April 1, 2016
Harrisburg – April 1, 2016 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) is sponsoring a senior wellness and safety expo on April 7 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the V.F.W. Post 92 Wildlife Lodge Banquet Hall in Lower Burrell.
The V.F.W. Post 92 Wildlife Lodge Banquet Hall is located at 1601 Wildlife Lodge Road in Lower Burrell.
Click on image to download flyer.
“Wellness and safety expos present opportunities for seniors and their families to learn about a wide variety of services while also taking advantage of numerous health screenings that are available on site,” Brewster said. “By hosting a senior wellness and safety expo in Lower Burrell, area residents will not have to travel far and have easy access to screenings and services.
“The expo will also provide an excellent opportunity for area residents to find information that is helpful.”
Services will include blood pressure checks, balance screenings, massages, and hearing screenings. Brewster said that in addition to free information and health screenings, both the Pennsylvania Mobile Veteran Service Van and the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf Mobile Unit will be on hand.
Those interested in more information about the expo can contact any of Senator Brewster’s district offices or visit his website at www.SenatorBrewster.com
Senator Brewster’s district office telephone numbers are 412-380-2242 (Monroeville), 412- 664-5200 (McKeesport) and 724-334-1143 (New Kensington).
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March 23, 2016
Harrisburg, Mar. 23, 2016 − State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) issued the following statement regarding the announcement today that Gov. Tom Wolf will allow a supplemental appropriations bill (House Bill 1801) that would fund schools, agriculture and other budget lines to become law without his approval.
Brewster said that while House Bill 1801 is short-sighted, it can be used as a conduit to speed funds for schools and other programs that are facing a shut-down as a result of a the budget impasse.
Brewster’s statement follows:
“The governor announced today that he will allow the supplemental appropriations bill to become law, without his approval. This will result in the release of key funding for schools and other critical programs. The action today will allow policymakers to back away from the brink of school closings, talk of program shut-downs and other difficulties that have developed as a result of the impasse.
“I had a great concern over a continued budget impasse, the hardship that had been created, and its impact on schools and others who rely on state funding. We needed to move beyond the political back-and-forth and find common ground.
“The governor is right when he criticizes this Republican budget plan for being out-of-balance and failing to appropriately fund schools. However, with this action by the governor, schools, agriculture and other key lines will be funded.
“Throughout this budget impasse, many legislators have worked diligently to find ways to responsibly fund schools and push out funding for important services and programs that have been caught up in politics — and end the impasse. Hopefully, this action today brings closure.”
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February 11, 2016
Harrisburg – Feb. 11, 2016 – State Sen. Jim Brewster today reminded all area students and parents of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) Financial Aid Seminars scheduled at several locations in his district.
“I encourage all students who are thinking about going to college to consider attending the financial aid seminar,” Brewster said. “Learning how to manage college costs, finding out about financial assistance and understanding the time deadlines is very important.”
The dates of the seminars are as follows:
Saturday, March 5, 2016
10:00AM to 12:00PM
Penn State Greater Allegheny
Ostermayer Room, Student Community Center
4050 University Drive, McKeesport, PA 15132
Saturday, March 19, 2016
10:00AM to 12:00PM
Community College of Allegheny County – Boyce Campus Auditorium
595 Beatty Road, Monroeville, PA 15146
Representatives from PHEAA will be on hand to detail the financial aid application process and what financial aid may be available to students and their parents.
Brewster said that registration is required. Those interested in attending should contact Kathy Jo Osman at (412) 664-5200 or kosman@pasenate.com with questions or to register for the event.
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February 10, 2016
Harrisburg – Feb. 10, 2016 – Gov. Tom Wolf’s $32.7 billion budget proposal, which is focused on investing in education and dealing with an estimated $2 billion structural deficit, includes a proposal to institute a Marcellus Shale extraction tax, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today.
As part of the revenue package outlined to pay for education and deficit reduction, the governor called for the establishment of 6.5 percent Marcellus Shale extraction tax with an impact fee credit.
Brewster’s “Extraction for Education” (Senate Bill 395) plan would use a severance tax and an impact fee tax credit for producers with the revenues generated from the energy tax specifically to fund education.
Brewster offered the following comments about the governor’s proposed energy extraction tax plan:
“The governor proposed a Marcellus Shale extraction tax with a credit back for their impact fee payments. House Republicans have started discussing ways to incorporate a shale tax into the mix of state revenues. Clearly, there is momentum building toward the consideration of a responsible shale extraction tax.
“As a strong supporter of education and a reasonable and responsible shale extraction tax, I believe my ‘Extraction for Education’ plan is an excellent starting point in the discussion. My plan uses the revenues generated from the tax to invest in education and it preserves the impact fee dollars that are now flowing to communities across Pennsylvania.
“I am pleased that a shale energy tax proposal that uses a structure similar to the one that I proposed in my ‘Extraction for Education’ plan is a part of the budget discussion. We need to move forward with the recognition that the energy industry is meaningful and can play a part in helping pay education costs.”
Brewster said that a responsible shale tax levy – such as the one that he proposed – will not damage the industry or make gas produced in Pennsylvania non-competitive in the open market. Pennsylvania is the largest gas producing state without an extraction tax. He also said that using shale generated dollars to help fund education would relieve the burden on the property tax.
Wolf presented his fiscal 2016-17 budget proposal to a joint session of the General Assembly yesterday. The governor’s plan focused on two main areas: education investment and dealing with the looming $2 billion structural deficit. In his presentation, the governor assumes that the $30.8 billion bipartisan budget agreement that passed the Senate with a resounding 43-7 vote in December, but failed House consideration will eventually be passed.
The governor’s 2016-17 budget proposal called for an additional $200 million for basic education, $50 million for special education and another $60 million for early childhood education. The plan will also deal with the estimated $510 million budget deficit for 2015-16 and the anticipated $2 billion deficit for next year.
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January 29, 2016
Harrisburg – Jan. 29, 2016 – Four grants for projects designed to improve recreational opportunities in the Allegheny and Westmoreland County portions of state Sen. Jim Brewster’s (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) district were awarded by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the senator said today.
The grants, with a total value in excess of $750,000, are related to the development of the Youghiogheny River Trail located in Elizabeth Township and Lincoln Borough in Allegheny County and the Westmoreland Heritage Trail which runs from Monroeville through the Westmoreland County communities of Trafford, Penn Township and Murrysville.
Funds were also approved for improved access and expansion of the Dead Man’s Hollow Conservation Area in Allegheny County.
“Continued development of recreational areas, improving access to open space and constructing trails that connect people and communities are investments that will pay dividends for generations to come,” Brewster said. “The grants will be put to excellent use and greatly enhance the preservation of natural resources while promoting community development.”
The grants were awarded under DCNR’s Community Conservations Partnership Program.
Brewster said that two grants were approved for the Allegheny Land Trust to improve access and expand Dead Man’s Hollow Conservation Area in Elizabeth Township and Lincoln Borough. The first grant of $13,400 is for open space and access to the site. The second grant of $20,400 will be used as a payment toward acquisition of 7.75 acres.
The Regional Trail Corporation has been awarded $247,900 for the rehabilitation of the Youghiogheny River Trail in Elizabeth Township and Lincoln Borough. An estimated 11.2 miles of the trail is involved in the project and the refurbishment includes landscaping, ADA access and signage.
A $500,000 grant was also awarded for further development of the Westmoreland Heritage Trail that runs through Monroeville in Allegheny County through Trafford, Penn Township and Murrysville in Westmoreland. The project involves construction, landscaping, signage and site improvements along a 5.6 mile trail from B-Y Park in Trafford to Roberts Parcel in Murrysville.
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December 15, 2015
Harrisburg – Dec. 15, 2015 – Sarah Cassin, a McKeesport and California University of Pennsylvania alum, who serves as legislative director to state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) has been approved as the newest member of the Council of Trustees of California University of Pennsylvania.
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[/frame]The Senate unanimously confirmed Cassin’s nomination on Dec. 9. She was recommended for the position by Brewster and nominated by Gov. Tom Wolf in May. Brewster has been seeking appointments to state boards for qualified residents from his district.
“Sarah has been heavily involved in university activities and will be a superb member of the council of trustees,” Brewster said. “She excelled academically and athletically as a student at the school and has years of experience in government.
“Her comprehensive knowledge of state government and university operations will be very useful in crafting visionary policies.”
Cassin graduated from California University of Pennsylvania in 1997 with a degree in Secondary Education/Comprehensive Social Sciences. While at Cal, she participated in women’s softball for four years. The team won a national championship in Cassin’s senior year.
After several years as a substitute teacher at Baldwin High School, softball coach and program instructor at Allegheny Valley School, Cassin joined Gov. Ed Rendell’s administration in Harrisburg.
She served various roles with the Rendell administration including executive assistant to the deputy chief of staff and assistant director of the governor’s press office. Since 2011, Cassin has worked in Brewster’s Harrisburg office as legislative director. She is responsible for developing legislation and managing committee functions.
Brewster said he was pleased that Cassin was selected by the governor for the position.
“Sarah will be a tremendous asset to the university,” Brewster said. “The governor made a wonderful choice.”
Cassin’s term on the Council of Trustees expires on June 3, 2019.
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December 7, 2015
Harrisburg – Dec. 7, 2015 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) released the following statement after a $ 30.5 billion bipartisan state budget proposal cleared the Senate on a 43-7 vote today.
The spending plan includes a $ 460 million boost for education, an additional $ 300 million for human service programs, restoration of key job creation funds and it eliminates the $ 1.3 billion structural deficit that Gov. Tom Wolf inherited from the Corbett administration.
Though Brewster voted in support of Senate Bill 1073, the budget bill must be passed by the state House of Representatives and be signed by the governor in order for it to become law.
Brewster’s comments:
“The budget is now almost six months overdue and the whole process has been frustrating and difficult. The budget that the Senate passed today, with a strong bipartisan vote, invests heavily in education, safety net programs, job creation and it wipes away the $1.3 billion deficit that the governor inherited from the Corbett administration.
“This budget makes historic investments in education, provides key dollars for early childhood programming and boosts support for higher education. As important, human service fund restorations were included in this budget.
“There is a great deal to like about this approach to the state budget and I am pleased that it cleared the Senate and is poised for consideration by the House.
“Citizens have waited way too long for lawmakers to come together in support of reasonable state budget. It is now time to finish work on this budget so we can immediately help children, seniors and all taxpayers. “
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December 1, 2015
Harrisburg – Dec. 1, 2015 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said that he is pleased that his bill allowing counties the option of establishing a new demolition and rehabilitation fund was unanimously approved by the Senate last week.
“Creating the mechanism to help counties address housing issues is one important step that we can take toward demolishing blighted properties and speeding the rehabilitation of housing stock,” Brewster said. “Refurbishing housing is key to the resurgence of an economically hard-hit municipality.”
Brewster’s plan (Senate Bill 482) would give counties the option of establishing a Demolition and Rehabilitation Fund. The new fund would be capitalized through a fee assessed for each property sold for delinquent taxes. The fee can be no more than 10 percent of the purchase price of the delinquent property.
“Homeownership is an important piece of a fiscally-strong municipality,” Brewster said. “The fund would help eliminate blight and build stability in communities throughout the region.”
Brewster said that counties had the option of creating the fund and assessing the fee. The money in the fund may only be used for the demolition or rehabilitation of blighted properties in the county.
The proposal was introduced and reported to the full Senate by the Urban Affairs and Housing Committee last session. However, it was never considered by the full Senate.
The bill now goes to the state House of Representatives for its consideration.
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November 5, 2015
Harrisburg, Nov. 5, 2015 – A roundtable discussion with local fire chiefs and state officials will be held this evening, Thursday, Nov. 5 at McKeesport High School cafeteria beginning at 7 p.m.
“State Fire Commissioner Tim Solobay will help lead a wide-ranging discussion with local fire chiefs and state officials concerning retention, recruitment, training and funding of volunteer fire services,” state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today.
Brewster said he expected other local lawmakers to be involved in the discussion. He said that Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) and state Reps. Paul Costa (D-Allegheny), Marc Gergely (D-Allegheny), Bill Kortz (D-Allegheny), Joe Markosek (D-Allegheny), Harry Readshaw (D-Allegheny) and Rick Saccone (R-Allegheny) were invited to attend.
The senator said that the event will include a general discussion then participants will break into groups to discuss firefighter recruitment, retention and training. He said that he expected the participants to also focus on funding issues associated with providing fire services.
What: Fire Chief Roundtable Discussion
When: Thursday, Nov. 5, 2015
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: McKeesport High School cafeteria
1960 Eden Park Boulevard
McKeesport
Your coverage is encouraged.
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October 27, 2015
Harrisburg – Oct. 27, 2015 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland), in concert with representatives of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) will host a financial aid seminar for prospective college students, parents and others who want to learn about financing a college education on Nov. 2 at 6:30 p.m. at Penn State New Kensington.
The seminar will be held at Penn State New Kensington Conference Center, 3550 Seventh Street Road, Route 780 in New Kensington.
“Students and their parents should have an opportunity to learn about financing college and be able to ask questions directly to those who are experts in managing the costs,” Brewster said. “The PHEAA financial aid seminar promises to be informative and worthwhile.
“The seminar will provide details about how students and parents can deal with paying for school.”
Brewster said that representatives from PHEAA will make a presentation at the seminar and then be available to answer questions.
The senator is also planning to hold two more PHEAA financial aid seminars next spring.
The first will be on March 5, 2016 at Penn State Greater Allegheny in the Ostermayer Room in the Student Community Center, McKeesport, at 10 a.m. then again on March 19, 2016 at 10 a.m. in the auditorium of the Community College of Allegheny County, Boyce Campus, Monroeville.
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October 21, 2015
Harrisburg – Oct, 20, 2015 – State Senate Democrats today called on the Pennsylvania state treasurer to “stop payment” on a scheduled disbursement of property tax revenue headed to charter schools. They have sent a letter to state Treasurer Tim Reese formally asking for the withholding of the money.
“Charter schools are seeking gaming tax relief funds based on one legal interpretation, while public schools and many public officials have a different view of the law,” state Sen. Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) said today. “The treasurer should not release one dime until there is legal clarity and outstanding issues have been resolved.”
Charter schools contend that they are due disbursement from funds generated from gaming revenues. Typically, when a state budget is adopted, charter school funding is deducted from basic education subsidies.
Due to the budget impasse the normal funding stream is not available. The charters say that the law stipulates that since those funds are not available, the funds are then deducted from other state payments. The state is expected to make a $45 million payout to charter schools on Oct. 22, with 312 school districts diverting funds to charter schools.
“All of our schools, including traditional public schools and charters, need to be appropriately funded by the commonwealth,” Senate Democratic Appropriations Chair Vincent J. Hughes (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) said. “However, we cannot provide special assistance to charter schools while many other school districts are suffering.
“I urge the state treasurer to hold off making payments to charter schools until the budget impasse has been resolved and all schools have funding in place.”
Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) called for the suspension of the payment to charter schools late last week. Brewster said “public schools are facing incredible difficulties because of the lack of a state budget.
“Now, the funding they are getting outside of the basic subsidy is being hijacked and that is wrong.”
Brewster pointed to the situation involving two of his school districts in the Monongahela Valley as examples of inequity. He said that while McKeesport is due $1.2 million in reimbursements, they will only receive $41,000 after charter school funds are deducted. He said that Clairton will have to send its entire $230,000 reimbursement to charters and receive nothing.
“Since so many of our schools are hurting due to the budget impasse, we need to answer important legal questions regarding these funds before they are distributed later,” Sen. Andy Dinniman (D-Chester), Democratic chair of the Senate Education Committee, said. “The bottom line is that both public and charter schools are in need of these supplemental gaming funds – funds that do not go through the normal budget process.”
In the letter to the treasurer, Senate Democrats said they do not believe that gaming fund reimbursements constitute “state payments” and that the state law dealing with disbursement of funds never contemplated a budget impasse.
They say that the statute involving the generation of faming funds and property tax relief define the use of funds disbursed from the property tax relief fund. Senate Democrats say that there is no discretion to shift funds earmarked for tax relief to pay operational costs at charter schools.
“Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act and the Taxpayer Relief Act must be read together in order to establish the General Assembly’s intent for the use of the money in the Property Tax Relief Fund,” the letter says.
Costa said that under the Fiscal Code the state treasurer has the authority to withhold payments from the state treasury.
“No payment can be made without the state treasurer’s warrant and approval,” Costa said. “This is a clear case when the law is murky and public schools are being treated inequitably by laws that did not anticipate a long budget impasse.”
Brewster, who met with the secretary of education and budget secretary yesterday about the issue, said he is very concerned about the short-term financial health of school districts if the funds are diverted.
“Many school districts across the state will bear the burden if these funds are released and they are not compensated,” Brewster said. “Given the outstanding legal issues, the responsible course of action is to stop payment until the conflicting interpretations of the law are reconciled.”
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September 28, 2015
Harrisburg – Sept. 28, 2015 – Believing that taxpayers should know how their tax dollars support the operations of the Young Scholars of McKeesport Charter School, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said he will soon file a formal request seeking full disclosure of financial information.
“The creation of this charter school was not approved by the host school board,” Brewster said. “It has been drawing students and tax dollars from economically strapped school districts throughout the region and has created hardship for taxpayers.
“The local taxpayer who pays the bills for this school should be able to examine the financial records and determine if their tax dollars are being used wisely.”
Brewster, who has been staunchly opposed to the creation of the new charter school because it was not locally supported and would drain tax dollars, said he believes in local control and if the host school district does not welcome the charter it should not be open.
The lawmaker said he will soon file a right-to-know request with the state Department of Education for full disclosure of the Young Scholars of McKeesport Charter School’s bank loans, debt arrangements, lease payments, consultant contracts, curriculum vendor relationships, management fees (if applicable), and a list of board members and minutes of meetings.
“Local taxpayers need protection from the proliferation of charter schools that sap resources and deprive public schools,” Brewster said. “I support charter schools provided there is a finite number and they are providing excellent education opportunities.
“McKeesport already has one charter in operation and it’s doing a good job as an education alternative. It doesn’t need another.”
The Young Scholars of McKeesport Charter School was created over the objection of McKeesport Area School District. The charter appealed to the state Charter School Appeal Board, which approved its application, despite local opposition. Commonwealth Court in July affirmed the state board’s decision.
Brewster, who has authored a package of legislation dealing with charter school issues, says he hopes to file the right-to-know within the next two weeks.
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September 18, 2015
Harrisburg – Sept. 18, 2015 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today that the Senate Republican stopgap budget plan is a non-starter because it represents one-third of an already-vetoed budget and it does not include property tax relief or a reasonable Marcellus Shale extraction tax.
Brewster voted against the $11.22 billion Republican stopgap budget proposal. The Republican short-term budget, which would fund government through Oct. 31, 2015, was approved along party lines.
The Senate Republican stopgap budget (Senate Bill 1000) is roughly one-third of the Republican budget (House Bill 1192) that was vetoed by Gov. Tom Wolf in late June. Wolf has said that he plans to veto the stopgap if it reaches his desk.
Brewster’s comments:
“The Republican stopgap budget is simply a non-starter. The plan does not include property tax relief, nor does it have a responsible Marcellus Shale extraction tax that is tied to additional education funding.
“It is simply one-third of an already vetoed spending plan. Appropriately, the governor has pledged to veto this short-term effort. A stopgap spending plan addresses funding issues temporarily, but may result in more distress over the long-term. The whole exercise is a waste of time.
“Instead of working toward a comprehensive spending plan that includes real dollars for education, job creation, human services or deficit reduction, Republicans have refused to compromise and negotiate toward a resolution of the budget impasse.
“The governor has offered compromises and solutions on the two main Republican issues — pension reform and liquor sales — yet they continue to be inflexible. After more than two months of refusing to compromise, the best the Republicans can do is offer an unacceptable, short-term, short-sighted, deficient plan.”
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September 2, 2015
Harrisburg – Sept. 2, 2015 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland), who has authored a plan to tie a shale extraction tax to education, said today that budget negotiators must focus their efforts on a responsible shale tax to restore education funding.
“Increased education funding from a sustainable resource needs to be a priority in this budget,” Brewster said. “We can make a real investment in our children by using responsible shale extraction taxes to help pay for new books, technology and programs while cutting our reliance on local taxes.”
Under Brewster’s Marcellus Shale tax plan, called “Extraction for Education,” a shale tax levy would be layered over the current Act 13 impact fees. The effective rate of the new extraction tax combined with the Act 13 fee would be 5 percent.
“We need to find a resource that can pay for a real investment in schools,” Brewster said. “Proper funding of education via a shale tax should not be put back in the line of issues that budget negotiators are dealing with as they attempt to find compromise.”
The state budget is now more than two months overdue. In June, Republicans pushed through the General Assembly a state budget that was vetoed by the governor. The GOP budget plan did not include a shale tax and only boosted new education funding by a net $8 million. The recent focus of budget negotiators centered on a discussion of pension reforms.
Brewster said that he estimates that the energy levy he is suggesting in Senate Bill 395 would raise $700 million, depending on the price of gas. His plan calls for revenues generated from the tax to be distributed via the new basic education funding formula that was devised by the Basic Education Funding Commission.
“Before we push new resources out to school districts that have been hit by the combined sledgehammer blows from a cumulative $3.4 billion in Corbett administration cuts and charter school issues, we have to ensure that a reliable funding stream is available to maintain the investment in education and build up a responsible funding level,” Brewster said.
The McKeesport lawmaker said it is also critical that Act 13 payments to local governments be sustained in any shale extraction tax plan that is being developed. He said Senate Bill 395 would keep those payments in place.
“As a person who spent more than a generation in private business, I know the importance of reasonable tax rates and constancy in how taxes are structured,” Brewster said. “My ‘Extraction for Education’ plan provides reasonableness and consistency and it will be levied at a rate that will not hobble the industry.”
Brewster said it is important for the shale industry to blossom and continue to employ Pennsylvania workers. His belief is that a 5 percent shale tax would not be out of line in comparison with other states. He said a shale tax levied at 5 percent would enable gas drillers who have wells in Pennsylvania to remain competitive.
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July 2, 2015
Harrisburg, July 2, 2015 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today that he will again have satellite office hours at various locations throughout the region.
“We have had great success with our satellite offices in various part of the district in the past and I hope to continue making services available in my permanent offices more accessible,” Brewster said.
Brewster has permanent district offices in Monroeville, McKeesport and the Alle-Kiski Valley.
The senator said that he and his staff will be on-hand to help with various state-related issues while also assisting them with completing applications for pharmaceutical assistance, senior bus passes, and state Property Tax and Rent Rebate forms.
The dates and times for Senator Brewster’s first phase of summer satellite offices are in the municipal buildings of the following communities:
- Borough of Dravosburg: 9 a.m. – noon – July 7 and 9 as well as August 4 and 6;
- Borough of Glassport: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. – July 20 and 22 as well as August 17 and 19;
- Borough of Liberty: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. – July 6 and 13 as well as August 12 and 26;
- Borough of Lincoln: 9 a.m. – noon – July 6 and 13 as well as August 12 and 26;
- Borough of Pitcairn: 9 a.m. – noon – July 21 and 23 as well as August 18 and 20;
- Borough of Port Vue: 9 a.m. – noon – July 20 and 22 as well as August 17 and 19;
- Borough of Wilmerding: 9 a.m. – noon – July 28 and 30 as well as August 25 and 27;
- City of Duquesne: 9 a.m. – noon – June 29 July 1, 27 and 29;
- Elizabeth Township: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.- August 3, September 7, October 5, November 2;
- North Versailles Township: 9 a.m. – noon- July 21 and July 23.
Residents can call or visit one of the senator’s district offices for assistance. Contact information and help is also available online at www.senatorbrewster.com.
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June 30, 2015
Harrisburg – June 30, 2015 – Following the passage of the $30.2 billion Republican budget bill (House Bill 1192) today, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) issued the following reaction:
“The Republican budget bill that passed the Senate today is fiscally unbalanced and does not include real dollars for schools, property tax relief for homeowners or a responsible energy extraction tax. The bill was drafted without input from legislative Democrats or the governor and is more of an ideological statement than a real spending plan.
“The spending plan includes only a net $8 million in new dollars for 500 school districts and it lets shale drillers off the hook from paying a reasonable tax that would be used to help fund education. The plan ignores the structural deficit of $1.3 billion and would actually increase the deficit to $3 billion within a couple years.
“Overall, the Republican budget package also includes a flawed pension bill that does not address the $45 billion unfunded liability or save real dollars for taxpayers and a liquor privatization measure that would result in the selling off of a valuable asset for little return.
“Hopefully the governor will not accept any of these measures and force Republicans to bargain in good faith on critical issues such as tax relief for homeowners, bona-fide investments in schools and a shale tax that is sustainable and responsible. The governor, Senate Democrats and others have proposed excellent alternatives that will solve school funding issues and property tax relief all within the context of a balanced budget.”
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June 29, 2015
Harrisburg – June 29, 2015 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) has been appointed to serve on the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee.
“I am very pleased that the Senate Democratic leader recommended me for appointment to this important committee at this crucial time,” Brewster said.
Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) explained his reasons for recommending Brewster to serve on the committee:
“The Senate Appropriations Committee has input on important matters that involve spending tax dollars and I believe Senator Brewster will do an outstanding job as a member of the committee,” Costa said. “His decades of experience in the banking industry and years of negotiating both in the private sector and as a public official will be of great value to the committee as it works through issues.”
Before his election to the Senate in 2010, Brewster served as mayor of McKeesport and was a vice-president at Mellon Bank.
The appropriations committee examines legislation that involves the expenditure of state funds. Since most legislation has a fiscal impact, a large percentage of proposed bills are considered by the committee.
Brewster said the Senate, House of Representatives and governor are wrestling with a state budget and ideas to close a $1.3 billion structural deficit. The state House passed a $30.1 billion Republican-sponsored budget over the weekend that he criticized for using gimmicks and one-time revenues.
Brewster is the prime sponsor of a number of bills that would impose a responsible tax on shale drillers with all the funds generated earmarked for education. He is also the Senate Democratic point on liquor modernization and is expressly supportive of property tax relief including the new Senate Democratic plan that would eliminate property taxes for two million homesteads via a $1,990 rebate.
The appropriations committee in the Senate is comprised of 23 members with the Senate President Pro Tempore, majority and minority leaders serving as ex officio members.
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June 26, 2015
Harrisburg, June 26, 2015 – State Sen. Jim Brewster today said people have until June 30 (Tuesday) to apply for a job with the Pennsylvania State Police.
“I urge men and women interested in a law enforcement career to look into this opportunity,” Brewster said. “The State Police is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious law enforcement agencies; and troopers receive a starting salary of $57,251.”
Brewster said people can obtain information, get an application and apply online at www.patrooper.com.
From the pool of applicants, numerous candidates will be invited to take a written examination in August. Those who pass the written examination are then asked to take an oral examination. Those who successfully emerge from the examination process must also pass a physical fitness test, polygraph test, background investigation and medical and psychological evaluations before being appointed as a cadet.
Cadets must complete an intense and sometimes grueling 27-week training course before they become troopers. To apply, applicants must:
- Be at least 20-years-old when they apply; and be between 21 and 40 by the date they become a state police cadet.
- Possess a high school diploma or a GED certificate, plus an associate’s degree or 60 semester credit hours at an accredited institution of higher education at the time of application. Certain waivers to the education requirement are available.
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June 24, 2015
Harrisburg, June 24, 2015 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/ Westmoreland) today threw his support behind a new Senate Democratic property tax relief plan that would eliminate school property taxes for 2 million homeowners, reduce property taxes by $ 1,990 for all other homeowners, and provide a $ 500 rebate for most renters.
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“While I remain committed to completely eliminating property taxes, this workable plan advances the case for property tax relief and steps up the urgency to act during these ongoing budget negotiations,” Brewster said.
Under the Senate Democratic plan unveiled at a news conference in Harrisburg this morning, property taxpayers would be eligible for 100 percent relief of their school property taxes up to $1,990. The relief would be returned to the taxpayer in the form of a property tax rebate check.
Brewster said that would effectively eliminate property taxes for approximately 2 million homeowners or nearly two-thirds of all property taxpayers. The other 1.2 million homesteads will be able to enjoy a significant reduction in property taxes.
He added that renters who make less than $50,000 would receive a $500 rebate. The plan would shift the school funding burden away from property taxes by making modest increases to the state’s income, sales and tobacco taxes.
“It’s time to act on property tax relief,” Brewster said. “We cannot continue to place the lion’s share of the school funding burden on homeowners – many who are seniors on fixed incomes or working people who are trying to make ends meet on modest wages.
Brewster said the Senate Democratic plan would not affect the popular senior citizen property tax and rent rebate program. He said seniors would still get separate rebate checks for tax relief from county or municipal taxes.
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June 2, 2015
Harrisburg – June 2, 2015 – Legislative Democrats gathered in the state Capitol for a news conference today to highlight the broad and deep support in the General Assembly for legislation that would create a new $1 billion natural gas extraction tax for education.
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Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) and Democratic Appropriations Chair Vincent J. Hughes (D-Philadelphia) along with House Democratic Leader Frank Dermody (D-Allegheny), Democratic Whip Mike Hanna (D-Clinton) and Democratic Appropriations Chair Joe Markosek (D-Allegheny) in concert with Democratic members of both the Senate and House called on Republicans to move the education investment plan.
In his March budget address, Gov. Tom Wolf proposed a new Marcellus Shale gas extraction tax of 5 percent, with a 4.7 cent tax on volume. The plan contains a provision to ensure that the distribution of Act 13 fee revenue to communities is maintained.
“There has been far too little talk and too many delays in considering a gas extraction tax plan that would raise $1 billion for education,” Costa said. “The Republicans in both the Senate and House seem hesitant about addressing the substance of the governor’s proposal and uninterested in examining responsible education investment proposals.”
The governor’s plan would generate an estimated $1.015 billion in fiscal 2016-17.
“The severance tax proposed by the governor is reasonable and responsible and it is in line with the tax rates of the top 10 gas producing states,” Dermody said. “Republicans have sidestepped the adoption of a reasonable energy tax to fund education investments and have instead moved political issues that do nothing to help students.”
The lawmakers said the $1 billion in new revenues would be used to invest in basic and higher education and help replace dollars slashed by former Gov. Tom Corbett.
“The governor’s plan helps backfill the revenues that were lost when school funding was cut during the Corbett administration,” Hughes said. “Students, teachers, administrators, parents and taxpayers need help now and will receive a boost if the new investment plan for education is approved.
“The support for moving a plan in both the Senate and House is wide and deep and is illustrated by the number of members of both chambers who turned out today to publicly support using energy taxes for education.”
The plan maintains the Act 13 fee distribution to communities impacted by drilling, at the highest level to date ($225 million).
“A natural gas extraction tax is a substantive, meaningful way of providing for education, while maintaining the payments to communities that are affected by energy extraction,” Markosek said. “The additional investment for education would be paid by an industry that is engaged in a very profitable activity.”
Costa and Hughes both said that they believe that there is a will in the state Senate to consider a shale energy tax that is earmarked for education.
The senators said that there is far too much disinformation concerning shale extraction being distributed by the industry and threats by the industry to pull out of the state if a reasonable tax were to be imposed are counterproductive.
“We need an industry that is healthy and productive enough to sustain robust job growth,” Costa said. “The responsible tax that the governor has proposed will not hobble gas extraction.”
Hughes said that the gas drilling is very lucrative. Last year, he said, the value of gas severed from Pennsylvania wells was $11 billion up from $4 billion in 2011.
“The major gas producers in Pennsylvania have indicated that they expect substantial growth this year,” Hughes said. “This doesn’t sound like an industry that is ready to vacate.”
Hanna said that members of the House Democratic caucus have been strong advocates of an energy extraction tax because they, like their constituents, “see the relationship between an energy tax on a Pennsylvania-based resource to invest in Pennsylvania’s most valuable resource, our children.”
The current Act 13 fee is insufficient, according to Markosek and needs to be adjusted. The Act 13 fee is the equivalent of a rate of less than 2 percent.
“Our current impact fee is stagnant. The commonwealth is not sharing in the growth of the natural gas industry,” Markosek said. “Pennsylvania taxpayers deserve a better, more responsible, approach that is fair to the industry and funds key investments in education and environmental protection.”
The Democrats said that they are willing to consider all responsible proposals. They said that members of both the Senate and House have offered plans that would be good starting points of discussion but insisted that the lion’s share of funds generated from any of the plans considered be earmarked for education.
They said that they would insist that a reasonable energy extraction tax be included during upcoming budget discussions.
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Contact: Stacey Witalec
Telephone: 717 877-2997
Email: switalec@pasenate.com
Contact: Bill Patton
Telephone: 717 787-3566
Email: BPatton@pahouse.net
May 15, 2015
Harrisburg – May 15, 2015 – Seventeen bridges in state Sen. Jim Brewster’s Senate district have been selected for PennDOT’s Rapid Bridge Replacement Project, the senator said today.
“As a strong supporter of the transportation financing plan, I think it is imperative that the money now being generated is used to expedite work on structurally deficient bridges,” Brewster said. “The bridges that have been selected to be part of the Rapid Bridge Replacement Project are worthy candidates that will, when complete, improve our local transportation network.
“There are sufficient dollars now available to begin to address obsolete and structurally deficient spans.”
The goal of PennDOT’s Rapid Bridge Replacement Project is to significantly cut into Pennsylvania’s nearly 4,200 structurally deficient bridges by expediting work on 558 bridges at a cost of $899 million over the next three years. Eighteen percent of Pennsylvania’s bridges are structurally deficient.
The bridges targeted for accelerated attention in Brewster’s district include:
- Route 51 over Fallen Timber Run
- Monongahela Road bridge
- West Newton Road over Gillespie Run
- Mill Hall Road over Wylie Run
- Lovedale Road over a branch of Wylie Run
- Industry Road over Boyds Hollow Run
- Buena Vista Road over Wildcat Run
- West Smithfield Road bridge
- Stewartsville Road over Long Run
- McKeesport Boulevard over Union Railroad
- Streets Run Road over Streets Run (three bridges)
- New Texas Road over Little Plum Creek
- Logan Ferry Road over AVR Railroad
- Center Street over Long Run
- Glass Run Road over Glass Run
The Rapid Bridge Replacement Project is part of a new Public-Private Partnership (P3) that was developed to reduce the structurally deficient bridges in a more efficient and cost-effective way. The private contractor will design the new spans, work with sub-contractors and monitor the project through completion.
Brewster, who is a member of the Senate’s transportation committee and the Port Authority of Allegheny County’s (PAT) board, said that investments in transportation infrastructure will help create jobs not only in construction but also long term.
“The ability of our economy to recover and to create jobs depends on a state-of-the-art transportation network that can handle more commercial traffic,” Brewster said. “If we had not acted and passed the new transportation financing plan, bridges would be weight-restricted and closed and motorists would have faced traffic backlogs and delays.”
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May 11, 2015
Harrisburg – May 11, 2015 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) is sponsoring a senior wellness and safety expo on May 14 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the West Leechburg Fire Hall.
The West Leechburg Fire Hall is located at 1116 Gosser Street in West Leechburg.
“The wellness and safety expos that I bring to my district are an opportunity for seniors and their families to learn about a wide variety of services while also taking advantage of numerous health screenings that are on hand. Brewster said. “I’m excited to be bringing an expo to the West Leechburg area so that they may take advantage of the services but also it gives me an opportunity to talk with constituents in the newer portion of my district.”
Brewster said that in addition to free information and health screenings, the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf Mobile Unit will be on hand. Free refreshments will be served and the Kiski Area High School Jazz Choir is scheduled to perform at the expo for the listening enjoyment of those in attendance.
Those interested in more information about the expo can contact any of Brewster’s district offices. Contact information is available on his website or the offices can be reached by telephone.
Brewster’s district office telephone numbers are in Monroeville, (412) 380-2242, McKeesport, (412) 664-5200 and the Alley-Kiski office can be reached at (724) 334-1143.
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May 4, 2015
Harrisburg – May 4, 2015 – While Young Scholars of McKeesport won its appeal to establish a new charter school in McKeesport, the fight “isn’t over by a long shot,” state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today.
“I am pleased that the school board in McKeesport has signaled that it will appeal the recent ruling of the state Charter School Appeal Board,” Brewster said. “This is a local decision, based on local finances that will impact our local school — and the state board has no business overriding local decisions.
“Over the next several days, I will be exploring how I can intervene in my capacity as state senator to bolster the school district’s argument when the appeal is heard in court.”
The McKeesport Area School District (MASD) indicated that it will appeal the ruling of the charter appeal board to Commonwealth Court. According to Brewster, the district stated that there were a myriad of reasons behind the local denial including lack of support, financial issues and a failure to demonstrate how the school would provide a quality education.
Brewster has been active in trying to stop state overrides of local boards on education matters. He introduced legislation (Senate Bill 321) this session that provides a moratorium on state approval of charter applications that were denied by local officials.
“This short-sighted action by the Charter School Appeal Board demonstrates why my bill should be acted upon quickly,” Brewster said. “State boards that are not aware of local financial issues or conditions have no business overriding elected local education officials.”
Brewster said that charter schools drain local resources from public schools. While they have a place – if approved by local education officials – he is concerned that multiple schools would financially decimate school districts.
He said that reimbursements for charter schools were cut by former Gov. Tom Corbett. The new governor proposed a 10 percent charter and cyber-charter reimbursement when he presented his budget in March.
The school, if approved after the court decision, would be located in the old St. Nicholas School.
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March 20, 2015
Harrisburg – March 20, 2015 – Spring rains often cause flooding that results in devastation, distress and dismay for homeowners, so now is the time to take action, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today.
“National Flood Awareness Week helps all of us focus on the fact that flood insurance can be purchased to protect one’s home,” Brewster said. “In addition, property owners can take action now to help mitigate problems if flooding threatens by taking simple precautions.”
Brewster said that property owners can install a sump pump and have a back-up battery- operated pump available if a power failure occurs; install check values to guard against water back up; seal basement walls; clear debris from drains; and elevate appliances.
Information on obtaining flood insurance can be found at www.floodsmart.gov is the official site of the National Flood Insurance Program, he said. Help in preparing for emergencies can be found at www.ReadyPA.org or questions about insurance can be answered at www.insurance.pa.gov
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March 3, 2015
Harrisburg – March 3, 2015 – Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said that Gov. Tom Wolf’s budget that is focused on tax relief, education funding and job creation would help rebuild the middle class and address key issues that have plagued Pennsylvania.
Wolf called for a General Fund spending plan that totals $29.8 billion which is a modest 2.7 percent increase from last year’s budget. Wolf inherited a $2.3 billion structural deficit, cash flow shortages, credit rating declines and a daunting job creation deficit from Gov. Tom Corbett.
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The plan calls for $3.8 billion in property tax relief, $1 billion more for education, $1.675 billion in job creation plus restoration of social safety net funding cut by former Gov. Tom Corbett. In the speech, the governor referenced Brewster’s liquor modernization proposal. He calls for revenues generated from the plan to address pension funding liabilities.
Brewster issued the following statement with his initial reaction to the budget plan immediately after the governor made his 2015-16 budget speech to a joint session of the General Assembly:
“The governor’s budget plan addresses issues that have burdened middle-class families for years. Providing property tax relief, new school funding and focusing on job creation is a welcome departure from the incrementally bad budgets Pennsylvania citizens experienced in recent years under Governor Corbett.
“Governor Wolf has many challenges to confront and his bold budget provides policy options for lawmakers to consider. Substantial property tax relief – an average of $1,000 per home — driven back to homeowners, plus the new $1 billion for schools are key elements of this proposal. Closing business tax loopholes to ratchet-down the Corporate Net Income Tax will help the economy and provide certainty.”
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