programs that protect students, faculty, staff and visitors to area school districts.
School Districts that received School Police/Resource Officer grants which are used for training and compensation of school resource officers and school police include:
- McKeesport Area School District ($30,000);
- South Allegheny School District ($20,000);
- Baldwin-Whitehall School District ($60,000);
- Plum Borough School District ($60,000);
- Elizabeth Forward School District ($60,000);
- Allegheny Township Police Department on behalf of Kiski Area School District ($60,000);
- West Jefferson Hills School District ($40,000).
Brewster said the West Mifflin Area School District was awarded a Safe Schools Grant of $15,000 to address school safety, conflict resolution, dispute management, behavior support, risk assessment, training for risk-assessment and the development of research-based violence prevention programs.
The senator said Penn-Trafford and Gateway were awarded Safe Schools Equipment Grants. Penn-Trafford will receive $18,384 and Gateway $19,274 to assist in reducing unnecessary student disciplinary actions.
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November 15, 2017
Harrisburg – November 15, 2017 – Four grants worth nearly $1 million were approved by the state’s Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) to fund transportation projects in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties, according to state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland).
The projects include a $600,000 grant for the Port Authority of Allegheny County to help build, rehabilitate and modernize the new McKeesport Transportation Center, located in the center of the city.
“These grants will fund key transportation initiatives that serve the public in a variety of ways,” Brewster said. “Not only is there grant funding for the new transportation center in McKeesport, but there are funds for streetscape, road resurfacing and the construction of a bike connector in other municipalities.”
Brewster said that $163,216 was approved for a streetscape project along Brownsville Road in Brentwood. Also approved were grants of $118,000 for road work in Vandergrift, Westmoreland County and $118,784 for the construction of a trail connector through Elm Leaf Park in Baldwin Borough.
The funding for the multimodal projects were approved at a meeting yesterday in Harrisburg.
“Improving our transportation network is essential to building and rebuilding our economy and improving communities throughout the region,” Brewster said. “I am pleased that these state resources will be used to fund these important projects.”
Brewster serves as a member of the state Senate Transportation Committee.
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November 14, 2017
Harrisburg – November 14, 2017 – Grants totaling more than $1.3 million were approved to address transportation, recreation, flood mitigation and public safety in the Mon Valley and eastern Allegheny County, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) and state Rep. Joe Markosek (D-Allegheny) said.
The grant funding was approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) at a meeting this morning in Harrisburg. Grants were targeted for Monroeville, Pitcairn, North Versailles and East McKeesport.
“The projects approved today will address specific needs of municipalities,” Brewster said. “This funding will help build up and enhance our transportation system, curb flooding, improve recreational opportunities and promote public safety.”
“These projects improve the quality of life in the region and aid economic development and job creation efforts,” Markosek said. “State support for these local projects is essential because many communities do not have the local resources to properly fund the work.
“Plus, it is critical to draw down state grant funding to help alleviate the local tax burden.”
The projects approved today include:
- $279,433 for flood mitigation along Dirty Camp Run in Pitcairn;
- $211,241 for Crestas Park renovation in North Versailles;
- $795,690 for pedestrian and streetscape improvements in East McKeesport;
- $100,000 to help the Monroeville Police Department upgrade its mobile radio system.
Brewster said that the CFA approval of these grants provide important pieces of funding for projects in the communities and that both he and Markosek represent.
“Communities in our region have great needs that can, in many cases, only be met by applying state resources,” Brewster said. “Local tax dollars are already being stretched and Representative Markosek and I are aggressive in pursuing state dollars so projects can be completed.”
Markosek noted that he was pleased that the state is making these investments and that funding of over $1.3 million is significant.
“Both Senator Brewster and I work to ensure that projects in our municipalities are funded and that state dollars are used to pay for a lion’s share of the costs,” Markosek said.
Brewster serves as Democratic chair of the Law and Justice and Game and Fisheries committees in the state Senate. Markosek is Democratic appropriations chair in the state House of Representatives.
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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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October 25, 2017
Harrisburg – October 25, 2017 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland), in partnership with Human Services Center Corporation (HSCC) in Turtle Creek and the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh, will be hosting a health coverage and Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) enrollment event on Thursday, Nov. 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the offices of HSCC, 519 Penn Ave., Turtle Creek.
“Given all the recent upheaval regarding the Affordable Care Act, questions have arisen about health care coverage, who is eligible and how individuals that need access to care can sign up,” Brewster said. “These are critical questions that deserve accurate answers.”
Brewster’s staff and officials from HSCC and the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh will be on hand to answer questions and enroll those who are interested in health insurance through Health Insurance Marketplace. Those who participate also will be able to enroll in Medicaid and complete applications for heating assistance through LIHEAP.
“Accessing health care through the marketplace can help families manage health care costs and receive life-saving care,” Brewster said. “The professionals on hand will be able to answer questions and help enroll citizens in Medicaid and the health marketplace and assist in completing LIHEAP applications.
“I cannot emphasize how important it is for those who want to access health care to come to the enrollment event and learn what is available.”
Brewster said appointments can be made by calling HSCC at 412-829-7112 or book online. Those planning to enroll should bring name, date of birth, Social Security number(s), recent pay stubs for all household members and a recent heating bill if there is interest in applying for LIHEAP.
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October 11, 2017
Package Designed to Spur Job Creation
Harrisburg – October 11, 2017 – A new legislative initiative designed to spur manufacturing and job creation should be a priority for Senate consideration, according to Sens. Vincent J. Hughes (D-Philadelphia), John T. Yudichak (D-Luzerne) and James R. Brewster (D-Allegheny), the prime sponsors of the plan.
“The new legislative proposals are designed to refocus efforts toward both building up and bolstering the existing manufacturing base and creating new jobs,” said Hughes, who serves as Democratic chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Yudichak’s bill (Senate Bill 923) will create a “Chief Manufacturing Officer” within the governor’s office to provide advice on economic policy. The measure also establishes a “Manufacturing Competitiveness Board” to help develop manufacturing strategy.
“Our manufacturing sector has been, and will continue to be, the steel in Pennsylvania’s economic spine,” Yudichak said, “but, we can do even better if we coordinate policy and bring new ideas forward.
“Communities across Pennsylvania, big and small, have been impacted by economic shifts which affect our manufacturing sector.”
According to the Center for Manufacturing Research, manufacturing accounts for more than 12 percent of the state’s gross state product. More than 516,000 Pennsylvanians are employed in manufacturing.
The senators said that more manufacturing companies need access to additional state financial resources to gain a competitive advantage and keep up with changing technology and job training needs. To assist manufacturers, Brewster will introduce a bill to fully develop access to the Machinery and Equipment Loan Fund.
Brewster’s proposal (Senate Bill 924) would direct up to $5 million to a grant program for vocational technical schools, vocational programs and equipment purchases.
“An important aspect of improving our manufacturing sector, building our job base and retooling manufacturing to serve economic needs for years to come is through enhanced vocational training,” Brewster said. “This is an important initiative that will open more doors to more workers.”
A second element of his legislation would increase the maximum loan amount from $5 million to $7.5 million and authorize loans to retrofit equipment.
Another important feature of the package is a measure authored by Hughes to maximize the Manufacturing Tax Credit. The Philadelphia lawmaker’s bill (Senate Bill 925) would increase the credit cap to $12.5 million from its current $4 million, expand the credit to include job training costs, and allow small manufactures to apply jointly for the credit. A $2.5 million piece of the tax credit would be reserved for businesses located in distressed communities in addition to disadvantaged, minority, women and veterans owned businesses.
“Businesses who are engaged in manufacturing should be able to use tax provisions to generate new business opportunities and jobs,” Hughes said. “The initiative is unique in that it permits small operations to come together in applying for the credit and includes job training costs.
“Our small manufacturers play an incredibly important role in our economy. Too often our policy focus is on attracting large businesses when we could also be finding new ways to help small operations grow and prosper.”
The Center for Manufacturing Research reports that Pennsylvania manufacturers employ nearly 10 percent (9.6 percent) of the state’s workforce. Pennsylvania exported more than $33 billion in manufactured goods in 2016.
Hughes noted that “given the need to build a diverse and strong job base, lawmakers should explore every avenue that is available to secure new manufacturing jobs. The initiative is aimed squarely at helping business create jobs.”
“It is clear, our economic recovery is gaining steam, but it remains uneven,” Yudichak said. “There are many sectors that are growing but others need new tools to get traction in today’s international marketplace.”
Brewster noted worker’s wages grow when job skills are enhanced and that is the result of additional job training.
Building the manufacturing sector generates family-sustaining jobs, reinforces a strong middle class, improves wages and helps strengthen neighborhoods and communities, Hughes notes.
“This fall, I am hopeful that legislative energy can be aimed at aiding the manufacturing sector so that jobs can be generated,” he said.
Hughes said that he expected the legislative package would be introduced within the next two weeks.
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September 28, 2017
Harrisburg – Sept. 28, 2017 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today that he submitted a letter to a local development team that pointed to possible sites, buildings and venues in a variety of municipalities for inclusion in the response to Amazon’s “Request for Proposal” for the company’s second headquarters.
“We have to be collaborative and work cohesively so that Amazon gets a full understanding of the array of sites that are available in our region,” Brewster said. “There are plenty of locations in Southwestern Pennsylvania that are excellent sites and I am certain that the region’s application will be inclusive and strong.”
Brewster said he received information from the HQ2PGH team that asked development partners to submit potential buildings and sites. He sent the team recommendations of locations in his district knowing that they had the staff and expertise to reach out to local officials and follow up on his suggestions.
In the letter, Brewster suggested Regional Industrial Development Corporation (RIDC) sites at Keystone Commons, City Center of Duquesne, Industrial Center of McKeesport and rehabilitated sites in Clairton, Braddock and New Kensington.
In the letter, Brewster stated that there are multiple “clean and valuable” land resources within existing road networks that are located “along rivers, with rail access and a ready, willing and able workforce prepared to go to work.” In addition, Brewster credited local officials and their willingness to be creative in helping devise the strongest possible response to Amazon’s request.
Brewster also offered to assist the local advocacy group given his experience in attracting national development to the region. Before his election to the Senate, he was heavily involved in bringing EchoStar to the old U.S. Steel National Tube site in McKeesport.
“The Pittsburgh region is chalk full of valuable assets that can draw national and international business,” Brewster said. “We have a diverse economy, world class universities, cultural attractions, ample industrial sites and an outstanding, well-education and skilled workforce.
“The locations that I’ve mentioned have industrial parcels that have already been cleaned and prepared for development.”
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September 21, 2017
McKeesport – Sept. 21, 2017 – State Sen. Jim Brewster has scheduled his Senior Wellness and Safety Expo for Thursday, Sept. 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at McKeesport Palisades, 100 Fifth Avenue in McKeesport.
“The senior expo is an excellent opportunity for seniors from my district to access services and receive assistance,” Brewster said. “We have had great success in offering help for seniors.”
Brewster said that free flu shots and health screenings will be available. The Veterans’ Outreach Mobile Unit will also be on-site to aid veterans and their families.
“I look forward to hosting the senior expo and welcoming all who join us on September 28 at the Palisades in McKeesport,” Brewster said.
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