Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf signed several bills into law today, including House bills 440, 1439, 1696 and 1984, and Senate Bill 1076, which focus, respectively, on expanding the state’s Clean Slate law, and supporting mental health parity, sexual assault survivors, and veterans.

House Bill 440 expands on the state’s historic Clean Slate law by removing an obligation to pay any outstanding court-ordered financial obligations before eligible cases can be sealed. Any restitution owed for convictions committed is not waived. The bill also requires that when a person receives a pardon, that record is automatically sealed and if they receive a not-guilty verdict the record is expunged.

“House Bill 440 furthers Pennsylvania’s role as a national model for commonsense, bipartisan criminal justice reforms by removing a significant barrier from obtaining a clean slate due to failure to be able to pay court costs,” Gov. Wolf said. “I believe in second chances and I am pleased that our legislature feels the same way and demonstrated it by passing this legislation.”

“Today once again proves that real criminal justice reform is possible,” House Democratic Caucus Chair Joanna E. McClinton said. “When I first introduced this bill five years ago, I knew it could change lives. Now, thanks to Governor Wolf and my colleagues in the House and Senate, countless Pennsylvanians will be able to move on with their lives after being found innocent or pardoned of a crime.”

In addition to pioneering an automated sealing process, Clean Slate also expanded the number of misdemeanor convictions that can be sealed after a petition is filed in court. Sealed records are not available to the public, helping people access employment, housing and education. Clean Slate is allowing thousands of Pennsylvanians to move past their old, minor criminal records, and even more people can take advantage of this second chance with the passage of HB440.

To date, almost 35 million cases have been automatically sealed without the cost of filing petitions in court. That’s more than half of the charges in the court’s database.

House bills 1439 and 1696 require health insurers that want to offer comprehensive health insurance coverage in Pennsylvania to verify that they have completed and fully documented analyses of their efforts to provide mental health and substance-use coverage that is comparable to physical health services with respect to cost sharing, in- and out-of-network coverage, and other treatment limits.

Insurers must also make that documentation available to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, upon request, to demonstrate compliance with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA). Documentation must also be available to policyholders and providers upon request.

The new requirements are one element of Gov. Wolf’s multi-agency effort and anti-stigma campaign, Reach Out PA: Your Mental Health Matters dedicated to expanding resources and the state’s comprehensive support of mental health and related health care priorities in Pennsylvania.

“We must continue to do all that we can to support the mental health needs of all Pennsylvanians,” Gov. Wolf said. “Mental health care is health care and we must not treat it any differently than any physical health care need.”

House Bill 1984 provides safety, protection and stability for survivors of rape or incest, and their children who are conceived as a result of the offense. The legislature passed this bill unanimously.

HB 1984 makes it possible for the victim of rape or sexual assault to terminate the parental rights of the person who committed rape or sexual assault that resulted in the birth of a child.

“I will always steadfastly support the rights of victims of sexual assault,” Gov. Wolf said. “This bill can do even more to help ease pain and support survivors of these heinous crimes.”

Senate Bill 1076 amends Title 51 (Military Affairs), in military leave of absence, further providing for military family relief assistance.

“Support for our veterans and their families is vital and is the least we can do for their dedicated service to our commonwealth and country,” Gov. Wolf said. “This bill supports our veterans by providing any needed financial help during these especially tough times.”

“The Military Family Relief Assistance Program has proven successful in providing financial security to veterans and their families during a time of temporary hardship,” said Sen. Pam Iovino (D – Allegheny & Washington), a 23-year Navy veteran who introduced Senate Bill 1076. “I appreciate the Governor’s and the General Assembly’s unanimous support to indefinitely extend this important program. The majority of veterans are thriving and playing important roles in their community by applying the skills they gained in our armed forces. But veterans can also face unique challenges as a result of their service to our nation, and it’s important that the Military Family Relief Assistance Program be there for them.”

Other bills signed by the governor today include the following:

House Bill 81, which provides for certification of central service technicians; imposes continuing education requirements; provides for duties of health care facilities and the Department of Health; and regulates the practice of surgical technology and surgical technologists.

House Bill 86, which amends the act granting the Governor of the Commonwealth the sole authority for regulating the display of the flag of the United States from any public ground or building, further providing for the display of the official POW/MIA flag.

House Bill 375, which amends the State Lottery Law, in pharmaceutical assistance for the elderly, further providing for definitions.

House Bill 703, which amends the Public School Code, in school directors, providing for publication of e-mail addresses for school directors; and, in charter schools, for publication of e-mail addresses for board of trustees & for applicability.

House Bill 716, which amends the Administrative Code, in powers & duties of the Dept. of Labor & Industry, its departmental administrative & advisory boards & officers, for task force on misclassification of employees.

House Bill 885, which amends the Public Works Contractors’ Bond Law, further providing for duty of prime contractor to provide financial security in certain contracts involving public works and public improvements.

House Bill 1032, which amends the Real Estate Appraisers Certification Act, further providing for definitions and for State Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers.

House Bill 1033, which amends the Assessors Certification Act, providing for definitions and for duties of board; repealing provisions relating to qualifications; providing for certification; for employees of political subdivisions; and/or disciplinary measures.

House Bill 1584, which amends Title 30 (Fish), in Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, repealing provisions relating to waterways patrolmen and employees.

House Bill 1673, which amends Title 35 (Health and Safety), in commonwealth services, for scope of subchapter, legislative findings and declaration of purpose, for definitions, for assistance to volunteer fire companies, ambulance service and rescue squads, for loan fund.

House Bill 1838, which amends Titles 35 (Health and Safety) and 75 (Vehicles), in emergency medical services system, further providing for support of emergency medical services; for EMS costs; and for Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition.

House Bill 1961, which amends Title 71 (State Government), in state employees’ defined contribution plan, for individual investment accounts, for participant contributions, for employer defined contributions, for vesting, for powers and duties of board.

House Bill 2073, which amends the First Class Township Code, for taxation and legal advertising, relating to elections and population ascertainment, the construction of boundaries, public official salaries and pensions, the filling of vacancies, repealing provisions.

House Bill 2370, which amends Title 57 (Notaries Public), in Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts, for authority to perform notarial act, for notarial act performed for remotely located individual & for notification regarding performance of notarial act.

House Bill 2438, which amends Title 68 (Real and Personal Property), providing for broadband services.

House Bill 2561, which amends the Optometric Practice and Licensure Act, further providing for definitions, for approval of drugs, for exemptions and exceptions and for violations and penalties.

Senate Bill 273, which amends the Community-Based Health Care Act, in health care assistance, further providing for Community-Based Health Care program.

Senate Bill 940, which provides for filing and recording by municipalities of condemnation orders and for statements of vacated condemnation orders.

Senate Bill 952, which amends Title 51 (Military Affairs), in veterans’ preference, repealing provisions relating to soldier defined, for purpose and definition, repealing provisions relating to credits in civil service exams, for preference in appointment or promotion.

Senate Bill 995, which amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in general provisions, further providing for definitions.

Senate Bill 1281, which amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in licensing of drivers, for schedule of convictions & points; in rules of the road, for duty of driver in emergency response areas; and in offenses, for homicide by vehicle and aggravated assault by vehicle.

Annville, PA – Today, the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) inducted two new members into its prestigious Hall of Fame, recognizing their exceptional service to the department, the Pennsylvania National Guard and Pennsylvania’s veterans.

Maj. Gen. (ret.) Robert P. French of Fredericksburg, Lebanon County; and Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher S. Kepner of Harrisonville, Fulton County, are the 2020 inductees.

“There is no greater honor that we can bestow upon those who have distinguished themselves through outstanding service to our commonwealth and nation than induction into the DMVA Hall of Fame,” said Maj. Gen. Anthony Carrelli, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the DMVA. “Major General French and Command Sergeant Major Kepner served in uniform for decades, leading members of the Pennsylvania National Guard to high levels of readiness, while safeguarding the lives of Americans. Their exceptional leadership and public service set a high standard that current and future leaders will – and should — strive to reach.”

Maj. Gen. (ret.) Robert P. French

Maj. Gen. (ret.) Robert P. French began his career as a Guardsman in 1972, when he enlisted in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. He was commissioned in 1974 after completing Officer Candidate School at the Pennsylvania National Guard Military Academy.

French served in a variety of key leadership positions during his career, most notably while in the Headquarters State Area Command. As Commander of the 28th Personnel Service Battalion, he was mobilized in support of Operation Joint Guard, the United Nation’s peacekeeping effort in the Balkans. From 1998-2002 he served as the Headquarters State Area Command director of personnel, and then as chief of staff from 2002-2004. His military career culminated with serving as the DMVA assistant adjutant general.

After completion of a successful 38-year military career he continued serving Pennsylvanians through his appointment as the director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency from July 2007-2011. It is in this capacity that he continued his partnership with the DMVA to maneuver the planning and preparedness for Pennsylvania’s citizens. Finally, in 2014, French was named the Central Pennsylvania Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA). The CASA serves as a liaison with Pennsylvania’s citizens on behalf of the Secretary of the Army.

Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher S. Kepner

Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher S. Kepner started his career by enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1980. After nearly a decade of service and numerous assignments with the 82nd Airborne and 10th Mountain Divisions, Kepner continued his service by joining the Long Range Surveillance Detachment of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. He was promoted into key leadership positions within the 1-111th Infantry Regiment and deployed to Kosovo in 2003. Upon his return, he advanced his career with the 2-112th Infantry Regiment and was ultimately selected as the battalion’s command sergeant major.

Kepner led the 2-112th during combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2009. After his return from his second deployment, Kepner was selected as the 28th Combat Aviation Brigade command sergeant major where he continued to lead, teach, and mentor soldiers of the Aviation Brigade. In 2012, Kepner was selected as the command sergeant major of the 28th Infantry Division.

After achieving unparalleled success across the division force structure, Kepner was selected as the command sergeant major of the Army National Guard and was quickly nominated as the senior enlisted advisor to the chief of the National Guard Bureau. In this role, he served as the chief’s principal military advisor on all enlisted matters affecting training, utilization, health of the force, and enlisted professional development.

Complete biographies and more information about the DMVA Hall of Fame can be found here. Photos of the two inductees can be found on DMVA HOF Flickr.

Return mail ballots immediately, in-person vote is safe, wear a mask to polling places

Harrisburg, Pa.  – With Election Day just five days away, Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar are again urging voters to immediately hand-deliver mail ballots to their county election office, drop box, or other designated location. By returning their own ballot now, Pennsylvanians can be assured their vote will be counted.

“At this point, voters should hand-deliver their ballots to be assured their vote will be counted,” said Gov. Wolf. “We strongly urge you not to return your voted ballot in the mail with only five days left before Election Day. Do not wait. Now is the time to take your ballot to your county’s designated ballot return location and you will have peace of mind that your voice will be heard in this election.”

Voters who applied for and received a mail ballot and then decide they want to vote at the polls must bring their entire mail ballot packet with them to be voided, including both envelopes. They may then vote on their county’s voting system.

If a voter applies for a mail ballot but does not return it and no longer has the mail ballot and envelopes, they may vote by provisional ballot at the polls on Election Day. Their county board of elections will then verify that they did not vote by mail before counting their provisional ballot.

Additionally, if a voter’s absentee or mail‐in ballot is rejected for a reason other than their qualification or eligibility to vote, such as a missing signature or naked ballot, they may vote by provisional ballot.

Pennsylvania has prioritized election preparedness by implementing new, secure voting systems in every county; implementing the Interagency Election Preparedness and Security Workgroup along with local, state and federal partnerships to monitor for disruptions and coordinate responses, and providing counties with supplies to keep polling places clean and safe, for both poll workers and voters during the pandemic.

“Pennsylvania is ready for Election Day,” said Secretary Boockvar. “Voters should cast their ballots knowing that the commonwealth is doing everything it can to protect their rights while keeping them safe.”

Governor Wolf and Secretary Boockvar also reminded Pennsylvanians to make a plan for voting at their polling place on Tuesday, Nov. 3. If you plan to vote on Election Day, check your polling place location. Polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on November 3. If a voter is in line at 8 p.m., they may still vote.

Voters who plan to vote at their polling place on Election Day should wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines. The Department of State is supplying counties with masks, face shields, hand sanitizer, floor marking tape for social distancing and other supplies for polling places so Pennsylvanians can safely exercise their right to vote during the COVID-19 emergency.

In addition, voters planning to vote at a polling place on Election Day should be aware of their rights. Voter intimidation and discriminatory conduct are illegal under federal and Pennsylvania law. Any activity that threatens, harasses or intimidates voters is illegal – including any activity that is intended to, or has the effect of, interfering with any voter’s right to vote, whether it occurs outside the polling place or inside the polling place.

Anyone who suspects voter intimidation or who believes they are the victim of voter intimidation should report the incident to their county board of elections and county district attorney immediately. They may also contact the Pennsylvania Department of State at 1-877-VOTESPA (1-877-868-3772).

For more information on voting and elections in Pennsylvania, call the Department of State’s toll-free hotline at 1-877-VOTESPA (1-877-868-3772) or visit votesPA.com.

Harrisburg, PA — The Wolf Administration today recognized the work of staff assigned to the Department of Revenue’s Bureau of Imaging and Document Management (BIDM) facility in Harrisburg. Employees who work at this facility are responsible for scanning and processing all mail, paper tax returns, paper checks and claims for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program received by the Department of Revenue.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, BIDM employees transitioned to working in split shifts in order to follow health and social distancing protocols. Staff working at BIDM also seamlessly incorporated roughly 50 Revenue employees from other bureaus within the department into temporary roles at BIDM. These employees were temporarily reassigned to help handle the surge in work that accompanies tax season.

Despite these changes in operations, between April and September BIDM employees processed more than 2.3 million checks totaling more than $3.7 billion. They also processed more than 467,000 application forms for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, which helps older and disabled Pennsylvanians. More than 310,000 of the rebates processed this year were paid earlier than the normal July 1 distribution date to provide needed financial relief during the pandemic.

“We are incredibly proud of our employees for the dedication they have shown while making major adjustments to their routines over the last several months,” Revenue Secretary Dan Hassell said. “The work they do is a vital part of the process that ensures Pennsylvanians receive their tax refunds and rebates as quickly as possible. This work took on even greater importance this year due to the fact that many Pennsylvanians have been struggling because of the pandemic.”

“These revenue department employees exemplify the resiliency and commitment we’ve seen throughout our workforce during the pandemic,” said Secretary of Administration Michael Newsome. “Whether they are working remotely or adapting their in-person work to meet public health guidelines, our employees remain committed to their missions to serve Pennsylvania during these challenging times.”

Approximately two-thirds of commonwealth employees continue to work onsite, performing duties that cannot be accomplished remotely. The remaining one-third are either teleworking full-time or splitting their time between telework and working onsite based on their job duties.

Amanda George, a division chief at BIDM who oversees mail operations, said the staff at BIDM is a diverse group that benefits from the fact that the majority of employees are cross trained in various aspects of the facility’s operations. That means employees help each other with different tasks at various times of the year depending on where a need arises.

George said at some points of the year the BIDM facility receives more than 200,000 pieces of mail per day, including portions that are required to be sorted by hand. This year also presented new challenges for BIDM employees because the deadline for filing personal income tax returns was extended 90 days to July 15, 2020. That meant the usual rhythm of tax season was different than in prior years, but everyone at BIDM worked to tackle each task and get the job done.

“Everyone here is very accommodating and we rise to the challenge,” said George, who has spent her entire 20-year career with the Department of Revenue working at BIDM. “That’s always been our mentality here.”

Lawrence Lewis, a division chief who oversees imaging and banking support at BIDM, said that it’s difficult for people who haven’t visited the BIDM facility to recognize the volume of work that flows through the doors. For example, one section that he oversees often processes over $1 billion in payments in the month of April during a traditional tax season.

Lewis said he believes everyone who works at BIDM has handled the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic in a way that they should all be proud of. He said he and his colleagues understand the importance of the work they do on behalf of Pennsylvanians.

“Our version of customer service is being able to process all of these things in a timely and efficient way to make sure people are getting the services they need,” Lewis said. “To have roughly 120 people be able to do the amount of work that they do says a lot about how hard they work and their work ethic.”

The Bureau of Imaging and Document Management (BIDM) employs approximately 125 full-time workers and is responsible for receiving, sorting, preparing, controlling and banking all remittances and their associated documents submitted to the Department of Revenue. This bureau is responsible for creating an audit trail and a legal image archive of tax documents and checks received by the department. It also performs work for many other commonwealth agencies that have scanning and processing needs.

Dillsburg, PA – At Warrington Farms in Dillsburg today, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding commended Pennsylvania’s farmers who take part in the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System for their contributions of more than 4 million pounds of food to date in 2020 to Pennsylvania’s charitable food system amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“2020 has been a year of firsts for many, including Pennsylvania’s farmers. But what’s been unwavering is their commitment to community,” said Redding. “Despite their own unknowns, Pennsylvania farmers commit the fruits of their labor to those whose uncertainty lies around the dinner table.”

Warrington Farms is one of 30 Pennsylvania farms currently under contract with Feeding Pennsylvania for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act-funded Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System (PASS), which acquires surplus agricultural products from Pennsylvania producers to be funneled through the charitable food system to families in need. Feeding Pennsylvania holds the state contract to administer this traditionally state-funded program, which has been enhanced with $10 million in CARES funding to address food security in the commonwealth as Pennsylvania endures the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the CARES Act funding, Feeding Pennsylvania has acquired more than 2.4 million pounds of food from Pennsylvania farmers to date in 2020, and expects to acquire another 3 million pounds before the end of the year.

“Farmers and processors are essential to the work of our food banks and their local partner agencies,” said Jane Clements-Smith, executive director of Feeding Pennsylvania.  “Thanks to their participation in the PASS program, we are able to provide fresh and nutritious Pennsylvania ag products to families facing hunger, while also reducing food waste and supporting Pennsylvania’s agriculture economy. It is truly a win-win.”

PASS reduces agricultural waste by connecting the agriculture industry with the charitable food system in all 67 Pennsylvania counties. The program was originally enacted into law in 2010 and first funded in 2015 by Governor Tom Wolf at $1 million annually. In 2017-18, the program funding was increased to $1.5 million annually.

From 2015-2019, the program sourced more than 11.3 million pounds of food that would have gone to waste and distributed it through Pennsylvania’s charitable food system. In this year alone, through September 2020, more than 1.6 million pounds of food were moved from farmers to families in need with state dollars. This is in addition to the 2.4 million pounds of product that have been secured to date using CARES funds. In total for 2020, the 4 million pounds of local product have been distributed to all 67 counties through the 13 partners that are members of the Feeding Pennsylvania and Hunger-Free Pennsylvania networks of food banks.

Thanks to state PASS dollars, over the past five years the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, a Feeding Pennsylvania partner, has been able to source more than 300 animals from 4-H and FFA youth livestock auctions at agricultural fairs in central Pennsylvania to be processed by Warrington Farms.

For more information about food security and resources for Pennsylvanians in need, visit agriculture.pa.gov/foodsecurity.

For information as it relates to agriculture during COVID-19 mitigation in Pennsylvania visit agriculture.pa.gov/COVID. For the most accurate, timely information related to Health in Pennsylvania, visit on.pa.gov/coronavirus.

Note: Photos and video from the event will be available at PACast.com

Eleven (11) new cases added Thursday in Lycoming County now at 979 cases, no new deaths, 32 total deaths, with 15,940 negatives according to DOH report.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19,

2,202 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 202,876

Pennsylvanians Urged to Download COVID Alert PA App

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., October 29, that there were 2,202 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 202,876. Daily increases are now comparable with what we saw in April 2020.

The most accurate daily data is available on the website, with archived data also available.

The number of tests administered within the last 7 days between October 22 and October 28 is 248,480 with 14,377 positive cases. There were 34,402 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., October 28.

There are 8,762 deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 44 new deaths reported. County-specific information and a statewide map are available on the COVID-19 Data Dashboard.

Mask-wearing is required in all businesses and whenever leaving home. Consistent mask-wearing is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19.

There are 2,994 individuals who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 647 individuals who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.

There are 2,282,828 individuals who have tested negative to date. Of those who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:

• Approximately 1% are ages 0-4;
• Approximately 2% are ages 5-12;
• Approximately 5% are ages 13-18;
• Nearly 14% are ages 19-24;
• Nearly 36% are ages 25-49;
• Approximately 21% are ages 50-64; and
• Nearly 21% are ages 65 or older.

Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. More data is available here.

The department has seen significant increases in the number of COVID-19 cases among younger age groups, particularly 19 to 24-year-olds. An alert was sent to healthcare providers about the changing COVID-19 case demographics. Increases among 19 to 24-year-olds from April to present in October are available below:

• NC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 29 percent of cases so far in October;
• NE – 6 percent of cases in April to nearly 17 percent of cases so far in October;
• SE – Nearly 5 percent of cases in April to approximately 14 percent of cases so far in October;
• SW – Approximately 5 percent of cases in April to nearly 12 percent of cases so far in October;
• NW – Nearly 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 15 percent of cases so far in October; and
• SC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 10 percent of cases so far in October.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 25,844 resident cases of COVID-19, and 5,603 cases among employees, for a total of 31,447 at 1,060 distinct facilities in 63 counties. Out of our total deaths, 5,758 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 12,264 of our total cases are among health care workers.

The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
• Clean surfaces frequently.
• Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
• If you must go out, you are required to wear a mask when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain proper social distancing.
• Download the COVID Alert PA app and make your phone part of the fight. The free app can be found in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store by searching for “covid alert pa”.

Updated Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Photos, Graphics

• Daily COVID-19 Report
• Press releases regarding coronavirus
• Latest information on the coronavirus
• Photos of the state’s lab in Exton (for download and use)
• Coronavirus and preparedness graphics (located at the bottom of the page)
• Community preparedness and procedures materials

All Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertPA, a text notification system for health, weather, and other important alerts like COVID-19 updates from commonwealth agencies. Residents can sign up online at www.ready.pa.gov/BeInformed/Signup-For-Alerts.

With colder weather arriving, SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) offers a Crisis program to residents who qualify for fuel assistance, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

The Crisis program repairs a malfunctioning heating unit at no cost. It runs from Nov. 2 to early April.

SEDA-COG’s Weatherization program serves a seven-county area: Columbia, Juniata, Mifflin, Montour, Perry, Snyder, and Union.

Mandy Fox, chief of SEDA-COG’s Weatherization program, encouraged more people to apply this year.

“With the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on employment, people who normally wouldn’t qualify for the Crisis program might this year,” Fox said. “We encourage people to contact their local county assistance office to see if they qualify.”

The county assistance office will forward the completed referral to SEDA-COG to assign to a subcontractor.

If residents don’t qualify for LIHEAP or Crisis assistance, they may still qualify for SEDA-COG’s Weatherization services. SEDA-COG’s Weatherization services may provide furnace repair, although it is not immediate help, as it would be through Crisis. SEDA-COG’s Weatherization program can be reached at 570-522-7219.

Crisis Income Eligibility Guidelines

Family size: 1 – $19,140; 2 – $25,860​; 3 – $32,580; 4 – $39,300; 5 – $46,020; 6 – $52,740; 7 – $59,460; 8 – $66,180​

 

County Assistance Offices

Columbia: 570-387-4232

Juniata: 717-436-2158

Mifflin: 717-242-6095

Montour: 1-866-410-2093

Perry: 717-582-5038

Snyder: 570-372-1721

Union: 570-524-2201

As a community and economic development agency, SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives. SEDA-COG also is an advocate for the interests of its communities at the state and federal levels. For more information, visit www.seda-cog.org.

The New Construction Will Provide Housing, a Grocery and a Health Clinic 

Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf today announced that Commonwealth Cornerstone Group has completed a New Markets Tax Credit transaction of $16.5 million to help fund construction of a new shopping complex and 98 mixed-income units of rental housing along the 2000-2200 block of Ridge Avenue in North Philadelphia.

The 231,000-square-foot commercial shopping complex already has four major tenants lined up to begin business when construction is completed. They include a Grocery Outlet Market, an Everest Urgent Care/Adult Daycare center, a Santander Bank branch office, and a Wingstop restaurant. Some square footage remains for lease by other retailers. Three apartment buildings will be constructed as part of the mixed-use center offering mixed-income housing, including 17 units at 60 percent of area median income and an additional 13 units at 80 percent of area median income.

The mix of commercial and residential tenants, paired with the improved streetscape, is part of a revitalization effort led by the Philadelphia Housing Authority to reinvigorate the Sharswood neighborhood in North Philadelphia that has seen years of disinvestment.

“This new development can help revitalize the Sharswood-Blumberg area of north Philadelphia,” said Gov. Wolf. “The investment of New Markets Tax Credits in this mixed-use development is a good first step to bring positive change.”

Mosaic Development Partners and Shift Capital, two local community impact developers, led the effort along with the Philadelphia Housing Authority, which has been heavily involved in this development and has identified it as a community anchor in the Sharswood/Blumberg Neighborhood Transformation Plan. According to the plan, the economic revitalization of the Ridge Avenue corridor will provide basic amenities like a grocery store and a health care clinic to improve the quality of life there. That part of North Philadelphia currently is described as a food desert and a medically ​underserved area.

“Investment is sorely needed to bring improvements in that part of North Philadelphia,” said PHFA Executive Director and CEO Robin Wiessmann. “The goal of Commonwealth Cornerstone Group is for these tax credits to bring a project to fruition that has tremendous potential to start positive momentum in the Sharswood-Blumberg area.”

This project is expected to create 109 temporary, full-time construction jobs. Following construction, all the employers at the site will create 100 full-time equivalent jobs. The weighted average wage for all tenants is anticipated to be $13.40/hour. The MIT living wage for Philadelphia County is $12.64/hour. According to economic estimates, the project’s construction costs will support 27 indirect jobs, and the businesses located at the site will support 28 indirect jobs.

“This development is consequential to the revitalization of the Sharswood/Blumberg community,” said Greg Reaves, principal, Mosaic Development Partners. “Our team is thrilled to have Commonwealth Cornerstone Group make such a significant commitment, along with the other tax credit and private investors, to bring these essential services and high-quality housing to a community in need.”

About Commonwealth Cornerstone Group
The goal of CCG, through its administration of New Markets Tax Credits, is to fund projects in key areas of communities that have historic or cultural value and offer opportunities to spark economic revitalization. CCG utilizes NMTCs to provide loans and equity investments for business expansion, mixed-use development, and community facilities across Pennsylvania. Examples of past developments that have benefited from CCG’s investment of tax credits include Mill 19 at Almono in Pittsburgh, the Susquehanna Health Innovation Center in Williamsport and Eastern Tower in Philadelphia. Learn more at: www.commonwealthcornerstone.org/.

About the New Markets Tax Credit Program
The New Markets Tax Credit Program was established by Congress in 2000 to spur new or increased investments in operating businesses and real estate projects located in low-income communities. The NMTC Program attracts investment capital to low-income communities by permitting individual and corporate investors to receive a tax credit against their federal income tax return in exchange for making equity investments in specialized financial institutions called community development entities, such as Commonwealth Cornerstone Group. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.